Safety · Destination Guide
Volcanic walls, black coral, and starry summit nights on the Atlantic's green Canary Island
Updated Apr 20, 2026 • 36 sources
La Palma's main safety themes are Atlantic exposure, volcanic shore entries, depth, altitude after diving, and reserve compliance. Treat local operator advice as essential, not optional. The island has a public hospital and emergency services, but divers should not assume immediate recompression treatment on La Palma. Carry dive accident insurance with a 24-hour emergency hotline and plan conservative profiles.
Use a DSMB, dive computer, and conservative gas planning on every guided dive. Lava entries can be slippery, surge can trap divers near rocks, and some sites have boat traffic or current. Torre de Malpique is a deep advanced dive, while Las Cruces de Malpique can have current despite its accessible shore entry. Do not enter overhead environments unless trained. Avoid high-altitude drives after diving, especially Roque de los Muchachos above 2.4 km. If a local operator cancels for sea state, respect the call.
For any life-threatening emergency in Spain, call 112. Hospital Universitario General de La Palma in Brena Alta is the island's main public hospital, but divers should verify current hyperbaric arrangements before the trip. Public discussions about implementing a La Palma chamber indicate that chamber logistics may involve other Canary Islands, so treat DAN Europe, emergency medical evacuation coverage, and operator emergency plans as essential for deep or repetitive diving.
Atlantic swell and lava exits
La Palma entries can be rocky, slippery, and surge-prone. Do not commit to an exposed shore dive or snorkel because it looked calm from the road. Ask local operators, check lifeguard flags, and keep a backup site.
Currents at signature south-coast sites
Las Cruces de Malpique can have occasional strong current, and Torre de Malpique is a demanding deep profile. Bring appropriate certification, an SMB, and the discipline to cancel when the sea is wrong.
Altitude after diving
Roque de los Muchachos rises above 2.4 km. Treat high-elevation drives like flying after diving and apply conservative surface intervals, especially after deep or repetitive dives.
The La Palma Marine Reserve was created to protect fisheries, habitats, and biodiversity on the south-west coast. Follow reserve rules, carry authorizations when required, do not collect marine life, do not feed fish, and keep fins, gauges, and cameras off black coral, algae forests, sponges, and lava surfaces. Use reef-safe sun protection, control buoyancy before entering arches or swim-throughs, and avoid trampling tide-pool life at snorkel and shore-entry sites.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when atlantic swell and lava exits. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency services Spain | Medical, fire, police, and rescue dispatch | 112 | 24 hours |
| Salvamento Maritimo | Maritime rescue and sea emergency coordination | +34 900 202 202; VHF Channel 16 | 24 hours |
| Hospital Universitario General de La Palma | Main public hospital on La Palma | +34 922 185 000 | 24 hours emergency care |
| DAN Europe emergency hotline | Diving emergency medical advice for insured divers | +39 06 4211 5685 | 24 hours |
| Puerto de Tazacorte marine reserve information center | Marine reserve information and local administrative contact | +34 922 480 223 | Office hours |