Bahia Lila is the house reef of Scuba Sur Gran Canaria and one of the most versatile dive sites in the south of the island. The site is used for Open Water training dives, introductory scuba experiences, guided dives and snorkeling trips, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.The combination of rocky formations, small caves and sandy areas provides excellent hiding places for marine species, therefor making the site enjoyable for underwater photographers and marine life enthusiasts.
Most divers who complete their Open Water Diver course with Scuba Sur perform several of their training dives at Bahia Lila.
The Origin of the Name
The dive site takes its name from a beautiful blue-purple anemone (“Lila Anemone”), which is often surrounded by small cleaner shrimps. The anemone sits at the beginning of an underwater wall that is also home to a large group of trumpet fish.
Divers exploring the reef will notice that many other anemones are scattered throughout the area, giving the site its colourful appearance.
Dive Site Description
Bahia Lila offers a protected bay with depths ranging from 5 to 15 metres, making it ideal for:
- beginner divers
- Open Water students
- refresher dives
- relaxed recreational dives
- snorkelling
The dive begins along a long rugged volcanic wall with small caverns and crevices, providing shelter for a wide variety of marine life.
Marine Life at Bahia Lila
Divers frequently encounter:
- starfish
- scorpionfish
- parrotfish
- trumpet fish
- cardinal fish
- wrasse
- damselfish
Occasionally divers are lucky enough to see a passing sea turtle.
Perfect for Training and First-Time Divers
Thanks to the natural underwater formation and the protection of the bay, Bahia Lila is an ideal site for:
- Discover Scuba Diving experiences
- Open Water training dives
- refresher dives for divers returning after a break
The clear waters and shallow depth also make the site an excellent location for snorkelling, allowing non-divers to explore the marine life close to the surface.
Location and Dive Planning
Bahia Lila is located approximately 0.5 nautical miles (1 km) from the Scuba Sur dive centre at Anfi del Mar. The boat ride takes around 5 minutes, making it one of the closest dive sites to the dive centre.
Because we use the site frequently used for training dives, Scuba Sur has installed a permanent mooring line, which makes boat mooring, descent and ascent easier and safer for beginner divers.
We dive Bahia Lila commonly during the afternoon dive schedule. Certified divers share the dive boat with:
- Open Water students
- introductory divers
- snorkellers
Occasionally we dive the site during the morning dives, often combined with a deeper dive such as Sailboot Wreck.
FAQ – Bahia Lila Dive Site
Below you find answers to the most common questions about diving and snorkeling at Bahia Lila, the Scuba Sur house reef in Gran Canaria.
Where is the Bahia Lila dive site located?
You find Bahia Lila at 0.5 nautical miles (1 km) from the Scuba Sur dive centre at Anfi del Mar in southern Gran Canaria. The boat ride takes about 5 minutes, making it one of the closest dive sites to the dive centre.
What marine life can be seen at Bahia Lila?
Divers frequently encounter trumpet fish, octopus, rays, damselfish, starfish, wrasse and pufferfish around the reef and volcanic wall. The area also hosts many anemones with cleaner shrimps. Occasionally divers are lucky enough to encounter a passing sea turtle.
What diving level is required to dive Bahia Lila?
Bahia Lila is suitable for all diving levels, including beginners. We use the site regularly for:
- Discover Scuba Diving experiences (introduction dives)
- Open Water training dives
- refresher dives for certified divers returning after a break
The shallow depth and calm conditions make it one of the best beginner dive sites in Gran Canaria.
Is Bahia Lila interesting for experienced divers?
Yes. Although Scuba Sur uses Bahia Lila for training dives, the varied volcanic landscape, small caverns, swim-throughs and rich marine life make it an enjoyable dive for experienced divers as well. Even seasoned divers are often surprised by the variety of fish and macro life found around the reef.
Can you snorkel at Bahia Lila?
Yes. The clear and shallow waters of Bahia Lila make it an excellent snorkelling location in southern Gran Canaria. Snorkellers will see a variety of fish, anemones and marine life close to the surface.
Is Bahia Lila used for scuba diving courses?
Yes. Scuba Sur uses Bahia Lila, it’s house reef, for many Open Water Diver training dives. The protected bay, shallow depths and easy boat access make it an ideal training environment.
