Дайв-сайты: Colombian Pacific

Gorgona Island served as a high-security prison from 1960 to 1984, earning it the nickname Colombia's Alcatraz. The prison was closed and the island was declared a National Natural Park in 1985. Decades without fishing or development have allowed the reefs and marine life to recover spectacularly, making it one of Colombia's best-preserved marine ecosystems.

The best diving conditions run from May to October, when visibility improves and water temperatures are warmest. This period also coincides with humpback whale season from June to October, when mothers and calves from Antarctica migrate to these warm waters to breed. The park sometimes closes during the wettest months, so check access before planning a trip.

Gorgona Island sits about 50 kilometres off the Pacific coast of Colombia, accessed by boat from the town of Guapi in Cauca Department. The boat journey takes two to three hours. Accommodation is available on the island through the national park system, but facilities are basic. Some operators also run liveaboard trips combining Gorgona with Malpelo Island.

Malpelo can only be reached by liveaboard, departing from Buenaventura on Colombia's Pacific coast. The crossing takes approximately 30-36 hours each way across open ocean. Trips typically last 8-11 days including transit time. Only a handful of licensed liveaboard operators are permitted to visit, and the Colombian navy maintains a permanent garrison on the island.

Malpelo is one of the world's premier shark diving destinations. Schools of 200-300 scalloped hammerhead sharks are regularly encountered at cleaning stations. Silky sharks patrol the blue water, Galapagos sharks cruise the walls, and whale sharks make seasonal appearances. Most uniquely, Malpelo is one of the only places to reliably dive with the rare smalltooth sand tiger shark at depths around 40 metres.