Malpelo Island, Colombia
    Sanctuaire de faune et de flore de Malpelo

    El Sahara

    Best months: Jan–Apr

    Protected Area

    Sanctuaire de faune et de flore de Malpelo

    Why dive here

    With 71+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda and pufferfish - El Sahara offers some of Malpelo Island's richest 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

    El Sahara is just… different. We’re used to Malpelo being all about the sharks, but this site flips the script a bit. It’s not that you *won't* see them – the silvertips and duskies are always cruising through – but what we really love here is the sheer density of the schooling fish. I remember one dive where a solid wall of big-eye trevally just enveloped us. You couldn't see your buddy for minutes, just shimmering silver and the rush of their movement. Drop in and you’re immediately part of this massive, swirling ecosystem. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, tucked into the crevices; the spotted snake-eels are surprisingly charismatic. We’ve had great luck spotting king angelfish, their vibrant colours a real pop against the deeper blues. The currents here can be a bit of a rollercoaster, so be ready for some drift. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re comfortable in current, El Sahara offers a phenomenal, immersive experience that goes beyond the usual apex predator show.

    Today06:1318:1612h 3m daylightGolden hour 17:48

    Reviews for El Sahara

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for El Sahara

    El Sahara Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for El Sahara, 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

    Ways to dive Malpelo Island, from day trips to liveaboards.

    Day trips & courses

    via GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in Malpelo Island

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near Malpelo Island.

    Search stays in Malpelo Island

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Where to Stay near El Sahara

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to Malpelo Island