Gran Canaria Blue

G ran C anar i a E N J OY T H E S E A 3 6 5 D AY S A Y E A R

“Gran Canaria is the perfect destination to enjoy any kind of water sport at any time of the year” Sybille Gerlinger Journalist for the German magazines “Tauchen” and “Atlantis”

Gran Canaria Gran Canaria is located in the Macaronesian Atlantic region, approximately 210 kilometres off the nearest point of the African coast and about 1,250 kilometres from Cádiz, the closest port on the European continent. With its volcanic origin, the most emblematic characteristic of Gran Canaria is its roundness and the diversity of its landscapes. This diversity is one of the main attractions of the island and is why it has come to be known as the “Miniature Continent”.

In just one day it is possible to go from the warm coast to temperate regions in the medianías (a name given in the Canary Islands to the zones between the coast and the higher areas), cross subtropical valleys and forests or climb the mountain peaks. All of this in addition to the island’s famed spring weather throughout the 12 months of the year, with an average temperature of 24°C, which is possible thanks to the presence of the trade winds, ocean currents and its most peculiar orography, leaving an imprint of exceptional singularities in the island of Gran Canaria when considering the latitude of the island, only a few kilometres away from the harsh Sahara Desert.

Tourism in Gran Canaria is as varied as the island itself. Its natural enchantment, its “living history” and cultural & festival activity; all of these cocooned in the excellent springtime climate that reigns 365 days a year, guaranteeing unforgettable holidays for all its visitors.

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OSLO STOCKHOLM

COPENHAGEN

LONDON

BERLIN

PARIS

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ROME MADRID

GRAN CANARIA

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Gran Canaria, nautical tourism destination The 236 kilometres of coastline make Gran Canaria the perfect destination for sea-lovers. Ideal winds for sailing, tidal currents that favour the existence of large fish schools, a spectacularly beautiful seabed and spring-like temperatures are only some of the natural conditions which make Gran Canaria a great nautical destination open to everyone all year round.

That is why Gran Canaria has developed a complete infrastructure with services for a wide range of water activities and important sport events such as the start of the ARC Transatlantic Regatta or the Grand Slam Gran Canaria of the Windsurfing PWA. Gran Canaria offers perfect enclaves to enjoy all types of water activities, from areas with optimal conditions to go sailing to spots with wonderful waves which have made Gran Canaria the world Mecca for windsurfing. One must also highlight the biological and ecological richness of Gran Canaria’s marine wilderness, the beauty of which surprises everyone who decides to dive in its waters.

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Enjoy the sea with Gran Canaria Blue Gran Canaria Blue is conceived as a tourist centre which, thanks to the excellent weather conditions of the island, offers, under the same brand, a wide range of water activities, complemented by a varied choice of accommodation options in the island. What’s more, quality is guaranteed whatever your choice of company within the brand; Gran Canaria Blue is therefore the best option to enjoy the sea. Sailing, boat excursions, dolphin & whale watching, windsurfing, surfing, kayaks, power boating, parasailing, recreational fishing and scuba diving are only some of the many activities offered by Gran Canaria Blue to feel the greatness of the sea 365 days of the year.

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Under the influence of the trade winds Under the influence of the so-called “Canary Current”, which branches from the Gulf Stream, the archipelago enjoys a milder climate than could be expected from its geographical position.

This current combined with the trade winds contributes to experience, in a short period of time, a selection of weather conditions: quiet leeward coastal areas in the south, a windward coastline with big waves in the north and exciting areas with extreme winds known as the Wind Acceleration Zones (WAZ).

Gran Canaria is therefore an ideal place to practice and enjoy any water sport.

When sailing along the coast of Gran Canaria, it is important to know and consider some of its main characteristics such as the almost circular shape of the island, in addition to the trade winds and the mountainous orography in the centre of the island, where the highest point of the island reaches a height of 1,950 meters above sea level (Pico de Las Nieves).

The island’s peculiar orography creates a wind acceleration effect (WAZ) in the Easternmost and Westernmost points, of between 10 and 20 knots which, added to the general circulation of the trade winds of 15 to 20 knots, creates gusts of wind that can reach up to 30 knots, and provides a fun and exciting opportunity to enjoy sailing. This phenomenon must be taken into account when sailing along the different coasts of Gran Canaria, in particular when reaching the area of Punta de Arinaga (on the Eastern side of the island) and Punta del Descojonado (on the Western side), where winds tend to be stronger.

