It covers 30,9 hectares in the municipal term of
Haría. The underground aquatic habitat and concretely the species that inhabit in there are the main purpose for protection.
Jameos del Agua volcanic tuff is very complex regarding the shape as the structure.
Malpaís de la Corona already had its current aspect when a great flow of lava began to arise for the oriental base of the volcano which was collapsing in the clinker and previously poured rocks. This river of lava was opening a deep track where the surface went cooling down and being formed a stable and consistent vault.
The ascents and descents of the lava level have allowed the formation of lateral comices, corridors, wells, tunnels, and superimposed bridges. Close to the coast these sways of lava cause the instantaneous gasification of the salted water and as consequence big explosions broke the superior vault as it happened in Jameo Trasero, the nearest to the coast.
This phenomenon also took place in Jameo del Agua. In some points and mainly in a great block that remains next to the hole where it was pulled up is observed clearly.
The protected area is last tract of this great tuff and it includes: Jameos del Agua, Jameos de los Lagos, Jameo Trasero and part of the tunnel of the Atlantis (Cavities with lakes of marine water that harbour a characteristic wildlife). It is the habitat of a dozen strange and endemic species, some of which are, also, exclusive ofthese lakes: Rimípedo or blind Poliqueto.
Blind crab or "jameito" is the most popular species from these jameos. It has become the animal symbol of Lanzarote. This species has also been found in areas of similar characteristic as in Orzola and El Hierro island. So a dispersion possibility in the ocean is deduced. About 150 of these crab species for square meter complete the vital cycle and maintain their biggest density in the waters of the jameos. This species is similar to the abyssal marine fauna; white in colour with no eyes. There are similar crabs in the marine depths surrounding the Canary Islands, as well as in the Pacific and other points of the Atlantic. Bacterium from surroundings of the submarine volcanic fumaroles is the basic food for this specie.
Since 1966, Jameos del Agua has been open to the pub lic. It has restaurant, bar, pool and an auditory with capacity for 500 people. Everything adomed with exuberant and exotic plants as well as plants from the country.
Next to the jameos the House of the Volcanoes has been built where the geo1ogic evo1ution of Lanzarote is exposed.
