El Bajon Hot

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Overview

This is the classic offshore site on the southern end of the island. Just half a mile from La Restinga harbour, this pinnacle rises from great depth to just 9m from the surface. There are two permanent moorings set by local dive centres and once the boat is tied up the current is gauged by observing for a few minutes. The currents are oceanic and affected by wind and other variables and so not predictable like tidal streams. Almost always, there will be some water movement, so listening to the dive brief and following the plan is a must. You might think that when the current is strong it is not worth diving, but it is the current that brings the beasties. On a circuit of El Bajon you are likely to see large schools of amberjack, tuna and bonito. Occasionally, turtles and manta are seen here. The trick is to keep an eye on the blue, which is not always easy because there is so much happening on the reef itself. Particularly decompressing, the top of the rock is a delight with small fish everywhere, from brightly coloured parrotfish to the strange trumpetfish, more familiar in coral waters. El Bajon is worth at least two dives.

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