El Bajón - Canary Islands

We’re always chasing that feeling of discovery, and El Bajón, just off the coast of El Hierro, gives it to us in spades. It’s an underwater mountain, really, a volcanic peak that breaks the surface then plunges down. The whole place feels wild. Drop down and you’re immediately enveloped in shoals of salema, like a silver curtain parting to let you through. We’ve spent whole dives just watching them pulse around the rock. The currents here can be lively, which is great for drift diving, but do check conditions before you jump in. That movement brings in the bigger stuff, and we’ve had some truly memorable encounters with dusky groupers patrolling the deeper ledges. Keep an eye out for the trickier residents too, like the bastard eel peeking out from its hole, or the very camouflaged Mediterranean slipper lobster hugging the rocks. It’s not just big fish though; the orange ball corallimorphs add a splash of unexpected colour against the volcanic rock. We love exploring the nooks and crannies where you can spot brown garden eels swaying in the milder currents. This site is a playground for experienced divers who appreciate dynamic dives and the thrill of the unexpected.

Location
Canary Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
27.635450, -17.989397
Type
pinnacle
Maximum Depth
20-40m

Marine Protected Area: Reserva Marina de la Punta de la Restinga-Mar de Las Calmas

Best Time to Dive in Canary Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Canary Islands occur in September, averaging 23.7°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 19.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 20.1°C
  • February: 19.5°C
  • March: 19.3°C
  • April: 19.8°C
  • May: 20.6°C
  • June: 21.8°C
  • July: 22.6°C
  • August: 23.1°C
  • September: 23.7°C
  • October: 23.5°C
  • November: 22.4°C
  • December: 21.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Canary Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to El Bajón

Marine Life in Canary Islands

Home to 80 recorded species including 50 reef fish, 9 whales & dolphins, 8 sharks & rays, 2 octopus & squid, 2 crabs & lobsters, 2 worms.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for El Bajón

Based on average water temperature of 21.5°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 21°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories