

Best for beginner divers, 11m, shore entry, mild current.
Monte Lava is a shore-entry reef dive located in La Palma, Canary Islands. The site features a consistent depth of approximately 11 metres, making it suitable for beginner divers. Conditions are generally mild, with visibility reaching up to 40 metres. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including common crabs, bream, and less frequently, European common cuttlefish, common octopus, trumpetfish, pufferfish, Turkish wrasse, arrow crab, European parrotfish, grunt, flat crab, eleven-armed sea star, tompot blenny, and bigeyes. The site is also accessible for night diving, offering a stable environment for observing local reef species throughout the year.
28.65210, -17.75770
Malpique is not managed as a separate dive center; dives there are organized from the Santa Cruz de La Palma base depending on sea conditions, logistics, and diver level.
Dives are organized from operational bases in Puerto Naos and Santa Cruz de La Palma.
No known hazards
Recorded at this site
Depth
11m
Visibility
Up to 40m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
20-24°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
Year-round
Divers can observe common crabs and bream, alongside less frequent sightings of European common cuttlefish, common octopus, trumpetfish, pufferfish, Turkish wrasse, arrow crab, European parrotfish, grunt, flat crab, eleven-armed sea star, tompot blenny, and bigeyes.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginner divers due to its consistent 11-metre depth and mild current conditions.
The site has an average depth of 11 metres.
Monte Lava is accessed via a shore entry.
While primarily a dive site, the shallow 11-metre depth and good visibility make it potentially suitable for snorkelling depending on individual experience and local conditions.
Diving at Monte Lava in Santa Cruz de La Palma requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Monte Lava in Santa Cruz de La Palma. Water temperatures range from 20°C to 24°C.
The best months to visit Monte Lava in Santa Cruz de La Palma are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Monte Lava in Santa Cruz de La Palma typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Monte Lava in Santa Cruz de La Palma can reach up to 40 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.