Diving Lanzarote Guide

Lanzarote is an authentic underwater paradise capable to satisfy the most demanding visitors. This guide describes the island most representative dive sites basing on their technical features and accessibility.

Printed in three languages (Spanish, English and German), this field guide spectacularly present all diving possibilities around the island. This guide is particularly designed to be useful and straightforward, keeping in mind those that are new to diving or are visiting the island for the first time. Detailed underwater maps provide a new dimension for diving and an excellent help for your own security and enjoyment. The guide provides information on 30 diving spots around Lanzarote, including curiosities and recommendations, so you will have an unforgettable adventure to be repeated.

The responsible bureau of the Biosphere Reserve has spotted diving as a chan ce to demonstrate sustainable tourism is possible in the island. As a result, they have involved Oceanográfica, because of their experience in the elaboration of diving guides. Oceanográfica’s expert team has given expression to the marine bottoms of Lanzarote, including innovative illustrations and contents that have resulted in a new dimension, aiming to show the rest of the world what the island hides underwater. If there is something special about this guide, it has been the participation process that has been developed towards its creation, including all managers and stake holders connected with diving. Through the Internet, we all have had a chance to provide our experience, as a water drop in this sea full of possibilities.

Lanzarote is an island that you will fall in love with, a place where you still can breathe a balance between humans and nature. Lanzarote also hides underwater another island full of color and life: an explosion of biodiversity that spread out across every corner touched by the sea. An astonishing weather, the largest European marine reserve, and more than 100 diving spots, catapult Lanzarote as an outstanding diving destination in the world, where you can dive irrespective of whether you are a beginner or you are in the pursuit of technical diving. The “Reserva de Biosfera del Cabildo de Lanzarote” is aware of this potential, and therefore proudly presents this diving guide: “Lanzarote, ideal for diving. A UNESCO biosphere reserve to share”

 • Any-level dives

• Detailed underwater maps

• Tips and curiosities to dive all-year around

 For further information please visit  www.lanzaroteideal.com or www.turismolanzarote.com/en/diving

Teguise

Although Teguise ceased to be the capital of Lanzarote in 1852, Its seigniorial air and the beauty of its architecture remind us of its noble past at every moment. Teguise’s main feature is its unequalled nobility, its old convents and its regal palaces, which make the town that gives its name to the entire municipal area a veritable museum of religious and civil architecture. It is one of the oldest historic localities of the Canary Islands which is easily distinguished by its narrow, cobbled streets, lined with building with wide windows, carved balconies and stone facades. The fact that many of the original buildings, monuments and works of art have disappeared due to the repeated attacks by pirates, (which took place during the sixteenth and eigteenth centuries) does not deprive the municipal capital of even the smallest part of its beauty.

Although it is almost impossible to enumerate the monuments which are worthy of being visited in this area, we mention: the Spinola Palace the Castle of Santa Barbara, situated on the Mountain of Guanapay, which was built in the sixteenth century and is enclaved in the volcano of the same name; the hermitage of San Rafael, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the Convent of the Franciscans of Miraflores where a fine carving, probably of Genoese origin, is preserved. The convent of Santo Domingo and the Temple of Veracruz are other religious building which must be visited. Teguise is the largest municipalilty in size of the island, and like Yaiza and Haría, has a sea front on both sides of the island. The east coast is low with many beaches and small coves and promontories, although in some stretches we can see low cliffs. This part of the municipal area is known as “Costa Teguise” (Teguise Coast) where a large tourist urbanization exists today. The northwest coast has two very differentiated sections: one, low and sandy which corresponds to Penedo Bay, bordered by the white, wide beach of Famara, and the other, high and rocky, of spectacular beauty in relation with the volcanos of Sóo, one of the villages which forms part of the municipal area.

As regards the west coast, here the islets of La Graciosa and Alegranza are situated, which are dependent on the municipality. La Graciosa is the only one which is inhabited and although fishing is the main occupation, the fact is, that there is an ever-growing number of tourist who visit its beaches and their transparent waters. La Alegranza is considerable smaller than La Graciosa, almost half its size, and its only inhabitant is a lighthouse. A strange and unusual place is the “Jameos de Las Palomas”, a deep entry in the south of the volcanic system called “La Caldera” (The Cauldron). Small boats can enter it, as its interior is navigable and it has access to the island of “El Veril” a place where many visitors disembark. Also of interest is the important archeological deposist of “Zonzamas”, with cyclopean alignment and constructions.

For further information: www.turismolanzarote.com/en/teguise

Tías

The Municipality of Tías is one of the most attractive in Lanzarote from a tourist point of view. Located in the centre-south of the island, the life of the area is almost entirely dominated by the sea. Its magnificient beaches of white sand, with a few rocks and salients, constitute a very strong attraction for the visitor.

