Southeast Rock - Malpelo Island

Naples Reef, off the Gaviota Coast, is the kind of site that makes you work for it, but the payoff is usually worth the effort. We love the sheer density of life clinging to every surface here, a stark contrast to some of the sandier spots along the coast. It’s a shallower dive, maybe 10-15 metres on average, but you could spend an entire hour exploring just a small section of reef. The giant kelp forest is the first thing that hits you – golden stalks swaying, filtering the light into ethereal shafts. Descending through that kelp canopy, you’ll start spotting the resident population of blue rockfish and kelp bass, often hanging out in lazy schools. Look closely for the smaller stuff too: we’ve found nudibranchs of every colour tucked into crevices, and more often than not, a grumpy sheephead will eye you from a rocky overhang. The red sea urchins are everywhere, creating a prickly purple carpet in places, and you’ll see the occasional common thresher shark glide through the murkier edges if you’re lucky. We’d suggest going on a calm day; the surge can really pick up here, making photography tricky. It’s a good spot for divers comfortable navigating kelp and a bit of current, offering a real taste of California’s rugged underwater beauty.

Location
Malpelo Island, Colombia, South America
Coordinates
14.166670, -82.483330
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 Southeast Rock

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 Southeast Rock

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