El Faro
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.
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
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to El Faro
Dive shops near El Faro
San Andres Divers
Scuba San Andres
Blue Life Dive
Karibik Diving
Almacén Stella
Reviews for El Faro
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)
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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