Blue Diamond - Malpelo Island

Blue Diamond isn't some ancient galleon, no, it's a relatively young wreck, a sunken fishing boat that went down not too long ago. But that's precisely what we love about it; it hasn't been picked apart by currents or divers. Instead, it feels like a moment frozen in time, an artificial reef still very much finding its feet. You drop down and the shape of the boat is clear, surprisingly intact. We usually spend the first part of the dive just circling the exterior, watching schools of grunt and blueman swirl around the superstructure. Look closer, and you'll spot the resident blackcheek blennies popping in and out of every crevice, little personalities in their own right. Inside, the cabins are accessible if you're comfortable with a bit of penetration. We've seen American eels peeking out from behind what used to be navigation equipment, and the scattered pore rope sponges are really starting to take hold, adding a splash of colour to the monochrome metal. It's a fantastic drift dive too; the currents here can be lively, but they bring in plenty of nutrient-rich water, which is probably why the fire coral and Graham's sheet coral are colonising so quickly. Keep an eye out for larger pelagics cruising by in the blue – you never know what the currents will bring in at Malpelo.

Location
Malpelo Island, Colombia, South America
Coordinates
12.535523, -81.735980
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Blue Diamond

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown

The story behind the Blue Diamond wreck is shrouded in the same mystery and wildness as its location, the remote Pacific island of Malpelo. Little is known about this small boat's history, its purpose, or the circumstances of its sinking. It rests on the seabed as a silent testament to the unforgiving nature of this isolated seamount. For divers, however, the wreck's undocumented past is secondary to its spectacular present. Malpelo is a world-renowned shark sanctuary, and the Blue Diamond acts as a waypoint and artificial reef in this incredible ecosystem. A dive here is less about exploring the vessel and more about witnessing the breathtaking marine life it attracts, including vast schools of hammerhead sharks, silky sharks, and other pelagic giants that define this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Marine Protected Area: Jhonny Cay Regional Park

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Malpelo Island

Nearest Dive Centres to Blue Diamond

Marine Life in Malpelo Island

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

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Blue Diamond

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