Diving in Bahia Feliz, Gran Canaria

We often get asked if there is any snorkelling or diving in the sea right next to Bahia Feliz or the adjoining resorts of Playa del Inglés, or San Agustín in Gran Canaria. Sorry, but the answer is: not really. Bahia Feliz and Playa del Ingles are best known for their windsurfing from the beaches and the amazing sand-dunes behind the beach in Maspalomas... which in diving terms means .. lots of sand and not much marine life and not much depth. A friend of mine once tried a dive from near the Aeroclub in Bahia Feliz and said the sand and gravel just went on and on ....

Divers also search for a PADI dive centre in Bahia Feliz, but because the adjacent diving is poor, PADI have not approved any dive centres in Bahia Feliz, Playa del Ingles, Mapaslomas, Meloneras, or San Agustin or the other resorts of the 'Sur'. It may look on the map as though you are some distance from the best diving on the island, but the motorway is close by and means that it is easy to get from Bahia Feliz to Arinaga, it only takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you can enjoy some of the best scuba diving on this Canary Island.

The sandy shallow beach of Bahia Feliz is most famous for windsurfing
There is no PADI Approved dive centre in Bahia Feliz, but Davy Jones Diving are only 20 minutes drive away
The marine reserve at el Cabrón near Arinaga has a varied fauna with many colourful fish

But do not worry. Bahia Feliz has always had a reputation as relaxed and laid back sun lovers destination, and has all the attractions and facilities nearby to make it a great family holiday destination. It is also just under twenty minutes from the marine reserve at El Cabrón near Arinaga on the East Coast, regarded by all the local diverss as the best place to dive in Gran Canaria. There is plenty of diving, there is one of the best mixes of marine life on the island, and you can dive over ten different routes in the reserve. The area was featured in many different diving magazines over the years. If you are staying in Bahia Feliz then the nearest and best place to go diving is in in Arinaga at the 'El Cabrón' Marine Reserve .

The El Cabrón area is famous because the volcanic reef has arches, caves, cliffs and with these varied habitats it is a marine-life hotspot where you can see almost the whole catalog of marine species from tiny seahorses to angel sharks and butterfly rays. The main advantages of diving in the El Cabrón Marine Reserve are:-

  • See more, with over 10 routes and 400 marine species
  • 'Casa Limon' is the most spacious and relaxed dive centre in Gran Canaria
  • Our team are mature, knowledgeable and highly rated on TripAdviser!
  • 5-star PADI Course Gran Canaria 5 stars - "Relaxed and rewarding day of diving"

    A very relaxing yet rewarding day of diving with my two sons. We were picked up from our stay on the agreed time (no waiting), with a swift transfer to the diving center. Nice garden like diving center facilties, with an instructor speaking dutch (our native language) as a bonus. The Cabron area is excellent for diving; lots of sea-life, two sightings of angel shark, and a trumpet fish. Thanks again for the memorable day!


    2016-05-07 Published by Tripadvisor.co.uk

We offer a free collection service for divers from Bahia Feliz every day, so that you can come here in our air conditioned mini-bus and enjoy the best diving in Gran Canaria, and be back with your family in Bahia Feliz in time for afternoon tea.

We collect you from your hotel for scuba diving in Bahia Feliz, a short ride will take you to some excellent diving

Nearby, Playa del Inglés also has a very vibrant night-life, and plenty of reasonably priced acommodation, so you can party one night and then dive on other days, chilling out between in the dunes or shopping in the Yumbo centre.

This common stingray can be found at several places in the reserve
Triggerfish are often found at Punta de la Sal in Gran Canarias Marine Reserve

In summary, if you are coming here with a family and only diving a couple of days, then Bahia Feliz and Playa del Inglés are a great base from which to explore Gran Canaria. Bahia Fleiz itself is very relaxed, and just down the road in Playa del Ingles there are plenty of things to do and see including two water parks, the beach area, horse riding, jeep safaris, sky-diving and helicopter trips (to name just a few). From here it is a short journey to the El Cabrón marine reserve where you can take part in some top diving experiences.

Swim in big clouds of damselfish in the El cabrón Marine Reserve
A nudibrach grazes on the vegetation on the table top

Explore our site using the menu and you can see the main dive sites in the Arinaga Marine Reserve or browse thought our photo gallery to find out more about the opportunities to take your own photos, or find out more about learning to dive on a PADI course while staying in Bahia Feliz. If you have any questions about diving, courses, or just getting here or staying here, then use our express contact page to ask Peter for some help in planning a great holiday.

Plan your dive excursion

Main Hotels, Bungalows and Apartments in Bahia Feliz and Normal Collection Times

We collect you from these Hotels and Apartments on a regular basis.
Hotel Name Collection Time
Altamar Apartments 09:10-09.15
Blue Bay 09:10-09.15
Blue Village 09:10-09.15
Monte Feliz 09:10-09.15
Orquedia 09:10-09.15
Playa Feliz 09:10-09.15

If your Hotel or apartment is not listed above, please contact us and we will confirm a normal collection time.

Remember our FLEXI-BOOK offers!
NO Deposit, Cancellation or Change fees!

Discover more secrets of the best diving in Gran Canaria