SHAWNEE - Malpelo Island

The Shawnee, a tugboat that went down in 1976, rests upright, making it a compelling dive when Malpelo's notorious currents allow. Sitting near the main island, its 45-metre hull is a dark silhouette against the blue, attracting a surprising amount of pelagic action given its depth. We’ve seen silvertips and even a stray hammerhead cruising the perimeter, using the wreck as a kind of navigation marker. Inside, you might find moray eels peeking from the shadows, and schools of snapper often swirl around the bridge. It’s a good one for experienced divers who appreciate a substantial piece of maritime history and don't mind a bit of a current.

Location
Malpelo Island, Colombia, South America
Coordinates
12.495556, -81.719444
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

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 SHAWNEE

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 SHAWNEE

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