All along the coast which covers the Tías municipal area are some of the largest tourist urbanizations in Lanzarote. One of the most important tourist centres is “Puerto del Carmen”. It is located in a natural cove in which the fishing boats usually tie up, so that it combines a genuine marine flavour with the splendid recreational, cultural and hotel installations.  Starting from “Puerto del Carmen” and up to the “Peñas del Burro”, a beautiful beach of transparent waters extends “Playa Grande”, one kilometre in length and following upon this, from the “Punta de Piedras de Cimas”, there is a series of small beaches combined with a few rocky salients. Tías is situated inside the municipal area, in a small smoothly sloping hump.

The architecture of Tías is of great beaty as it maintains a perfect balance with its surroundings. In the interior of this area, in the heart of the island, and bordering on the municipal area of San Bartolomé, is the Valley of “La Geria”. It constitutes an unmistakeable landscape of lava and lava layers. It is one of the most characteristic landscapes of Lanzarote, an example of the islander’s ingenuity in the face of barren soil curious forms of cultivation, protected by walls of volcanic stone: the famous “Zocos”. A result of this cultivation is the legendary Malvasía wine, a golden, fresh wine combines well with fish. Malvasia constitutes the victory of the country-people of Lanzarote over a hostile environment, over the apparently infertile “malpaís”.

A central road runs through the Valley of “La Geria” which has become one of the most important and frequented tourist routes.

For further information: www.turismolanzarote.com/tias

San Bartolomé

The municipality of San Bartolomé is one of the smallest of Lanzarote. It is home to the island’s international airport known as Guasimeta. This airport, with its modern installations, receives a large number of flights daily, both regular and charter, which communicate Lanzarote with the other islands and with the main European cities.

The relief of this area is very varied, due to the characteristics of the soil, which contains different types of volcanic earth and of lava layers. This is the cause of the great diversity of scenary which we find in this zone situated on the cornice of the island.

Althouhg its sea front is small, we can find there, fine sandy beaches between Playa Honda and Guasimeta. They accumulate part of the sand transported by the wind across the “El Jable” area.

The agricultural landscape of the interior of San Bartolomé is of inmense beaty, since almost all the crops are covered by a layer of volcanic ash or picón, of an intense black colour, against which the verdant vines stand out, forming a picturesque panorama.

The “Islote” which gives its name to one of the villages of the municipality, occupies all the northwest part of the area. An enormous lake fo solidified lava covers what was formerly a low-lying area.

The cultivation of vines in holes sheltered from the strong winds by walls of volcanic stone attains here its most spectacular forms. This work requires inmense effort, as it is frequently necesary to perforate up to five or six metres in oder to reach fertile.

To mention San Bartolomé is to speak of sweet potatoes or “Boniatos”, which are exquisitely sweet. This crop is grown mainly in the “Jable” a white belt of moving sand and dunes which cross the island from northwest to southeast carried by the wind. Among mills formed by wooden towers and the perfect outline of these areas of cultivation called “Jables Marinos”, are situated the noble sixteenth-century buildings of San Bartolomé.

The Church of San Bartolomé is another interesting place, from architectural point fo view. Finally, near the willage of Mozaga situated smbolically in the geographical centre of the island, is the “Monumento al Campesino” (Farmer Monument), the work of César Manrique erected in honour of island’s, farmers community. Near the monument is the “Casa – Museo del Campesino”, a museum where one can admire the tools and domestic implements employed by the island’s farmers soil. The desolate aspect which these fields offer at first sight changes when one discovers the vines and fig trees hidden in the protecting crevices made by the islanders.

For further information visit: http://www.turismolanzarote.com/en/san-bartolome

Tinajo

Situated in the centre-west of the island, more than half of its 136 square kilometres are covered by the lavas of the volcanic eruptions of the eighteenth century. The municipal area has an ample sea coast, between “Punta Prieta” and that of “El Roncador”. The northeast sector is the so-called Costa de la Santa.

Most interesting as a natural phenomenon, is the “Isleta” an elevated reef surrounded by a tongue of sea, similar to a marsh. Near the “Costa dde la Santa” is the famous cave of “Ana Viciosa”, mentioned in the old tales of pirates.

In the eastern part of Tinajo, near the village of Sóo (Teguise municipal area), the mouth of the great cauldron named ” El Cuchilo” can be seen. This has the peculiarity of preserving intact its southern part, which forms a great precipice in the form of an arch. The upper edge or reverse side of “El Cuchillo”, which opens on to the plains of Timabaiba, is covered by the moving sands of “El Jable”.

