Aquatours are proud to offer the Sea Hunter and Undersea Hunter live-aboard dive boats, cruising Cocos Island and Malpelo Island in the Pacific Ocean.

These live-aboards offer some of the very best and most remote diving in the world, and would be ideal for the adventurous diver looking for a premium diving holiday. If big pelagics and sharks are your thing, then you will not be disappointed! Schooling Hammerheads are regularly seen, along with white-tip, black-tip, silvertip and Galapagos sharks, Whale sharks, dolphins, sail fish and manta rays.

There is often the opportunity to go ashore the islands for a bit of 'top-side' exploration. Cocos Island is very picturesque and tropical, with lush jungle foliage as well as a number of impressive waterfalls which spring from the centre of the island. Nature treks are often arranged which can provide the opportunity to spy some of the endemic bird species which reside on Cocos Island. Other activities available include the use of 'sea kayaks' for exploring the coast and shallow reefs of the islands, as well as the possibility of snorkeling with Dolphins and maybe even a whale shark, if the opportunity was to present itself.

Click for more info on the Sea Hunter live-aboard.
Click for more info on the Undersea Hunter live-aboard.
- Or continue reading on for more details on these trips...

For those seeking the ultimate underwater adventure, we can arrange trips on the DeepSee Mini-Submarine which often accompanies the Sea Hunter and Undersea Hunter on their trips. These very special deep sea safaris last for around 4 hours duration and dive to depths of between 100 metres (330 ft.) and 460 metres (1500 ft.), but be prepared to treat yourself, extreme depth does not come cheap!

Left: Schooling Hammerhead sharks.

Cocos Island is located in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, 300 miles southwest of the coast of Cabo Blanco, Costa Rica.

View Cocos Island on Google Earth - good high resolution satellite imagery available. (Get Google Earth here).

A rugged and incredibly beautiful island, this World Heritage Site and marine park is the crown jewel of Costa Rica's many National Parks. Cocos Island has an irregular coastline, which makes estimation of land area more a matter of opinion than a surveyor’s science, but it is roughly five miles by two miles (8 x 3 kilometres).

The island was formed during a volcanic upheaval about two-and-a-half million years ago and is composed of basaltic rock, labacorite and andecite lava flows. Its landmass is punctuated by four mountain peaks, the highest of which is Cerro Yglesisas, at 2,080 feet or 634 meters.

The island has two large bays with safe anchorages and sandy beaches: Chatham is located on the northeast side and Wafer Bay is on the northwest. Just off Cocos are a series of smaller basaltic rocks and islets.

Click for more information & pictures on
Cocos Island and it's dive sites.

Malpelo Island is located 314 miles (500 km) off the coast of Buenaventura, Colombia in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

View Malpelo Island on Google Earth - provides location, but no satellite imagery available. (Get Google Earth here).

The Island of Malpelo is a more sinister and forbidding looking place than Cocos. It is recognized as a Colombian Fauna & Flora Sanctuary, with a marine protected area of six miles around the island.

It is the peak of a large submarine volcanic ridge that stretches for 150 miles, from northeast to southwest. The Malpelo ridge rises from depths of 13,123 feet (4000 meters) to reveal itself as the tiny, solitary rock of Malpelo. Malpelo was once eight to ten times larger than its present size of eight 8 square kilometres. The rocky outpost, known to many as “la Roca” or the Rock, has three distinct peaks. The highest of which, “El Cerro de La Mona”, stands at 1233 feet above sea level (376 meters).

The maritime weather has eroded the island forming steep cliffs and sea caves along its threatening coastline. The north and south sides of the island are decorated by 11 smaller satellite rocks, each with its own appeal.

Click for more information & pictures on
Malpelo Island and it's dive sites.

Getting to Costa Rica.
We recommend that you fly to San Jose, Costa Rica via direct flights from a major US city or European city. Passengers using non-direct flights have experienced delays and luggage problems in Mexico City and Guatemala City. You must arrive at least one night prior to the boat´s departure date and we strongly recommend staying one night after the return, in case of any unforeseen delays.

Climate and Water Temperatures.
The climate is tropical, with warm air temperatures, high humidity and the chance of heavy rainfall always possible. Air temperatures are around 30 degrees C. Water temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year, averaging 26-29 degrees C although water temps in Malpelo are generally a bit cooler than Cocos.

Experience level requirements.
All divers must bring proof of certification by a national certifying agency. Cocos is no more difficult than any other Indian Ocean or Red Sea diving location, an fine for PADI Open Water divers with some experience. Malpelo can offer more challenging conditions and Advanced Open Water would be recommended.

Nitrox.
The vessel also offers full onboard TDI training in nitrox, with rental of nitrox computers. Cost of nitrox fills is additional.

Cruising to & from the islands.
You will be picked up from your hotel in San Jose and transferred to Puntarenas, the seaport village where you will board the vessel. The drive takes about 2.5 hours and gives you a chance to view the lush tropical forest and rich farmland of the region. The vessel will then take 32-36 hours to cruise out to Cocos Island, and slightly longer for Malpelo Island. Entertainment such as slide shows, talks, books and DVDs are available onboard. At most times the cruise to the islands is calm, but precaution against motion sickness is advised. At the end of the trip you will cruise back to Puntarenas and be transferred by bus to your hotel in San Jose.

Food onboard.
The menu aboard offers a delicious combination of American and local cuisine. Meals are varied and well balanced. Food is abundant with plenty of fresh tropical fruit and salads. Please let us know of any special dietary needs or requests, but try to be lenient, as storage and preparation space is limited. Soft drinks are free. Bottle of wine $12-$25. Hard liquor is not available on board but our guests are welcome to bring their own, which should be purchased prior to boarding.

First Aid.
We have a well-equipped first aid kit including oxygen onboard. You should bring anti-seasickness medicine and ear drops if you feel you will need them. The nearest Re-compression Chamber is in Panama City, more than two days sailing from Cocos, the implications of which are obvious.

Above: White-tip sharks resting on the seabed.

Above: Diver surrounded by a large school of Jacks.

Check Live-Aboard Availability...

- Search for all sailings on Sea Hunter & Undersea Hunter.
- or use our Advanced live-aboard search form.

The 'Sea Hunter' and 'Undersea Hunter' live-aboards are priced without flights.
Packages start at £2079 + flights (from £599).
Use our live-aboard search to check boat Availability & Prices.

FLIGHTS: Flight prices vary hugely depending on date of departure, so ask us to quote you the best available flight price at the time of booking. (Flights from £599 including taxes).
We can sell to customers all over the world who may not wish to fly from the UK. You are welcome to book your own flights to San Jose - Costa Rica (airport code SJO).