10-30m
    Malpelo Island, Colombia

    Cayman Reef

    Best months: Jan–Apr

    Why dive here

    With 71+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda and pufferfish - Cayman Reef offers some of Malpelo Island's richest reef diving. Water ranges 28-30°C, warmest September, October, November.

    Best timeJan–Apr
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBarracuda and Pufferfish · 71+ species recorded
    Water28-30°C · warmest September, October, November
    CharacterReef dive · max 10-30m

    Cayman Reef at Malpelo Island delivers consistent hammerhead encounters, often in dense schools cruising the deeper sections. This coral reef isn't about small critters; it's about the big pelagics and the thrill of open ocean diving. Strong currents are common here, making it best suited for experienced divers comfortable in dynamic conditions. Expect visibility to be good, allowing you to appreciate the sheer volume of sharks.

    Typical Cayman Reef Dive Profile

    5m10mSafety Stop0m10m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Today05:2217:1511h 53m daylightGolden hour 16:47

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Cayman Reef

    Cayman Reef Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Cayman Reef, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (12.4, -81.47) (108km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    30°C

    86°F · Range: 29.3–31.3°C

    Current Speed

    13.42 cm/s

    Direction: NE (63.4°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.094 mg/m³

    Very clear (oligotrophic)

    Salinity

    34.38 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

    Plan & book

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