Roque del Este, situated 12 km northeast of Lanzarote, is one of the smallest uninhabited islets in the Chinijo Archipelago. It holds the distinction of being the archipelago's easternmost point. Roque del Este forms part of the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park and the Los Islotes Integral Reserve, ensuring its preservation as a pristine natural haven.

A Volcanic Legacy

Roque del Este's origins trace back to relatively recent volcanic eruptions, part of the events that gave rise to the various islets north of Lanzarote. The islet's rugged topography and dark, basaltic rock formations bear witness to its fiery past, adding a layer of geological intrigue to its captivating landscape.

A Submarine Wonderland

Between Roque del Este and Lanzarote lies one of the deepest areas of the submarine platform upon which the Chinijo Archipelago rests. With a peak depth of around 200 meters, this area features an extensive rocky platform adorned with abundant veriles (underwater cliffs) and striking underwater ledges. This unique underwater topography provides an ideal habitat for a diverse array of marine life, making it a haven for scuba divers and snorkelers alike.

Geography: A Tale of Two Peaks

The surface of Roque del Este, sculpted by centuries of marine erosion, reveals the remnants of a double volcanic cone. Its distinctive shape resembles an inverted L, with two small elevations standing at its extremities:

• El Campanario to the north, reaching a height of 84 meters. This curious rock formation boasts a natural tunnel at its base, stretching 100 meters in length and varying in diameter from 5 to 10 meters. The tunnel pierces the Roque from north to south, creating a unique underwater cave where a variety of fish thrive in the most pristine marine habitat in the Canary Islands.
• A southern elevation reaching 63 meters in height.

Flora and Fauna: Adapting to a Rugged Environment

Despite its small size and rugged terrain, Roque del Este supports a surprising variety of plant life. Among the notable flora is the Canary lizard (Gallotia atlantica), considered a potential subspecies unique to this small island. The harsh conditions of its habitat, along with other factors, have placed this species under serious threat.

The islet also harbors large colonies of Madeira petrel and Bulwer's petrel, as well as other birds such as the Cory's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea), little shearwater, white-faced storm petrel, and European storm petrel. However, the most prominent among these is the large colony of Cory's shearwater. The European herring gull (Larus argentatus) also maintains a breeding colony on the island. Additionally, there are records of around a dozen pairs of Eleonora's falcon (Falco eleonorae) using the island as a nesting site.

But it is the marine fauna that truly captivates. Roque del Este boasts an extraordinary assemblage of marine species rarely seen elsewhere. Up to 228 underwater species have been catalogued, while another 300 species of marine flora complete the underwater landscape.

Restricted Zone: Preserving a Pristine Ecosystem

The area within a one-mile radius of Roque del Este constitutes the Integral Reserve, where any activity is prohibited except for scientific purposes with prior authorization. Therefore, fishing and diving are strictly prohibited within the Roque del Este Integral Reserve.

Roque del Este stands as a testament to the Chinijo Archipelago's rich biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts. Its pristine state serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of nature and the need to protect our precious natural heritage. Visitors to Roque del Este have the privilege of experiencing the raw beauty of an untouched island, fostering a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

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