reef

Log This Dive

La Punta Reef

La Punta Reef, tucked away in the Palomino Islands, often gets overshadowed by the sea lions. That’s a mistake. We love this site for its genuine ruggedness and surprisingly varied life, a real slice of the Humboldt Current experience. Dropping down, you’re met with a rocky landscape, a jumble of boulders and crevices that just begs to be explored. It’s not about flashy colours here, but the sheer volume and unique character of what calls this home. Keep your eyes peeled for those impressive giant octopus, masters of camouflage, tucked into the rocky outcrops. We’ve had some memorable encounters with them, just hovering, watching them shift colour and texture. You’ll spot Jewel morays peeking from their hidey-holes, and schools of Cabinza Grunt and Scad weaving through the rocks. Visibility can be a bit moody, averaging 10-15m on a good day, but that just adds to the atmospheric feel. Our favourite time to dive here is mid-morning, just as the light starts to penetrate the water, highlighting the texture of the reef. It’s an intermediate dive, so comfortable buoyancy control helps navigate the occasional surge and those tight spots where the bigger critters like to hide. This is a site for divers who appreciate the raw, wild side of temperate waters, for those who value discovery over pristine visibility.