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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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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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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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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