Punta de la Mona
Great site with lots of rock formations and swim-throughs, clear water and vibrant marine life including ocean sunfish (Mola mola).
La Herradura, Costa del Sol
Spain
Where we dived
Dive Site
Punta de la Mona is located at the southern tip of the peninsula below the town of La Herradura, west of Malaga. There is a lot of parking available nearby, and the site is easily accessible from the public beach, Playa Marina del Este. The sheltered bay offers good conditions with limited current.
The site offers great diving with lots of rocky formations and drop-offs housing abundant wildlife. The sheltered nature of the bay provides good conditions with limited current, and visibility is usually good as well. The site might get busy during the main season, and the fact that it is a public beach may well contribute to this. Apart from that, Punta de la Mona is definitely a site you should visit while exploring the Andalusia region.
What to expect
Dive Type
Fun, Reef, Wreck, Deep, Technical
ACCESS
Shore/Beach
EXPERIENCE
Beginner, Advanced, Pro, Tec
CURRENT
Limited
MAX. DEPTH
40+m
VISIBILITY
4-15m
WATER
Salt
When to visit
Best Time To Dive
Technically, you can dive here year-round, but the best season is during the summer period, when the water can reach up to 25°C. During this time, a shorty or 3.5 mm wetsuit might be enough. I have seen some people dive in their shorts only, but I would not do it. Each season brings different marine life into play. If you want to have a chance of seeing ocean sunfish, spring is a perfect time to plan your dives.
Meet the Locals
Wildlife
Orange and yellow corals can be found on the deeper rock faces. You can see anemones and sponges on the site as well. The number of good places to hide in the rocks provides an opportunity to spot octopuses and various invertebrates, as well as gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, and scorpionfish hiding among the stones. Other fish include wrasses, groupers, and eels, also taking advantage of the plenty of overhangs and hideouts. Around the rocks, there are usually schools of snappers and other species. The site is also visited by pelagic species such as eagle rays and dolphins, with ocean sunfish, a.k.a. Mola mola, being the most exclusive visitor.
Where to Go
Dive Site Location
La Herradura, Costa del Sol
Spain
How good is the dive site
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Rocks and Corals
A great mix of sand and rocks, often featuring swim-through opportunities. I saw vibrant orange corals, along with sea urchins and various fish like groupers and sardines. As an added bonus, you might spot a Moonfish if you’re lucky. There’s an easy beach entry, and for convenience, a public toilet is available at the beach.
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