My partner and I want to combine fantastic scuba diving with top notch surfing
without flying more than 4-6 hours. We know that the Canary Islands offer
both activities but are blighted by tacky, day glo, mass market tourist
resorts. Do you know of any more chilled out parts of the Canaries where we
can stay in boutique-style accomodation, find quality restaurants, and sate
our thirst for thrilling watersports? Scot Devine, East Dulwich, London
Ginny McGrath, Assistant Travel Editor Times Online, responds: I spoke
to a representative of the Association of
Independent Tour Operators, whose membership boasts a number of active
holiday companies.
They said that in terms of the Canaries, the best AITO member is Cachet
Travel (020 8847 8700), which has a devoted Canaries
programme. Cachet will have Canaries experts that can advise you on
where to stay to avoid the crowds - there's plenty of spots in the Canaries
that aren't tacky.
If Cachet can't help with organising the water sports, you could contact the Canary
Islands Surf Academy on Fuerteventura, which charges from E45 a day for
lessons. Even if you don't book with them, they will be a good resource for
surfing know-how in the Canaries.
If you opt for Fuerteventura you'll be among surfers. It is known for its good
breaks and long sandy beaches. As for where to stay, Corralejo is busy in
the peak summer period but quieter in the winter when it begins to resemble
the old fishing port it once was, so may fit the bill if you're travelling
outside of July/August. There's also the historic town of
Betancuria,Fuerteventura's former capital, which makes a good day trip if
you want a break from the beach and fancy exploring its churches and
museums.
For diving, there are plenty of PADI-certified centres on Fuerteventura
including Punta Amanay, where it
costs from E38 a dive. For information on what you can expect to see in
terms of marine life and plenty of photos, the Davy
Jones Diving Centre in Gran Canaria has a good website.
Or try using the search function on the PADI
website to find other dive centres.
Another Aito member is diving holiday specialists Regaldive,
who can set up tailor-made trips that combine diving and other activities.
The Red Sea is their suggested option – but it'd be windsurfing and
kitesurfing, rather than classic surfing.
Hurghada has hosted the world championships for windsurfing in the past, and
Dahab and El Gouna are known for the pursuit. Dive centres tend to offer all
watersports, so surfing can be combined with other activities.
In terms of where to stay, you have to work hard to find somewhere quaint and
quirky in the Red Sea – but options do exist. Dahab was a Bedouin settlement
for many years, and the area is so laid back it used to be a popular hippy
hang out. The Nesima Hotel is a suitable place, with its unique domed
traditional rooms and beach front location. Further down the coast, El
Gouna’s Sultan Bey is a smaller and more boutiquey hotel in a quiet spot. El
Gouna is great for eating out, with a nice waterfront & marina.
Otherwise Bali, the Maldives and Costa Rica would fit the bill for both diving
and surfing – but they are outside your requested six-hour flight zone.
