Oceano Scuba Centro de Buceo - Malpelo Island
Alright, Malpelo. If you’re heading out to this speck in the Pacific, it’s for one reason: big fish, and lots of them. The team at Oceano Scuba Centro de Buceo are your gatekeepers to that wild ride. We’ve found they really shine with divers who know what they’re getting into – currents can be strong, conditions change fast, and you’re often deeper than your average reef dive. They’re PADI certified, from your initial Open Water right up to instructor level, but honestly, we think their sweet spot is guiding experienced divers through Malpelo’s exhilarating landscape. They understand the nuances of diving in a place where hammerheads school in the hundreds and silvertips cruise by like underwater trains. What we love about Oceano Scuba is their no-nonsense approach to safety and their genuine respect for the environment. On one trip, a divemaster patiently pointed out a tiny nudibranch while we were waiting for a shark show to start, reminding us there’s more than just the megafauna. Our favourite dives with them always involve an early morning drop at "El Arrecife," when the light is just starting to pierce the surface and the schooling fish are particularly active – you’ll see fusiliers so thick they momentarily block the light. Expect a professional setup, clear briefings, and guides who know these waters like the back of their hand. They’re a solid choice if you’re serious about experiencing Malpelo’s incredible pelagic action with a competent crew.
- Location
- Malpelo Island, Colombia, South America
- Coordinates
- 11.266306, -74.190080
- Phone
- +57(5)4219004
- Website
- https://www.oceanoscuba.com.co/
- Certification Agencies
- PADI
- Courses
- Recreational (Beginner to Advanced), Professional (Instructor, Guide, Specialist)
- Address
- 17-46, Carrera 2, Taganga, 470001
Dive Sites Near Oceano Scuba Centro de Buceo
Oceano Scuba Centro de Buceo provides access to 15 dive sites in Malpelo Island.
- Alice-Agnes Rocks (reef)
- Aquamarina
- Aquarius
- Archies Rock (reef)
- Arrecife Edinburgh (reef)
- Arthur Jackson Reef - 5-20m (reef)
- Asmalera Rocks (reef)
- Auiapuni Reef (reef)
- Auikera (reef)
- Bajo Bonito (reef)
- Bajo Caribana (reef)
- Bajo del Anda (pinnacle)
- Bajo del Cholo (pinnacle)
- Bajo del Hospital
- Bajo del Junior (pinnacle)
Other Dive Centres in Malpelo Island
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.
Notable Marine Life
- Silver mojarra (Eucinostomus argenteus) - Reef Fish
- Snapper (Lutjanus synagris) - Reef Fish
- Kwab (Sparisoma radians) - Reef Fish
- Butterfly (Chaetodon capistratus) - Reef Fish
- Cola (Ocyurus chrysurus) - Reef Fish
- Banded Wrasse (Halichoeres notospilus) - Reef Fish
- Flamefish (Apogon maculatus) - Reef Fish
- Mutton Snapper (Lutjanus analis) - Reef Fish
- Fringed Filefish (Monacanthus ciliatus) - Reef Fish
- Molly Miller (Labrisomus nuchipinnis) - Reef Fish
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