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Top 5 Guadalupe Liveaboards

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Shark Week has ended for another year, but shark fans needn’t dismay; the Guadalupe cage diving season is just beginning. This iconic destination has featured in various Shark Week programs and is the premier great white shark diving destination to visit.

Guadalupe Island has over 200 known individual great white sharks and offers the chance to dive with these sharks in crystal clear, warm waters. There are a variety of Guadalupe liveaboards to choose from, with vessels for all budgets and needs. It can be difficult to know where to start when choosing the right liveaboard though, so here are our top five Guadalupe liveaboards to try:

MV HORIZON, AMERICA’S SHARK BOAT

Photo: MV Horizon

The Original Guadalupe Liveaboard

America’s Shark Boat MV Horizon is the original Guadalupe liveaboard and has been offering shark diving at the island since 2000. The crew are experienced and knowledgeable, having known some of the Guadalupe sharks for 16 years.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Safaris

This is a great liveaboard for those on a budget, looking to focus on the shark diving and learn more about shark research and conservation. The MV Horizon has been involved in shark research at Guadalupe and they have a strong environmental commitment and passion for shark conservation.

Limited Guest Numbers

Guests looking an intimate safari should consider the MV Horizon, as the vessel has 8 air-conditioned cabins and cater for just 16 divers. The bathrooms are shared and there is a sun deck and saloon to enjoy between dives.

Maximum Time in The Cage

Guests can enjoy up to 20 hours in the water thanks to their small guest numbers and large cage capacity.

Safari Details

MV Horizon cage diving safaris depart from San Diego and are 6 days long, with 3 days of diving.

Experience Level Needed

The MV Horizon specialises in safaris for non-divers and divers alike, and has a cage designed exclusively for non-divers.


NAUTILUS EXPLORER

The Nautilus Explorer is the Nautilus fleet’s flagship and has her own unique features to enjoy.

Nautilus Explorer. Photo: Andreas Dellios & Nautilus Liveaboards

Million Dollar Views

The Explorer is ideal for those wanting to enjoy fantastic ocean views from the dining room and lounge after a great day of diving, and really immerse themselves in being at sea even when they’re not in the water.

New 2018 Extension

The Explorer is even better in 2018, have been extended to include a huge new dive deck and water-level platform, enlarged superior suite and interior upgrades. The Explorer also has a 5-ton hydraulic crane and reinforced steel deck. Both of which have made this vessel ideal for hosting film and scientific crews.

Ideal for Mixed Dive Buddy Groups

There are 13 cabins, including mixed-gender triple staterooms and premium rooms, all with bathrooms and showers. Guests can enjoy the two sun decks and hot tub deck in-between dives.

Safari Details

Nautilus Explorer cage diving safaris depart from San Diego and are 6 days long, with 3 days of diving.

Experience Level Needed

Nautilus Guadalupe safaris are suitable for experienced divers and non-divers alike.


NAUTILUS BELLE AMIE

The big, beautiful 41m Nautilus Belle Amie liveaboard is the newest and largest of the Nautilus liveaboards and is the sister vessel to the Nautilus Explorer. She is more like a floating five-star hotel than a boat and was built with divers’ needs, safety and comfort in mind. She offers safaris to both Guadalupe and the Socorro Islands, Mexico.

Photo: Nautilus Belle Amie

Maximum Guest Comfort at Sea

The Belle Amie prioritises guest comfort. She has a wide beam and deep draft, making her ideal for those who suffer from motion sickness and ensuring the most comfortable crossing possible to Guadalupe. The Belle Amie is also soundproofed, allowing guests ultra-quiet rooms and peaceful nights before action-packed shark dives.

Good for Larger Groups

With 16 cabins, including cost-effective staterooms, the Belle Amie is ideal for groups of friends or families visiting Guadalupe and wanting a variety of berth options to choose from. This vessel caters for up to 30 divers in total and the liveaboard is spacious and comfortable, with a beautiful full-length sundeck and large hot tub on the sun deck.

