La bombilla

La Bombilla is a small fishing village on La Palma's western coast, its black sand beach backed by the steep volcanic cliffs that characterise this lava-shaped island. The dive site bearing its name is a classic Canarian coastal dive: volcanic basalt formations, clear Atlantic water, and the kind of quietly abundant marine life that rewards systematic exploration. The site is accessible from shore — La Bombilla is one of those straightforward entry points where gear up, walk down to the water, and enter through a gentle swell is the standard approach. This accessibility, combined with the beginner depth range of five to fifteen metres and generally calm western coast conditions, makes it an excellent choice for those early in their diving careers or for experienced divers looking for relaxed, exploratory dives without the logistics of a boat operation. The basalt formations descend in irregular steps and shelves from the shoreline, their surfaces colonised by a dense community of encrusting organisms. Atlantic anemones — several species in varied colourations — are particularly conspicuous, their tentacles extended in the mild current that moves along the coast. Hydroids and bryozoans cover the rock surfaces in intricate patterns, providing substrate for the smaller invertebrates that form the base of the food web. Fish life reflects the productive Atlantic waters off La Palma's west coast. Large schools of bogues and bream orbit in open water, and wrasse species endemic to the Canary Islands pick through the algae and encrusting life for invertebrate prey. Dusky grouper — the stately Atlantic grouper that reaches impressive size in protected habitats — are present here, their large forms occupying territorial positions on prominent reef structures. The possibility of sea turtle encounters adds excitement even at beginner sites in the Canary Islands, as loggerhead turtles use the archipelago as a feeding ground during their Atlantic migrations. La Bombilla is a pleasant, straightforward dive with authentic Canarian volcanic character.