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Water Sports
From jet skiers to stand-up-paddlers, Gran Canaria is paradise for salt water freaks of all types. The east coast roars during the summer and you can't move for wind and kite surfers while the North Shore holds some of Europe's top waves. The sheltered south is perfect for stand-up paddle and there's great wreck and reef dives all around the coast.
If you want to learn to surf or perfect your kiteloop, then this is your island. Of course, if you'd rather just rent a pedalo or a kayak and fool about by the beach you can do that too.
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Wind Surfing
On the right day you can windsurf anywhere off Gran Canaria but for consistent wind and waves the East Coast, and especially Pozo Izquierdo, rules supreme.
Pozo has everything a windsurfer needs: Cheap digs, food close to the water, repair shops andn a selection of peaks and breaks for all ability levels.
While it's windy all-year-round, Pozo really gets going in the summer months.
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Surfing
Gran Canaria's surf action is focused along the north coast becuse the predominant swell comes from the north and the waves are the most reliable. However, it dosn't take much of an swing to the east for the east coast to go off and with a south swell the legendary Arguineguin break pops up. The west is so inaccessible that nobody surfs it.
Here's our guide to Gran Canaria's best surf breaks for goms and seasoned surfers.
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Scuba Diving
Clear, warm water, lava caves and plenty of fish make Gran Canaria one of Europe's top diving destinations. Every beach in the south has a dive school for beginners and advanced divers have superb options on the east coast and in the north.
The island's top spots include
El Cabron on the east coast: A marine reserve stuffed with fish including large grouper.
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Fishing
Gran Canaria big game boats hold several billfish, tuna and shark records and big fish are caught and released every year. Most dock in Puerto Rico's marinas but there are boats at Pasito Blanco and Mogan.
Blue and white marlin, sharks, wahoo, baracuda, amberjacks and various tuna species are the main catches depending on the season.
Some big game boats go after bottom fish if the pelagics aren't around. Bream, grouper, amberjacks, rays, sharks and the odd pufferfish are common catches.
Shore fishing in Gran Canaria is still challenging unless you go after bass and sierra off the north coast. The south is largely sand and was heavily overfished. Baracuda, jacks, parrotfish, bream and combers are the main fish and there is good sport in targetting the big grey mullet. You can't fish inside any of the harbours.
Gran Canaria's reservoirs hold some of Europe's largest mirror and common carp along with black bass, and the odd escaped tropical catfish. For carp fishing in Gran Canaria we recommend the man who brought the sport to the island.
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Tip of the day
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Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?
Visitors to Gran Canaria often ask whether it is better to exchange their local currency for euros at home or in Gran Canaria.
The answer is that it is almost always better to buy your euros at home than it is to bring pounds to Gran Canaria and use local banks or currency exchanges. This rule of thumb applies all over the world. A currency is almost always cheaper the further away you are from the place you can spend it (because demand for it is lower).
Exchange rates are almost always better at home than in Gran Canaria
You are very likely to get a better exchange rate using a British currency exchange specialist or local bank. Many of these companies will deliver your euros to your home.
One of the best rates in the UK is often from the post office, especially if you do it well in advance.
The only way you'll get a better rate in Gran Canaria than at home is if the exchange rate changes while you are travelling and this is rare.
You also have to bear in mind that currency exchanges in Gran Canaria are getting rarer and some local banks don't exchange money for non-clients.
To Transfer large amouynts of money to Gran Canaria, or to make regular transfers, always use a reputable currency broker such as Currencies Direct. This will save you money on exchange rates and bank charges and is highky secure.
The risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria
Another important factor to consider is the risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria: If it is lost or stolen, there is no way of getting it back.
It is much safer to bring a debit or credit card and use local bank ATMs to take out money. These days, a good option is a pre-charged debit card.
Cards may be slightly more expensive that carrying cash, unless you seek out a bank card with low commissions, but it is much more secure.
Bank ATMs like Bankia, Santander and BBVA often charge lower rates than the ATMs in shopping centres and busy tourist areas.
Alex Says: Always select the Euro option at ATMs in Gran Canaria because the exchange rate is much better than if you opt for the Local Currency option. The same applies when you pay by card in shops and restaurants.
See our Gran Canaria Tips section for more nuggets of useful local information.
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