Diving in Malpelo Island

Explore 167 dive sites in Malpelo Island, Colombia. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Malpelo Island

The warmest water temperatures in Malpelo Island occur in October, averaging 30.2°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 28.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.2°C
  • February: 28.0°C
  • March: 28.3°C
  • April: 29.0°C
  • May: 29.7°C
  • June: 29.9°C
  • July: 29.4°C
  • August: 29.4°C
  • September: 29.9°C
  • October: 30.2°C
  • November: 29.4°C
  • December: 28.7°C

Marine Life in Malpelo Island

Home to 72 recorded species including 68 reef fish, 2 other, 1 hard corals, 1 sea cucumbers.

Recommended Packing List for Malpelo Island

Based on average water temperature of 29.2°C, currents 14 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Malpelo Island

  • Old Providence Mc Bean Lagoon - National Natural Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Jhonny Cay Regional Park - Regional Natural Parks (IUCN Category II)

Getting to Malpelo Island - Nearest Airports

  • Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport (ADZ), San Andrés - 116 km away, approx 142 min travel time
  • Tocumen International Airport (PTY), Tocumen - 355 km away, approx 402 min travel time
  • Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), San José (Alajuela) - 357 km away, approx 404 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres