BAJA BOCARONES (An All Inclusive Canary Islands)

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BAJA BOCARONES
An All Inclusive Canary Islands
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Southern Europes very last harbor, La Restinga,
has a myriad of dive centers for a good reason.
Hidden under the waters that surround this
charming marina are rare aquatic jewels. Its
almost as if nature has gathered and sprinkled
them solely in this part of the planet for us to
marvel in. And, marvel we did at Baja
Bocarones. Included in the Atlantics collection
of underwater riches stashed near La Restinga is
the submerged Baja Bocarones. The rock formation
alone is already an irresistible invite to divers
from all over the world. Add the abundant marine
life, and the result is one of the best wall dive
spots in El Hierro.
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What Makes It a Must-Dive Destination
The Baja Bocarones is a volcanic work of art like
the rest of the Canaries and their rock
formations. Unlike most underwater obelisks,
though, it has two towers both with vertical
walls. A far cry from the others sprawled on the
seabed and with random forms. The duo is in an
area locals call Mar Calma, exactly because of
the calm waters that are ideal for novice divers.
Its only three nautical miles from La Restinga
and a short swim away from the moorings. Still,
the dive guide must observe the current for a few
minutes before the divers plunge. The backroll
entry off the boat marks the start of the
underwater adventure. In pairs, divers descend
slowly in blue water to a depth of 12 meters to
reach the pinnacle of one column. As for the
other one, it is closer to the coast and is only
7 meters deep. These sunken summits are but
secondary reasons for the dive though. The twin
towers are breathtaking. Were it not for science
most people would assume human hands sculpted the
pillars. Weightless and gliding along the wall of
the 43-meter high column, teeming marine life
greets the visitors. All around its 15-meter
diameter, barracudas, jacks, mackerels,
yellowtails and zebra breams meet the strange
visitors from land. On the ocean floor are
dogfishes, Canarian langoustines, and giant
groupers. Meanwhile, corals in and around the
crevices perpetually watch life unfold.
Undoubtedly the most impressive of them all is
the manta rays. These gentle giants circle the
rock from the bottom to the top with their
majestic wing-like movements.
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The Dive Centers
La Restinga may be a small coastal town, but it
is the scuba diving hub of El Hierro. At least
nine dive centers offer experience programs,
courses, and excursions to the marine reserve.
They can also organize the transfers from
Tenerife or Gran Canaria. Furthermore, they are
also more than happy to help with accommodations
and car hires.
Buceo La Restinga
Kike, a PADI instructor, and Pilar, a diving
guide, are one outdoorsy couple. After working
for other dive centers, they decided to open
their own Buceo La Restinga. They promise a
safe quality dive and stay on the island. One
guide or instructor always accompany each group
(up to 10 divers). Usually, though, they have two
professionals in the water. Please note that
because they are not a technical diving center,
they conduct dives within recreational diving
limits.
Arrecifal
The Arrecifal offers a wide array of PADI diving
courses, from Open Water Level to Divemaster.
Their 200 m2 facility houses complete and
well-maintained equipment. They conduct daily
dives to the most beautiful dive spots in El
Hierro including El Bajón and El Desierto. For
safety, experienced and multilingual instructors
lead all scuba diving activities.
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The Green Shark
As the only PADI 5-Star Instructor Development
Center, the Green Shark is the only facility that
can conduct instructor courses. Beginners should
not let its prestigious title intimidate them,
though. This diving center is open to anyone who
wants to dive and experience El Hierro. One
remarkable endeavor on the part of the dive
center is their dedication in conserving the
environment. Besides protecting the fragile
marine life, they also use solar energy for hot
water in the showers. Even the soaps and shampoos
they provide to guests are organic.
Diving Baja Bocarones Tips
The Mar de las Calmas Marine Reserve has very
calm waters and is perfect for year-round diving.
However, there will still be tidal movement.
Hence, divers must listen to the dive briefing.
Remember to plan the dive and dive the
plan. People who have never dived may think that
strong current is dangerous. On the contrary, it
is during high tide when the predators prey on
their victims. For scuba divers, that is the
perfect time to see the ocean teeming with life
including the large fishes. Beginners should be
careful though. Vertical walls, such as the Baja
Bocarones, can have some intense current at
times. As such, it may either force divers upward
or descend deeper. Listen to the dive
professionals.
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How to Get There
To get to El Hierro, tourists can take a ferry
ride or fly in a twin-engine plane
from Tenerife or Gran Canaria. Unfortunately,
there are no direct ferries or flights from
mainland Europe. Once in El Hierro, they may
either hire a car, hail a taxi, or take the bus.
For the bus service, bus line 2
from Valverde takes guests to El Pinar. Here,
they can ride bus line 8 to La Restinga. As an
option, guests may also book diving programs with
one of the dive centers. They can also help
arrange transfers.
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The Best Wall Dive in El Hierro
The waters near La Restinga is exceptionally
wealthy. Endowed with a great deal of aquatic
richness, it is almost always calm enough for
diving. Mar de las Calmas, the protected marine
reserve, is also within reach. As such, it has
benefited the outlying areas with diverse aquatic
creatures. Standing proud and mighty near the
protected area is the impressive Baja Bocarones.
In itself, the blue water descent along its walls
is exhilarating. Further adding to the incredible
experience, though, is to be in the company of
amazing underwater animals. At times, these
creatures seem to dance around its enormous
rocks. Their silent orchestra creates a beautiful
symphony that makes each dive magical. And that
is why these pinnacles on the sandy seabed are
the best wall dives in El Hierro.
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For More Details
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https//www.canaryislandsinfo.co.uk