Punta de La Sal

Punta de La Sal — Salt Point — occupies a position at the northern boundary of the El Cabrón marine reserve on Gran Canaria's east coast, where the reef transitions from the reserve's protected interior to more exposed, open-water conditions that justify an advanced designation. The name refers to the salt that accumulated on the rocks of this point through wave action and evaporation, a characteristic of exposed Atlantic headlands that experience regular splash and spray. The advanced character of Punta de La Sal emerges from its position as an exposed headland rather than a sheltered reserve interior. Current runs more strongly around the point than within the reserve, particularly on tidal changes, and the depth increases more dramatically. The combination of current management, depth, and the variable surface conditions that can develop at an exposed Atlantic point requires the experience and technical competence that the advanced rating reflects. The reward for engaging with these conditions is a dive that combines the exceptional biodiversity of the El Cabrón reserve context with the more dynamic, pelagic wildlife that exposed headland conditions generate. The current that sweeps around the point carries nutrients and concentrates schooling fish in formations that attract larger predators: barracuda schools materialize suddenly from the blue water off the headland, and large amberjack exploit the tidal flow for efficient hunting. Atlantic wrasse in impressive sizes — Coris julis growing to full adult dimensions in this productive water — cruise the reef face with a boldness that reflects their healthy population status under the reserve's protective umbrella. Angle sharks rest on the sandy patches accessible from the point, and the combination of reserve-quality biodiversity with the dynamic open-water conditions of an exposed headland makes Punta de La Sal one of the more rewarding advanced dives in Gran Canaria's east coast dive portfolio.