Open Fotosub El Hierro – Diving into the Island’s Underwater Wonders

Geography and Setting
Open Fotosub El Hierro is an internationally renowned underwater photography competition held each year in October in the waters off La Restinga, a small coastal village at the southern tip of El Hierro. The event unfolds in and around the Mar de Las Calmas, a calm, protected stretch of ocean that forms part of one of Spain’s most celebrated marine reserves.

The volcanic seascape here includes underwater cliffs, lava tubes, coral gardens, and deep blue drop-offs, all teeming with life. Crystal-clear visibility, mild water temperatures, and minimal currents make this region ideal not only for photography, but also for recreational diving and marine conservation efforts.

History and Culture
Open Fotosub El Hierro was first held in the mid-1990s, quickly becoming one of Europe’s most prestigious marine photography events. It was founded with two goals: to promote El Hierro’s unique underwater biodiversity and to foster environmental awareness through art.

Over the years, the event has evolved from a niche competition into a vibrant island-wide celebration of the ocean, bringing together professional photographers, marine biologists, divers, students, and the general public. It has also helped position El Hierro as a global leader in sustainable marine tourism.

The culture surrounding the event is rooted in the sea — in its beauty, fragility, and wonder. Through images captured in silence and light, the island tells its story from beneath the waves.

Population and Local Life
During Fotosub week, La Restinga and its surrounding areas see a notable increase in activity. While the core participants are divers and photographers, the entire community becomes involved. Restaurants, local guides, dive centers, and volunteers all contribute to the success of the event.

Workshops, school programs, exhibitions, and community events take place in both La Restinga and Valverde, creating a sense of island-wide engagement. The atmosphere is festive but focused — a blend of competition, conservation, and celebration.

For the residents of La Restinga, the event is not just an attraction — it’s a source of pride, reinforcing their connection to the sea and showcasing their role in preserving one of Spain’s most pristine underwater ecosystems.

Tourism and Attractions
For travelers, Open Fotosub El Hierro offers a unique opportunity to experience the island from a different perspective. Even if you don’t dive, the event includes plenty of land-based activities tied to the marine world, open to all ages and interests.

Key highlights include:

The Underwater Photography Competition – Professional and amateur divers compete to capture the best images of marine life, volcanic terrain, and unique underwater scenes, often within strict time limits and environmental guidelines.
Public Exhibitions – Winning photographs and selected submissions are displayed in open-air galleries, cultural centers, and municipal buildings across the island, offering a visual journey into the deep.
Marine Education Workshops – Talks, film screenings, and educational programs bring marine science to schools, local communities, and visitors.
Eco-Diving Experiences – During and after the competition, local dive centers offer guided dives that highlight the same biodiversity featured in the contest.
Sustainable Tourism Promotion – The event also showcases the island’s efforts in clean energy, marine protection, and eco-tourism, with stands and presentations throughout the week.

Transport and Accessibility
La Restinga is accessible by road, located about 40 minutes from Valverde and El Hierro Airport. During the festival, extra services are sometimes added between key towns and the coast, especially for public events and evening presentations.

Most participants and visitors rent a car for flexibility, especially if combining the event with other activities on the island. Diving packages are available through local schools, many of which are based in La Restinga and fully equipped to handle international guests.

Events are centralized, walkable, and open to all. Booking accommodations in advance is recommended, as the village fills quickly during festival week.

Worth to do!
Whether you're a diver, photographer, or simply curious, Open Fotosub El Hierro offers unforgettable experiences in and out of the water:

Attend a Public Photography Exhibition
View breathtaking underwater photos displayed in creative spaces across La Restinga and Valverde — a visual encounter with El Hierro’s marine soul.
Dive in the Marine Reserve (with or without competition)
Even if not competing, visitors can book guided dives during the festival to explore the same reefs and volcanic walls seen in the winning shots.
Participate in Marine Education Talks and Films
Learn about the biology, geology, and conservation strategies that make El Hierro a model of marine sustainability.
Try Underwater Photography as a Beginner
Several dive centers offer workshops for novices, introducing the basics of underwater cameras and composition techniques in real dive settings.
Experience the Closing Ceremony and Award Night
Celebrate the festival’s grand finale, where the best images are revealed, and the island’s marine heritage is honored with joy and gratitude.

Conclusion
Open Fotosub El Hierro is more than a photography contest — it is a celebration of the sea, a tribute to conservation, and a creative bridge between science and emotion. Held in one of Europe’s most pristine underwater reserves, the event invites travelers to look deeper — into the ocean, into art, and into the heart of a community that lives in harmony with the sea. Whether you dive or simply admire the beauty captured by others, Fotosub is a highlight of El Hierro’s cultural and environmental calendar.

Open Fotosub El Hierro - Diving into the Island's Underwater Wonders

See also

Bajada de la Virgen de los Reyes - El Hierro's Great Pilgrimage of Faith and Tradition

Playa de las Américas – I Just Can't Get Enough…

Take a Boat Trip or Dolphin-Watching Excursion - Exploring La Gomera's Coast from the Sea