Malpelo Island

Isla de Malpelo

A remote uninhabited island located far offshore, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site and known for world-class diving with large pelagic species including hammerhead sharks and manta rays. It's only accessible to experienced divers on specialized liveaboard expeditions.

Things to do

• Hammerhead Shark Diving — Encounter large schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks in their natural habitat, particularly around the deeper walls and channels surrounding the island.
• Manta Ray Encounters — Observe giant manta rays gliding through the nutrient-rich waters, especially during seasonal migrations when plankton blooms attract these majestic creatures.
• Deep Wall Exploration — Dive along dramatic underwater cliffs that drop thousands of meters, revealing an abundance of pelagic fish, groupers, and other large marine species.
• Snorkeling at Shallow Reefs — Explore the island's limited shallow-water reef systems where tropical fish species, smaller sharks, and colorful invertebrates congregate in clearer conditions.
• Night Diving for Nocturnal Species — Descend after dark to observe nocturnal fish behavior, octopuses, and other creatures that emerge under artificial light in the deep waters around the island.
• Isla Afuera Expedition — Visit the smaller offshore rock formations surrounding Malpelo where currents concentrate marine life and offer some of the most intense diving experiences.

Food to try

• Fresh Fish from Liveaboard Catch — The expedition boats typically serve fresh-caught Pacific fish grilled or prepared in local Colombian styles, sourced during the voyage or prepared fresh onboard.
• Rice and Beans (Arroz con Frijoles) — A staple Colombian dish served daily on liveaboard expeditions, combining white rice with seasoned black or red beans as a hearty base for meals.
• Ceviche — Fresh raw fish cured in citrus juice and mixed with onions, cilantro, and tomatoes—occasionally prepared on liveaboards using locally caught seafood.
• Empanadas — Fried pastry pockets filled with fish, meat, or cheese, commonly included in meal provisions on expedition boats departing from Colombian coastal towns.
• Fresh Tropical Fruit — Bananas, papayas, and other fresh tropical fruits sourced before departure and served throughout the liveaboard journey to supplement onboard meals.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect UNESCO Protection Status — Malpelo is strictly protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Natural Park; visitors must follow all regulations set by Colombian authorities and dive operators to minimize environmental impact.
• Advanced Diving Certification Required — Only experienced divers with advanced open water certification and previous deep-diving experience are permitted; most operators require proof of at least 100 logged dives and recent cold-water or deep-water diving experience.
• Physical and Mental Preparation — The remote location and challenging sea conditions demand excellent physical fitness and psychological readiness; visitors should be prepared for rough waters, seasickness, and isolation from mainland contact for extended periods.
• Leave No Trace Philosophy — As an uninhabited protected island, visitors must follow strict no-trace protocols—taking only photographs and removing all waste—to preserve the pristine marine ecosystem for future generations.