Arrecifal Dive Center

Arrecifal Dive Center is situated in La Restinga, at the southern tip of El Hierro. As the smallest and most westerly of the Canary Islands, El Hierro offers a unique underwater environment, much of which is protected within the Mar de las Calmas Marine Reserve. This reserve provides a stable habitat for a vast array of marine life, set against a backdrop of dramatic volcanic topography.

The centre has been established since 1998 and is currently run by Julián and Damiana. Their focus is on high safety standards and the conservation of the local ecosystem, ensuring that the biodiversity of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is respected by every diver who visits.

The centre is managed by Julián and Damiana, an Italian-Argentine couple with over a decade of experience in the diving industry. They bring a personal, hands-on approach to the daily operations of the centre, ensuring a professional atmosphere for both students and experienced divers.

Instruction is provided through both SSI and FEDAS affiliations. The team is multilingual, capable of conducting dives and training in Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian. This makes the centre highly accessible for international divers looking to complete certifications or simply explore the local sites.

Safety and environmental stewardship are central to their operation. The facilities include dedicated oxygen equipment and a first aid kit, while the teaching philosophy emphasises respect for the marine life found within the protected reserve.

Arrecifal Dive Center is a comprehensive training facility offering a full spectrum of SSI and FEDAS courses. For those starting their journey, they offer Bautismo and Scuba Diver programmes, leading into the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water certifications.

More advanced divers can specialise through various modules, including Nitrox, Deep Diving, Buoyancy Specialty, Navigation Specialty, and Night Dive Specialty. The centre also provides training for the Diver Stress & Rescue and Divemaster levels, as well as the React Right course and Referral Diver programme.

The centre operates a 7.3m Bombard Explorer RIB, which is capable of carrying up to 10 divers per trip. This vessel allows for quick transit to the local dive sites, with most locations reached in less than 15 minutes from the shore.

The RIB is fully equipped with safety gear to support daily excursions and night dives. The proximity of the sites to La Restinga makes it an efficient base for those looking to maximise their time in the water.

The shore-based facilities cover 200m² and include both wet and dry areas, a dedicated office, and an audiovisual room. Divers have access to hot showers, rinsing tanks, and individual spaces to store personal effects. The centre also provides free Wi-Fi for guests.

For those needing to rent equipment, a full range of kit is available. This includes 5mm and 7mm wetsuits, thermal undergarments, hoods, and dive computers. Lighting for night dives is also provided. The cylinder selection is versatile, offering aluminium S80s as well as 12-litre and 15-litre steel cylinders, including single and double valve configurations.

The marine life in the Mar de las Calmas Marine Reserve is exceptionally diverse. You will regularly encounter various species such as parrotfish, triggerfish, groupers, filefish, and moray eels. The reef is also home to a variety of invertebrates, including sea anemones, sponges, and various types of coral, such as black coral and sea fans.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants are abundant throughout the sites. Divers can find spiny lobster, various species of shrimp, and cuttlefish amongst the crevices and volcanic structures.

For those interested in larger pelagics, the area is known for sightings of eagle rays, stingrays, and devil rays. Depending on the time of year, you may also encounter hammerhead sharks, Solrayo sharks, and dolphins. Turtles and whales are also known to pass through these waters, adding to the biological richness of the region.

The Mar de las Calmas Marine Reserve is well-protected from the dominant Alizés winds, which helps maintain stable conditions for diving. This protection contributes to the area's reputation for reliable diving throughout the year.

While the area is accessible year-round, the marine environment is shaped by its volcanic nature and its position within the Canary Islands. The lack of heavy swell in the protected reserve makes it a consistent location for both recreational and specialty diving.