Located in the tropical region of the Eastern Pacific, roughly three hundred miles west of the Colombian coast, Malpelo Island sits far off the beaten path. For many years,, it was little more than a curiosity. Only recently has it emerged as a bucket-list destination for divers seeking encounters with large pelagic fish.
The Rock itself is a marvel of nature. Its vertical cliffs rise dramatically from the ocean, creating an inhospitable yet awe-inspiring environment. This remote island feels more like a cathedral than a dive site, inspiring a sense of reverence among those lucky enough to visit.
Diving Restrictions and Experience
The sense of solitude at Malpelo is absolute. To preserve its pristine environment and unique marine life, only one dive boat with no more than sixteen divers is allowed in Malpelo’s waters at any given time. This limited access allows divemasters to select the best dive sites without worrying about overcrowding, enhancing the quality of every dive.
The most common liveaboard for accessing Malpelo is the Panama-based MV Yemaya, which offers regular trips and provides valuable local knowledge to visitors.
Marine Life of Malpelo
Malpelo is famous for its astonishing diversity of Pacific fish and the year-round presence of schooling hammerhead sharks. Gigantic whale sharks cruise the waters in the summer months, and moray eels are so abundant they can often be seen free-swimming during daylight hours.
However, the island’s most iconic specialty is the schooling silky sharks.
Silky Sharks: Appearance and Behavior
Silky sharks get their name from the smooth texture of their skin. Their scientific name, Carcharhinus falciformis, derives from Greek roots meaning "sharp nose," describing the shape of their snout. These sharks are curious animals and often respond to water splashes, which can lead to accidental capture in fishing nets.
Silky sharks inhabit warm tropical waters worldwide. Large aggregations can be found in many locations, but only at Malpelo do they exhibit true schooling behavior similar to hammerhead sharks.
Schooling Behavior
Schooling means swimming together in the same direction, tightly packed, and seemingly coordinated. For many, the idea of hundreds of sharks moving as one might be frightening. At roughly ten feet in length and equipped with sharp teeth, silky sharks are potentially dangerous. However, when schooling, they are calm and non-aggressive.
The Mystery of Shark Schooling
Shark schooling remains one of the ocean’s mysteries. Even with hammerhead sharks, whose behavior has been studied for years, there is no consensus on why they form large schools in certain locations.
These sharks do not school to mate or feed, and they are not aggressive during these gatherings. Cleaning behavior appears incidental rather than purposeful. The energetic benefits seen in schooling fish like tuna are less clear for slower-moving sharks.
Predator confusion, a common advantage of schooling in smaller fish, is unlikely to be a factor for apex predators like sharks. Instead, schooling may be a more complex social activity. This idea is supported by observations that silky sharks often intermingle with hammerhead schools, while the reverse is rare.
Seasonal Schooling at Malpelo
Silky sharks school in Malpelo’s waters primarily during the summer season, from May to August. Another notable site for silky shark schools is Roca Partida, a rock in the Revillagigedos Archipelago off Mexico’s coast. Both Malpelo and Roca Partida are isolated volcanic batholiths that protrude from the deep ocean and may serve as navigation points for migrating pelagic fish.
Despite being one of the highlights of diving at Malpelo, schooling silky sharks remain a rare sight. Encounters are not guaranteed, even during peak season. Out of five trips made by the author during summer seasons, only one—during the 2015 El Niño year—resulted in a schooling encounter.
Planning Your Dive
To increase the chances of seeing a silky shark school, divers should monitor the divemaster’s blog on the MV Yemaya website for current conditions and seasonal forecasts.
When the opportunity arises to witness these schools, how can one capture the experience in a photograph?
Photographing Schooling Silky Sharks
Capturing schooling silky sharks on camera is a thrilling challenge that requires careful planning and an understanding of shark behavior. Photographers must decide whether they want to portray the school as a whole or focus on individual sharks with the school as a backdrop. Both approaches are possible with silky sharks, which tend to be less shy than hammerheads and often allow close approaches.
Choosing Your Composition
If the goal is a striking portrait of a single shark, you can gently enter the school. While the main body of sharks usually maintains some distance, curious individuals often approach, allowing photographers to frame a close-up against the dynamic backdrop of moving sharks.
Photographing the entire school is a different challenge. Dense groups moving in synchrony create dramatic compositions but require careful positioning and wide-angle lenses. Anticipating the school’s movement is essential to capture the full breadth of the gathering.
