Lawrance Reef
Protected Area
Old Providence Mc Bean Lagoon
Why dive here
With 71+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda and pufferfish - Lawrance Reef offers some of Malpelo Island's richest reef diving. Water ranges 28-30°C, warmest September, October, November.
Lawrance Reef isn't just another Malpelo dive; it's a deep-water drama unfolding. We've often found ourselves hanging in the blue here, watching the main show: those incredible schools of hammerheads. They swirl up from the depths, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, making the light ripple as they pass overhead. It’s an immersion in pure pelagic power. We love Lawrance for its unpredictable nature. One dive, it’s a parade of silky sharks, the next, a lone whale shark glides by. The reef itself, a mix of fire coral and impressive great star coral formations, provides a fascinating backdrop. Look closely and you'll spot yellow stingrays tucked into crevices, or a shy banded pipefish trying to blend in. Our favourite experience is dropping in around mid-morning after the initial rush, when the currents can be just right to hold you in place for the hammerhead procession. This spot really suits divers who are comfortable with open water and strong currents, and who have a deep appreciation for big animal encounters.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Lawrance Reef
Lawrance Reef Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Lawrance Reef, 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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