Los Charcones Natural Pools & Ocean Safety
The Charcones de Aguas Verdes are one of Fuerteventura’s most spectacular natural wonders: an untouched 6-kilometer stretch of volcanic coastline dotted with crystal-clear natural swimming pools, carved by ancient lava flows and filled by the Atlantic Ocean.
Atlantic Ocean & Natural Pools Safety Notice
Los Charcones (Aguas Verdes) are wild volcanic tidal pools
Check the Tides: The natural pools are safe for swimming only during low tide and falling tide with calm swell. At high tide or during high swell (waves > 1.5m), the Atlantic crashes violently over the outer reefs into the pools.
Low TideIdeal & crystal clear
High Tide / Big SwellNever enter the pools
Water ShoesWear escarpines for sharp rock
1. Understanding the Tides (Crucial for Your Safety)
Section titled “1. Understanding the Tides (Crucial for Your Safety)”Because the pools are situated on the open, wild west coast of Fuerteventura, ocean conditions vary dramatically depending on the tide cycle:
- 🟢 Safe Swimming Window (Low Tide): The pools are calm, crystalline, and safe for swimming from 2 hours before low tide until 1 hour after low tide. During this window, the surrounding rock barriers isolate the pools from the ocean swell.
- 🔴 Dangerous Window (High Tide & Swell): At mid-to-high tide or when wave swell exceeds 1.5 meters, powerful Atlantic breakers surge over the rock rims. This creates strong suction and underwater currents that can sweep swimmers out into the open sea. Never enter the water under these conditions.
2. Five Golden Rules for Visiting Los Charcones
Section titled “2. Five Golden Rules for Visiting Los Charcones”- Wear Water Shoes (Escarpines): The volcanic lava rock is sharp, and black sea urchins (erizos de mar) occasionally shelter in deeper crevices. Good rubber-soled water shoes or scuba booties are essential.
- Never Turn Your Back on the Ocean: Atlantic wave sets come in groups; a calm sea can suddenly produce an unusually large wave (ola rebelde). Always remain aware of the outer ledge.
- Check the Pool Depth Before Jumping: Water depth changes with every tide cycle and moving sand. Always ease yourself in gently.
- Sun Protection: The west coast can be breezy, which masks the intensity of the Canarian sun. Use water-resistant, reef-safe sunscreen.
- Leave No Trace: There are no trash bins or lifeguards on the rocks. Please take all empty bottles, snack wrappers, and personal belongings back with you to the apartment.
3. What to Pack
Section titled “3. What to Pack”- Rubber-soled water shoes (escarpines)
- Snorkel mask & goggles (you will see parrotfish, damselfish, and crabs in the clear pools)
- Microfiber towel
- Plenty of bottled drinking water
- Windbreaker or light cover-up for the walk back