LUCKY VIRGIN - Malpelo Island

Okay, let's talk about Lucky Virgin. Forget what you think you know about Malpelo, this isn't your typical hammerhead drift. We're talking about a proper wreck here, the remains of an old motor vessel from '58 that went down back in '87. It ran aground off San Andres, not actually Malpelo itself, but the data has it listed, so we’ll give it a moment. The Lucky Virgin sits shallow, really shallow, barely 2 metres down. What you get is a snapshot of maritime history. Her hull, a good 78 metres long, is still recognisable, a dark mass against the sandy bottom. You can trace the deck line, imagine her passage from Colon to Aruba before things went wrong. For photographers, it’s a cool subject, especially if the light is right, catching the sun glinting off the metal. It’s a site for those who appreciate the story behind the dive, less about big pelagics and more about the quiet contemplation of a man-made structure reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Malpelo Island, Colombia, South America
Coordinates
12.543333, -81.683334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Jhonny Cay Regional Park

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 LUCKY VIRGIN

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 LUCKY VIRGIN

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at the 'Lucky Virgin' dive site?
The Lucky Virgin dive site is quite shallow, with a reported depth of 2 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck dive, perfect for those looking for a shallow exploration.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see at 'Lucky Virgin', including any unique attractions like a 'lucky porthole'?
The Lucky Virgin is a fascinating wreck dive, featuring the remains of a motor vessel built in 1958 and sunk in 1987. Divers can explore the hull and superstructure of this 78.9m x 12.2m vessel, which ran aground off San Andres Island. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided data, wrecks typically attract a variety of reef fish and invertebrates over time, which you can learn more about in our Wildlife Database.
How difficult is the 'Lucky Virgin' dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Lucky Virgin dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. While its shallow depth of 2 meters might seem appealing, the nature of wreck diving often requires specific skills. Therefore, it is generally more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year to dive at 'Lucky Virgin' for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at the Lucky Virgin for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general information on diving seasons in Colombia, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at 'Lucky Virgin'?
The provided data does not specify particular scuba diving certifications required for the Lucky Virgin dive site. Given its intermediate difficulty and status as a wreck dive, it is generally recommended that divers hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or a specialty in wreck diving. Always check with local dive operators for their specific requirements.
What are the typical currents and visibility like at the 'Lucky Virgin' dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical currents or visibility at the Lucky Virgin dive site. Conditions can vary, so it's always best to consult with local dive centers in Malpelo Island for the most current conditions before planning your dive.