Malpelo island, Colombia [15-24 March 2026]

Updated: Feb 27

A year round diving destination for experienced divers comfortable in strong currents. Throughout the year, divers can observe Hammerheads, Silkys, Eagle Rays, Free swimming Moray Eels and massive schools of fish.

Malpelo island

EMBARKATION: Cali to Buenaventura (approximately 3 hours) | DURATION: 9 NIGHTS/ 10 DAYS ON BOARD

DATES : 15-24 March 2026 | Number of divers : 12 | Cabins : 10 | Vessel : MV Ferox

One of the remote island offshore with 30 hours travel time towards one of the three hammerhead sharks triangle apart from Galapagos and Cocos island.

28 Dive sites

Wall, Reef, Drift, Pinnacle and Swim Throughs
Currents are variable and can be very strong

* Dry Season *

January to April

Colder water 16 to 18 at thermocline (20m).

Reduced visibility (3 to 15) due to the nutrient rich waters.

Large schools of hammerheads can be observed close and at shallow depths of 10m or less.

Wet Season

May to December

Warmer water 25 to 27 at thermocline (25 to 30m).

Improved visibility with clearer waters

Large schools of Silky sharks can be observed especially during the early months of the the wet season. Whale sharks, Galapagos sharks and Manta Rays can also be seen during the wet season.

Dive Operations

Small groups of only 6 divers or less per guide/RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat).
Groups dive at separate sites.
Dives are made from RIBs. Sites are a short distance from the Ferox mooring.
All dive gear stays in the RIBs. Cylinders are also filled in the RIBs.
All dives are on Nitrox 32%.
For safety a McMurdo S10 PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) is provided and required.
3 Hot water showers are available for rinsing after dive.
Clean towels after every dive.
Storage for personal items is provided.
Camera table at the dive deck.
Coffee, Hot Chocolate, and Hot water for tea are always available.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 : 15 March 2026 | Welcome Aboard

Private transport from Cali to Buenaventura (approximately 3 hours). Upon arrival in Buenaventura guests will be transported to the at anchor Ferox. Guests will participate in vessel safety drills.

DAY 2 : 16 March 2026 | Transfer to Malpelo

General Dive Briefing / National Park Briefing / Equipment Set Up.

DAY 3 : 17 March 2026 | Arrive at Malpelo

We arrive at Malpelo, after a dive briefing and safety checks, we will begin dive operations.

DAY 3 - 7 : 17 - 21 March 2026 | Diving days

The number of days may vary depending on the dates chosen: 3 dives a day.

DAY 8 : 22 March 2026 | Return day

Two dives before returning to Buenaventura.

DAY 9 : 23 March 2026 | Transfer to Buenaventura

Crossing day.

DAY 10 : 24 March 2026 | End of the trip

Arrival at the port of Buenaventura after approximately 30 hours of navigation. Private transportation to Cali.

The Ferox and Vivax are not typical liveaboards. These former ice class Swedish Navy Ships (mine layers) are quite possibly the most robust liveaboards on the water. They have 11 mm steel hulls and have been put to the test during 7000 nautical mile voyages from Sweden to Colombia.

The ships are powered by twin Scania engines, reliable and environmentally friendly due to their low fuel consumption. Two generators ensure there is plenty of power aboard. There are few liveaboards in the world with their own waste-water treatment plant s(MSDs). The MSDs installed reflect our commitment to minimize impact to the marine environment. Extensive firefighting and lifesaving equipment can be found onboard including a fixed firefighting system for the engine space that can be operated remotely in a severe engine fire.

ACCOMODATION

Cabins are all steel construction limiting the amount of flammable material in cabins. A primary hard wired smoke detector, a secondary battery powered smoke detector and emergency lighting in event of power failure. Large and well marked emergency escapes. In addition to safety we provide our guests with most valuable commodity onboard a ship... PRIVACY. All cabins are private with ensuite bathroom and individually controlled air conditioning.