Diving in Malpelo Island

Loggerhead Turtle

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Loggerhead Turtle is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle, named for its massive head. While less common than Green and Hawksbill turtles on Caribbean reefs, they can be spotted at deeper reef sites.

Great Hammerhead

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Great Hammerhead is the largest of all hammerhead species, instantly recognizable by its massive, flattened head extension called a cephalofoil. This prehistoric-looking predator can reach lengths of up to 20 feet, with a distinctive tall, sickle-shaped dorsal fin. Their unique head shape houses electroreceptors that help them hunt stingrays buried in sand. Great Hammerheads are solitary hunters, often seen cruising along reef walls and sandy bottoms. Despite their intimidating size, they're generally shy around divers and will often move away when approached. Their powerful swimming style and graceful movements make encounters truly memorable for fortunate divers.

Pacific Eagle Ray

Destination note

Year-round resident. Most common in open water near La Nevera and El Bajo. Often seen in groups of 3–8. Frequently observed during surface intervals and at cleaning stations.

Spotted Eagle Ray

Destination note

Year-round resident. Most common in open water near La Nevera and El Bajo. Often seen in groups of 3–8. Frequently observed during surface intervals and at cleaning stations.

Dusky Shark

Destination note

Seasonal visitor most common during wet season (Jun–Oct) at deep walls. Usually solitary. Seen more frequently on offshore pinnacles during strong current conditions.

Southern Stingray

Destination note

Year-round resident. Found on sandy bottoms and rubble patches at 15–35m. Most common at sites with sandy terraces near La Gringa and the eastern wall.

Green Sea Turtle

Destination note

Year-round resident. Most common around kelp and algae beds on the leeward side of the island. Often seen resting or grazing on the shallow rocky platforms at 5–15m.

Pacific Creolefish

Destination note

Ubiquitous year-round at every dive site. Massive schools in the water column at 10–30m. Most dense at La Nevera and the northern pinnacles where current flow is strongest.

Hawksbill Turtle

Destination note

Year-round resident. Most common on the coral and sponge-rich walls of the eastern side and near cleaning stations. Often seen in pairs.

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

Destination note

Year-round resident. Frequently seen during surface intervals and boat crossings. Often approaches boats. Pods of 10–30 individuals common. Most active during calm sea conditions.

Porcupinefish

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Porcupinefish can inflate its body with water to several times its normal size, erecting its spines as a defense mechanism. They are often seen resting in reef crevices during the day.

Panamic Soldierfish

General species description, not specific to this destination

A vibrant red fish with large eyes adapted for low-light conditions, found schooling in caves and under ledges on Eastern Pacific rocky reefs. Reaches up to 30 cm in length. The name "soldierfish" comes from its uniform-like rows of scales and rigid dorsal spine.