La Restinga & Marine Reserve
La Restinga / Mar de las Calmas
One of Europe's top dive sites. The calm marine reserve is home to groupers, manta rays and underwater volcanic landscapes.
La Restinga is a small fishing harbour at the southern tip of El Hierro. Its sheltered 'Calm Sea' (Mar de las Calmas) is almost always free of waves. A marine reserve was established here in 1996. Underwater visibility often reaches 30 metres, and large groupers, barracuda, sea turtles, manta rays and whale sharks can be seen. Arches and caves formed by volcanic lava are the dive highlights. An international underwater photography competition is held here every November.
The town has several dive centres offering introductory and boat dives. A submarine volcanic eruption occurred nearby in 2011, and you can learn about it at the volcano interpretation centre.
It is about 50 minutes' drive from Valverde.
Opening hours
Open all day; dive center approx. 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Cala de Tacorón
- Las Playas & Mirador de Isora
- Parque Cultural El Julan
- Roque de la Bonanza
- El Golfo Valley
- Mirador de Jinama
- Ecomuseo de Guinea & Lagartario
- Charco Azul