Playa del Jablillo

Playa del Jablillo — the beach of fine volcanic sand — is a beginner dive on Lanzarote's southern coast, its name referring to the characteristic pale volcanic sand that covers the beach and the sandy patches of its underwater terrain. This accessible shore dive provides an introduction to Lanzarote's southern dive environment in calm, warm conditions suitable for those at the beginning of their diving experience. Jablillo is the Canarian term for the fine, pale volcanic sand produced by the weathering of basalt — distinct from the coarser, darker volcanic sand of some island beaches, and contrasting beautifully with the dark rock formations that characterise Lanzarote's underwater landscape. At this site, the sandy areas between basalt formations provide both the navigational variety and the specific habitat that the sandy substrate creates, hosting the burrowing and resting species that prefer open substrate over the complex architecture of the reef. The basalt formations that border and intersperse the sandy areas descend from the shoreline in the typical Lanzarote pattern: algae-covered in the shallows, progressively richer in encrusting sponges and anemones with depth, and providing the crevice habitat that houses moray eels, common octopus, and the large dusky grouper that are a reliable feature of any undisturbed Canarian reef. The clarity of Lanzarote's southern waters means that the full extent of this varied terrain is visible from any position within it, making navigation and orientation straightforward even for those still developing their underwater spatial awareness. Stingrays rest partially buried in the sandy sections, and angel sharks — one of Lanzarote's most sought-after encounters — are a realistic possibility on any sandy southern coast dive. Sea turtles forage throughout this section of the island's coast. The combination of accessible conditions, varied terrain, and genuine wildlife possibilities makes Playa del Jablillo a welcoming entry point into Lanzarote's underwater world.