Scuba Diving on La Palma
In contrast to the other Canary Islands, the scuba diving on La Palma takes place almost exclusively from land. Nevertheless boat trips can be organized on request. There are more than 10 entry points and at each of them at least two different dives can be done. Apart from a great diversity of species, La Palma has an amazing landscape to offer. Bizarre rock formations of lava, numerous archways, caves, overhangs and canyons characterize the view. Due to the topography, you can go quiet deep in many places reaching the limit of sport diving very quickly. The only thing La Palma is missing is a wreck. However, an underwater park with scrap metal and other attractions in front of the capital Santa Cruz is planned. However, one will have to wait a while longer with the palmeran speed of construction measures.
Dive Centres in Los Cancajos
La Palma Diving Center
The La Palma Diving Center is located in the Centro Commercial of Los Cancajos, only 100m from the beach. Just there are more than 6 different dive sites to explore. In addition, the bay is ideal for discover scuba diving, snorkeling or to refresh rusty diving skills. The training is done according to SSI standards, whereby the offer reaches from first diving experiences up to the diving instructor level. In addition, you can learn to dive with a scooter and gain your first experience in technical diving.
- Adress: Centro Comercial Los Cancajos, Local 227
38712 Breña Baja (Los Cancajos) - Website: https://en.la-palma-diving.com
Dive Centre BuceoSub La Palma
BuceoSub is also located in Los Cancajos, between the Spar supermarket and the Taburiente Hotel. Besides PADI diving courses, the diving school also offers CMAS courses from beginners to instructors. In addition, the dive centre has its own boat (Zodiac) which is used to reach different dive sites.
- Address: H10 Taburiente Playa Local 3
38712 Breña Baja (Los Cancajos) - Website: https://www.4dive.org/
Dive Centres in Los Llanos
Casa de Buceo – “The Diving House”
In Los Llanos de Aridane, the largest city on La Palma, we find the dive centre Casa de Buceo. The Dutch Diving School has chosen a place in the inner part of the island. This seems unusual. However, on the island you have to look at the weather conditions anyway and decide between the east and west side. Training is according to PADI standards. There are more than 14 dive sites in the program, but most of them you can do at least 2 dives.
- Address: Calle Conrado Hernandez 4
Los Llanos de Aridane - Website: https://www.duiken-la-palma.com
Dive Centres in Puerto Naos
Tauchpartner La Palma
On the always sunny west side, in Puerto Naos, there are the “Tauchpartner”. The dive centre is just 30m from the beach. Its house reef offers numerous diving possibilities. For more variety there are trips to the south and east of La Palma. The training takes place on request according to PADI, CMAS or IAC. You can also dive and learn to dive with the Dolphin Rebreather.
- Address: Paséo Marítimo 1a
38750 Puerto Naos - Website: https://lapalma-diving.com/
Dive Sites on La Palma
Basically, the entry for most dives is via black sand beaches or ladders. Since you sometimes walk over lava rocks, you should use shoes with a solid sole.
The majority of the diving spots are located in the south east and west coast. Although there are also entrances further north, these are rarely approached because of the usually bad conditions.
The highlights, which one should have seen in my opinion are La Bahita, Malpique and Las Cabras. Charco Verde is also worth mentioning, if you like boat trips.
1 – Los Cancajos
2 – La Bahita & El Freile
3 – Las Cabras
4 – Malpique – Unterwassergedenkstätte
5 – Charco Verde
6 – Puerto Naos
7 – La Bombilla
Snorkeling on La Palma
Anyone who wants to explore the underwater world without the heavy diving equipment can do so on La Palma in many places. Los Cancajos is by its protective bay very suitable for beginners and if you like to go further down just swim behind the wave-breaker. In addition, I can recommend the nature reserve in the south. It begins at the beach of Punta Larga and extends to El Remo, just before Puerto Naos.