Diving over golden sandy bottoms dotted with volcanic outcrops

The volcanic origin of the Canary Islands means that diving in their waters offers seabeds featuring rocky landscapes of unusual shapes. This is the case at Bajón del Río, a golden sand bank at a depth of 18 metres from which volcanic rock formations several metres high and umbrella-shaped rise up. These ‘mushrooms’ are a haven for unique biodiversity. This site, located to the north of the island of Fuerteventura, in the middle of the strait separating it from the small islet of Lobos, is just a five-minute boat ride from the port of Corralejo.

Diving amidst an explosion of marine life near Corralejo

This is a dive suitable for divers of all levels, but only when the current and tide conditions are right. As you descend, the sheer abundance of marine life around these enormous ‘mushrooms’ is astonishing. Their tops are covered in a vast number of sponges. As we patrol the area, we see iridescent schools of up to six different species, such as seifias and white seabream. Groupers, abades and horse mackerel swim about in search of small prey, whilst the old ones graze incessantly. And in the sand, you can spot the occasional elusive dogfish.