Malpelo · Colombia · Seamount · Pinnacle · Wall
El Bajo del Monstruo
Current-swept seamount with hammerhead schools in Jan and Feb
Area photo: Jdmacarenoq · CC BY-SA 4.0
El Bajo del Monstruo is a submerged seamount off the northern side of Malpelo whose vertical walls descend beyond 60 m. Dives run from 6 m to 45 m in strong currents and are demanding because of both the current and the depth. Hammerhead schools gather around the rock in January and February.
Also known as Bajo del Monstruo, Monster Seamount, El Monstruo.
Where it is and how deep
4.0033° N, 81.6076° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
El Bajo del Monstruo is a submerged seamount on the northern side of the island, with vertical walls that descend beyond 60 m (200 ft). The dive profile runs from 6 m to 45 m, and strong currents are common here, making the dive very demanding in both current and depth.
In January and February large schools of hammerheads circle the rock. In the first months of the year the smalltooth sand tiger shark (Odontaspis ferox) is seen at depths beyond 45 m (150 ft), and the seamount takes its name from it.
Marine life and season
- Hammerheads
- Sand tiger sharks
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Good | Good | Good | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime |
Season follows Malpelo: Jan-Apr is cooler and drier with a shallow, cold thermocline; May-Dec runs warmer with better visibility and the strongest shark and pelagic activity.
Know before you go
- Strong currents are common at El Bajo del Monstruo.
Dive videos
Malpelo / Kolumbien · Hans Hoyer on YouTube
Questions divers ask
When are hammerheads at El Bajo del Monstruo?+
Large schools of hammerheads circle the rock in January and February. The smalltooth sand tiger shark is seen in the first months of the year, at depths beyond 45 m.
Sources
- Guía de buceo de Malpelo — Agenda del Mar
- Diving in Malpelo — La Plataforma del Buceo
- Buceo en Malpelo — Te Moana Expeditions
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