Liveaboard diving in
Arona Wreck
Wreck
Due to the considerable depth and occasional but strong currents, this dive site is only recommended for advanced-level divers. The Arona wreck is located south of Las Palmas, 20 minutes away by boat. The Arona is the biggest wreck in Gran Canaria waters. Sitting on her side at a depth of 35m/115ft, she is a former 110m/361ft-long merchant ship with various goods that sank on April 23, 1972 because of a fire that started in the engine room. The compartments of the wreck are still mostly intact, and divers can take advantage of the opportunity to discover the equipment and many artifacts, enter the holds, and take a look at the machinery.
When To Go Diving
The most favorable period of the year to visit the Arona wreck is from June to October, when the water temperature averages 18-21C/64-70F. The water temperature sometimes reaches 26C/79F during the summer.
What to see
Another reason the Arona wreck is one of the must-see dive sites is because she is also famous for sheltering an unprecedented abundance of marine fauna, and being a base for the growing marine forest. The almost intact ship compartments such as the machinery and holds are home to rich marine life, including angel sharks, sardines, bastard gruntfish, stingrays, white trevallies, barracudas, and damselfish. Some of the marine flora species are red gorgonians and large anemones.