Fraggle Rock

Fraggle Rock is a large isolated rock formation on the eastern side of Marina del Este bay, rising from the sandy bottom at around 25 metres. The rock is rich in coral, anemones, and sea grass, creating a concentrated habitat island that attracts an unusual density and variety of marine life for its size. Near the base of the formation, the remains of an old truck and a small fishing boat rest on the sand — wreck artifacts rather than intact wrecks, but they add structure that draws additional residents. The dive typically runs 45-55 minutes with a boat drop from Marina del Este harbour.

The critter encounters stand out. Flying gurnards — an uncommon Mediterranean species — have been documented here, walking on their modified pelvic fins before spreading wing-like pectorals and gliding away in a flash of violet-blue. Large cuttlefish hold position near the rock, cycling through colour changes, while octopuses of impressive size occupy crevices throughout the formation. Nudibranchs in blue, violet, and white add macro interest across the substrate. The documented mola mola sighting near the wrecks at 25 metres, while rare, speaks to the site's position in an area where open-water species occasionally pass through.

Fraggle Rock sits within the Marina del Este Natural Reserve, declared in January 2025, so diving requires going through an authorized local centre. The 25-metre depth means Advanced Open Water certification is recommended for the full dive, though shallower portions of the route are within Open Water limits. The bay provides shelter even in rough southerly weather, but visibility drops when conditions deteriorate — 10 metres was recorded on a windy day. Nitrox extends useful bottom time at this depth. Note that despite appearing under "Marbella" in some databases, this site is in La Herradura, approximately 80 km to the east.