Do the Canary Islands have good snorkeling?

Im from the C.I. I recommend you the island of "El Hierro" , some say is among the best in the world for snorkeling.
The island has an airport and you can fly in from any other island or take the ferry. I advise the latter so you can explore the island better if you are renting a car and moving around with your equipment.
Because of the cold and open currents that run through the Canary Islands you can find a wide variety of sea creatures: from pilot whales- you can swim around them with out fear- between Tenerife and La Gomera islands to sperm wales in the eastern islands- no need to tell you to stay away from those- .
They are all worth visiting for they all are very different in geography, climate and sea life.


Depending on the part of the island you swim the current can be fatal or non existent. As a rule of thumb do what locals do and drink the same wine they do.
The local fish is the best, and you can eat all you can fish.
The "morena" or see snake is very good fried. Octopus and squids are a delicatessen too. There is one fish called "Vieja" you will really like. It is served with small boiled potatos with sea salt and a sauce called "mojo picon". Once you try that dish you will understand why europeans love to go to those islands on vacation.
enjoy it!
I got you this site so you can learn more about snorkeling in the islands:


http://marenostrum.org/download/aquanet/...

You can snorkel OK. Water is different than in the Caribbean for example and is cooler. Ocean is more agitated than in the caribbean. I would not say it's among the best places in the world for snorkeling but you can do it and there are fishes. It's pretty deep water and you may need a wetsuit if you stay for some time. I don't think you can start from a sandy beach because you'll find only sand and depth.

Enjoy it

Which island are you going to? I went to Tenerife, it seems like you could give it a try, but the sea is a little 'rougher' over there.

I would take your gear just in case.