El Arrecife
Also known as: The Reef
Best time to dive
January to June; July to September
What you might see
- Moray eelLikely
Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.
Certification & difficulty
Advanced Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.
Snorkelling
Not a snorkel site - No - liveaboard-only deep reef/wall dive with strong current exposure, not offered
Safety notes
strong currents, big waves and surge, deep reef exposure; remote-location evacuation risk; past diver fatalities/disappearances recorded at Malpelo generally
Permits & fees
Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary fee, paid onboard: approx $400 USD per ~6-11 day trip (operator-quoted); managed by Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia and DIMAR
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Location
Nearest hub: Buenaventura
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.