Lanzarote Marine Life

Living here on Lanzarote, I am always struck by how alive the surrounding waters feel. The meeting of cool Atlantic currents with warmer subtropical seas brings a wonderful variety of marine life right to our shores. 

Beneath the surface, the volcanic seabed forms a fascinating world of reefs, caves and sandy stretches, each home to its own collection of species. As part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, our marine environment is cherished and increasingly well looked after.

The stretch of sea between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura is a real treasure for anyone who loves watching dolphins and whales. 

The deep waters are also home to short-finned pilot whales, and if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Bryde's whales, sperm whales or even a blue whale as they pass through on their seasonal journeys. For the best chance of seeing these wonderful creatures, I always recommend joining a boat trip from Puerto Calero or Playa Blanca, where the local skippers know just where to look.

Lanzarote is still home to the rare and beautiful angel shark, a species that has become a real treasure for our island. These gentle, flat-bodied sharks can often be found resting quietly on the sandy seabeds in the shallows, especially around Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and along the east coast. They pose no threat to people and their continued presence here is something we are genuinely proud of. For many divers, catching a glimpse of an angel shark in our waters is an unforgettable highlight and a reminder of how special Lanzarote truly is.

It is always a delight to see green sea turtles and loggerhead turtles gliding through the clear waters around Lanzarote. These gentle visitors are becoming a more familiar sight, especially near Playa Blanca, along the Papagayo coast, and around the Museo Atlantico underwater sculpture park. 

If you are snorkelling in the shallows or diving a little deeper, you may be lucky enough to spot one as it drifts by, carried on the warm southern currents and searching for seagrass or jellyfish. Encounters like these are part of what makes life by the sea here so special.

Here on Lanzarote, the volcanic rock beneath the waves provides a perfect home for all sorts of marine life. You might spot moray eels peeking from crevices, or catch a glimpse of octopus, cuttlefish, barracuda, grouper, parrotfish and rays gliding by, along with countless smaller reef fish. 

The underwater landscape is full of arches, tunnels and little caverns, each one bustling with life. If you want to see this hidden world for yourself, diving and snorkelling are the way to go. Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen is a favourite spot among locals and visitors alike, with an incredible variety of sea life just a few metres from the shore.

If you are hoping to spot dolphins or even whales, I always recommend joining one of the dolphin spotting boat trips that set out from Puerto Calero. For those who want to get closer to Lanzarote’s marine life, every resort has friendly PADI dive centres offering daily excursions, where you might encounter angel sharks, turtles and colourful reef fish. 

If you prefer to stay dry, the glass-bottom boats from Puerto del Carmen offer a wonderful glimpse into the underwater world. And for something truly unique, the Museo Atlantico just off Playa Blanca brings together striking underwater sculptures and the vibrant life of the ocean in a single dive.