Diving in Malpelo : Diving with sharks
Colombia does not end on the continent
Colombia is the only South American country with access to the Pacific Ocean and also to the Caribbean. 500 km from Buenaventura (Department of Valle de Cauca-Colombia), located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is the so-called «Shark Corridor«, a perfect place for diving.
Shark Corridor
The islands of three countries form the «Shark Corridor». It is a triangle formed by the Malpica (Colombia), Galapagos (Ecuador) and Cocos (Costa Rica) islands. This location is without a doubt a perfect place to dive. In its depths we can observe species such as hammerhead sharks, oceanic manta rays, Galapagos sharks, eagle rays, whale sharks, white tipped reef sharks, groupers, morays and much more …
The only thing we won’t see is humans.
Isla de Malpelo, roca solitaria
Malpelo is a lonely rock surrounded by blue and marine life
The island of Malpelo, together with Gorgona Island, are the only islands of the Republic of Colombia in the Padic Ocean. Malpelo belongs to the jurisdiction of the municipality of Buenaventura, department of Valle del Cauca.
How to get to Malpelo Island
First you fly to Bogotá, capital of the Republic of Colombia, and then to Santiago de Cali (Cali), capital of the department of Valle del Cauca. From Cali we will travel to Buenaventura, to be able to embark, which is about three hours away by road. To make this «transfer» you can use the service provided by the boat hired for the dives, or hire a private one.
The incredible views start on the road
On the road route from Cali to Buenaventura we find incredible views. Waterfalls, abandoned mines, restaurants with local and authentic food. It is worth stopping en route, enjoy the interesting points of the road. Once you arrive in Buenaventura, the boat will be waiting for you to dive in the shark’s paradise. In our case it was the Sea Wolff Diving Safari.
Sea Wolff Boat
The 36h of navigation in the Pacific, before anything else, requires a robust boat. Safety comes first. For our adventure we chose the Sea Wolff. The Sea Wolf is a steel boat, 30 metres long, that hardly seems to move, inspiring confidence. It has an austere interior, but is more than enough for those who do not need great luxury. Impeccably clean and well organised. With a large exterior deck, which when it rains allows you to be under cover.
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An excellent crew with great professionalism. The ship’s crew and diving sections are run by great professionals who are well aware that in such an isolated place mistakes must be minimised. The crew takes care of moving the equipment on each dive and equips you once you are in the zodiac. The kitchen, dining room and cabins are run by a staff that will do everything in their power to make you feel at ease.
Excellent connoisseurs of the area with long decades sailing and diving in these waters. Julio, owner of the SW and guide must be one of the people who best know its depths, its conditions and his passion for it is transmitted in every minute.
Local products are used to make a typical meal. Rations are plentiful. Drinks, fruit and snacks are available at all times.
PREPARE DIVING TRIP TO MALPELO
HEALTH
No vaccination is required. Tetanus recommended.
ELECTRICITY
American plugs, double flat plugs and 120 v
SECURITY
We have observed absolutely nothing that makes us think of an unsafe and dangerous country, always keeping the most basic rules to travel anywhere. Cali is a quiet city, which is growing quite a bit and with good development and you simply have to avoid the non-recommended areas that will be indicated to you in the hotel or by the cab drivers (the hills).
CONNECTIVITY
Soon after you start surfing, you lose all connection. The boat has a satellite phone that can be used to call, it is billed by the minute (about 2-3 $ minute)
MONEY
COLOMBIAN WEIGHT. 1 € abaut 3.300 Pesos Change Airport, when you arrive, but BE CAREFUL to check what you have been given before leaving the ticket office. City, in banks. Credit Card, You can pay by credit card in many places. In some of them they can accept dollars, but it is more convenient to change.
DIVING
Water temperature: between 25 and 29º but with thermoclines that can go down to 14º. Bottles with INT connection, DIN adapter required. Diving is available all year round.
Fauna of Malpelo
Life on Board in Malpelo Diving Safari Programme
Do you want to join the adventure of diving in the waters of Malpelo? To make our report we contacted Buceo Safari and they offered us their program «Life on Board in Malpelo«.
DATES
May 29 to June 9, 2021
PRICE
Price per person in double occupancy 3,350
Price subject to availability at the time of confirmation
PRICE NOT INCLUDED
International flight
- Diving equipment
- Nitrox
Extra hotel night if necessary for air connection.
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
Multi-assistance and cancellation insurance