Malpique

Malpique is a shore-entry dive site at the southern tip of La Palma in the Canary Islands, built around a famous underwater monument of 39 concrete crosses commemorating Jesuit monks said to have been killed by pirates when their vessel was sunk. The reef is volcanic in origin, shaped by ancient basalt eruptions whose erosion has exposed hexagonal crystalline columns, and the heavy black volcanic sands characteristic of the area contribute to notably good visibility.

The site has several distinct zones: an inner reef where moray eels are frequently encountered, a tower overgrown with black coral reached at around 30 metres, and an archway on the outer reef leading into deeper water. Beyond the arch the landscape descends to a swim-through at around 35 metres and continues into a varied terrain of canyons and rock formations. In the shallower direction the reef rises to a very shallow area of interesting rock formations suited to introductory dives and decompression stops.

The marine life at Malpique is diverse, reflecting the nutrient-rich volcanic seabed. Rays are well represented, with stingrays, electric rays, butterfly rays, and eagle rays all recorded here. Moray species include black moray eels and fangtooth morays. Other species present include trumpetfish, porcupinefish, gurnards, dogfish, schools of grunts, barracuda, and black coral at 30 metres depth.