El Hierro is the smallest of the Canary Islands and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The island is volcanic in origin with a moon-like, igneous rock landscape, making for a scenic underwater landscape filled with life. The volcanic nutrients create an abundance of life and with your proximity to the open ocean, anything can swim by, from Bryde’s whales, angel sharks, frogfish, manta rays, and sand tiger sharks. The island of El Hierro is the perfect place for a quiet relaxing vacation of counting fish!
Project Focus: The purpose of this trip is to conduct fish surveys to support REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Click here to learn more about participating in fish surveys on a REEF Field Survey Trip!
Best Suited For: Divers and Non-divers.
Accommodations: Accommodations are at Apartments El Bajón just a few feet from the dive center and the beach. They are newly built and offer one or two-bedroom options. All apartments have a full kitchen, including a stove, refrigerator, washing machine, a TV, and twin beds. There are no meals included in this package but there are plenty of restaurants and grocery stores just a short walk away.
Diving: The package includes 5 days of 2-morning dives from large zodiac-style boats with a max of 10 divers. Dive sites are between 5 and 25 minutes away. Nitrox for certified divers can be added for an additional fee. Water temperature during this time ranges from the low to mid 70s, exposure protection is recommended.
Pricing, Inclusions, and Other Fees
| Diver | |
| Double Occ. | $635 |
| Single Occ. | $905 |
*Pricing is based on the 2024 Euro exchange rate. A small supplement may be added to the trip closer to the time of departure based on the current conversion rate.
Your Package Includes: The trip package includes seven nights of accommodation, 5 days of 2 dives daily, transportation to and from dive sites, tanks, and weights.
REEF Program Fee: A REEF Program Fee of $300 per diver will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar, and REEF survey materials.
Additional Fees - Paid to REEF: Transfer to and from the airport will be arranged for a small fee closer to the trip's departure.
Additional Fees - Not Paid to REEF: The following costs are not included in the price paid to REEF. All flights and associated travel to and from El Hierro, additional dives outside of the package inclusions, rental cars, Nitrox, and optional rental gear. Gratuities are not included in the trip package and are at each individual's discretion.
Registration
To reserve your space, email trips@REEF.org or call 305-588-5869. A $500 per person deposit will be due to confirm your reservation. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
Canary Island Travel Info
Insurance: Travel insurance is not included. REEF strongly recommends that each participant purchase adequate dive travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. REEF partners with both DiveAssure and DAN to offer travel insurance packages specifically for divers. REEF will receive a portion of the proceeds from travel insurance purchases when you click on the following affiliate links for DiveAssure or DAN.
How to Get There: Participants should make arrangements to arrive at El Hierro Airport (VDE) on Saturday, August 16, and departing Saturday, August 23. Participants should look to book flights through Tenerife or Gran Canaria and then book domestic flights from there. You can also get to El Hierro via ferry.
Transfers: Transfers will be arranged closer to the trip's departure for a small fee.
Passports, Documentation, and Visas: A passport valid for six months from the date of departure is required and at least one page is required for the entry stamp. No tourist visa is needed if the stay is less than 90 days. Please consult the appropriate consulate for specific visa requirements for entry into Spain.
COVID-19 Considerations: It is the participant's responsibility to ensure that they understand and comply with all local requirements (for entry and visit as a tourist) of the host destination and for exit and entry requirements for their home country. Be prepared for your plans to change. Be sure your travel insurance covers COVID-related issues. No travel is risk-free during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example, due to a new COVID-19 variant. Please be aware that REEF is not a travel agent. We are doing our best to interpret the information provided by our trip vendor and the host country’s government COVID-19 webpages. We encourage everyone to do their own research, interpretation, and due diligence. Please see REEF’s COVID-19 Considerations and Vaccine Policies section in our REEF Field Survey Trips Policies page for more information.