FAQs · Destination Guide
Volcanic drop-offs, clear Atlantic water, and small-boat diving from La Restinga
Updated Apr 20, 2026 • 22 sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers sourced from research and local operating patterns.
The strongest scuba window is September to November. Water is warmer, visibility is usually excellent, and the chance of pelagic fly-bys around La Restinga is better than in much of the year. April to June is the best shoulder for fewer divers, comfortable weather, and reliable local-operator schedules. Diving is still possible year-round because El Hierro has a mild Canary climate, but December to March can bring cooler water and swell, while July and August are busier and can be more wind-exposed.
Dive El Bajon through an authorized La Restinga dive center, not as an independent shore plan. The site is a current-fed volcanic seamount with shallow summits and walls that drop well beyond recreational limits, so operators choose it only when current, swell, visibility, and group ability are appropriate. Advanced Open Water comfort, strong buoyancy, SMB skills, and a conservative gas plan are useful. Bring certification, insurance, and any medical paperwork requested before the boat briefing.
Yes, but choose the operator and itinerary carefully. Beginners can train and make easier guided dives around La Restinga when conditions are calm, and the visibility helps confidence. The destination becomes more demanding at signature sites such as El Bajon, where current, depth, and blue-water ascents can be inappropriate for new divers. A good first El Hierro trip pairs local check dives, easier reserve sites, strong buoyancy practice, and topside days rather than chasing every headline site immediately.
Do not plan the reserve as a casual shore-diving destination. Spanish reserve rules structure recreational scuba around authorization, boat support, marked or permitted points, group limits, and no-take conduct. Local dive centers are the normal way visitors access the sites, and they handle practical compliance with reserve procedures. Snorkeling and swimming at public coastal areas such as Tacoron are different activities, but scuba inside the reserve should be planned through authorized operators and current local rules.
Stay in La Restinga if diving is the trip priority. The village puts you beside the harbor, dive centers, seafood restaurants, apartments, and the south-coast swim zone, so early boat briefings are simple. El Pinar works if you want a quieter inland base with a short drive, while Valverde or Frontera suit travelers who prioritize island touring over diving. Because bus timing is limited, a rental car is still recommended unless your operator and accommodation handle transfers.
Yes, as long as you like lava coves and natural pools more than sandy beaches. Tacoron is the classic south-coast swim near La Restinga, while Charco Azul, La Maceta, Tamaduste, and La Caleta offer different protected-water settings. The main rule is to respect swell. A pool that looks calm in photos can be unsafe when waves wash over lava ledges. For better wildlife context and safer route choice, consider a guided snorkel session from La Restinga.
Most divers connect by air through Tenerife Norte or Gran Canaria to El Hierro Airport (VDE), then drive about 39 km to La Restinga. Check inter-island baggage rules because small-aircraft allowances may be stricter than your international ticket. The ferry from Los Cristianos, Tenerife, to Puerto de La Estaca is attractive if you have heavy gear or want to bring a vehicle, and the crossing is about 2 hours 20 minutes. Always leave a no-fly buffer after diving.
There is no simple visitor dive tag like some island destinations use. The important requirement is authorization for scuba in the Punta de La Restinga-Mar de Las Calmas Marine Reserve. For normal visitors, this is typically handled through an authorized La Restinga dive center as part of the booking process. Private divers need to satisfy Spanish reserve requirements, including certification, insurance, medical fitness documentation, and boat-based procedures. No separate Canary Islands tourism levy was identified for general visitors.
Non-divers have strong options because El Hierro is compact and scenic. Near the dive base, Tacoron is the easiest swim and sun stop when the sea is calm. With a car, pair Mirador de la Pena with El Golfo, Charco Azul, or La Maceta, or drive west to El Sabinar and Orchilla Lighthouse. La Llania is a good forest walk on cloudy or windy coastal days. Because microclimates shift quickly, choose each day's route after checking sea and highland weather.
Exposure choice depends on season and personal tolerance. Winter and early spring can feel cool after repetitive dives, so many divers prefer a 5mm suit, hooded vest, or extra layer. Late summer and autumn are warmer, and some divers are comfortable in a lighter suit, but Atlantic upwelling, wind on the boat, and multi-dive days can still chill you. Freedivers should prioritize a well-fitting suit for breath-up comfort and surface intervals rather than only thinking about depth.
El Hierro is suitable for freediving when planned through local schools or experienced guides. The south coast offers calm-water potential, clear visibility, and deep volcanic water close to land, which is excellent for training but also demands discipline. The best window is September to November, with April to June as a workable shoulder. Never freedive alone, use a buoy and line for training, and do not assume that a scuba reserve site is automatically open or safe for independent apnea sessions.