La Gomera is the second-smallest of the main islands in Spain’s stunning Canary Islands. It has some breathtaking volcanic mountains with some of the best hiking trails. The higher you go, you will find dense forests of ferns with moss-covered trees thriving in the mists of Garajonay National Park. The island also boasts beautiful beaches and the clear blue waters of the mighty Atlantic Ocean which rarely dip below 20 degrees Celsius. The subtropical temperatures and guaranteed Sun allow you to enjoy watersports year-round. Here are a few ideas…
Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Canoeing
Stand-up paddleboarding goes back to ancient Polynesian times and it’s a sport that has been practised or centuries, although it became more popular when surfers started to use oars to improve their balance during training. This is a sport that works your entire body and it can be challenging, requiring a good sense of balance. There are two companies who can provide a board and an oar/paddle on the island – one in San Sebastián and another in Playa Santiago.
Snorkelling & Diving
La Gomera was awarded the title of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2012, due to its diverse natural resources and extraordinary seabeds. The Subaquatic flora and fauna are rich and diverse and countless species of fish swim in the waters, with many swimming in sync whilst others stick close to the rocks.
If you’d like to explore this other world without the burden of full diving equipment then snorkelling is for you. Wearing a diving mask and breathing tube, you casually swim on the surface of the water and enjoy the sights below. Operators do recommend swimming fins to help you glide through the water with ease. For those looking for more of a challenge, there are drift dives, caves and deep reefs to explore. There is a diving spot at the Natural Monument of Los Organos, a huge volcanic structure that leads underwater. This is also a great spot for underwater photographers.
Deep Sea Fishing
The waters of La Gomera are one of the world’s premier destinations for deep sea fishing. With a rich marine life that includes white marlin, spearfish, tuna, bluefin, big-eye, yellowfin, albacore, La Gomera is also native to blue marlin. In smaller numbers, you will also find Hammerhead and Mako sharks.
The ‘Isla de Gomera’ Deep Sea Fishing Championship is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year with awards for capturing and releasing fish such as marlin, garfish and tuna. The marlin and garfish are photographed and then returned to the sea whilst the tuna are taken to the coast and donated to charity, after being weighed. There are many charter boats in San Sebastian’s marina offering world-class boats, equipment and expertise for big game fishing, bottom fishing, jigging and blue marlin fishing.
Boat Excursions
As with the charter boats above, there are a number of companies that offer boat and maritime excursions to explore the outstanding coastline. The majority of excursions depart from the port of Vueltas (Valle Gran Rey), with other options at San Sebastián and Playa Santiago. The rich marine life includes barracudas, rays, turtles, dolphins and whales. La Gomera is renowned as one of the world’s best locations for whale and dolphin watching with sightings of a staggering 30 different species out of only 87 species worldwide.
Small leisure boats are also available for hire so you can do your own exploring and venture to the coastal coves, just remember to read all safety information and check local weather reports. Last but not least, don’t forget your camera!
Visit www.lagomera.travel for more information
