pinnacle

Log This Dive

Punta Padi

Punta Padi on Malpelo is a site we always make time for, even with the bigger pelagic draws around the corner. It’s got a completely different feel, much more about the small stuff, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need after wrestling with a strong current. We love dropping in here when the current calms down a bit, usually mid-morning. It's a wall dive, but not a sheer drop, more of a slope that’s just packed with texture. Keep your eyes peeled for the Imitator Blenny; they’re little masters of disguise, and you’ll often find them tucked into crevices. The Rockfish are also a regular sight, just sitting still, perfectly camouflaged. What really sticks with us here is the sheer density of the invertebrate life – the Lavender Rope Sponges are everywhere, vibrant against the darker rock. And the Massive Starlet Coral formations are just impressive, forming little cities for all the smaller creatures. We've often spent an entire dive within a 20-meter stretch, just hovering and really looking. It’s a photographer’s dream if you’re into macro. This isn’t a high-adrenaline dive, and that’s precisely its charm. It suits divers who appreciate slowing down and observing the intricate details of a healthy reef. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve been let in on a secret.