tan - Malpelo Island

Tan, now that’s a site that sticks with you. It’s not about bright colours or gentle drifts, it's about the sheer, undeniable force of nature you feel here. We’re talking about a site that often feels like diving inside a washing machine, where powerful surge can push you around, but it’s precisely that raw energy that brings in the big stuff. Our favourite memory from Tan involves finding a relatively calm pocket near one of the rocky outcrops, just deep enough to settle in. There, we watched a school of red snapper, their scales catching the shifting light, being harassed by a few determined doctorfish. Below them, a loggerhead turtle cruised by, seemingly unbothered by the chaos. We've also seen the rare pugjaw wormfish here, a subtle treat for those with an eye for the unusual. The corals, like mustard hill and rough cactus, aren't exactly 'gardens,' but they’re incredibly resilient, clinging to the rock in defiance of the relentless current. This spot is for experienced divers who thrive on adrenaline and aren't afraid of a bit of a workout. Come for the high-octane pelagic action, stay for the bizarre micro-critters clinging to the rocks, and leave with a profound appreciation for Malpelo’s untamed beauty. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of an orca cruising through the deeper blue.

Location
Malpelo Island, Colombia, South America
Coordinates
11.267715, -74.190510

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 tan

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 tan

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