- Region: Islas Canarias
- Island: El Hierro (La Restinga)
- Declared a marine reserve: 1996
- Marine reserve surface area: 750 hectares
- Declared a Marine national park: Yet to be declared
- Park surface area: To be confirmed but it is estimated to be a massive 24,000 hectares
The Mar de las Calmas, located off the coast of La Restinga in Spain’s Canary Islands, is set to become Spain’s first fully marine national park. This historic move will protect an underwater ecosystem rich in biodiversity, centered around the famous underwater mountain El Bajón. The proposed designation, approved by the Spanish Cabinet, will now undergo a parliamentary process to finalize its status.
El Bajón: A Legendary Dive Site
El Bajón, a sharp underwater mountain just off La Restinga, rises nearly to the surface, missing the open air by mere feet. This area is famous among underwater photographers for its dramatic landscape and rich marine life, including large groupers and manta rays. Since 1996, El Bajón has been part of the Mar de las Calmas marine reserve, which has helped preserve the diverse species found in these waters. The new national park status aims to extend this protection across a larger area.
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