Malpelo is renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity, particularly its large populations of hammerhead sharks, silky sharks, and whale sharks. The waters host over 394 fish species, including tuna, billfish, and various reef fish. The island serves as a crucial nesting site for numerous seabirds, including the masked booby, swallow-tailed gull, and red-footed booby. Endemic species include the Malpelo land crab and several lizard species. The sanctuary is also visited by marine mammals such as humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins.
Despite its rocky nature, Malpelo supports various plant species adapted to its harsh conditions. The vegetation is primarily composed of algae, lichens, and small herbaceous plants that can survive in the limited soil deposits. Several species of marine algae thrive in the surrounding waters, contributing to the sanctuary's underwater ecosystem. The island's plant life is specially adapted to withstand strong winds, salt spray, and limited freshwater availability.
Malpelo is a massive oceanic rock formation that represents the exposed peak of a submarine volcanic ridge, rising dramatically from depths of over 4,000 meters. The island extends approximately 1.6 kilometers in length and reaches heights of up to 300 meters above sea level. Its surface is characterized by steep cliffs, numerous caves, and rocky outcrops formed through volcanic activity and erosion. The surrounding underwater topography features deep walls, caves, and steep slopes that create diverse marine habitats.
Malpelo Island was first documented by Spanish explorers in the 16th century and has long been known to mariners as an isolated oceanic peak. The Colombian government declared it a Flora and Fauna Sanctuary in 1995, and UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site in 2006. Historically, the island served as a strategic military outpost, and today it houses a small Colombian Navy garrison. The sanctuary has been instrumental in marine conservation efforts in the Eastern Pacific, with scientific research stations established to study its unique ecosystem.
The sanctuary's most distinctive feature is its role as one of the world's largest no-fishing zones, protecting critical marine ecosystems. The site is particularly famous for its massive congregations of hammerhead sharks, with schools sometimes numbering in the hundreds. The underwater seamounts and walls create unique diving conditions that attract diving enthusiasts from around the world. The island's isolation and protected status have preserved its pristine ecosystem, making it a living laboratory for marine research and conservation efforts in the Eastern Pacific region.
Malpelo experiences a tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures throughout the year, averaging between 26-28°C (79-82°F). The sanctuary receives significant rainfall, particularly between May and December, with annual precipitation around 3,000mm. Surface water temperatures typically range from 26-28°C, though thermoclines can cause deeper waters to be considerably cooler. The area can experience strong currents and occasional rough seas, particularly during the rainy season, which can affect diving conditions and accessibility.
Colombia
3.9890°, -81.6060°
1995
2700
Malpelo is an oceanic island and marine protected area in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The sanctuary is renowned for its large populations of sharks and other pelagic species. It's considered one of the top diving destinations in the world, particularly famous for its schools of hammerhead sharks.