For those who are only interested in this question, the answer is: the Canary Islands are washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. But if you’re planning a vacation here and want to learn more about the ocean in the Canary Islands, keep reading. You’ll find out about water temperature, the best places to swim, lava pools, and I’ll even tell you about whales. There will be plenty of useful and interesting information to help you on your journey through the Canaries.

The Ocean in the Canary Islands: General Information

The most common question tourists ask when they are just starting to plan their trip to the Canary Islands is: what kind of sea is here?

Here’s what’s interesting to know:

The Canary Islands are bathed by the waters of the real ocean, namely the Atlantic Ocean. Not a bay, not a strait, not a sea, but a real ocean. It’s here that you’ll understand the difference between an ocean and a sea: the power and strength of the water that you rarely encounter at resorts in the Indian Ocean, for example.

Here are a few general facts you should know about the ocean around the Canary Islands:

  • There are almost always strong winds and big waves. But if you choose the right resort, nestled in a valley between mountains, you won’t feel the wind at all.
ocean canary islands
On the photo is a resort town on the island of La Gomera – Playa de Santiago. Notice, it’s nestled in a valley, with mountains on both sides. There are fewer waves here, strong winds are rare, and the water warms up better. Such secluded towns are better suited for beach vacations.
  • The main thing to note: the Canary Current passes through the Canary Islands. This is a very strong current in the Atlantic, and it is “cold” as it flows from north to south.

The Canary Current carries cold water year-round, which gradually warms up towards the equator, but it remains cold around the latitude of the Canary Islands. The water warms up closer to the Cape Verde Islands, almost 1000 km further south than the Canary Islands.

Sea water temperature

So, you already understand that the water in the ocean around the Canaries is not lukewarm. It’s all because of the cold Canary Current.

Interesting to know:

Throughout the archipelago, on all the islands, the water is relatively cold all year round, all 12 months. I often hear such feedback from tourists, especially from those who weren’t prepared for it: “the water at home in the tap is warmer than on your Canary Islands” :).

However, you can vacation on the Canary Islands any month of the year; there are warm and dry winters. And you can enjoy beach holidays even in January and February. The Canary Islands are also called the “Islands of Eternal Spring” because the temperature is comfortable all year round, there are no cold spells in winter, and there’s no scorching heat in summer.

But even with all this, the water temperature in the ocean around the Canary Islands fluctuates throughout the year from +19 to +24 degrees Celsius. The “warmest” water is in September. You can read more information and find a table with water temperatures by month in the article “Season and Weather in the Canary Islands.”

canaries ocean or sea
On the photo is the southern beach of Gran Canaria – Playa de Amadores. It’s one of the sunniest and hottest resorts on the island. The photo was taken in February. Even in winter, there’s 25-27 degrees Celsius in the sun during the day. Notice how many people are on the beach compared to those actually swimming. The reason is simple: even on hot days, the water struggles to warm up above 20 degrees Celsius. Take a dip for 30 seconds and then bask on the beach 🙂

Where’s the best place to swim in the ocean in the Canaries: tips on choosing a resort

You can find a detailed answer to this question with resort names on each island in the article: where’s the best place to stay in the Canaries – an overview of all the islands. But here are the main points summarized:

  • Choose resorts on the south side of any island; there’s less wind, more sun, and it’s warmer than in the northern parts of the islands. Since all the islands are volcanic, there are mountains that trap clouds, and winds mostly blow from the north.
  • Opt for resorts in bays and coves, hidden in valleys or behind mountains. The water warms up better there.
  • There are two main categories of beaches on the islands: wild and public beaches with breakwaters, protection from waves, sharks, and lifeguard stations. Always choose equipped beaches. On wild beaches, you can only sunbathe, swimming there is dangerous, but I’ll talk more about this later.
ocean in the canary
There are two main categories of beaches on all the islands of the Canary archipelago: in the upper photo, it’s a classic wild beach. In the lower one, it’s the most ordinary public equipped beach.
  • Also, on the Canary Islands, there are lava pools in many places, formed after volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. Today, humans have refined them, creating excellent relaxation areas right by the ocean: there the water is warmer, there are no waves, and no jellyfish.
about ocean on canary islands
Along the coast of the Canaries, you can often find such lava pools. In the photo, there are two classic examples, both from Tenerife. The top photo is a pool in Los Gigantes, and the bottom one is in Los Cristianos. It’s a great place to relax and swim. In summer, the water there warms up to 30 degrees Celsius. I wouldn’t say that such lava pools are everywhere, but I wouldn’t say they are very rare either. There are about 30 of them in total on all the islands, the main thing is to know where to find them.

Useful to know:

All public beaches and lava pools are free. The only things that might be charged are sun loungers and umbrellas.

On the pages of this guide, there are reviews of all the islands, look for them in the menu, and you’ll find the coordinates of such lava pools on the islands of your interest. They are available everywhere except Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.

The Ocean in the Canaries: About Dangers and More

The ocean in the Canary Islands is not like a pond near your home. Swimming at any wild beach is entirely at your own risk. Even as a confident swimmer, I sometimes take a dip at such beaches, but I make sure not to venture more than 15-30 meters from the shore and carefully select beaches with fewer waves and other hazards.

