Get into water sports in Gran Canaria

The year round tropical climate and warm waters (around 20 degrees, even in winter) make Gran Canaria an ideal location for water sport lovers of all kinds. And with cheap and regular Gran Canaria holidays available from the likes of Thomas Cook, it’s never been easier to get there. Let’s take a look at the best water activities on offer in this paradise…

From April to October, the sailing season is in full swing. Las Palmas is naturally a huge centre for sailing clubs and companies, as is Puerto Rico, Pasito Blanco and Puerto do Mogan. Local clubs have produced several Olympic champions over the years, such is the popularity of the pursuit.

Windsurfing is enormously popular here, and Gran Canaria is considered one of the planet’s very best spots for it. Conditions are ideal right along the east-south coast, and are very good at Playa de las Canteras and Galdar in the north west. It’s a tricky business is windsurfing, and the uninitiated might just want to see some top windsurfers do their thing. In that case, head to Pozo Izquierdo and Playa de Vargas, where windspeeds can reach 60kmph. Beginners looking to try the sport should stick to the relative shelter of Puerto de Mogan.

Both bodyboarding and surfing are best enjoyed on the north coast, between Las Palmas and Galdar. Waves reach 5 metres at times, and with plenty of surf culture and board rental opportunities, it’s little wonder that Gran Canaria has been dubbed Europe’s Hawaii.

Scuba diving opens up a whole new world, especially if you’ve not seen tropical waters before. Shipwrecks abound around the Canaries, as do subtropical fishes of all shapes and colour. There are plenty of certified diving schools to choose from, many of them offering beginner courses and equipment rental. Above all, don’t miss the marine reserve off the east coast of Playa del Cabron.

Big game fishing has a natural home here in Gran Canaria, especially during the May to September high season. Another area in which Gran Canaria is a serious world player, you won’t be surprised to learn that Puerto Rico has more than 50 deep-sea fishing world records to its name. Among the species to be hunted are huge tuna, marlin, swordfish and sharks.

The major resorts in Gran Canaria’s southern part offer jet-skiing, water-skiing, speedboating and the special thrill of parascending. Banana boats are also popular, as are pedalos and sea kayaks – all great ways to get your kids out on the ocean without fearing for their safety.