Punkfish Diving La Palma, Veronika Sievers

Punkfish Diving La Palma is located in Fuencaliente, situated at the southern tip of the island. The centre operates with a mobile approach, meeting you at the dive site or providing service directly to local accommodation like the Teneguia Princess. This flexibility allows the team to select the best locations based on the daily conditions of the Atlantic.

The diving here is defined by the island's volcanic origins, offering a landscape of lava flows, underwater canyons, and complex tube systems. You will find everything from protected bays suitable for beginners to exposed walls and deep structures for experienced divers seeking technical challenges.

The team is led by Veronika Sievers, an instructor with a strong focus on technical training and instructor development. The centre is an SSI affiliated facility, providing a structured pathway for both recreational and professional divers.

Instruction is highly personalised, with a focus on high-quality training and real-world experience. The team supports divers through the entire SSI progression, including Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and Instructor Training Courses (ITC).

The training programme covers the full spectrum of SSI certifications. Beginners can start with Try Scuba or the Open Water Diver course, while those looking to refine their skills can opt for the Tune Up or various Scuba Diving Specialties.

For professional progression, the centre offers Divemaster training, Assistant Instructor (AI) courses, and full Instructor Training Courses (ITC), including Instructor Crossover and Instructor Specialties. Technical training is a core strength, with courses available for Nitrox, Extended Range, and Trimix, as well as support for rebreather diving.

The centre provides a complete range of rental equipment for those not travelling with their own kit, including wetsuits, fins, and masks. For night diving, torches are available, though please note that dive computers are not included in the standard rental package.

For technical divers, the centre is well-equipped to support advanced profiles. They provide a variety of cylinders, including aluminium 40 cuft, 7l, and 80 cuft, as well as steel D12, D10, and lightweight 12x2 configurations for sidemount diving. Nitrox and Trimix gases are available on-site to support decompression and deep diving requirements.

The volcanic structures and rocky reefs host a diverse range of marine life. You will frequently encounter various species of rays, including Southern stingrays, Eagle rays, electric rays, and butterfly rays, often patrolling the sandy patches or cruising the blue.

In the deeper sections and along the walls, the scenery is defined by rich fixed life. Black coral and red gorgonians cover the rock faces, providing a home for many species. You can also find various species of octopus and moray eels sheltering in the crevices of the lava flows.

Macro life is abundant if you look closely. The crevices and anchor lines are perfect places to search for seahorses, shrimp, and crabs. Spiny spider crabs and various species of sea urchins are also common sights among the rocky outcrops.

For those interested in larger pelagics or more charismatic species, the area offers sightings of turtles and various types of fish, including peacock flounders and many other colourful reef species.

The Atlantic waters around La Palma can be more energetic than the Mediterranean. You should be aware that strong currents can occur at the southern tip of the island, particularly at El Faro, and are more likely to be present during new and full moon cycles.

Some sites, such as Los Molinos, are highly dependent on the swell and tide. This location often requires low waves and low tide to allow for a safe entry and exit through the rocky coastline.