Dive from Dawn to Dusk

The cages are open from 7am to dinner time on the Belle Amie, allowing plenty of dive time with the sharks and almost unlimited time diving in the surface cages.

Submersible Cages

There are also submersible cages, providing a great opportunity to enjoy the sharks at depth and truly appreciate the environment they live in. Certified divers always get 3 or more submersible cage dives.

Guadalupe And Socorro Combo

For a truly unique experience, the Belle Amie offers 15-night safaris to enjoy both the sharks at Guadalupe and the giant mantas at the Socorro Islands. These safaris usually occur in November.

Safari Details

Nautilus Belle Amie cage diving safaris depart from San Diego and are 6 days long, with 3 days of diving.

Experience Level Needed

Nautilus Guadalupe safaris are suitable for experienced divers and non-divers alike.


NAUTILUS UNDER SEA

Most divers know this liveaboard from her previous life as the Undersea Hunter of Cocos Island. Since then she has been upgraded, stretched by 20 feet, given a new superstructure, an enclosed dive deck and more.

Photo: Nautilus Under Sea

From James Bond to Dr Silvia Earle

The Nautilus Under Sea was the support boat for James Bond’s ‘Licence to Kill’ and for a Deep Rover mission with Dr Silvia Earle. Having undertaken many research missions, she is a fascinating vessel to spend time on.

Intimate Dive Safaris

This vessel has just 8 cabins, with ensuite facilities and air conditioning. She caters for 18 divers, making her ideal for those looking for a more intimate safari.

Wheelchair Friendly

The Under Sea has a wheelchair friendly stateroom adjacent to the dive deck. This ADA compliant room has twin beds, ensuite facilities, air-conditioning and a huge window.

Ideal for Photographers

This liveaboard has plenty of space for photography equipment, with large camera set-up areas and personal camera storage.

Guadalupe And Socorro Combo

Like the Belle Amie, this vessel offers 15-night safaris to enjoy both the sharks at Guadalupe and the giant mantas at the Socorro Islands. These safaris usually occur in November.

Safari Details

Nautilus Under Sea cage diving safaris depart from San Diego and are 6 days long, with 3 days of diving.

Experience Level Needed

Nautilus Guadalupe safaris are suitable for experienced divers and non-divers alike.


SOLMAR V

With a traditional steel hull, plus brass and mahogany interiors, the Solmar V is a classic liveaboard with a very experienced crew.

Photo: Solmar V

All About the Luxury

The Solmar V is focussed on luxury, offering 12 lavish staterooms with climate control, ensuite facilities, pillow top mattresses, non-allergenic alternative pillows and comforters.

Conservation Minded

The crew of the Solmar V are passionate about conservation and actively support marine conservation through Pelagic Life. This organisation aims to protect the marine megafauna of Mexico through raising awareness, contributing to sustainable ecotourism, and by making eco-conscious seafood choices.

Food Lovers Heaven

The Solmar V is very well known for gourmet cuisine and offers a variety of choices, including cooked-to-order breakfasts, three-course lunches and multiple course dinners. There are always snacks available and all beer and wine is included with the meals. The chef can easily accommodate dietary requirements. This liveaboard is ideal for food lovers.

Special Hotel Rates

The Solmar V partner hotel, Hampton Inn, offers special rates, complimentary airport shuttles and a free breakfast for Solmar V guests.

Perfect for Mini Vacations

Guadalupe safaris with the Solmar V are 5 days long and yet still include 3 full days of diving. They are ideal for mini vacations and those with limited time.

Safari Details

Solmar V cage diving safaris depart from San Diego.

Experience Level Needed

Solmar V Guadalupe safaris are suitable for experienced divers and non-divers alike.

This article was written by divers and writers at LiveAboard.com


Discover liveaboard diving holiday solutions around the world at Liveaboard.com.

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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regulator

Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.

Excellent performance with the TR-80

Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.

regulator

Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulator

Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50

The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.

regulator

Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulatorregulator

The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

regulator

Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulatorregulator

Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

regulator

The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.

The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.

Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.

In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.

Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.

Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.

The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.

Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.

Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.

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