5-20m
    Malpelo Island, Colombia

    Ualpatara Reefs

    Best months: Jan–Apr

    Why dive here

    With 71+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda and pufferfish - Ualpatara Reefs offers some of Malpelo Island's richest reef 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
    CharacterReef dive · max 5-20m

    Ualpatara Reefs often delivers a robust current, which suits experienced divers keen on pelagics. We’ve drifted past schooling hammerheads and silvertips here, alongside plenty of reef sharks cruising the coral structures. Keep an eye out for free-swimming morays too. It’s a classic Malpelo drift, demanding good buoyancy and comfort in open water.

    Typical Ualpatara Reefs Dive Profile

    5mSafety Stop0m5m max~60 min estimated bottom time

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

    Today05:2317:1611h 53m daylightGolden hour 16:48

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Ualpatara Reefs

    Ualpatara Reefs Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Ualpatara Reefs, 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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