Bajo de la Testa (Islas Hormigas)
Bajo de la Testa is a large plateau-shaped rock (8–24 m) surrounded by seagrass (Posidonia) and coralline algae, close to the cape, 0.37 mile from the harbour. A slope joins the cape on the west side and the most interesting rock formation is on the south. Brown meagre, barracuda and sea bream are typical. The position was derived from the dive centre's course and distance from the harbour (0.37 mile).
Facts
- Region: Spain – Region of Murcia (Cabo de Palos, Cabo Tiñoso, Águilas)
- Area: Cabo de Palos – Islas Hormigas
- Depth: 8–24 m
- Level: intermediate
- Current: moderate
- Type: reef
- Coordinates: 37.63832, -0.70167 (approximate)
- Highlights: plateau of rock in posidonia, close to Cabo de Palos, corvina, barracuda, bream
- Permit: Inside the Cabo de Palos–Islas Hormigas marine reserve (created 1995). Scuba diving outside the no-take integral reserve needs prior authorisation: in outer waters from the Área Funcional de Agricultura y Pesca of the Government Delegation in Murcia, in inner waters from the regional Dirección General de Ganadería y Pesca (the regional e-office lists the procedure 'Autorización para realizar inmersiones en las Reservas Marinas de Interés Pesquero', code 1153). Dive centres normally arrange this; go with a local centre and check the current rules. The contact details in the official reserve brochure date from 2009, so verify them.
- Issuer / contact: Área Funcional de Agricultura y Pesca, Delegación del Gobierno en Murcia (outer waters) / Dirección General de Ganadería y Pesca, Región de Murcia (inner waters)
- Address: Avda. de Alfonso X El Sabio 6, 30071 Murcia (Delegación del Gobierno); Plaza Juan XXIII s/n, 30008 Murcia (Dirección General); reserve centre: Miguel Salas Coy 8, Cabo de Palos
- As printed in the official reserve brochure (2009 edition); verify before use. Phone numbers from a 2009 leaflet could not be confirmed and were removed; check the official page.
- Tips: Can be covered in one or two dives; needs the reserve authorisation.