Malpelo Island Dive Trip: Conservation & Adventure Liveaboard [Confirmed]

The Location

Located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 500 km west of Colombia, Malpelo Island is a remote and secluded island that offers a truly unique diving experience. The island is part of a protected marine reserve and is only accessible by liveaboard dive boats, making it a perfect destination for experienced divers looking for a unique adventure.

How do you get to Malpelo Island?

Most liveaboards heading to Malpelo set sail from the small port of Buenaventura, which is approximately a two-and-a-half-hour car ride away from Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport in Cali. This airport receives direct flights from various countries including the USA, Spain, Peru, Ecuador, and Panama. If you’re flying into Bogota, it’s easy to arrange a connecting domestic flight to Cali. In the past, trips also departed from Panama but these are currently on hold.

The journey from Buenaventura to Malpelo Island can last up to 40 hours, especially when faced with rough seas. However, despite the lengthy voyage time, this destination is truly worth every single minute spent getting there.

Where to stay – Accommodations and Travel Logistics for Malpelo Island

As a result of regulations set by the Colombian Government, the only way to explore Malpelo is aboard a Colombian liveaboard. However, once you step on board, you will have complete access to the entire marine sanctuary without any interruptions since only one liveaboard is allowed to enter the park’s boundaries at any given moment. Furthermore, vessels are restricted to accommodating a maximum of 25 guests and each diving group must consist of no more than six divers. These measures ensure that your experience remains private and in harmony with the guidelines established by authorities. That’s why accessing it on a liveaboard with food, supplies, etc provided, is the greatest way to make the best of your dive trip to Malpelo.

Conservation efforts in Malpelo Island: Only 1 Boat is Allowed on the Island

Divers should be aware that the Malpelo Fauna and Flora Marine Sanctuary is a marine protected area, a UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the largest no-fishing zone in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean. Certain regulations must be followed as part of the conservation efforts. Diving is only allowed with a licensed operator, and visitors must obtain a permit in advance. The waters can be challenging, with strong currents and diving at greater depths, so the location is recommended for more experienced divers and in good physical condition. Only one boat is allowed to dive at Malpelo Island at a time, meaning you’re guaranteed to have the dive sites all to yourself. This is to protect the delicate ecosystem and ensure sustainable tourism practices. This remote, untouched location has yet to be studied extensively by scientists due to its isolated location and challenging access. Divers have the unique chance to support the island’s conservation efforts by participating in conservation initiatives.

What to Expect When Diving in Malpelo Island?

Malpelo Island’s remote location and limited access have helped to preserve its pristine waters and thriving marine life. Malpelo Island is a top destination for diving enthusiasts because of its crystal-clear waters and unique underwater topography. But what it is most famous for is the thriving marine life:

Source: zubludiving.com

🦈 over 14 species of sharks;

🐟300 species of fish: Yellowfin Tuna, Barracuda, Snapper, Grouper and more;

🐢Green Sea Turtle;

🌊 and 17 species of coral.

Some of the species divers can expect to see vary from schools of hammerhead sharks, silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, whale sharks, to eagle rays, among other marine species.

The island’s underwater topography is also unique, with underwater cliffs, volcanic rock formations, and deep canyons. The island’s diving sites offer a range of depths and diving experiences, from shallow reef dives to deep wall dives.

The Shark Diving Capital of Columbia

Malpelo Island boasts an abundance of large schools of hammerhead sharks, silky sharks, making it a dream destination for shark enthusiasts.

🦈Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna lewini) – These fascinating sharks are commonly found in large schools around Malpelo Island. They have a unique head shape that allows for enhanced 360-degree view of their surroundings, enhanced sense of smell and electroreception, making them formidable hunters. Diving with a hammerhead school is an unforgettable experience. They prefer warmer tropical and temperate waters but can also be found in colder regions. Divers often witness impressive schools of these unique-looking sharks, especially at sites like “La Nevera” and “The Cleaner.”

🦈Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) – While not as predictable as in some other locations, whale sharks are occasionally spotted around Malpelo Island’s waters during certain times of the year.

🦈Galapagos Shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) – This shark species is commonly seen in Malpelo Island’s waters. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with a grey-brown body and white-tipped fins. They are an apex predator, feeding on a variety of prey including fish and squid and can often be found patrolling the underwater cliffs.

🦈Silky Shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) – This shark species is commonly found in Malpelo Island’s open water. These curious and agile sharks are known for their smooth, metallic appearance. which lacks the rough texture of other shark species. They are an active predator, feeding on a variety of prey including small fish and squid.

🦈Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) – has a sleek, dark appearance and conspicuous black-tipped fins, and is a notable inhabitant of the waters surrounding Malpelo Island. These agile and social sharks are often observed near coral reefs.

🦈Whitetip Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus) – a mesmerizing species known for its distinctive white-tipped dorsal fins, can be often spotted in the waters around Malpelo Island. These agile and nocturnal predators are a common sight, patrolling the underwater landscapes and coral reefs with grace.