Lighting Considerations
Silky sharks prefer the upper layers of the water column, typically found in well-lit blue water environments. This ambient light offers excellent opportunities for natural-light photography. However, the presence of plankton and suspended particles often clouds the water near the surface, which can degrade image quality.
Deciding whether to use strobes or natural light depends on conditions and artistic intent. Avoiding strobes can reduce backscatter from plankton and maintain the water's natural color. On the other hand, strobes can illuminate close subjects sharply and bring out vibrant colors, especially in overcast or deeper conditions.
Equipment and Settings
Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the expansive scene of a shark school. Fisheye lenses, in particular, allow photographers to include large groups within the frame while being close to the subjects, which improves clarity and color saturation.
Camera settings should prioritize a fast shutter speed to freeze motion, combined with an aperture that balances depth of field with sufficient light intake. ISO levels may need adjustment depending on available light and water clarity.
Behavior and Safety
Understanding silky shark behavior is critical for safe and effective photography. These sharks are generally non-aggressive when schooling, but caution is always necessary when working around wild animals.
Approach slowly and avoid sudden movements. Maintain good buoyancy to prevent disturbing the environment and the sharks. Respect the animals’ space and never attempt to touch or chase them.
Other Schooling Species at Malpelo
Malpelo Island is home to a variety of schooling fish species, contributing to its reputation as a biodiversity hotspot. Besides silky sharks and hammerheads, divers regularly encounter large schools of Pacific barracudas and big-eye jacks.
Moray eels, while not schooling fish, are often seen swimming freely during the day, adding to the island’s marine spectacle. Small snappers and grunts commonly form dense polarized schools, creating mesmerizing underwater scenes.
Unique Schooling Behavior of Mullet Snappers
One of Malpelo’s unique features is the presence of extraordinarily large schools of mullet snappers. Unlike their usual behavior of swimming in pairs or small groups, these fish form vast aggregations here, providing striking photographic opportunities.
These schools can be captured effectively using ambient light, creating natural and ethereal images. Using strobes can also reveal the vivid colors of individual fish within the school, offering a different aesthetic perspective.
Seasonal Patterns and Environmental Factors
The schooling behavior of silky sharks and other fish species at Malpelo is influenced by seasonal and environmental factors. Summer months bring warmer water temperatures and changes in currents that appear to trigger these aggregations.
Understanding these patterns helps divers and photographers plan their trips for the best chances of encountering the schools. Environmental monitoring and local knowledge play a vital role in predicting shark activity.
The Role of Malpelo in Pelagic Migrations
Malpelo’s isolated position and steep underwater topography make it an important waypoint for migrating pelagic species. The island’s batholith structure provides a unique habitat and navigational landmark in the vast open ocean.
This may explain why schooling sharks and other large pelagic fish congregate around Malpelo. The island acts as a meeting point or stopover in the migratory routes, facilitating these remarkable gatherings.
Conservation Challenges
Despite its remote location, Malpelo faces threats from illegal fishing and environmental changes. Silky sharks are vulnerable to bycatch and targeted fishing in some regions, and preserving their habitat is critical for maintaining the island’s biodiversity.
Conservation efforts include strict dive regulations, limited access, and marine protected area status. Continued monitoring and enforcement are essential to protect this fragile ecosystem and its inhabitants.
Community and Scientific Engagement
Malpelo attracts not only divers but also researchers studying shark behavior and marine ecology. Collaboration between scientists, local authorities, and the dive community fosters a better understanding of these ecosystems and promotes conservation.
Citizen science initiatives and diver-reported sightings contribute valuable data that support ongoing research and protection efforts.
Preparing for Your Malpelo Dive Trip
For those planning to visit Malpelo, preparation is key. Trips typically involve liveaboard boats, and conditions can be challenging due to the island’s remote location and oceanic weather patterns.
Physical fitness, advanced diving skills, and appropriate equipment are essential. Divers should also respect local regulations and guidelines to ensure the preservation of this unique marine environment.
Photographing schooling silky sharks and other marine life at Malpelo Island offers an unparalleled experience combining adventure, natural beauty, and ecological significance. The skillful combination of knowledge, preparation, and respect for the environment is essential to capture and enjoy these magnificent underwater scenes.
The Ecology of Silky Sharks at Malpelo
Silky sharks play an important ecological role in the marine environment surrounding Malpelo Island. As mid-level predators, they help maintain the balance of fish populations and contribute to the health of the ecosystem. Their schooling behavior, while still not fully understood, is thought to have several ecological advantages.
