20-40m
    Malpelo Island, Colombia
    Jhonny Cay Regional Park

    El Faro

    Best months: Jan–Apr

    Protected Area

    Jhonny Cay Regional Park

    Why dive here

    With 71+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda and pufferfish - El Faro offers some of Malpelo Island's richest pinnacle 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
    CharacterPinnacle dive · max 20-40m
    StandoutDramatic pinnacle topography

    El Faro, a lighthouse-like rock pinnacle, is a proper Malpelo classic. We’ve always found this site to be a more comfortable dive than some of Malpelo’s other adrenaline-fueled spots. Expect a depth around 20-25m, perfect for soaking in the scenery. The real draw here is the sheer density of fish. We’re talking about schools of snappers and jacks so thick they almost blot out the sun, especially during the morning dive. Look closely at the rocky walls, and you’ll find a surprising amount of smaller stuff too – little reef scorpionfish expertly camouflaged, and the charming pallid gobies peering out from crevices. It’s not just big pelagics; it’s a full spectrum. The gorgonian sea fans and soft corals add splashes of colour against the stark rock. We think it’s a brilliant introduction to Malpelo, offering that mix of smaller reef life and big fish action without feeling like you’re constantly battling a current.

    Typical El Faro Dive Profile

    10m20mSafety Stop0m20m max~30 min estimated bottom time

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

    Safety Notes

    Depth of 20m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today06:1718:1211h 55m daylightGolden hour 17:44

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for El Faro

    El Faro Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for El Faro, 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)

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