Malpelo Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
Malpelo Island is a wildlife sanctuary and is under the administration of the National Natural Parks of Colombia.
It is located in the Pacific Ocean, is recognized as an area of importance for the conservation of birds, Natural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco, is a marine jewel of Colombia, Marine Area of Ecological or Biological importance, Global Oceanic Refuge.
Geographically it is the cusp of an underwater mountain range that belongs to the Andean mountain range. All its beauty is found under the ocean where you will find coral, rock, tunnels, caverns and sandy bottoms.
The island is a unique destination for diving, the hammerhead shark is one of the most important and attractive species to visit, in addition to migratory species in danger of extinction, such as tuna, snappers, jacks and groupers. You can also find
starfish, mollusks, and endemic fish.
To dive in Malpelo, you must have a guide for a group of six divers, duly certified and experienced in the area. Tourists wishing to dive must be certified as advanced divers or two-star divers, and have a minimum of 35 dives in their logbook, information that will be corroborated by the National Parks official in the protected area.
The maximum diving depth allowed is up to 140 feet. Each diver must have the minimum equipment for underwater activities: (suit, BCD, computer, regulator and basic equipment), and safety equipment: whistle or any other warning system, knife, personal locator buoy, flashlight and position or strobe light and aquatic GPS or nautilus.
You will find the world's largest colony of the Nazca Booby (Sula granti). There are 60 species of marine birds, many of which are threatened. There are land crabs, male lizards, spotted lizards, and nocturnal geckos.
- It is recommended to be vaccinated against yellow fever and tetanus. Although you are not required to be vaccinated to enter the Park.
- The entrance of alcoholic beverages and psychoactive substances is restricted.
- The entry and carrying of weapons is restricted.
- PADI certification required for the trip.
- Avoid carrying harmful elements that threaten the health of ecosystems such as CFC aerosols, non-biodegradable cleaning products (soap, shampoo, detergents, etc.).
- In the case of minors performing underwater activities, they must have written permission from their parents, even if they are accompanying them.
- It is important to ensure buoyancy control as a measure to avoid damage to ecosystems, and to refrain from feeding, chasing or touching marine fauna. Therefore, a buoyancy check dive is made to verify the diver's ability.