Blue tourism has become one of the main reasons to visit the Canary Islands. In fact, it accounts for approximately 13% of travel motivations to the archipelago, reaching 15% in islands such as Lanzarote. Today, on the Last Minute Transfer and First Minute Excursions blog, we discuss blue tourism in the Canary Islands.

Blue Tourism in the Canary Islands

Blue tourism focuses on the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources, offering unique sea-related experiences while promoting environmental conservation and the well-being of local communities.

The Canary Islands have several factors that enhance the development of blue tourism:

  • Marine Wealth:
    The Canary waters are home to a wide variety of marine species, including cetaceans, sea turtles, and a rich biodiversity of fish.
  • Year-Round Warm Climate:
    The sunny and mild weather allows visitors to enjoy water activities throughout the year.
  • Infrastructure for Nautical Activities:
    The islands offer an extensive network of marinas, diving centers, and companies specializing in aquatic activities.
  • Sustainable Tourism:
    There is a growing interest in developing a more sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism model.

Benefits of Blue Tourism

The development of blue tourism can bring numerous benefits to the tourism sector and society at large:

  1. Diversification of the Tourism Offer:
    Blue tourism expands the range of activities available, attracting a more specialized audience.
  2. Job Creation:
    Initiatives related to the sea generate employment in various sectors.
  3. Marine Conservation:
    Sustainable practices and environmental education programs help protect marine ecosystems.
  4. Economic Development:
    Blue tourism boosts the economic growth of coastal areas and supports local communities.

Key Activities in Canary Blue Tourism

  1. Water Sports:
    The islands provide ideal conditions for surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding, attracting athletes from around the globe.
  2. Diving and Snorkeling:
    The richness of the Canary Islands’ seabed allows visitors to explore unique biodiversity, supported by numerous diving schools and centers.
  3. Whale Watching:
    In areas like Tenerife and La Gomera, visitors can observe various cetacean species in their natural habitat, combining education with respect for the environment.
  4. Fishing Tourism:
    Recent initiatives let tourists join local fishermen, learning traditional fishing methods while supporting the diversification of the fishing economy.

To promote blue tourism in the Canary Islands, the Canary Islands Government, in collaboration with entities such as Promotur and local universities, has launched projects focused on intelligent management and the creation of blue tourism products. These efforts are part of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan.

Additionally, the Canary Islands’ First Tourism Product Club has been launched, aiming to highlight fishing activities linked to tourism and support artisanal fishing communities.

With its privileged climate and extensive range of marine-related activities, the Canary Islands are a leading destination for blue tourism. The blend of aquatic experiences, sustainability commitment, and cultural richness offers visitors a unique and enriching experience year-round.