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Las Piedras de Carlitos

Las Piedras de Carlitos, for us, is one of Malpelo’s true tests. This isn’t a gentle drift. You drop in, often into a swirling mix of current, and immediately feel the power of the Pacific. We love the challenge here, the feeling of fighting your way to a calmer patch behind one of the massive boulders that give the site its name. Once you’re tucked in, the real show begins. The sheer volume of fish can be astounding. We’ve seen schools of Coney so dense they practically obscure the rock face, and the Bicolor Damselfish are everywhere, a constant flutter of black and yellow against the darker rock. Keep an eye out for the Spotted Trunkfish, they just seem to pop into view. We’ve found the trick here is patience; find a good spot out of the main current, hold on, and let the ocean bring the action to you. It’s definitely a site for experienced divers who are comfortable in strong, unpredictable conditions. Don't expect to cruise around; this is a grip-it-and-rip-it kind of dive, but the rewards are absolutely worth the effort.