Snorkeling at Pico del Águila ¿ Punta de los Gavilanes (Mazarrón)

Between La Pava and La Reya beaches lies a rocky promontory extending into the sea, home to a well-known archaeological site and a scenic viewpoint.

We propose a route that circles the entire islet. Starting from La Reya Beach, we enter the water and encounter a bright sandy seabed that soon gives way to patches of Posidonia seagrass, becoming increasingly dense and extensive. This habitat is home to species associated with sandy bottoms, such as red mullet and striped seabream, which constantly sift through the sand in search of food, as well as peacock flounders, flatfish that blend perfectly into the seabed. More elusive is the pearly razorfish, a very shy fish that quickly buries itself in the sand whenever it feels threatened.

Among the Posidonia meadows, we will also find countless juvenile fish, including young seabream, salema porgies and damselfish.

As we approach the islet, the Posidonia gradually disappears and is replaced by rocks covered with brown algae, creating a perfect refuge for species such as gobies, blennies and damselfish. Near the tip of the islet, the rocks become larger and provide shelter for octopuses and one of their natural predators, the grouper, which here is usually small and cautious.

The seabed forms a rocky platform descending to around four metres before giving way once again to Posidonia meadows. After rounding the point, the wall becomes steeper and is lined with numerous life-filled rocks alternating with patches of Posidonia, where large schools of salema porgies are almost always present.

The best approach is to stay close to the islet’s rocky walls, where some large boulders emerge above the surface. In many places it is possible to stand, and the countless rocks provide endless opportunities to observe the marine life that takes shelter among them.