Malpique (underwater crosses and black coral tower)
A famous site off the southern tip of La Palma, in the Fuencaliente area. The much-photographed underwater memorial of 39 concrete crosses lies in shallow water; the site also offers a rock tower covered in black coral that rises from 50 m to 30 m, an arch on the outer reef that drops into the deep and a swim-through at around 35 m. The inner reef has several moray species, barracuda and eagle rays pass by, and the very shallow area is good for Discover Scuba dives.
Facts
- Region: Canary Islands – West
- Area: La Palma
- Depth: 10–50 m
- Level: intermediate
- Current: moderate
- Type: reef, pinnacle, wall
- Coordinates: 28.4565, -17.848 (approximate)
- Highlights: 39 concrete memorial crosses, black coral tower 50 to 30 m, arch and swim-through at 35 m, morays, barracuda, eagle rays
- Tips: The tower is for experienced divers; the crosses and the shallows suit most certified divers. Position approximate (offshore of Playa de Malpique).