Feeding Habits
Silky sharks feed primarily on bony fish, cephalopods, and occasionally smaller sharks. Their presence near Malpelo’s vertical walls provides access to a rich variety of prey species that inhabit both pelagic and reef environments. The availability of abundant food resources is likely one reason silky sharks aggregate here.
Although schooling sharks are not actively feeding during their gatherings, they remain alert to opportunistic feeding chances. Their tendency to school may facilitate locating food by increasing collective awareness.
Reproductive Behavior
While schooling does not appear to be related to mating, the reproductive biology of silky sharks involves viviparous reproduction, where females give birth to live young after a gestation period of approximately 12 months. Pups are born relatively well-developed and immediately capable of independent survival.
Malpelo’s waters may serve as a nursery or mating ground, though this has not been definitively confirmed. Further research is needed to clarify the island’s role in the life cycle of silky sharks.
Interaction with Other Shark Species
Silky sharks often coexist with other shark species such as hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, and whitetip reef sharks. Their schooling behavior sometimes overlaps with hammerhead schools, creating impressive multi-species aggregations.
Such interactions may serve social or navigational purposes. However, unlike the cooperative hunting seen in some species, these sharks typically maintain individual hunting strategies outside of schooling.
Impact of Oceanographic Conditions
Ocean currents, temperature, and nutrient availability influence the distribution and behavior of silky sharks at Malpelo. Upwelling zones bring nutrients that support plankton growth, attracting small fish that serve as prey for larger predators.
These dynamic oceanographic processes create a rich feeding environment, encouraging the congregation of pelagic predators like silky sharks during certain times of the year.
Challenges in Studying Schooling Behavior
Despite advances in marine technology, studying shark schooling remains difficult due to the vastness and depth of the ocean. Remote sensing, tagging, and underwater observation have provided insights, but many questions persist.
Challenges include the sharks’ mobility, the unpredictability of their gatherings, and the dangers associated with close encounters. Understanding schooling behavior requires long-term, multidisciplinary research efforts.
Technological Advances in Shark Research
New technologies such as satellite tagging, acoustic telemetry, and underwater drones have revolutionized shark research. These tools enable scientists to track movements, monitor behavior, and collect environmental data with minimal disturbance.
At Malpelo, researchers use these methods to study silky shark migrations, habitat use, and population dynamics, contributing to better-informed conservation strategies.
The Role of Marine Protected Areas
Malpelo Island is part of a marine protected area (MPA) established to safeguard its unique biodiversity. MPAs restrict fishing and other harmful activities, allowing ecosystems to recover and thrive.
The effectiveness of MPAs depends on enforcement, community support, and scientific monitoring. Malpelo’s MPA serves as a model for protecting pelagic species and their habitats in remote oceanic regions.
Threats from Illegal Fishing
Despite protection, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing remains a significant threat. Silky sharks are often caught as bycatch or targeted for their fins, which are highly valued in the shark fin trade.
Combating IUU fishing requires international cooperation, patrols, and technology such as satellite surveillance. Educating local communities and fishermen about the importance of sharks is also vital for long-term conservation.
Economic and Ecotourism Benefits
Diving tourism at Malpelo provides economic incentives to preserve marine life. The presence of charismatic species like schooling silky sharks attracts divers from around the world, supporting local businesses and conservation funding.
Sustainable tourism practices ensure that the ecological integrity of Malpelo is maintained while providing livelihoods for those involved in the industry.
Cultural Significance and Local Engagement
Malpelo holds cultural importance for local communities and the diving community worldwide. Engaging these stakeholders in conservation fosters a shared sense of responsibility.
Educational programs and outreach initiatives help raise awareness about the ecological and economic value of sharks and healthy marine ecosystems.
Future Directions in Research and Conservation
Ongoing research at Malpelo aims to fill gaps in knowledge about silky shark behavior, genetics, and population trends. Collaborative efforts among scientists, conservationists, and policymakers are critical.
Emerging challenges such as climate change and ocean acidification also require attention to ensure resilient ecosystems.
Preparing for Photographic Excellence
For underwater photographers, mastering the technical and environmental aspects of shooting schooling silky sharks is essential. Planning dives around light conditions, currents, and animal behavior maximizes the chances of capturing stunning images.
Equipment maintenance, including camera housings and strobes, ensures reliability in challenging oceanic conditions.
The Emotional Impact of Encountering Schooling Sharks
Many divers and photographers describe encounters with schooling silky sharks as transformative experiences. Witnessing these majestic creatures moving in unison evokes awe and deep appreciation for marine life.
