La Palma is one of Spain's Canary Islands located off north west Africa in the North Atlantic Ocean. This volcanic island is constructed of a volcanic landscape, above, and below the water. The volcanos, black beaches, forests and thriving waters result in a stunning holiday and diving destination. Most of the diving here is shore diving as the volcanic topography steeply drops off down into the blue very close to shore. There are a number of dive centres and dive resorts on the island with experienced guides to take divers to the best dive sites around, whether it be to take dive courses in the protected bays or to experience the deep blue. The clear waters and unique topography are the background of many impressive dive sites which also inhabit many different species including numerous graceful ray species. Each dive here is bound to be a thrill.
There is a range of different types of diving to be done here for divers of all levels. Diving is done here from shore, and divers will either be entering the protected sandy bays to do shallower diving to admire the marine species, or they will be entering deeper dives either out into the blue in the hope of spotting larger species, or in between the uniquely shaped rock formations which come in the shape of shallow caves, arches, canyons, caverns and overhangs. There are also rock formations which rise out of sandy beds which have truly unique shapes.
Luckily, diving is possible throughout the year. The rainiest months of the year are October to January, however, it does not rain too much to hinder diving. The best diving season runs from May to September, with the warmest waters and best visibility, and the warmest outside air temperatures. The water temperatures range between 19°C and 26°C and the outside air temperatures range between 23°C and 29°C. The visibility around 25 metres and on the best days reaching over 35 metres.
Butterfly Rays are mostly present in the winter, between October and February.
The clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean attract a high abundance of marine flora and fauna for divers to enjoy that live within the many cracks and crevices of the volcanic topography in combination with the sandy bottom. There are rocks covered in corals and other flora including Black Corals, Sea Sponges and the stunning Red Gorgonians which are surrounded by many schools of small fish. Critters here include Octopus, Scorpion Fish, Moray Eels, Spider Crabs, Feather Stars, different species of Lobster and Shrimp, and colourful Nudibranchs. Some larger species here include Sea Turtles, Groupers, schools of Barracuda, Trigger Fish, large Stingrays, Electric Rays and in the winter the graceful Butterfly Rays.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 300
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 27
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 25
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 3
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 100
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 80
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 130
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 120
