El Hierro·Spain
Photo: Noz Urbina · Pexels
El Hierro's shore drops fast into warm, gin-clear Atlantic where seamounts, arches and big pelagics gather in a protected reserve. It is consistently rated the best diving in the Canaries, and among the best in Europe.
In season: Year-round · Peak: Oct–Apr
Volcanic topography — walls, caverns and the El Bajón seamount — with visibility that routinely tops 30 m. Most dives run through a centre in La Restinga; some sites need a guide and advanced ticket.
Volcanic arches and groupers straight off the shore
Black sand plain with rays and the clearest water on the island
A seamount rising to 10 m, the signature dive of the Canaries
Cavern swim-throughs on the edge of the Mar de las Calmas reserve
Fly via Tenerife to El Hierro and base in La Restinga. Dive through a licensed centre; bring your certification card and log, and a 5 mm suit for the warm-but-Atlantic water.
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