Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary

The Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary is a remote oceanic island and marine protected area off the Pacific coast of Colombia, recognised for its high marine biodiversity and important seabird and shark populations. The site is a protected nature reserve under Colombian jurisdiction.

The island has long been recognized locally for its wildlife and has been formally designated as a protected area to conserve its unique marine ecosystems and seabird colonies. Conservation and management focus on regulating access and preventing overfishing and disturbance.

Malpelo lies in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean off the Colombian coast; it is an isolated oceanic feature surrounded by deep waters and is reached only by specialised sea voyages.

• Marine biodiversity: The island and surrounding waters are an important marine reserve supporting large pelagic fauna, including significant shark populations that attract scientific and diving interest.

• Access to Malpelo is by scheduled liveaboard diving expeditions rather than casual day trips-book a seat on a licensed liveaboard well in advance, as departures are infrequent.
• Be prepared for long sea transits from the Colombian mainland (trips often take many hours to a day) and rough open-ocean conditions; choose operators experienced with Malpelo who provide the required permits and conservation briefings.
• Understand that on-site landings are highly restricted for conservation and most visitor activity is diving-confirm whether the trip is for diving or research and that your operator is authorized to operate in the sanctuary.