This is the western end of the National Park, it is really more than one site, and describes an area of spectacular sea facing cliffs. Access is by boat to caves and chimneys and an abundance of marine life. Conger and Moray eels abound along with Octopus and Cuttlefish. Depths vary from 5 to 30 metres plus.
Tres Picos
Tres Picos lies within the confines of La Herradura Bay. It gets its name from the three submerged rocks about fifty meters from the shore. Shallow on the shore side dropping off to over 20 meters on the seaward side of the peaks. There is a lot of fish life in this area and moonfish almost a meter in diameter have been seen. The rocks are colorful and it is a particularly good area for underwater photography.
La Calita
Locally known as First Bay. This area is on the eastern-most point of La Herradura Bay and is only accessible by boat. An abundance of life exists here and an excellent opportunity for the underwater photographer, Currents here can be a little difficult out on the point so seek guidance prior to diving. Depths in excess of 30 meters can be attained here.
Punta de la Mona
With the westerly winds this site offers the diver some shelter and some good diving. A lot of sea life - Octopus, Moray and Conger Eels and in the sea grass seahorses have been found. Something can be found here for divers of all levels.
Las Piedras Altas
“The Wall”... This is in fact a number of dive sites and when the conditions are right, you can have a very interesting drift dive. Fish and octopus are in abundance and visibility can exceed 20 metres. An ideal area for deep diving with depths of thirty meters plus.
Almuñecar
This site at the easterly end of Almuñecar Bay offers a wreck dive on an old wooden fishing boat at a depth of 16 to 23 metres. The rock inshore of the wreck is also an interesting area to explore.
La Herradura Bay
This site is an easy beach entry, and suitable for novice and qualified divers. It provides an ideal training area for both confined and open water. In winter this site is visited by cuttlefish as they come into the costal waters to breed. Octopus and our usual array of wrasse, damsel fish and anthias can be found. An ideal site for that first night dive.
These are some of the local dive sites, but there are many others, including boat trips and wreck dives in Gibraltar .
