Northwest Reef
Why dive here
With 71+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda and pufferfish - Northwest Reef offers some of Malpelo Island's richest reef diving. Water ranges 28-30°C, warmest September, October, November.
Northwest Reef at Malpelo Island gives us a look at the deeper coral structures around the island. It’s where you’ll find patrolling schools of hammerheads and silky sharks, often hanging around the drop-off. We think it’s a good spot for experienced divers comfortable with current, looking for those pelagic encounters without the overhead rock formations of some other Malpelo sites.
Typical Northwest Reef Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Reviews for Northwest Reef
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Northwest Reef
Northwest Reef Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Northwest 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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