Dive with the sharks at Malpelo Island Colombia

Malpelo Island Colombia

Malpelo Island, located in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean some 500 kilometers west of the port of Buenaventura, Colombia, has been recognized as a true natural sanctuary. Designated as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International and the Humboldt Institute, it also holds the titles of Specially Sensitive Area by the IMO and Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Malpelo is known worldwide as the capital of shark diving. In its waters, it is possible to swim with hundreds of hammerhead sharks, silky sharks and even spot whale sharks. You can also see rays, eels, tuna, sailfish and, occasionally, whales.

This protected marine park is also the largest no-fishing zone in the entire tropical Pacific.

Malpelo Flora and Fauna Sanctuary

Declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2006, the Malpelo Flora and Fauna Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 2,667,908 hectares. This recognition underscores its ecological importance and the need for its conservation.

The island is home to a unique biodiversity, including endemic species such as the Malpelo lizard (Anolis agassizi) and the land crab (Johngarthia malpilensis). In addition, its waters are home to more than 394 species of fish, making it a true living laboratory for scientists and nature lovers.

Park status: open to the public
Size: 2,667,908 ha
Temperature: 25ºC – 30ºC
Year created: 1995
Altitude: 0 – 330 m above sea level

Diving in Malpelo: swimming with sharks in Colombia

Diving in Malpelo is an experience reserved for experienced divers due to the strong currents and challenging conditions. Advanced certification and a minimum of 50 logged dives are recommended.

Dives offer close encounters with schools of scalloped hammerheads, silky sharks, Galapagos sharks and whale sharks. Sightings of eagle rays, barracuda and schools of tuna are also common.

How to get to Malpelo Island?

Access to Malpelo is exclusively through authorized diving cruises that leave from Buenaventura. The trip can take between 30 and 40 hours. It is essential to coordinate with certified operators and comply with the established protocols.

Diving in Malpelo is to dive in an adventure only suitable for the most prepared, but that leaves an indelible mark in those who manage to live it.
Are you planning to dive in Malpelo? Consult the Tourist Guide of Valle del Cauca and find out everything you need to know before your adventure.

When to dive in Malpelo Island Colombia?

• Dry season (January to May): ideal for seeing large groups of hammerhead sharks (up to 300 individuals), although visibility may be affected by the presence of plankton.
• Rainy season (June to December): offers warmer waters, deeper thermoclimates and better visibility. Sightings of silky sharks (May to July) and whale sharks (July to September) are more frequent during these months.
• The period from January to May is considered the dry season, but visibility is reduced due to the high concentration of plankton.

Recommendations for diving with sharks in Malpelo Island

Advanced diving is the main tourist activity on this Colombian island. To guarantee a safe and respectful experience with the marine ecosystem, keep in mind the following:

• Diving is only allowed with certified and knowledgeable guides, in groups of a maximum of six people.
• Advanced (or two-star) diver certification and at least 35 logged dives are required.
• The maximum authorized depth is 140 feet (approx. 42 meters).
• Before the dives, a buoyancy test is performed to verify the diver’s skills.
• It is not allowed to feed, chase or touch marine fauna.