The water on the coast of Tenerife is not particularly warm, but you can still swim, even during the winter months. On the other hand, the lower water temperature (due to cold currents) provides excellent natural protection from dangerous sea creatures.
Stay safe while having fun in the AtlanticThe beaches of the Canaries are among the safest in the world – over 60 stretches of sand have received the coveted Blue Flag award. Lifesavers often patrol the beaches, so everyone can safely enjoy the ocean.
The climate is perfect for open water swimming in the Tenerife sea, where average air temperatures range between 17 C and 24 C with sea temperatures rarely dropping far below 20 C.
Areas to AvoidBecause of its volcanic background, most beaches in Tenerife are volcanic with black sand which can be hot under the feet. If you're after a traditional sandy beach head to Los Cristianos and leave the southern resorts alone. Playa la Arena is also notorious for pickpockets.
In the coastal part of the island (especially in the south) the water of the sea is warm enough for you to swim all year round and freely enjoy deep dives in the crystalline waters of Tenerife. In the winter season, there is a slight drop in temperatures.
The island of La Palma in the Canary Islands is at risk of undergoing a large landslide, which could cause a tsunami in the Atlantic Ocean. Volcanic islands and volcanoes on land frequently undergo large landslides/collapses, which have been documented in Hawaii for example.
The best times to visit the Canary Islands are between March and May and from September to November. Winter and summer bring loads of tourists, which make accommodations more expensive and more difficult to find.
Tap water in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria comes from Reverse Osmosis sea water purification. It is technically drinkable, meaning it's not poisonous or infected. This can be said for all tap water on the island (and other canary islands with exceptions).
Avoid isolated areas, especially at night and in big cities. Stay where there are people around. Do not wear flashy items or display expensive jewelry to avoid attracting unnecessary attention. Keep your belongings secure at all times and avoid leaving them unattended, particularly on beaches or in public areas.
Can you swim with dolphins in Tenerife? Swimming with wild dolphins is not allowed in Tenerife. The repeated presence of people in the water may also reduce their fear of human interaction, making them more vulnerable to collisions with boats, entanglement in fishing gear or even intentional harassment.
The graph below shows the range of monthly Santa Cruz de Tenerife water temperature derived from many years of historical sea surface temperature data. The warmest water temperature is in September with an average around 74.7°F / 23.7°C. The coldest month is March with an average water temperature of 66.6°F / 19.2°C.