

Best for advanced divers, 18-40m, boat entry, strong current.
El Sahara is a remote, deep-water site at Malpelo Island, Colombia, offering a complex topography of walls, pinnacles, and reef structures. Designed for advanced divers, the site requires boat access and involves depths ranging from 18 to 40 metres. Conditions are dynamic, with strong currents and visibility that can fluctuate between 3 and 30 metres. Water temperatures typically range from 23 to 25 degrees Celsius, though thermoclines between November and April may cause temperatures to drop to 14 to 18 degrees Celsius. Due to the challenging environment, divers must remain close to their guides and carry a surface marker buoy at all times.
3.99892, -81.61510
The thermocline can drop visibility dramatically without warning and the current can shift direction mid-dive, so stay close to your guide and carry a surface marker buoy at all times. Nitrox fills are available aboard the liveaboard, but confirm your mix with the dive team before each descent given the 40-metre maximum depth.
Access is limited to organized expeditions via licensed liveaboards with park authorization.
Recorded at this site
Depth
18-40m
Visibility
3-30m
Skill Level
Advanced
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
23-25°C
Current
Strong
Best Time
Year-round
No, this site is intended for advanced divers only due to the deep depths, strong currents, and variable visibility.
The site features depths ranging from 18 to 40 metres.
Access is by boat only, typically via liveaboard vessels operating in the region.
No, this is a deep-water site designed for scuba diving, with depths starting at 18 metres.
Divers should be prepared for deep depths, strong currents, surge, low visibility, and significant thermoclines.
Diving at El Sahara in Buenaventura requires the following certifications: Advanced, Nitrox. Always dive within your training limits.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at El Sahara in Buenaventura. Water temperatures range from 23°C to 25°C.
The best months to visit El Sahara in Buenaventura are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
El Sahara in Buenaventura can have strong currents. Advanced experience with drift diving and current navigation is recommended.
Visibility at El Sahara in Buenaventura typically ranges from 3 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.