Travel Guide Isla De Malpelo

The Malpelo flora and fauna sanctuary is located about 490 km west of Buenaventura. This vast marine park, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best diving sites in the world. 376 meters high, the island of Malpelo is the emerged part of an underwater cordillera. Its steep walls plunge to a depth of more than 4,000 meters. Fishing is forbidden there, the island being a sanctuary for many threatened species. Its cold waters are home to sea eagles, Murray's green cod, red-lipped sea bats, but also manta and leopard rays, a large number of dolphins, moray eels, turtles and sharks, including hammerheads and the very rare ferocious shark. In short, Malpelo is a paradise for experienced divers. The island is not inhabited, but Colombian ships are stationed nearby to protect the site. Fundación Malpelo works in collaboration with the government for the conservation, research and responsible management of ecotourism in Malpelo. The site - www.fundacionmalpelo.org - is a good source of information.