Marine Life & Conservation
Top 5 Guadalupe Liveaboards
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. 
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
Until 28 November, prizes worth a massive £10,000 – including experiences, products and tuition – feature in a line-up of items that can be won for £5 in an online prize draw to celebrate Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation’s 20th anniversary and help generate crucial funds for the future.
Top of the list of prizes is the chance to spend time with adventurer and wildlife expert Steve Backshall, a workout session with Nat Geo star Aldo Kane, a kayaking trip alongside white-water expert and diver Sal Montgomery and a Zoom call with ‘shark whisperer’ Cristina Zenato.
On top of that, some of the most admired companies in the diving and scuba industry have been quick to support the charity with fabulous prizes that make the £5 ticket price worth more than just a flutter.
Master Liveaboards, BSAC, Midlands Diving Chamber, Go Freediving and Blue Shark Snorkel have all generously donated experience prizes, while celebrated photographer Alex Mustard has donated a print and artists Scott Gleed and Olivier Leger have donated a sculpture and illustration to help boost the fundraising pot.
Fourth Element has donated Ocean Positive gear and LA watch company Nodus has gifted the charity a stunning dive watch. For land lovers, the charity has included a five star London hotel stay at Bankside Hotel plus a family visit to Longleat Safari Park in the roster of prizes.
Campaign director for Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed with support from companies and individuals that we truly admire and who have supported us on our 20 year journey and we’re truly grateful to them all. While we feel incredibly proud of our achievements over the past two decades – and we are super excited about the next chapter – this prize draw isn’t a vanity project. It represents a real lifeline to our work and important advancements in the global protection of sharks. So we hope divers, dive clubs and even bargain hunters grab some tickets to make this a massive success.”
The charity hopes that the prize draw will generate crucial funds to launch a brand new, ground-breaking, campaign to enrol the public and increase support for the protection of sharks around the world.
To enter the competition visit www.bite-back.com/prizedraw. The prize winners will be announced on 1 December 2024.
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