West Point - Malpelo Island

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.

Location
Malpelo Island, Colombia, South America
Coordinates
12.497146, -81.741730

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 West Point

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 West Point

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