El Hierro

El Hierro, also known as the Meridien Isle, is the most south-westerly island in the Canary Islands chain, and the last island upon which the sun sets. The smallest of the seven main Canary Islands, this remote outpost is widely regarded as having the finest diving opportunities in this region. 

The entire island is a World Biosphere Reserve, a place where dramatic, volcanic landscapes meet with green forests and bountiful blue waters. 

Despite the remote location, the island caters well for tourists, particularly scuba divers and hikers. The island has a uniquely peaceful ambience with zero crime and friendly, welcoming locals. Free WiFi is available throughout the entire island for your convenience. 

DIVING IN EL HIERRO

La Restinga marine reserve offers the most vibrant marine life in the Canary Islands. Divers can enjoy plunging drop-offs to 300 metres, volcanic craters, seamounts, and a fascinating volcanic seascape of cliffs and caves. 

Despite the drama and rugged beauty of El Hierro's scenery, her southern waters are known for their generally calm, sheltered location, along with superb visibility. There are 46 dive sites to explore just 10 to 30 minutes by boat from the harbour, catering for all levels of diver. 

Marine life highlights include turtles, groupers, stingrays, dolphins, barracudas... and the occasional manta ray or whale shark! 

LA RESTINGA

The marine reserve also shares its name with the village that will act as your home for the duration of your stay. This simple yet charming village at the south of El Hierro is a far cry from the more touristed spots elsewhere in the Canary Islands, acting as a low key and relaxing base for your diving adventure. La Restinga features a range of apartment options, a selection of modest bistros and restaurants, shops and a small museum. 

Our partner SSI dive centre, Extra Divers, are strategically located just 50 metres from the harbour in La Restinga. The dive centre offers generous wet and dry storage space for your diving equipment, a shower and a small shop to buy your diving essentials.

Both 12 litre and 15 litres INT tanks are available, with a range of new, well-maintained Aqualung equipment available for hire. 

A large RIB is moored at the harbour, just a minutes' walk from the dive shop ready to take up to 12 divers to all the best dive spots in El Hierro. 

DIVE PACKS 

5 day, 10 dive packs can be arranged in advance. Suitably qualified divers may also wish to enjoy an unguided shore dive, with payment made locally.

SSI Open Water and Advanced courses can also be arranged for those looking to focus on their dive education. Registration documentation for your diving must be completed in advance of your visit. 

Please discuss your requirements with the Regaldive team, who will prepare a quotation suited to your needs. 

EXTRAS IN RESORT 

• Equipment hire (individual items): POA
• Unguided shore dives 

Local Regulations 

Medical: Please note that Spanish regulations require an up-to-date medical, should you mark any contraindications on the dive medical self-assessment questionnaire. 

Dive Limit: There is a legal dive limit in Spain to 40m (subject to appropriate qualification).

GETTING AROUND

La Restinga village is very small and can be explored on foot. For those looking to explore farther afield, car rental is recommended. Highlights include the sacred Garoe tree, the Charco Azul natural seawater pool, La Pena viewpoint and Frontera rural park.  

In addition to scuba diving, El Hierro is known as an excellent hiking destination. 

CLIMATE AND WATER TEMPERATURE  

The Canary Islands enjoy practically all year-round good weather. They are nicknamed the Islands of Eternal Spring and temperatures rarely drop below 16ºC and rise to around 30ºC in the summer. The climate is influenced by the proximity to North Africa with an average of 6 to 11 hours of sunshine each day. Water temperatures range from 18ºC to around 25ºC. 

When to go: All year, although July to November may be preferable if you prefer warmer water. A drysuit is advised in winter months, although a 7mm semi-dry should also be sufficient. A 5mm wet suit can be worn all year with hood and gloves in winter. 

WATER VISIBILITY 

The Canary Islands are renowned for their clear underwater visibility. During late spring, summer and autumn, visibility can reach 30+ metres. 

TIME 

There is no difference between GMT and local time. 

CURRENCY 

€ - Euros.  Banks are normally open until early afternoon from Monday to Friday, and until midday on Saturday. Summer and winter opening hours may differ.  Credit cards widely accepted.  ATMs are widely available. 

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Flights to Tenerife South are available from most UK main and regional airports with regular and frequent departures. This is the closest airport to El Hierro, with an onward ferry journey of 2.5 hours required to reach the island, all arranged for you by Regaldive.

Flight duration: UK to Tenerife:  4 - 4½ hours

Departure tax: N/A

PASSPORTS & VISAS

For UK citizens your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this. Visas are not required for UK citizens.

VACCINATIONS

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Lanzarote, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio for anyone. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure with your GP or local travel clinic.

Further information regarding vaccinations for travel can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider.