zoom_in Click to enlarge

Malpelo Reef

▲ ▼

language

description Malpelo Reef Overview

Malpelo is an oceanic island and surrounding marine ecosystem in the eastern tropical Pacific, roughly 500 kilometres west of Colombia's mainland. The Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006 and protects deep waters, submerged formations, and exposed rocky land. Its nutrient-rich environment supports large aggregations of sharks, including scalloped hammerheads and silky sharks, as well as rays, large fish, and seabirds.

help Malpelo Reef FAQ

Where is Malpelo Reef in relation to Colombia?

Malpelo Island and its surrounding marine sanctuary lie roughly 500 kilometres west of Colombia's Pacific coast. The exposed island is the summit of the much larger underwater Malpelo Ridge.

Why is Malpelo famous among scuba divers?

Its steep walls, caves, strong currents, and open-ocean location attract large pelagic animals. Divers may encounter schools of hammerhead sharks, silky sharks, whale sharks, tuna, and giant grouper.

Can beginners dive at Malpelo?

Malpelo is generally treated as an advanced destination because dives can involve strong currents, deep water, surge, and limited shelter. Trips usually operate from liveaboard vessels because the island is remote and has no tourist accommodation.

What protection does Malpelo have?

Colombia designated it as a fauna and flora sanctuary in 1995. UNESCO added the sanctuary to the World Heritage List in 2006, recognizing its exceptional marine ecosystem.

swap_horiz

Looking for Malpelo Reef alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward