Marine reserves in the Canary Islands play a crucial role in the conservation of the archipelago’s natural heritage, offering protected habitats for numerous species and ecotourism opportunities for visitors.
7 Marine Reserves in the Canary Islands to discover
These areas were created to protect vulnerable species and ecosystems, preserve biodiversity and improve the reproduction of populations of fish and other aquatic animals.
1. The Blue Giant of the Atlantic, the Chinijo Archipelago Marine Reserve – La Graciosa/Lanzarote
This area is located north of Lanzarote and is the largest marine reserve in Europe, with an area of 70,700 hectares. The Chinijo archipelago includes the islands of La Graciosa, Alegranza, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste. It is protected and known for its high scenic value. From the Mirador del Río, located on the Risco de Famara at 400 meters above sea level, it is possible to admire the spectacular landscape of the archipelago and the narrow strip of sea that separates Lanzarote from La Graciosa.
Several endemic and protected species of the Canary Islands live in this area. Among the avifauna, the colonies of white-breasted, shearwater, osprey and queen’s falcon stand out. There are also numerous marine species such as groupers, lobsters and limpets. The white sand beaches, the crystal clear waters and the incredible biodiversity of the seabed make Chinijo an ideal place for diving. Access to the uninhabited islands is prohibited, but there are opportunities for boat trips with local guides.
2. Los Islotes de Lobos Marina Reserve, a summer paradise – Fuerteventura
To the north of Fuerteventura is the island of Lobos, a reserve has been established all around which includes the islet and some rocks that emerge near the coast. This protected area features great biodiversity, with sandy seabeds, seagrass meadows and underwater volcanic formations. It is an ideal area for snorkeling and diving, thanks to the transparency of its waters and the richness of aquatic fauna. Lobos Island owes its name to the sea lions that lived there until recently. It is located 15 minutes by boat from Corralejo beach and is renowned for its enormous scenic and natural value.
3. Lush biodiversity of the Isla de La Palma Marine Reserve
Since 2001, La Palma has had a marine reserve that extends over a 15 km stretch of coast. This reserve reaches a depth of 1,000 meters and covers an area of 3,455 hectares on the southwestern coast of the island of La Palma, between Caleta de los Pájaros and Punta Gruesa. This area is known for the high biodiversity of flora and fauna, the good state of conservation of fish species and the opportunities for recovery through conservation measures.
4. The “tropics” of the Canaries, the Mar de Las Calmas Marine Reserve in El Hierro
Established in 1996 in El Hierro, the Mar de Las Calmas Marine Reserve is the most lush area on the island, with a remarkable diversity of underwater flora and fauna. It is also home to significant populations of cetaceans, including Cuvier’s beaked whale, one of the most difficult marine mammals to spot.
This reserve is located in the Atlantic, at the southwestern tip of El Hierro, the westernmost of the Canary Islands. It reaches depths greater than 300 meters and covers an area of 750 hectares. The waters of the reserve are calm and are home to tropical species not present in the rest of the archipelago.
5. Other marine reserves where underwater life is teeming
The La Restinga Marine Reserve, along the southern coast of El Hierro, is renowned for its crystal clear waters and extraordinary biodiversity, home to species such as barracudas, groupers, moray eels and octopuses, and is much appreciated by enthusiasts of underwater activities. In the southern part of Tenerife, the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve, extending between Punta de Teno and Punta de Rasca, protects a vast area of the western coast of the island, characterized by spectacular cliffs and rich biodiversity, providing an essential habitat for cetaceans, turtles and numerous species of fish. On the east coast of Gran Canaria, near Arinaga, is the El Cabrón Marine Reserve, one of the best known for scuba diving, famous for its abundant marine life which includes rays, moray eels, groupers and schools of fish, protecting a variety of ecosystems, from posidonia meadows to rocky seabeds.
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2024-05-23 14:46:19
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