Malpelo Island is formed by volcanic rock, and its surface is covered in lichen, mosses and algae.
Schooling scalloped hammerhead sharks are a highlight at Malpelo Island, especially at the La Nevara dive site. Sometimes seen in schools of 200 sharks, they can also be joined with even larger schools of silky sharks. They come to cleaning stations to feed, so expect to see plenty of butterflyfish as well. These cleaning stations and the nutrient rich waters also attract gentle giants like oceanic manta rays and whale sharks.
Whale shark sightings are frequent towards the north of Malpelo Island. Dive sites around the island feature mostly steep walls and pinnacles as the island rises from an undersea ridge. There are also caverns and some sandy bottoms to explore.
Water temperature is usually warm at 79-82°F (26-28°C) but at the beginning of the year, it can get chilly with a range of 61-77°F (16-25°C). Cold ocean upswelling caused by strong winds bring more plankton to the surface.
The plankton can reduce visibility to 33ft (10m) from the usual 100ft (30m) but it is well worth it given the abundant marine life around the island.