When sailing along the coast of Gran Canaria, it is important to know and consider some of its main characteristics such as the almost circular shape of the island, in addition to the trade winds and the mountainous orography in the centre of the island, where the highest point of the island reaches a height of 1,950 meters above sea level (Pico de Las Nieves).

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The best nautical infrastructure Gran Canaria is an island that overlooks the ocean. Due to the seafaring nature of its people and the importance of the tourism sector, Gran Canaria has developed a very complete harbour infrastructure, which includes marinas and fishing havens.

All infrastructures are equipped with basic long-term mooring services, and they make many water sports possible. The island has a great number of harbours among which Puerto de MogĂĄn, Puerto Deportivo de Puerto Rico, Puerto Deportivo de Pasito Blanco and Muelle Deportivo Marina Anfi del Mar are best known.

However, there is no doubt that Puerto de Las Palmas, the harbour of the island’s capital, is the leading reference in harbour infrastructures. It boasts fantastic sport facilities and a commercial centre and is considered as one of the most important nautical installations of the Atlantic, both for the quality of its services and for its strategic position between continents.

The island of Gran Canaria has a long tradition of being a port of call among sailors crossing the Atlantic and heading for the Caribbean. This tradition was born more than 500 years ago, when Christopher Columbus made it fashionable to anchor on the island before crossing the ocean. Nowadays, many ships find in Gran Canaria the best port to carry out repairs or the provisioning of the ship before starting the journey across the Atlantic. The marinas of the island also attract many boats sailing to Gran Canaria to spend the winter months in the warm climate of the island and thus establishing their winter base in the ports of Gran Canaria.

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Sports marinas

Muelle Deportivo de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Puerto de Mogรกn

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Puerto Deportivo de Puerto Rico

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Puerto Deportivo Pasito Blanco

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SPORTS MARINAS 1 Puerto Deportivo Pasito Blanco

GC-500 – Urb. Pasito Blanco 35106, Maspalomas. San Bartolomé de Tirajana (+34) 928 142 194 / (+34) 611 615 462 direccion@pasitoblanco.com www.pasitoblanco.com

2 Puerto de Mogán

Torre del Control, 2ª Planta 35138, Puerto de Mogán. Mogán (+34) 928 565 480 / (+34) 928 565 151 servicios@puertomogan.es www.puertomogan.es

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Recreational big-game fishing

The great biodiversity found in the waters of Gran Canaria makes the island one of the best destinations for this sport on an international scale. This has been proven on several occasions by different records recognised by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). An extensive variety of species is caught in these waters, therefore there have been records of species as different as the blue marlin, needlefish, swordfish, big-eye tuna, Atlantic bonito, barracuda or albacore, among others.

This biological richness together with the favourable weather conditions of the island makes this sport possible all year round, and the best season for needlefish and tuna is from May to December. Various big-game fishing competitions take place on the island throughout the year based in the different marinas in the south of Gran Canaria. The main area for biggame fishing is between Punta de Maspalomas and Punta del Descojonado (San Nicolรกs de la Aldea) which is where the greatest variety of fish can be found.

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Recreational fishinG Fish On Blue Marlin

UrbanizaciĂłn Pasito Blanco 35106, San BartolomĂŠ de Tirajana. (+34) 660 411 661 info@fishonbluemarlin.com www.fishonbluemarlin.com

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Gran Canaria and sailing

The wind conditions and the mild climate of the island have made sailing one of the most extended hobbies both for Grancanarians and visitors. The main spots to go sailing on the island are the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, mainly in the bays of Alcaravaneras and Las Canteras, and on the south coast, in Maspalomas and Mogรกn. Gran Canaria has a privileged position in sailing competitions on an international scale, as the national Olympic team is composed of sailors from the island.

Lateen sailing even deserves a special paragraph all to itself; this local sport follows a great tradition on Gran Canaria and shows the strong link between the islanders and the ocean. This particular type of navigation consists in a sailing competition of small boats characterised by their triangular-shaped sails which are disproportionally bigger than the boats themselves. It is a real show for which crowds gather and it takes place on the coastline of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria from April to October, in order to take advantage of the influence of the trade winds.

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Sailing

Escuela de Vela Joaquín Blanco C/ Olímpicos Doreste y Molina, 83 35130, Puerto Rico. Mogán (+34) 619 238 563 / (+34) 928 560 772 pillolafo@hotmail.com www.fedvela.es

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Rocking the waves There are some spots where waves are incredible on Gran Canaria and they make the island the perfect destination for wave sports, especially windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing and bodyboarding. Along the coastline, there are up to 23 spots to go surfing and bodyboarding away from the crowds, sometimes in almost totally unspoilt nature. First-timers also have the possibility to go to one of the island’s prestigious surf schools to enjoy the activity in a safe environment.

