Franklin Reef - Malpelo Island

Horns Rev, out in the North Sea off Denmark, isn't your typical vibrant reef dive, but it’s got a quiet charm all its own. This shallow stretch, topping out at around 12 meters, is more about the hardy glacial deposits than soft corals. You’ll find a surprising amount of life hunkering down here – think Atlantic cod nudging through the sand, blue mussels clinging to rocks, and plenty of sea potatoes. We’ve even spotted common seals poking their heads up, and the birdlife, like guillemots and gannets, is always a treat on the surface. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the robust ecosystems of the northern seas, a gentle exploration rather than a thrill-ride.

Location
Malpelo Island, Colombia, South America
Coordinates
14.098056, -82.715280
Type
reef

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Malpelo Island

Nearest Dive Centres to Franklin Reef

Marine Life in Malpelo Island

Home to 72 recorded species including 68 reef fish, 2 other, 1 hard corals, 1 sea cucumbers.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Franklin Reef

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