La Restinga – Diving (Mar de las Calmas)

One of Europe's premier diving destinations. The Mar de las Calmas ("Sea of Calm") is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve marine area off El Hierro's southern tip, protected from the trade winds by the island's volcanic topography. This creates exceptionally calm, clear conditions with year-round visibility of 30–50 m. Over 20 dive sites within 15 minutes by boat: La Cueva del Diablo (volcanic cave), El Bajón (seamount rising from 70 m to 12 m, teeming with giant grouper, barracuda, and amberjack), Punta de la Bonanza (walls and arches), and the wreck of a fishing trawler. The waters are a designated marine reserve (Reserva Marina Punta de La Restinga–Mar de las Calmas) since 1996 with abundant marine life: angelsharks, eagle rays, moray eels, loggerhead turtles, and whale sharks seasonally. Major dive centres: Centro de Buceo El Hierro, La Restinga Diving Center. Water temperature: 19–24°C. Dive sites suit all levels from Open Water to technical diving.