Laberinto (labyrinth) - Guardalavaca

15 minutes by fast boat from the beach sits this spectacular reef formation. With underwater topography that has a prehistoric feel to it, rocky outcrops that are almost like a dinosaurs' armour plating drop down from 8 metres to 35 metres at maximum depth.

These outcrops are full of channels and tunnels that make this maze like, or as the name suggests, a labyrinth.

Darker because of the depth and rock colours, hugely atmospheric, and full of twist and turns, this is a reef that has to be experienced. Swimming through the channels in the reef is excellent, and the overhangs and small cave like recesses add to the pleasure. Dropping down through a coral lined tunnel is fun too, and catching your buddy coming out of it on camera is a great shot.

Whips, sponges and barrels are everywhere, and the observant diver will find cleaner wrasse on their stations at each point of the reef. Sitting on the sea bed and watching is great fun, as long as you have a like-minded buddy! Nurse sharks have been spotted here, and the topography is perfect for them, so don't be surprised to stumble across one. Don't be disappointed if you don't however – there is plenty more to see!

Larger fish are plentiful here too – lionfish, morays, snapper, spade-fish and barracuda are seen on just about very dive, yet watch out for the camouflaged critters too – scorpion fish and stonefish are well hidden in this perfect environment, but they are there!
As you start your ascent, the sunlight streams down through the reef system, and is simply beautiful.

At the shallower depths, this is a good coral garden and reef dive, but the real pleasure comes from dropping down to around 25 - 30metres – a good dive for the less experienced diver, but an excellent one for those who are qualified to go a little deeper.