20-40m
    Malpelo Island, Colombia
    Jhonny Cay Regional Park

    West Point

    Best months: Jan–Apr

    Protected Area

    Jhonny Cay Regional Park

    Why dive here

    With 71+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda and pufferfish - West Point offers some of Malpelo Island's richest wall 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
    CharacterWall dive · max 20-40m
    StandoutDramatic wall topography

    West Point is where Malpelo truly flexes its muscles, and it's our top pick for a specific kind of diver. This isn't a gentle drift over a pretty reef; it’s a full-throttle immersion into the pelagic action that makes this remote outpost legendary. We love the sheer unpredictability of it. You drop in and immediately feel that surge, a constant reminder of the ocean's power. It’s a site for those who live for the big stuff, for divers who understand that sometimes the best show is just out in the blue. We usually hold steady in the current, tucking in close to the rock face, eyes constantly scanning the deeper water. The resident school of Spot Snapper can be so dense it looks like a silver wall, shimmering as the light catches them. Keep an eye out for the odd Blue Parrotfish cruising by, but really, you're here for the sharks. Hammerheads often pass in formation off in the distance, a ghostly procession against the darker depths. We’ve seen Galapagos sharks glide by with an unnerving confidence, and if you’re lucky, a silky shark might come in for a closer look. The visibility here can be incredible, letting you see those shadows resolve into definite shapes from far away. Dive this on a rising tide for the best chance of encountering the larger schools. It’s an adrenaline-fueled dive, best suited for experienced divers comfortable in strong currents. You’ll spend most of your time suspended, watching the show unfold in the blue, feeling the hum of the ocean around you.

    Typical West Point Dive Profile

    10m20mSafety Stop0m20m max~30 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

    Depth of 20m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.

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

    Today06:1718:1211h 55m daylightGolden hour 17:44

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for West Point

    West Point Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for West Point, 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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