Canary Islands
Dive Jobs & Work Guide
Outermost region of the European Union
Pay Range: USD $1,000–1,800 /month
Living Cost: USD $900–$1,400 /month
High Season: October–April, June–August
Visa Info: Non-EU citizens need a Spanish Work Permit + NIE
Dive Focus: Shore / Boat Diving + Training + Volcanic Reefs
Languages: English, German, Spanish, French
What's the diving like?
Volcanic reefs, black sand, lava arches, drop-offs, and easy shore entries. Water ranges 18–24 °C with 15–30 m visibility. Expect turtles, angel sharks (winter), rays, barracuda, and predictable Atlantic conditions. Boat dives hit deeper walls and pinnacles.
Why work here?
The Canaries offer year-round European tourism, structured operations, and consistent student flow. Safe, organised, and professional. Costs are reasonable for Europe, and conditions are predictable. Ideal for instructors who want EU standards without Mediterranean winters.
When do I apply?
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Main hiring: September–November (winter season)
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Secondary: April–June (summer bump)
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Shops also hire mid-season due to turnover and language needs.
What's the pay like?
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Instructors: USD $1,200–1,800 /month (€1,100–1,700)
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Divemasters: USD $1,000–1,400 /month (€950–1,300) + tips
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Accommodation: Often not included; shared rent $400–700
German and French speakers often earn more and get hired faster.
What Visa is needed?
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EU citizens: free to work.
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Non-EU: need a Spanish Work Permit + NIE sponsored by the employer.
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Tourist visas cannot be used for work.
Paperwork is slow; many shops prefer EU instructors for speed.
Visa rules change; always confirm with Spanish Immigration or your sponsoring centre.
What’s the industry like?
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Languages: English (essential), German highly requested, Spanish and French valuable.
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Dive Focus: Open Water, Advanced, guided shore dives, boat dives to volcanic structures
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Main Agencies: Most shops are PADI, with a few SSI.
Item | $USD | Local (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
🍺 Beer (bar) | $3-$5 | €3–€4.50 |
📱 SIM Card /month | $10-$15 | €9–€14 |
🏠 Shared rent /month | $400-$700 | €370–€650 |
🛵 Transport /month
| $120-$160 | €110–€150 |
🍜 Local Meal | $9-$14 | €8–€13 |
☕ Coffee | $2-$3 | €1.80–€2.80 |
Costs of Living (Oct 2025 avg)
What's life like at work?
Days start around 08:00. Expect 2–3 dives per day, mostly shore entries with some boat trips. Courses are steady, especially OW/AOW. Conditions are consistent, with winter offering the best visibility.
How's life after work?
Most staff live near tourist zones like Los Cristianos (Tenerife), Puerto del Carmen (Lanzarote), or Playa del Inglés (Gran Canaria). Evenings mean tapas, local bars, beaches, or quiet nights at home. Days off mean coastal hikes, ferries between islands, or freediving volcanic coves. Lifestyle is comfortable and safe.
Is it for me?
Great for instructors and DMs wanting structured EU operations, steady year-round work, and predictable conditions. Less ideal if you want tropical water, ultra-low costs, or wild nightlife. This is professional, organised Atlantic diving.
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