Can I go Wreck Diving?
Many times throughout the year we get asked this question, and the simple answer is Yes you can dive on wrecks. In Gran Canaria, we have many wreck dives available all year round.
Wrecks are still classed under recreational diving, and the main types are shipwrecks, however, there is also plane wreckages and artificial reefs that can be classed as wrecks.
We have five points you should think of before wreck diving:
1) Dive to your limitations – Yes you are a certified diver, but diving on wrecks can be more exhilarating and may take more concentration. Wrecks can be situated and different dive depth so always keep in mind your certification level and the maximum depths you are allowed to dive too. To enable you to dive carefully and sensibly we would recommend taking your Wreck Diver Speciality Course. It enhances you abilities to dive on wrecks and teaches you safety techniques and how to line off inside.
2) Perfect your basic skills to get the best from the wreck.
If your thinking of penetrating the wreck then you would need to ensure you have great buoyancy control. If your unsure on your buoyancy and feel your a little ‘up and down’ in the water then think about the peak performance buoyancy speciality course. Its only a 1 day 2 dive course but you will improve your basic diving skills.
Finning techniques and also super important to make sure you don’t kick up any silt from the bottom. We recommend frog kicking within the wrecks!
3) Stay within your comfort zone, trust your training and enjoy your dive!
When you dive the wreckage relaxed and take in the wreck, not only is there the wreck to look at, but in general the wreck will attract a lot of marine life and corals. Here in Gran Canaria, the Canarian lobsters are frequently seen, alongside damzel fish, trumpet fish and barracuda. Stingrays rest and sleep in the shadows of the wreck. Moray eels and tiger morays also greet us on many dives.
4) Explore the history of the wreck prior to the dive!
With the way the world is progressing the internet holds valuable information about the history of the wrecks. This will make your dive a lot more interesting and you will know how it sank, why it sank, what it was carrying…
5) We never stop learning!
Wrecks can surprise you… Even if you have dived the site many times it can always surprise you with what can be revealed. Storms on the surface can cause sand movement and surge underwater and can expose more of the wreckage. Always remember to respect the wreck your diving on, only take photos, leave only bubbles.
Fantastic dives available on wrecks in Gran Canaria
To find out more about the wrecks that we dive on in Gran Canaria, visit our web page.
Happy diving,
The Blue Water Diving team
