The smallest and most westerly Canary Island, a true paradise for nature lovers. Calm Marine Reserves, Volcanic Long Lava Tongues, Abundance Marine life make it an ideal family place to dive.
Scuba 4 Families - La Restinga - "Mar de las Calmas" Dive Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Beginner Dive Sites (Safety conditions, Entry/Exit etc)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Marine and Coral Life Conditions ( 0-18m)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Accessibility of Location (Ease of Travel)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Value for Money (Dives are 25 Euros each)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Customer Service of Dive Club
La Restinga, El Hierro constitutes the southernmost settlement of all Spain and politically Europe. It's a hidden gem for diving, with a protected and sheltered marine reserve (Mar de las Calmas) on the western side of the harbour. The crystal clear waters and biodiversity of the seabed stem from the volcanic landscape. Rich nutrients from the 2011 volcanic eruption brought an abundance of marine life making it a great place to scuba dive. There are many scuba schools in village to choose from. The proximity of the marina to the village of La Restinga is very convenient for replenishing supplies, finding any necessary replacement parts or savouring typical Canarian dishes in one of the nearby restaurants.
“Mummy did we really see a 3m pregnant small toothed sand tiger shark?" "Yes with 8 junior open water dives under your belt Lauren you are one lucky young lady”
Scuba 4 Families: What are you going to see?
Marine life varies from large pelagic fish like Barracuda, Dolphins, (occasional sand tiger sharks) to Devil Rays, Eels (many varieties), Rock Lobsters, Trumpetfish, Parrotfish, Atlantic Triggerfish and Dusky Groupers. For macro lovers there are fire worms, nudibranchs, seahorses, stunning soft corals, and long lava tongues providing crevices for shrimp to hide.
Scuba 4 Families: Why Dive there with children?
In the calm sea marine reserve on the western side of La Restinga, its like a large flat lagoon with gentle ripples on the surface. Its protected from currents from the large volcanic cliff over hangs, and little wind. Entering from a boat there are fixed boy lines for each of the 15 dives in this reserve, so easy descent for children. With typical water visibility of 30 meters or more, children feel comfortable in their surroundings. With no large commercial acitivty and very few large ships passing, it makes it a safe place to dive.