Sardina del Norte – Canary Islands – Gran Canaria
Site Overview
Sardina del Norte on Gran Canaria’s north coast is an excellent shore dive of volcanic walls and caves, home to angel sharks, butterfly rays, seahorses and cuttlefish with superb macro potential. The reefs at 4-25 m are rich in invertebrate life and the clear Atlantic water rewards slow, observant diving. The nearby La Catedral cavern adds a dramatic swim-through with light effects and glassfish. Sardina del Norte is a favourite for photographers and those wanting a relaxed, productive north-coast dive. 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
"Enter from the shore and descend along the volcanic wall, peeking into caves for morays and cuttlefish and scanning the sand for angel sharks. Follow the reef to the deeper sections at 20-25 m, then ascend gradually with a safety stop in the shallows. 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
Angel Shark
Squatina squatina
Best: December, January, February
Butterfly Ray
Gymnura altavela
Best: Year-round
Seahorse
Hippocampus hippocampus
Best: Year-round
Cuttlefish
Sepia officinalis
Best: Year-round
Moray Eel
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Sharp volcanic rock
- Surge on entry
- Current on the wall
- Slippery lava
- Sun exposure
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Ideal for intermediate divers and macro photographers who value calm walls, seahorses and nudibranchs without a boat. It works for Open Water divers in calm conditions. Confident divers enjoy the deeper reef and the La Catedral cavern. 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
- North Gran Canaria Diving
- Sardina Dive
Photography Info
Best for: macro, wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Local Dive Lodge
Sardina del Norte • 3km away
Coastal Guesthouse
Sardina del Norte • 5km away