Isla Malpelo is located at approximately N 3º59' W 81º36' (about 235
miles/378 km from the Columbian coast and 225 miles/362 km from Panama).
Malpelo is a world class dive spot on par with Cocos with clear water
and tons of fish and sharks. Divers often see 100's of sharks schooling,
some of the biggest (non-baited) schools ever filmed have been at
Malpelo. Its reputed to be one of the top dive sites in the world with a very large population of silky and hammerhead sharks.
Zone riche en requins marteaux et requins soyeux.
It is uninhabited except for a small garrison of the Colombian Army, which was established in 1986. Visitors need a written permit of the Colombian Ministry of Ecology.
On July 12, 2006 Malpelo was declared by the UNESCO as natural World Heritage Site for marine parks.
The Columbian military requests that vessels passing within 20 miles of
Isla Malpelo report their presence to the military via VHF Ch:16. If
they cannot get a visual on slow moving boats, or a response on the VHF,
it's likely they will send either a helicopter or a boat to
investigate.
There is no anchorage here as it is very deep close to the island.
The Navy however continues to extend their offer to visiting cruising
boats, letting them use their buoys if their supply ship is not there.
Navy personnel are reported to be very friendly (they don't get many
visitors) and the odds are you will be invited to play a game of soccer
with them.
16
Southern View of Malpelo Island