Such encounters often strengthen personal commitment to ocean conservation and inspire storytelling that raises public awareness.
Final Thoughts on Malpelo’s Silky Sharks
Malpelo Island remains one of the few places on Earth where the enigmatic schooling behavior of silky sharks can be observed firsthand. The combination of ecological significance, diving opportunity, and photographic potential makes it a destination like no other.
Respect for the environment, continuous research, and global cooperation are essential to protect this unique marine treasure for future generations.
Diving Logistics and Planning for Malpelo
Reaching Malpelo Island requires careful planning due to its remote location. The island lies about 300 miles west of Colombia’s mainland, accessible primarily by liveaboard vessels. Trips typically depart from Panama or Colombia and last between seven and ten days.
Because Malpelo is a protected marine reserve, visitor numbers are limited. Only one dive boat with up to sixteen divers is allowed at a time, ensuring low impact on the environment and a more intimate diving experience. Booking well in advance is essential, especially during the peak season from May to August, when schooling silky sharks are most commonly observed.
Choosing the Right Liveaboard
The Panama-based MV Yemaya is the most well-known liveaboard servicing Malpelo. It offers experienced divemasters familiar with local conditions and wildlife behavior, providing insight into where and when to find schooling silky sharks.
Liveaboards vary in amenities and price, but all provide essential safety equipment, dive support, and meals. Choosing a boat with a knowledgeable crew and a good reputation enhances both the safety and enjoyment of your trip.
Dive Site Overview
Malpelo’s dive sites feature dramatic vertical walls, deep drop-offs, and strong currents that create ideal conditions for pelagic life. Common dive spots include El Bajo, Bajo Tres Marías, and the famed "The Rock" itself.
Dives are often drift dives, requiring divers to be comfortable with currents and able to maintain good buoyancy control. Visibility ranges from moderate to excellent, though plankton blooms can sometimes reduce clarity near the surface.
Environmental Conditions and Safety
Ocean conditions around Malpelo can be challenging. Currents are unpredictable, and water temperatures vary seasonally, typically ranging between 24°C and 29°C (75°F to 84°F). Appropriate exposure protection, such as a 5mm wetsuit, is recommended.
Divers should be experienced and comfortable with open water, deep dives, and navigation in current. Proper briefing and adherence to safety protocols are critical.
Ethical Diving Practices
Respecting the marine environment is vital. Avoid touching or harassing wildlife, maintain neutral buoyancy to prevent damaging fragile coral or benthic habitats, and never feed animals.
Following local guidelines supports the ongoing protection of Malpelo’s ecosystem and ensures future divers can enjoy these extraordinary encounters.
Capturing the Experience
Photographers visiting Malpelo should come prepared with well-maintained equipment capable of performing in challenging underwater conditions. Wide-angle lenses, reliable strobes, and backups are recommended.
Patience and flexibility are essential when photographing schooling silky sharks. Weather, currents, and animal behavior can all affect opportunities, so divers must adapt plans accordingly.
Malpelo’s Conservation Success Story
Malpelo Island stands as a rare example of successful marine conservation. Since its designation as a protected area, populations of schooling sharks and other pelagic species have shown signs of recovery.
The limited visitor policy, strict enforcement against illegal fishing, and scientific research contribute to the island’s ongoing preservation. These efforts demonstrate the value of protecting remote marine habitats.
The Future of Malpelo’s Marine Ecosystem
Climate change, ocean acidification, and global fishing pressures pose future challenges. Adaptive management strategies and international cooperation will be critical in addressing these threats.
Monitoring and research programs continue to evolve, incorporating new technology and community involvement to safeguard Malpelo’s unique marine life.
Inspiring Ocean Stewardship
Visiting Malpelo offers a profound connection to the ocean’s wonders. Witnessing schooling silky sharks firsthand fosters respect and a commitment to protecting the seas.
Diving and photography serve not only as recreation but as powerful tools for raising awareness and inspiring conservation action worldwide.
Conclusion
Malpelo Island’s schooling silky sharks represent one of the ocean’s most captivating natural phenomena. The opportunity to observe and photograph these majestic creatures in their remote, protected habitat is a privilege few places on Earth can offer.
The island’s combination of stunning underwater landscapes, rich biodiversity, and successful conservation measures makes it a beacon for divers, researchers, and ocean lovers alike.
By supporting sustainable tourism, respecting local regulations, and advancing scientific understanding, we can help ensure that the silky sharks of Malpelo continue to thrive for generations to come.