One of the interesting locations is “La Vegueta” an agrarian area which has always had great importance because of the characteristics of the soil. Its religious centre is in Yuco, where the hermitage dedicated to the “Virgen de Regla” is located.

However, there is no doubt that the Virgin most venerated in Tinajo is the “Virgen de los Dolores”, known here as the “Virgin of the Volcanoes”, who symbolizes the deliverance from suffering of the island. During the eruptions of the Volcano Tinguaton during the eighteenth and nineteenth Centuries, according to the legend, the present patron of the island was borne before the sea of lava which carried away everything in its path, and on both occasions the flow of lava stopped during her presence.

The hermitage of “Mancha Blanca” and a cross, are symbols of the divine intervention to mitigate the volcano’s thirst for destruction. In order to celebrate these miracles, every 15 September the festivity of the Virgin of the Volcanoes is held in this hermitage.

One of the places in Tinajo which must be visited is the Church of San Roque, where two important images are kept, one of Christ, which is attributed to Luján, and also a valuable carving of the “Virgen de Candelaria” by the sculptor, Estevez.

Some of the houses in Tinajo are surmounted by chimneys in the form of onions which are very original. These constructions can also be seen in other parts of Lanzarote and are a clear exponent of the popular architecture of the island.

Tinajo is one of the municipalities which has most agrarian importance in the island due to its good soil and its orientation in the direction of the Trade Winds. In this area all the characteristics methods of cultivation of Lanzarote can be seen: “gavias” (drainage ditches), “jables”, (crozes) “enarenados” (sand-covered areas) both natural and artificial, etc.

The westernmost part of this municipality is partially included in the Timanfaya National Park and has also the magnificient and spectacular volcanic cone of Montaña Blanca.

Haría

The municipal area of Haría contains many of the natural marvels which can be enjoyed in the island of Lanzarote. Located in the north of the island, it includes part of the Famara Massive. In its territory is to be found the highest point of Lanzarote, the “Peñas del Chache”, with an altitute of 670 metres, as well as the beautiful stratovolcano of Monte Corona, from which “Malpaís” (literally bad lands) abound in the Canary Archipelago and are known by this name due to the sterility of their soil, formed by tongues of solidified, degraded lava.

The damaged terrain, the panoramic views and the volcanic tunnels have made this area a touristic route of great importance. The Haría Valley is outstanding, being the place in Lanzarote where the largest number of trees are to be found, and extensive palm grove.

But, without a doubt, the most important attractions in this part of Lanzarote are the “Jameos del Agua” and the “Cueva de los Verdes”.

For futher information about Haría:www.turismolanzarote.com/en/haria

Ocean Lava Lanzarote Triathlon 2011

The Ocean Lava Lanzarote Triathlon. A long distance triathlon in a volcanic landscape and cristal clear waters.

The triathlon includes a 1,9 km swimming cross, 90 km cycling race y a 21,1 km half marathon. This is a great opportunity for sportswomen and sportsmen who like challenges on their own or in groups, as this event can be completed by relay teams.

This second edition will offer some extras and the celebration of the Ocean Lava Hawaiian Party after the race. During the big party will be broadcast the Ironman Hawaii live on a big screen.

Race Programme

Wednesday, October 5th 2011

12:00 – 17:00 Athlete Registration, Hotel Fariones, Avenida de las Playas, Puerto del Carmen.

Thursday, October 6th 2011

12:00 – 17:00  Athlete Registration, Hotel Fariones, Avenida de las Playas, Puerto del Carmen.

Friday, October 7th 2011

10:00 – 12:00 Athlete Registration, Hotel Fariones, Avenida de la Playas, Puerto del Carmen. Keep in mind that there will be long waiting periods for registering on Friday – register early.

12:00 – 19:00 Athletes’ Late Registration for participants arriving after 12:00 by ferry or plane only. Please bring your ferry or plane ticket to prove that you qualify for a late registration.

15:00 – 18:00 Check-in for bike & running equipment bags: Transition area next to Hotel Fariones Playas. Athletes will not be permitted to bring anything to the T1 on Race Day!

19:00 – 20:00 Question and Information pre-race meeting located at Hotel Fariones.

Saturday, October 8th 2011

07:45 All athletes meet at the swim start.

08:00 Start Individual & Relay Ocean Lava Lanzarote Triathlon.

09:10 Swim cut off time.

13:45 Bike cut off time.

16:30 Ocean Lava Lanzarote Triathlon is finished.

19:00 Ocean Lava Awards Dinner, Café La Ola, Puerto del Carmen. Dinner, soft drinks, beer and wine for only 20 € (10 € for kids). Ironman Hawaii live transmission on a big screen.

21:00 Awards ceremony.

03:00 Official closing of the Ocean Lava Lanzarote Triathlon.