Here’s what to expect if you decide to swim at wild beaches:

  • There are lots of boulders, rocks, large pebbles, and strong waves. Choose sandy beaches.
  • Sharks exist in the Canaries. There are no dangerous ones for humans, but I felt obligated to warn you.
  • Sometimes jellyfish are present, and among them, you might encounter the Portuguese Man o’ War jellyfish. Contact with it can cause severe stings. Special flags are always displayed on public beaches if these jellyfish appear, but on wild beaches, you’ll only find out about them after the fact 🙂
  • Sea urchins are easily found on wild pebble beaches. Step on one, and you’ll be lying down for the next week.

It’s very important to talk about rips:

The most dangerous thing at wild beaches without breakwaters is the rip current. Hundreds of people are swept into the ocean by this current every year, and although most are rescued, not everyone is. You can learn more about what this is and all the dangers from this list in the article linked here.
sea in canary islands
Here’s another example of a wild beach on the island of La Gomera. It looks beautiful, but swimming here is also risky: rip currents, strong waves, sea urchins, rocks, jellyfish (seasonally). Bring some sangria, ham, cheese, and come in the evening at sunset to admire the nature and the ocean. It’s completely safe on the shore.

Whales and dolphins in the Canary Islands

There are indeed whales and dolphins in the ocean around the Canary Islands. However, there are a few “buts” for those who want to see them firsthand:

  • There are many dolphins in these waters. I often see them even when traveling on regular ferry routes between the islands. The key is to pay close attention.
  • Whales are fewer in number, and there’s no guarantee of encountering them. Most of the time, if you do spot a whale, it’s just its back about 1 km from the boat for 2 seconds. So don’t count too much on seeing whales; it all depends on luck.
  • Even on excursion boats, no one will allow you to swim with dolphins and whales. You’ll only observe them from the boat.
  • Don’t forget, there are strong waves in the ocean almost always; seasickness can be a problem. If you’re prone to seasickness and you’re going on such a tour, it’s better not to eat anything for an hour or two, and take an anti-seasickness pill half an hour before.
  • The most popular place with a higher chance of encountering dolphins and whales is the southwest coast of Tenerife. Resorts like Los Gigantes, Costa Adeje, Las Americas, and Los Cristianos. This is where most of the excursion programs are held.
canaries sea resorts
The most popular spot in the Canaries, where you have a chance to encounter dolphins and whales, is highlighted with a red triangle. Most marine excursions take place here. In the upper part of the triangle is the resort of Los Gigantes, and below is Los Cristianos. This entire coastline is a highly popular tourist area. There are plenty of tourists, plenty of sunshine, and the resort is shielded from the northern winds by the Teide volcano.
  • Here’s the link to the article about tours and excursions in the Canaries: where to look, prices, tips, and hacks.
  • Below you can check prices, book such a sea excursion specifically in Tenerife:

Travel Tips

Here are some general tips regarding the ocean on the islands:

  • Be very cautious at wild beaches if you plan to swim, especially with children.
  • Personally, I love lava pools. They are cooler, more atmospheric, the water is warmer, there are no waves, and the views are excellent.
  • You’ll likely encounter dolphins on excursions with a high probability, but encountering whales is less likely.
  • Don’t fear sharks, and jellyfish either. However, jellyfish in the Canaries can be more dangerous than sharks.
  • And of course, mentally prepare yourself that the water here is invigorating all year round. If you need warm water, you should head across the ocean to the Caribbean (Dominican Republic, Cuba, Jamaica, etc.).

Moreover, on many islands in the Canaries, besides lava pools and outdoor pools, there are classic water parks. And there are quite a few of them. They have their own peculiarities, but you can read all about them in the article: lava pools and water parks in the Canary Islands. There you’ll find information about pools like the one in the photo below.

what sea in canarias
There are even pools with seawater in the Canaries. These aren’t water parks but simply recreation areas with pools, and the entry for the whole day costs 5-7 euros, sun loungers included. It’s a fantastic alternative to the beach, especially if you’re vacationing with children. Specifically in the photo: Lago Martiánez in Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife.

In conclusion, the ocean in the Canary Islands may disappoint those who come here for water activities and swimming, those who need warm calm seas, and those who want to spend their entire vacation lying on the beach and swimming. But it will enchant active travelers who love walks on wild beaches, strong waves, are awed by the power of the ocean, and natural scenery.

Useful links to help you plan your dream trip to Canary Islands:

  • Car Rental: LocalRent or DiscoverCars – the most popular car rental platforms.

  • Accommodation:
    • Trip.com – the largest accommodation booking platform.

    • or TripAdvisor – to compare prices among other platforms and choose the best one.

  • Budget-friendly vacation packages to Spain and Canary Islands: CheapOair.

  • Tours and activities: GetYourGuide or Viator – hundreds of offers, whales and dolphins, entrance tickets with discounts.

  • eSIM and internet: Airalo.

  • Flights: WayAway compares prices among dozens of companies.

  • Travel Insurance: EKTA.