Ned Thomas Cay - Malpelo Island

Ned Thomas Cay, part of the wider Malpelo Island system, often delivers a solid dive. We’ve found the reef here is home to schools of snapper and barracuda, typically cruising past the wall. Keep an eye out for the resident white-tip reef sharks, often resting in the sandy patches just off the main drop-off. It’s a good spot for divers comfortable with drift dives, as currents can pick up, making for an exhilarating ride along the reef's edge. This isn't usually the "big ticket" Malpelo experience, but it’s consistently interesting and a good place to appreciate the sheer volume of fish.

Location
Malpelo Island, Colombia, South America
Coordinates
14.167500, -82.805275
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 Ned Thomas Cay

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 Ned Thomas Cay

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