The rocky
shoreline for most of the Punta is virtually inaccessible, with steep cliffs and
deep water, punctuated by occasional caves which form one of the local diving
attractions. On the eastern side, however, a small inlet behind a large rock known
as Peñón de las Caballas (Mackerel Rock), has been developed into
the Marina del Este
This is where our diving in the marine
reserve starts, with an abundence of marine life and protected bays this can be
dived all year round for all levels of diving 1.LA
HUERTA Depth: 7-18 metres
The widest area of Cerro Gordo, giving
four or five different dive options. Shallow with a lot of fauna and light, numerous
crevices to investigate and with magnificent spirogyra.
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to top 2.CERRO GORDO Depth: 7-18
metres
7. Made up of large stone blocks at the foot of the cliffs,
the fauna is very well conserved thanks, in part, to the protection afforded by
its inclusion in the nature reserve since 1989. Well protected from the western
winds, the fauna is similar to that of Punta de la Mona.
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3.LA CUEVA de CERRO GORDO
Depth: 16 metres
This is a good site to observe
conger eels. The entrance to the cave is at 16 metres, deep in the wall of the
Cerro Gordo cliff. On entering you will need to swim for about five metres without
disturbing the bottom, then ascend normally into the cavern. The surface is lit
by a hole in the ceiling which allows fresh air and light into the cavern. The
cave system beyond this cavern is for cave-divers only;it is fed by freshwater
and the visibility is fantastic. After about a distance of 80 metres, you can
surface in an enclosed cavern of fresh water. This dive is for advanced divers
only, accompanied by one of our instructors.
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top 4.TRES PICOS Depth: 6-19 metres
Large stones emerge from the seabed, enabling comfortable and interesting
dives. The rocky surfaces are full of fauna, providing a colourful panorama. In
the less exposed areas astroides and alcyonium abound. Small species of typical
Mediterranean origin are abundant, castanets, three tails, wrasse, bream, mullets
and 'fredis' for example. We recommend this dive in the late afternoon, when the
contrasts in light are quite breathtaking.
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top 5.LA CALITA O LOS GIGANTES
Depth: 10-30 metres
From around 10 metres a steep bank drops down
to a depth of between 25 and 30 metres. The route is then retraced - you will
see large blocks of stone and high vertical walls which are covered with orange
astroids. Octopi and moonfish are also frequently seen and for macro photographers
there is a wide variety of Nudibranchs.
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6.LAS PIEDRAS ALTAS Depth: 20-40+ metres
The high stones are two rocky formations which emerge from 30, 18 and 14 metres.
An extensive and extremely uneven relief zone offers the opportunity to encounter
large fish such as sea bass, dentex, and amberjack.
At 31 metres there is
a small cave inside which, with the aid of artificial light, you can see small
lobsters. Normal cave diving procedures apply here, so please check your qualifications.
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7.PUNTA
de la MONA Depth: 12-40+ metres
This site is on the underwater projection
of Punta de la Mona. Depths reach up to 52 metres and due to the lack of light
at this depth the rocks take on a greenish hue, giving the underwater landscape
a unique appearance. Encounters with pollack, dentex, sea bass and moonfish are
common. At depths of 35 metres plus there is one of the few existing yellow coral
fields. As always if you choose to dive deep, it is essential to plan carefully.
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8.Faggle
Rock Depth 16-20 metres
1. A rocky formation providing an interesting
dive, with the depth increasing as you move around the rock. A good site to observe
Scorpion fish and Nudibranch, there is also a large conger eel in residence.
A short distance away from Fraggle Rock for the more experienced diver, is a small
fishing boat at a depth of 27 metres; there are also two cars, under which there
is a breeding site for Octopus.
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9.MARINA BAY Depth: 8-25 meters
This is a wide area with different dive options, catering for all levels of experience.
One route involves following the cliff wall, which forms the eastern part of Punta
de la Mona - huge rocks protrude from the cliff face, providing a maze of large
crevices. Towards the far end of the point both the depth and current increase,
and care must be taken as at times the current will surge out to sea. Of particular
interest are the benthic fauna on the vertical walls, where sponges, ‘hands
of death’ amongst others, show off their colours. However, not all marine
life is invertebrate, there are also octopus, castanet clouds and often moon fish
(sun fish).
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10.WRECK
DIVE Depth: 37 metres
For advanced divers only, and dependent on
sea conditions, because of the strong current.
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