🦈Smalltooth Sand Tiger Shark (Odontaspis ferox) – a rare species, usually dwelling in the deepwater rocky expanses around Malpelo Island. It is to be distinguished from the common grey nurse shark by its larger and more forward-placed first dorsal fin and impressive length of at least 4.1 meters (13.5 feet).

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the Malpelo Monster Shark, too. The island’s remote location and protected status have helped to preserve one of the largest shark populations in the world.

The eastern corner of the Hammerhead Triangle

Picture this: hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of hammerhead sharks gracefully navigating the underwater realm around Malpelo. It’s a breathtaking spectacle.

The Hammerhead Triangle is a marine region in the Pacific encompassing several key zones: the waters around Cocos Island, the Galápagos Islands, and Malpelo Island. It is a global hotspot for divers seeking awe-inspiring underwater encounters with schools of sharks. Malpelo Island is in its far eastern corner & boasts a remarkable aggregation of hammerhead sharks, making it a must-visit for divers. The magic happens between January and April when nutrient-rich waters create the perfect conditions.

Schools of Eagle Rays

Eagle Rays (Myliobatidae): Malpelo Island is home to some of the biggest populations of Eagle rays in the world, due to the strong currents that bring in an abundance of plankton, which is their main food source. These graceful creatures, with their distinctive wing-like pectoral fins, are often spotted gliding effortlessly through the clear waters surrounding the island. Divers can witness the captivating sight of eagle rays cruising along the submerged cliffs and coral reefs.

The best time to visit Malpelo Island for diving

The best time to visit Malpelo Island for diving is during the dry season, which runs from December to May. The water temperature ranges from 22 to 28°C, making it comfortable for divers to explore the island’s underwater world, the visibility is also at its best. From June to November, the seas can be rough, and visibility can be limited due to the rainfall. However, during this time, divers can see more sharks, as they are more active in these conditions. Some diving sites may be closed during the rainy season due to the rough seas.

Top 5 Dive Sites in Malpelo Island

1. La Nevera: This site is located on the northeast side of the island and is known for its deep canyons and underwater caves. Divers can see schools of hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks, as well as tuna, wahoo, and barracuda.
2. El Bajo del Monstruo: Located on the southeast side of the island, it is named after the large schools of hammerhead sharks that can be seen here. Divers can also see Galapagos sharks, silky sharks, whale sharks, and eagle rays.
3. Los Túneles: This site is located on the west side of the island and is known for its underwater tunnels and caves. Divers can see schools of hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks, as well as eagle rays, turtles, and octopuses.
4. The Wall: Located on the north side of the island and is known for its underwater cliffs and deep walls. Schools of hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, silky sharks, and whale sharks, can be seen there, as well as tuna, barracuda, and snapper.
5. La Piedra: This site is located on the southeast side of the island and is known for its underwater rock formations and canyons. Divers can see schools of hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks, as well as eagle rays, turtles, and barracuda.

Dive Conditions and Experience Needed

Malpelo Island is also a destination for experienced advanced divers. All the dive sites above are recommended for seasoned well-prepared divers as diving conditions can be challenging due to the strong currents and the depth of the dives. However, for those who are up for the challenge, Malpelo Island offers an unforgettable diving experience.

Malpelo Island Diving Expedition – 11-20 March 2024 Liveaboard [Confirmed]- the Details

Uncover the remote and protected marine reserve that is Malpelo Island. Learn why this unspoiled paradise is a haven for marine life that can’t be found anywhere else. Participate in a conservation project to help preserve one of the best dive spots in the world. Immerse yourself in the world of sharks: hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, tiger sharks, silk sharks, and more. Encounter giant manta rays, eagle rays, and numerous species of fish and turtles.

Join our environmental scientist Andrea, and expert tech diver Chucho on a trip to Colombia’s most remote dive location: Malpelo Island for the scuba diving adventure of a lifetime 👇🏼:

Here’s the breakdown of what you get once aboard:

📍Point of departure: Buenaventura
🤿10 days in a comfortable liveaboard
🤿7 days of diving – 3 dives per day
🤿Meals and between dive snacks
🤿National beer and wine after the dives
🤿After dinner workshops and presentations
🤿Conservation Project data collection with the guidance of our Environmental scientist: Andrea
🤿Great company and specialist еnvironmental knowledge about local wildlife and habitats
🤿Necessary materials for all research activities
🤿Tanks & weights
🤿Park fees
🤿Round transportation Cali-Buenaventura
🤿Tips

Not included:

Dive equipment rental – $25USD per day – (Bringing your own gear is highly encouraged)
Accommodation in Cali – we can recommend some places to you
The transfer from the airport to the hotel of your choice – Nearest airport: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Cali Airport (CLO)

For any questions: Feel free to contact Andrea our environmental scientist: 👇🏼

Malpelo Island Scuba Diving Expedition – Conservation & Adventure [Confirmed Trip]

All Inclusive Liveaboard Expedition