Windsurfers will find spots of international prestige on Gran Canaria to indulge in their favourite activity. What’s more, Gran Canaria is considered the second Mecca worldwide, just after Hawaii. Among its more than 21 spots, the most distinguished are the beach of Pozo Izquierdo and Vargas Beach, which are the locations for two of the trials in the World PWA Windsurfing Championships, where the greatest windsurfers in the world come to compete, making Gran Canaria a truly international reference.

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SURF / PADDLE SURF / WINDSURF BD Surf School

CC. Atlantic Beach Club, 5A-B Paseo Costa Canaria s/n 35100, Playa del Inglés (+34) 928 767 999 / (+34) 629 348 679 info@surfbd.com www.surfbd.com

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Take the plunge on Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria and its volcanic origin surprises everyone who decides to dive into its waters, both because of the biological and ecological diversity of the seabed and the variety and beauty of its landscapes. The areas for diving are scattered along the coastline: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Mogรกn, Playa del Cabrรณn, Pasito Blanco, Sardina del Norte and Caleta Baja for example are some very interesting spots.

Whether you are an expert or a beginner, Gran Canaria offers the ideal places to go diving, as there are scuba diving clubs and schools open all year round offering courses, organised dives and equipment hire, all with the best guarantee of safety and quality. Gran Canaria also boasts two hyperbaric chambers strategically placed in the north and the south of the island, so you can live a unique experience with total peace of mind.

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SHIPWRECKS AND DIVING AREAS Caleta Baja Baja Fernando

11 Sardina

Las Merinas

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La Catedral

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8 Pecio “Arona”

7 Taliarte

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El Cabrón

5 Pecios de Mogán “Cermona II”

Risco Verde

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Pecio Ruso del Pajar “Meteor II”

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Baja de Pasito Blanco

Arrecife artificial de Arguineguín

Diving area

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Shipwreck

DIVING Canary Diving

C/Alhambra, 8. Urbanizaciรณn Taurito.

35138, Taurito. Mogรกn (+34) 928 565 428 / (+34) 610 810 619 info@canary-diving.com www.canary-diving.com

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Dolphin and whale-watching Come and live a unique and amazing experience. Being in contact with marine wildlife is possible thanks to the many cetaceans that live in the waters of Gran Canaria. You will be able to see spectacular species such as the bottlenose dolphin, the striped dolphin, the Atlantic spotted dolphin, the shortfinned pilot whale, the common rorqual or the cachalot, all of this remaining in coastal waters.

Cetaceans have been around Gran Canaria from time immemorial; there is mention of them being there 2000 years ago, when the island’s fabulous marine diversity was already talked about. The geomorphological and oceanographic features of Gran Canaria are well-suited for a great number of dolphins and whales. Indeed, thanks to the warm and cold waters, there are many species around the island. Of the 79 species of cetaceans known worldwide a total of 29 has been seen in Gran Canaria, which represent 34% of the world’s diversity. This fact has turned Gran Canaria into an impressive and unique biodiversity hot spot.

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DOLPHIN AND WHALE-WATCHING Spirit of the Sea

Puerto Base 35130, Puerto Rico. Mogรกn. (+34) 655 991 903 (+34) 928 562 229 spirit@dolphin-whale.com www.dolphin-whale.com

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Sea transport

A chance to get around in a different way while enjoying stunning views of the coast! Gran Canaria offers the possibility to go to different parts of the island on ferry-type vessels, which is a quick, cheap and safe option and gives a special entertaining touch compared to traditional road transport.

Thanks to the great port infrastructures, the big and modern fleet of vessels and the unbeatable weather conditions, Gran Canaria can offer a regular sea transport service all year round between the main ports and harbours of the south of the island: Puerto de MogĂĄn, Puerto Rico, ArguineguĂ­n and Anfi del Mar.

