Some curious facts about the Marine Reserve of La Palma and Tazacorte
Since 2001, the island of La Palma has had a Marine Reserve that covers a 15km-strip of coastline. These are some curious facts that will probably encourage the visitor to discover this wonderful enclave in the west of this Canary Island.
An Area of Great Value
Marine reserves of fishing interest are declared in areas traditionally used as fishing grounds to achieve the sustained exploitation of their resources. To this end, specific measures are adopted to recover and maintain traditional fisheries, as well as to raise awareness among the population. That's why they have so much value
1000m Deep
This Marine Reserve reaches a depth of 1000m and covers 3,455 hectares of the southwestern coast of the island of La Palma. Although it is subject to restrictive measures and uses are limited, in this Marine Reserve some fishing gear and recreational activities such as diving can be carried out, since the brightness and good temperature of the waters favor its practice almost throughout the year. On the other hand, in the part considered an Integral Marine Reserve, only activities for scientific purposes are allowed.
Abrupt Depths, Caves and Tunnels
The Marine Reserve of La Palma is unique for its abrupt depths. One of the main curiosities is that it houses the new fajanas created after the volcanic eruption on the island in September 2021. Volcanic eruptions have created rare rocks, crevices, caves, arches, towers and tunnels underwater with high landscape and biological value. Another of its natural attractions is the high biodiversity of flora and fauna, since the conservation status of species of fishing interest is optimal. In fact, it is easy to find species that are difficult to observe on the other islands of the archipelago.
Brown Algae, Tropical Anemones, Bottlenose Dolphin, Loggerhead Turtle...
The natural wealth of the Marine Reserve of La Palma is enormous. The list is almost endless: brown algae, tropical anemones, Canarian lobster (an invertebrate that lives in caves and crevices), bottlenose dolphin, loggerhead turtle... and species of fishing interest such as viejas, salemas, medregals and abade.
Whale Watching
The port of Tazacorte serves as a base for maritime excursions for the sighting of whale, turtles and flying fish, among other species. It is an activity led by experienced professionals, who manage to turn it into an experience as safe and memorable as it is interesting.
Tazacorte, the Smallest Municipality of La Palma
The conquest of La Palma began in the Villa and Port of Tazacorte. Although it is the smallest municipality on the island, this enclave has different attractions to enjoy, such as the neighborhood of El Puerto, located next to the sea and with a huge beach and marina; or the old town, located in the upper part, with its alleys and beautiful examples of Canarian architecture.
But Tazacorte is not only a fishing refuge with a distinguished beach with the Blue Flag; it is also one of the best banana areas in the Canary Islands. And it is the Palmerian town with the most hours of light and sun.
