The San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council has announced the reopening of San Agustín and Las Burras beaches for swimming this Thursday, November 6, 2025, after confirming that there is no evidence of contamination in the water. The closure was solely a precautionary measure.
Four beaches in eastern and southern Gran Canaria remain closed this Wednesday after a viscous, yellowish stain with a strong odor was detected on the coast, prompting the activation of water quality controls and stricter recommendations for bathers.
The beaches of Melenara and Vargas, in the municipalities of Telde and Agüimes, and the tourist beaches of San Agustín and Las Burras, in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, remain closed to swimmers this Wednesday due to a marine pollution incident affecting the eastern and southern coasts of Gran Canaria. The presence in the water of a viscous, yellowish slick, accompanied by a strong odor and oily-looking residue, has led authorities to deploy reinforced surveillance and keep the red flag flying as a precaution at these beaches.
According to environmental groups such as Turcón–Ecologistas en Acción, the pollution could be linked to intensive aquaculture cages located off the coast of Telde, suggesting a structural problem rather than a one-off spill. These organizations warn that recent weather conditions have contributed to dispersing the waste southward, increasing the extent of the slick and its impact on Gran Canaria's beaches. In response, the Island Health Department and other relevant authorities have ordered new, specific water analyses, despite the fact that the most recent routine tests deemed the water safe for swimming.
Until the results of these analyses, expected throughout the day, are available, the express recommendation remains in place to refrain from swimming or engaging in water activities at the beaches of Melenara, Vargas, San Agustín, and Las Burras. The affected municipalities and health authorities urge beachgoers to consult only official sources and municipal and Gran Canaria Island Council information channels before heading to the coast, with the aim of ensuring the safety of swimmers and minimizing the impact of this marine pollution incident on the environment and the island's tourism image.
