Expedition-only shark diving around a remote Pacific oceanic sanctuary
Overview
Malpelo is a rare, tightly managed advanced-diver expedition in the Colombian Pacific, built around open-ocean sharks, underwater walls, rocky pinnacles and immense fish schools. The national park lists the sanctuary as open, but bookings, permits and boat slots must be checked directly. Visitors board authorized multi-day liveaboards at Buenaventura for a crossing the park estimates at about 36 hours. Advanced certification and at least 35 logged dives are the park baseline; an established operator asks for 50 logged dives including 35 in the ocean. January to April is the strongest research-backed starting point for schooling hammerheads, while May to December offers other seasonal possibilities and often warmer water. This is not a land-stay, novice training, casual snorkeling or independent freediving destination. Sharks are wild animals, not guaranteed encounters. Park rules | UNESCO | Operator information.
Quick shortlist before you jump into the full planning page.
Top species linked to approved dive spots in Malpelo.
Authorized multi-day liveaboard only, departing Buenaventura; park estimates about 36 hours offshore one way.
Scalloped hammerhead aggregations are a major draw, alongside silky sharks, large fish schools and occasional whale sharks. No encounters are guaranteed.
Advanced-certified divers with proven ocean/current experience, at least 35 logged dives by park rule and potentially 50 including 35 ocean dives by operator rule.
UNESCO World Heritage site and a heavily restricted no-take sanctuary, managed by Colombia National Natural Parks.
2 linked spots
