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Roca Peligrosa, Danger Rock

Roca Peligrosa, or Danger Rock, sounds a bit intimidating, doesn't it? But we've always found it to be more exciting than dangerous, an exposed pinnacle poking out of the Caribbean just south of the Catalina Islands. We love this site for its raw energy; the surge here is almost constant, rocking you gently back and forth as you trace the contours of the rock face. Our favourite way to dive it is to descend quickly, hugging the rock as it slopes down to a modest 20 metres. You'll often find big schools of red snapper and brassy grunt hanging in the current, almost shimmering as the light filters through. Keep an eye out for blennies – the Panamanian worm blenny and Hancock's blenny are particularly good finds tucked into crevices. While the visibility can be a bit variable, averaging around 11 metres, the sheer volume of fish makes up for it. This isn't a beginner's site; the surge and occasional stronger currents mean you need to be comfortable in the water, but for divers who enjoy a bit of dynamism, it's a real treat. We once had an olive ridley sea turtle cruise by, completely unfazed by the movement, which was a real highlight.