15-35m
    Malpelo Island, Colombia
    Tayrona

    Punta Venado

    Best months: Jan–Apr

    Protected Area

    Tayrona

    Why dive here

    With 71+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda and pufferfish - Punta Venado offers some of Malpelo Island's richest pinnacle diving. Water ranges 28-30°C, warmest September, October, November.

    Best timeJan–Apr
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBarracuda and Pufferfish · 71+ species recorded
    Water28-30°C · warmest September, October, November
    CharacterPinnacle dive · max 15-35m
    StandoutDramatic pinnacle topography

    Punta Venado is where the real action happens, especially if you’re a fan of big animals and an adrenaline rush. We’ve always found this spot to be a bit of a gamble, but when it pays off, it’s spectacular. You drop in and drift along a wall that just drops into the blue. The currents here can be a serious workout, but they’re also what brings in the goods. We’ve seen schools of hundreds of hammerheads materialise out of the deep, a living wall of silver, sometimes so close you can hear their collective rush through the water. It’s also our go-to for catching sight of silky sharks cruising by, sleek and curious. Keep an eye out for free-swimming morays too, not something you see every day. The trick here is patience, and a really good guide who knows the currents. We’d suggest going early in the morning, before the thermoclines get too aggressive, and always be prepared for a strong drift. It’s a site for experienced divers, no question, but the payoff can be a career highlight.

    Typical Punta Venado Dive Profile

    5m10m15mSafety Stop0m15m max~50 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today05:4617:4311h 56m daylightGolden hour 17:14

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Punta Venado

    Punta Venado Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Punta Venado, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (12.4, -81.47) (108km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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