Extra Divers El Hierro - Canary Islands

El Hierro is a quiet island, and the diving here feels just as unhurried, which we love. We often find ourselves drifting along the volcanic slopes with just a handful of other divers, sometimes none at all. The site itself isn’t about huge pelagics, though a loggerhead turtle might glide past, and we’ve spotted yellow barracuda cruising in the blue. Instead, it’s the smaller, more unusual stuff that really stands out. Look for the quirky cowfish with their tiny horns, the wide-eyed flounder pressed flat against the rock, and the colourful parrotfish munching on algae. Our favourite time to dive here is late morning, after the initial boat traffic (what little there is) has subsided. The light angles are fantastic then, illuminating the strange rock formations and giving a golden glow to the brown garden eels swaying in the sand. This is a place for slow, observant diving. It suits divers who appreciate the intricacies of a volcanic reef and enjoy spotting unique species that are harder to find elsewhere. If you’re into macro and interesting fish behaviour, you’ll be in your element.

Location
Canary Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
27.640965, -17.980824
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
10-30m

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 Extra Divers El Hierro

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 Extra Divers El Hierro

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