Punta Aguja - Malpelo Island

Punta Aguja. Ah, Malpelo. This isn’t a gentle drift over pretty corals, let’s get that straight. Punta Aguja often feels like a washing machine, but it’s a washing machine full of sharks. The currents here can be utterly insane, swirling around the pinnacle, pulling you up, pushing you down. You’ll fin hard, you’ll hang on, and you’ll love every second of it. We always drop in just off the main rock, aiming to get down quickly and find some shelter. That’s where the real show begins. Think massive schools of hammerheads, sometimes hundreds of them, cruising past in the blue. We’ve seen silvertips and Galapagos sharks here too, often just hanging in the current, watching us. It’s not just the big stuff; keep an eye on the rock itself for the smaller details. We’ve spotted reef scorpionfish tucked into crevices and those cheeky dwarf blennies popping out of their holes. Our favourite moment is always when the fusiliers school so thick they create a shimmering tunnel. Visibility can be hit or miss, but even on an average day, the sheer volume of sharks makes it worthwhile. This site is for experienced divers who are comfortable in strong, unpredictable currents and aren't afraid of a bit of an adrenaline rush. Come prepared for an intense dive, and you’ll leave with stories for years.

Location
Malpelo Island, Colombia, South America
Coordinates
11.317595, -74.199970

Marine Protected Area: Tayrona

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 Punta Aguja

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 Punta Aguja

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