WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Today we are diving in Fuerteventura from Morro Jable. The town of Morro Jable is located on the south coast of Fuerteventura Island. Fuerteventura is the second largest of Spain’s Canary Islands which are located off the north coast of Africa.
Read More: Diving in Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands.
WHY ARE WE DIVING IN FUERTEVENTURA?
Fuerteventura is famous for its long, beautiful, and pristine beaches. You will often find people practicing kite and wind-surfing here. Fuerteventura has a laid back atmosphere with plenty of resorts, bars, and restaurants to chill out from a day of sports.
The diving in Fuerteventura is great all year round. Morro Jable, which is located in the south of the island is a great base to start from. Dive boats leave from Morro Jable Harbour, which is also the connection ferry port to Gran Canaria.
The dive sites are only 5 minutes away and most of the time the ride is easy. The boat will often border the coastline until you get to the famous lighthouse of Jandia.
HOW DO WE GET THERE?
To get to Fuerteventura there is a direct flight from Madrid or other main European cities. The Fuerteventura Airport (FUE) is about one hour away to Morro Jable in a rental car.
Hiring a car is a great option as it also allows you to explore the wild beaches of Fuerteventura after a day of diving. However, you can also pre-book a tourist bus that will take you to the door of your hotel. There are also taxis available which will be a bit expensive.
Another option is to fly to the neighboring island, Gran Canaria, and spend a couple of days there. From there you can then cross over on the ferry which takes about 2 hours.
WHICH DIVE SITES ARE MUST-SEE?
Small Drop-off
My favorite Dive Site is the Small Drop off. It may be small but it is rather deep, as it varies from 15-30 meters (50-100 feet). I love this dive site because of the abundance of groupers of all sizes. You will find groupers sleeping on the sand, and others watching out over the reef. Some of the groupers will even come and ask you to be petted during your dive. It is superb.
Big Drop-off
Another great site is Big Drop-off. This is in fact a bit shallower and will usually be the second dive of the day. You will descend down to a beautiful rocky reef about 15m / 50ft deep, and most of the action happens there. There are plenty of moray eels in the cracks, and again, lots of groupers. If you look over the reef the views beyond the depth are breathtaking. Very often you find schools of tuna, amberjacks, and specimens of the endangered species; the angelshark. These lay on the sand and are a challenge to be spotted!
Canyon
My third favorite when diving in Fuerteventura is the Canyon. It is a shallow dive, taking place at a depth of mostly 10m / 32ft. The underwater path is covered in palythoa coral that takes you to an arch. Here you will often find surprises; Canarian lobster, morays, red glassfish in big groups, trumpet fish everywhere, and of course, the groupers.
TELL ME MORE
The boat of the local operator, Fuerteventura Buceo, is a vessel well equipped for a good group of divers. It is comfortable, well organized and clearly, safety comes first.
The staff was really professional, friendly, and highly accommodating with me. As an underwater photographer, I was given a bit of space and time underwater to get my photos. The highly experienced guides would still keep an eye out for me which was highly appreciated. They are also involved in marine conservation duties and scientific research, joining the local Angelshark Project.
DO I NEED ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT?
In the summer months of July, August, and September, the water temperature will be around 24°C (75°F). This means a 5mm wetsuit is ideal.
In the winter months, December, January, and February, you may prefer to wear a 7mm wetsuit as the temperature drops to about 17°C (62°F).
Read More: Follow our Wetsuit Temperature Guide for Scuba Diving.
I also recommend diving with a torch, especially to discover the cute inhabitants in the cracks of the dive sites. If you don’t have your own gear, any good dive center will be able to provide you with any piece of equipment.
WHAT LEVEL CERTIFICATION SHOULD I BE?
Fuerteventura and the Canary Islands are a great place to experience diving for the first time or to even get your Open Water diving certification. It is also an amazing destination to gain more diving experience and to get more certifications.
Read More: How Long Does it Take to get Scuba Certified?
The dive sites in Fuerteventura are a must for wide-angle photographers, as it is possibly the best breeding place for groupers in the Canaries. The volcanic scenery is also superb and gives you some very good photo opportunities.
If you are doing a try dive for the first time, then these beginner dives will take place from the shore. This gives you plenty of opportunities to also see angelshark babies and juveniles!
WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS?
The diving in Fuerteventura is great as you can have easy dives that can be adapted to the level of the divers, as there is plenty to see at all depths.
Usually, there are no currents or the current is mild. The visibility varies from 10 to 30 meters (32 – 100 feet). The conditions are good and there are no major differences in the seasons as there are wildlife and things to see all year-round.
The boat ride to the dive sites is usually uneventful, and only minutes away. You may face a bit of wind, which is common in Fuerteventura, and also the reason why this island attracts so many kite and windsurfers.
HOW MUCH WILL I SPEND?
It is around 40 Euros a dive. The price will vary depending on the number of dives, how many people are in your group, and whether you need to rent gear.
WHAT TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION IS AVAILABLE?
In Morro Jable, you have accommodation for all budgets. From hostels to big chain resorts, and private apartments, with some of them right opposite the marina. I would say prices start at 50 Euros the night for a double bedroom or small apartment.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
For me the experience was outstanding. I love places where they take care of you, remember your name, and understand your needs and profile as a diver. As a photographer they couldn’t be more helpful; finding critters, giving me tips, helping with my gear in the boat, etc.
All of the divers were given a great experience according to their level in a really safe environment. This is the main priority for me. That, and meeting all of those photogenic groupers, some of which were very friendly!
From traveling all over the world and my experience with dive operations, the Fuerteventura Buceo was probably the dive center with the best quality dive gear that I have used. They have very high standards.
WHAT DO WE DO ON SURFACE INTERVALS?
Surface intervals on Fuerteventura were mostly spent relaxing by the beach or having a beer at a local bar to watch the sunset. There is some great hiking not too far away. There is also a turtle sanctuary in the harbor itself. Fuerteventura is a very relaxing place to enjoy the best beaches in the Canary Islands. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are great activities to check out here too.