Marine life
The magnificent island of El Hierro is the smallest of the Canary Islands and the furthest from the Moroccan coasts. This island, of volcanic origin, has experienced numerous eruptions that have shaped its particular triangular shape over millennia. This wild island, the least populated of the canaries, constitutes a haven of peace for travelers in search of a peaceful and exotic place. The island has been recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco since 2000 and has been able to use the abundant renewable energies available to become autonomous in terms of energy. But what about scuba diving?
El Hierro is admired for the clarity of its waters, its tortuous underwater landscapes and the possibility of encountering large pelagics such as devil rays and sharks. The village of La Restinga is the area with the highest desity of diving centers. It has become the gateway to the marine reserve of “Mar de las Calmas” and its magnificent diving sites. You will admire its volcanic-type bottoms where the lava has grown genuine furrows, formed of sumptuous caves and arches around which have settled a very rich fauna and flora. The underwater mountain “El Bajon” is often considered by divers as the most spectacular diving spot of El Hierro. If you go diving in the Canary Islands, do not miss it.
When to go diving in El Hierro?
To get to El Hierro, the best period is certainly from June to October. However, temperatures remain pleasant outside this period thanks to a warm and dry climate. The Marine Reserve of Mar de las Calmas is, moreover, open all year round for diving.
Diving conditions
Visibility is excellent in this part of the Canary Islands. More or less 30 meters of visibility.
The currents are not very strong in the marine reserve and you can dive there without fear.
Required dive levels: There are more than thirty dive sites. You will find, without difficulty, a challenge adapted to your level and certification. The more experienced diver will be able to discover the many the caves or explore the depths of these famous dive sites.
The temperature of the water varies from 21 ° to 24 ° Celsius.
What to see while diving in canary islands?
You will cross many species during your immersions. The most common are groupers, amberjacks, octopus but also crustaceans. However, if you look carefully, you can spot a lot of flatfish and even magnificent seahorses. With luck, one can observe devil rays, turtles and even sharks: blue sharks, hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks and even dive with whale sharks. Do not dream too much, however, of making such an encounte as the last specimen was seen there in 1999. The seabed consists of superb sponges, black and yellow corals that swarm on the soil fertilized by dried lava. Get ready to dive !
