- Location: Department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia
- Water area: Pacific Ocean
- Area: 0.35 sq. M. km
- Highest point: 375 m
Malpelo is an island-preserve owned by Colombia . It is located in the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean. From the bay of the city of Buenaventura it is separated by 506 km. Although its area is small (0.35 sq. Km), but this is one of the best places for diving in the country.
Basic information about Malpelo Island
Malpelo is an unusual rocky island. Its length is 1850 m, its width is about 800 m. It is uninhabited, but since 1986 the post of the Colombian army is located here. Since 2006, Malpelo and the adjacent water area of 9584 square meters. km are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. For this reason, fisheries are banned in this part of the Pacific Ocean. In addition, to visit the island must have a special permit from the Ministry of Ecology of Colombia.
Flora and marine fauna Malpelo
Malpelo Island does not have dense vegetation. Mostly, here grow mosses, ferns, lichens, several species of shrubs and algae. The lack of greenery is more than offset by the rich marine fauna that makes the island very popular among divers. When immersed in the water you can find such inhabitants:
- Sharks. Around the island, there are large populations of sharks, hammers, platens, silk and whale sharks. In addition, this place is one of the few on the planet where you can see deep-sea sand sharks.
- Whales. One of the amusements is watching the sea giants: blue and humpback whales. In these waters, they seek a warm current for the formation of a pair and the birth of young. It is very interesting to see the whale near.
- Tropical fish. In the waters of Malpelo Island, there are 394 species of fish and more than 350 species of mollusks. The most interesting species of fish are groupers, moray eels, marlins, grumbling fish and manti, caruncles, and snapper.
- Flocks of fish. Often divers witness the hunting of sea giants on the spherical flocks of small fish. Such flocks are called "baitball". Small fishes, huddled in a tight ball for self-defense, swim to the surface of the water. This is a very impressive sight.
Diving
Malpelo Island is the best place for diving in the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean. It is here that you can observe the large pelagic animals on the planet. Features of diving:
- Conditions for immersion. In the waters there are ocean currents, because the conditions for diving are constantly different. Visibility in water ranges from 25 m to 40 m. The temperature is closer to the surface from +25 ° C to +28 ° C, at a depth of +15 ° C. The period June-November is cloudy, and the water, on the contrary, is warm and transparent.
- The best periods for diving. In the summer season, it is more likely to see the migration of silk sharks and whales. At this time they gather in huge packs. Behind the hammerhead sharks are observed all year round. From January to April, you can find sandy tiger sharks.
How to get to Malpelo Island in Colombia?
Before visiting the island it is necessary to have a diver's license and permission from the Ministry of Ecology of Colombia. You can get to the island in two ways:
- buying an 8-day sightseeing tour from Buenaventura;
- on a ferry from the city of Guapi (1 hour flight from Cali and about 40 minutes to the island by boat).