Playa La Bombilla - Canary Islands

Sharkies Hideaway Part 1 is the drift dive we always recommend when someone asks about Carriacou. You start over volcanic cliffs, a dramatic entry point before the reef picks up. We love the way the current just carries you along, no finning needed, past these really interesting rock formations studded with corals. The maximum depth is a comfortable 17 meters, perfect for soaking it all in. The real showstopper is the "Fish Bowl," a rocky amphitheatre at the end of the dive. This place genuinely lives up to its name; we’ve seen schools of snapper and grunt so thick they almost obscure the light. And yes, the nurse sharks are usually there, tucked under the overhangs, sometimes two or three of them. Keep an eye on the surface, especially where the waves break, as schools of herring and fusiliers often put on a real display there. It's a dive that rewards a relaxed approach, letting the water do the work and just watching the theatre unfold.

Location
Canary Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
28.592300, -17.919700
Type
drift

Marine Protected Area: Reserva Marina de la Isla de la Palma

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 Playa La Bombilla

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 Playa La Bombilla

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Playa La Bombilla, and are there options for both shallow and deep dives?
At Playa La Bombilla, the maximum depth for typical dives is 13m, offering a very shallow experience among numerous arches. However, divers also have the option to follow significant lava flows down into the deep blue, providing a contrast to the shallower areas.
What kind of marine life and underwater volcanic formations can divers expect to see at Playa La Bombilla?
Divers at Playa La Bombilla can expect to encounter a huge number of impressive arches and significant lava flows, which make the underwater landscape particularly interesting. While the landscape is a highlight, marine life includes species such as cuttlefish, trumpetfishes, parrotfishes, and some sting rays.
How challenging is diving at Playa La Bombilla, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Playa La Bombilla is rated as intermediate difficulty, primarily due to its drift dive nature. This means it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers who are still developing their buoyancy and navigation skills. Divers with some experience will find it more suitable.
What is the best time of year to dive at Playa La Bombilla for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Playa La Bombilla for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at Playa La Bombilla?
Given the intermediate difficulty and drift dive type at Playa La Bombilla, a basic Open Water Diver certification is a prerequisite. However, an Advanced Open Water certification or experience with drift diving is highly recommended to comfortably enjoy the site's unique features.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at Playa La Bombilla?
At Playa La Bombilla, divers can expect an average visibility of 13m. The dive type is classified as a drift dive, indicating that currents are typically present and will influence the dive plan.