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SEA transport Líneas Blue Bird

Puerto Base 35130 Puerto Rico. Mogán (+34) 629 989 633 (+34) 629 989 366 info@lineasbluebird.com www.lineasbluebird.com

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Líneas Salmón

Puerto Escala 35130 Puerto Rico. Mogán (+34) 649 919 383 (+34) 649 925 918 jromeroblanco@hotmail.com www.lineassalmon.es

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Water activities To feel high speed aboard a jet ski, to literally walk on the waves just with a boost of water on a jetovator, to enjoy a unique excursion aboard the world’s biggest catamaran sailboat, to relax on a private yacht, to discover the ocean’s treasures on a breath-taking submarine trip or to fly above the sea in a parachute… those are only a sample of activities you can carry out on Gran Canaria to enjoy the sea. Activities and entertainment for all the family 365 days a year.

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WATER ACTIVITIES

Aquasports

Canary Watersports

Keeper Uno

Playa de Mogán 35138 Puerto de Mogán. Mogán (+34) 928 566 994 (+34) 640 579 609 info@aquasports.es www.aquasports.es

Puerto Escala 35130, Puerto Rico. Mogán (+34) 928 560 912 info@canarywatersports.com www.canarywatersports.com

Luis Molina Water Sports Barranco de la Verga, s/n 35129, Anfi del Mar. Mogán. (+34) 606 129 214 (+34) 625 237 030 info@luismolinasport.com www.luismolinasport.com

Puerto de Mogán, Amarre 180 - Dique Sur 35140 Mogán, Gran Canaria. (+34) 696 58 58 58 mogansailingtours@gmail.com reservasmst@gmail.com

Canary Sailing | Antaviana C/ Calle Explanada del Castillete, Puerto de Mogán 35139 Mogán, Gran Canaria. (+34) 695 587 481 info@travelers.rent www.travelers.rent/es/gcvelero-antaviana

Submarine Adventure

Pantalán Dique Sur 35138, Puerto de Mogán. Mogán (+34) 928 565 108 info@atlantidasubmarine.com www.atlantidasubmarine.com

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Accommodation Do you need a place to stay while you enjoy your favourite water activities? Gran Canaria Blue offers a wide range of accommodation establishments around the key locations of the island so you can take advantage of the best and most varied water activities.

Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa **** Apartamentos Cordial Mogán Valle *** Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel **** Gloria Palace Royal Hotel & Spa **** Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel**** Marina Suites **** Marina Bayview**** Servatur Casablanca Suites & Spa **** Servatur Green Beach***

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ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Cordial Mogรกn Playa ****

Avda. de los Marrero, 2 - 35138, Puerto de Mogรกn (+34) 928 724 100 - rec.hcmp@becordial.com www.becordial.com

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ACCOMMODATION

Aptos. Cordial Mogรกn Valle ***

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Avda. de los Marrero, 4 - 35138, Puerto de Mogรกn (+34) 928 565 422 - rec.acmv@becordial.com www.cordialcanarias.com

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ACCOMMODATION

Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel ****

C/ La Palma, 2 - 35139, Playa Amadores. Mogรกn (+34) 928 128 510 - info.amadores@gloriapalaceth.com www.gloriapalaceth.com

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ACCOMMODATION

Gloria Palace Royal Hotel & Spa ****

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C/Tamara, 1 - 35130, Playa Amadores. Mogรกn (+34) 928 128 640 / 928 128 641 - info.royal@gloriapalaceth.com www.gloriapalaceth.com

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ACCOMMODATION

Gloria Palace San AgustĂ­n Thalasso & Hotel ****

Urb. Las Margaritas s/n - 35100, Playa San AgustĂ­n. Maspalomas (+34) 928 128 500 - info.sanagustin@gloriapalaceth.com www.gloriapalaceth.com

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ACCOMMODATION

Marina Bayview ****

Avda. de Guayadeque, 3 - 35130, Puerto Rico. Mogรกn (+34) 928 560 300 - booking@thewarmside.com www.marinagrancanaria.com

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ACCOMMODATION

Marina Suites ****

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C/ Juan Díaz Rodríguez, 10 - 35130 Puerto Rico. Mogán (+34) 902 996 093 - booking@thewarmside.com www.marinagrancanaria.com

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ACCOMMODATION

Servatur Casablanca Suites & Spa ****

Avda. Gran Canaria, 24 - 35130 Puerto Rico. (+34) 928 725 656 - casablanca@servatur.com www.servatur.com

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ACCOMMODATION

Servatur Green Beach ***

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Avda. de los Canarios, 23 - 35129 Patalavaca. Mogรกn (+34) 928 150 310 - greenbeach@servatur.com www.servatur.com

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+ info and reservations GranCanariaBlue.com

Gran Canaria Blue C/Los Balcones, 4 35001, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (+34) 928 367 508 info@grancanariablue.com www.grancanariablue.com