Mala Crater – Canary Islands – Lanzarote
Site Overview
Mala Crater is a submerged volcanic crater off Arrieta, its rim forming a dramatic bowl of lava-tube caves and dense fish schools in clear Atlantic water at 10-28 m. Barracuda and glassfish swirl through the structure, rays cruise the rim and the occasional hammerhead passes in summer. Advanced divers explore the lava tubes and the crater walls, making it one of Lanzarote’s most geologically exciting dives. Strong buoyancy keeps the silt down and the experience pristine. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and respect for Spain’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among divers who value dramatic volcanic or Mediterranean scenery, historic wrecks and rich marine life across a long, varied season. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and respect for Spain’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among divers who value dramatic volcanic or Mediterranean scenery, historic wrecks and rich marine life across a long, varied season. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and respect for Spain’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among divers who value dramatic volcanic or Mediterranean scenery, historic wrecks and rich marine life across a long, varied season. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and respect for Spain’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among divers who value dramatic volcanic or Mediterranean scenery, historic wrecks and rich marine life across a long, varied season.
Dive Briefing
"Boat to the crater and descend to the rim at 10-12 m, then explore the lava tubes with a torch, staying off the floor to keep silt down. Watch the blue for rays and the schools of barracuda, then ascend with a safety stop in open water. Follow your guide closely, monitor your air and thermal comfort, watch your depth and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your air and thermal comfort, watch your depth and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your air and thermal comfort, watch your depth and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your air and thermal comfort, watch your depth and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable."
Signature Marine Life
Barracuda
Sphyraena viridensis
Best: Year-round
Glassfish
Parapristipoma spp.
Best: Year-round
Ray
Myliobatidae spp.
Best: Year-round
Moray Eel
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Hammerhead Shark
Sphyrna spp.
Best: Summer
Safety & Hazards
- Silt out if kicked
- Current in the crater
- Confined lava tubes
- Depth and nitrogen management
- Boat traffic offshore
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Best for advanced divers comfortable with currents and overhead lava tubes who want volcanic geology and big fish. It attracts photographers seeking the crater and schooling fish. Training divers build skills here under supervision. It suits confident divers who value dramatic scenery, walls, caves, wrecks and rich marine life, and who plan their trips around the best seasonal and slack-water windows for their certification level. It suits confident divers who value dramatic scenery, walls, caves, wrecks and rich marine life, and who plan their trips around the best seasonal and slack-water windows for their certification level.
For Non-Divers
Non-divers can enjoy boat trips, coastal walks, beaches and local cuisine while divers explore the site.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Lanzarote Dive Center
- Mala Diving
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Local Dive Lodge
Arrieta • 3km away
Coastal Guesthouse
Arrieta • 5km away