Malpelo Island
SHARKS! SHARKS! SHARKS!
Malpelo is known to be frequented by schools of hammerhead sharks and Galapagos sharks, and depending on the season, you may also see school of silky sharks, whale sharks, white tip reef sharks, mantas, and if you plan for it, you can possibly see the very rare smalltooth sand tiger shark.
I visited in February on an 11 day liveaboard with 7 days of diving. The highlights were schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, juvenile white tip reef sharks, free-swimming moray eels, eagle rays, massive scorpionfish, octopus, bustling cleaning stations, schools of jacks, pacific barracuda, leather bass and way too many other fishes to name. There were also many small fishes and critters resting on the reefs, but frankly, I was mostly focused on looking out into the blue for sharks. These shark interactions are all wild encounters, not baited or feeding dives, so you are seeing the sharks in the natural behavior patterns.
The other thing that really struck me is just the sheer density of life at the island. It was never just 1 shark, 1 eagle ray, 1 eel, 1 jack, 1 barracuda; everything was in large schools or multiples!
Some of my favorite dives sites were: The Fridge (La Nevera), El Altair de Virginia, Le Ferreteria, La Cara Del Fantasma.
All of the dives are deep, and you will be dealing with very changeable conditions with strong currents, so you should be an experienced diver before coming to Malpelo, as well as having your nitrox certification to maximize your time in the water. And bring a camera (any kind!) as you will want to come home with photos or video of the incredible life!
Because the island is uninhabited and literally is a rock coming out of the water, there really aren't any land based activities you can do topside, so this isn't a location I'd recommend to any non-divers or for people who get super antsy on boats. If you know this going in, just plan accordingly to keep yourself entertained on the boat (reading, napping, photo editing, sunbathing, Cards Against Humanity, poker, drinking, bring movies etc. Some people on our trip brought yoga mats and meditation pillows as well.
I would absolutely visit Malpelo again, and if you love exploring unique places and photographing big fish and sharks, Malpelo should be on your wish list too.
