Upcoming Overseas/Long Range Trips

Malpelo and Gorgona Islands, Dive Expedition 2027

August 6 - 17, 2027 (12 days)

Everyone has heard of diving in the Galapagos Islands, but do you know of the lesser-known islands far more adventurous with much more sharks and big marine life actions? Malpelo National Park, located 300 nautical miles off the coast of Columbia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest no-fishing sanctuary in the tropical Eastern Pacific. The waters surrounding Malpelo is home to over 380 species of fish, 730 species of marine invertebrates including 15 coral species, 18 marine mammals, and several marine reptiles. Since the island is the only piece of land for hundreds of miles, over 50 species of migratory birds depend on this safe haven. Surrounded by deep waters and multiple oceanic currents, Malpelo is a perfect location to see the convergence of big pelagic marine life including hammerhead, silky, smalltooth sand tiger, and Galapagos sharks, whale sharks, eagle rays, and huge schooling fish. Since the island is very small, there is very little protection from rough seas. You will experience the pure thrill of diving in one of the most action-packed dive destinations of the world! However, such exhilarating diving in a remote location come with demanding conditions, especially with strong current that can appear or change in an instant. Gorgona Island is located about 28km (17mi) off the Columbian Pacific coast, about 160km southwest of Buenaventura. The island is 9km (5.6mi) long and 2.5km (1.6mi) across at the widest point, with the total area of 26 sq km (10 sq mi). It was established as Gorgona National Park in 1984 to preserve the rich biodiversity of the tropical forest and the offshore coral reefs. The park covers a total maritime area of 620 sq km (240 sq mi). Hammerhead shark, white-tip reef shark, sea turtle, whale shark and moray eel can be found in the waters around Gorgonia Island. The area is also well known for the yearly passage of the humpback whale and their newborn during the southward migration from August to October. Ocean Safari will be taking 12 adventurous souls with great diving skills and exceptional adaptability to changing sea conditions for this grand expedition!

Despite any challenging situations, fear not! We will specially fly in the world’s most knowledgeable cruise director for Malpelo - Sten Johansson, a Viking by blood who has led more than 75 trips in this special location. We will also be accompanied with Jaime Orlando Lopez, a personal friend and divemaster who has guided more than 150 trips in Malpelo over the last 30 years. Our expedition will be aboard the safest boat that has ever operated in Malpelo, the Vivax (Latin for long lived, enduring). The captain, Tony Cruz, has over 20 years of seamanship experience, and is one of the few mariners ever to circumnavigate the world in a single voyage. The crew is also solid, made up of locals and ex-marines - the cook will serve you delicious meals but can also stitch up an open cut! The vessel is a former Swedish navy boat is equipped with all new machinery and electronics, plus safety features that meet or exceed the international SOLAS standards. There are three inflatable skiffs, one for each dive group and an extra that’s ready for rescue. A personal locator beacon and surface marker buoy, which are critical for diving in a remote location such as this, will be provided for you free of charge for every dive. The operation is also environmentally friendly, achieving low fuel consumption using biodiesel, equipped with a wastewater treatment system, and serves only fish caught sustainably by local fishermen. Overall, this is a solid trip to one of the top diving destinations in the world!

Expedition Itinerary:

Aug 6 (Fri): Red-eye flight from LAX to Cali, Colombia via Panama City. Arrive in midafternoon. Stay overnight at a 4-star hotel.

Aug 7 (Sat): Coach transfer to Buenaventura port, board our expedition vessel MV Vivax, set sail early evening.

Aug 8 (Sun): Arrive at Gorgona Island. 3 day-dives and 1 night-dive.

Aug 9 (Mon): 2 day-dives, after midday we start sailing to Malpelo.

Aug 10 (Tue): Arrive at Malpelo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, around noon. Opportunity to see sharks, huge schools of fish, and an explosion of marine diversity. Two tank-dives

Aug 11~13 (Wed ~ Fri): Three tank-dives daily.

Aug 14 (Sat): Two tank-dives, set sail in the afternoon.

Aug 15 (Sun): At sea, back to Buenaventura port in the evening.

Aug 16 (Mon): Disembark and say farewell to Vivax and her crew around 8am. Transfer back to Cali, check into hotel, free program for rest of the day.

Aug 17 (Tue): Fly back to Los Angeles in the morning, arrive at LAX in the early evening.

Prerequisite:

The Colombian government requires at least advanced open water and nitrox certifications with over 50 logged dives. This information must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the trip.

Expedition Includes:

Accommodations for 9 nights on Columbia's best liveaboard MV Vivax

Gorgona Island diving: 6 dives

Malpelo Island diving: 3 divers per day with the exception of the first and last day which is limited to 2 dives (night dives are not permitted)

All meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages on-board

Nitrox fills

Tanks and weights

Usage of Personal Locator Beacon (McMurdo S10) during the dives

Usage of Surface Marker Buoy during the dives

Two nights stay in 4-star hotel at Cali, Colombia (based on double occupancy)

Roundtrip transfer between hotel and port

Fly in a special dive master/cruise director, Sten Johansson, the most knowledgeable professional guide for Malpelo.

Accompanied by very experienced dive master, Jaime Orlando Lopez, who has guided more than 150 trips in Malpelo and many trips in Gorgona.

Escort by Ocean Safari professional dive leader/photographer with unparalleled service.

Exclusions:

International airfare

Airport transfer

National Park fees (currently around 400USD)

Few meals and activities in Cali, Colombia

Travel and dive insurance (see additional information below)

Crew Gratuities

Costs:
Single Bed Cabin smaller; $5888 (single occupancy, 2 rooms)

Single Bed Cabin larger: $5988 (single occupancy, 2 rooms)

Queen Bed Cabin: $6088 (2 rooms 4 spots) (cost based on double occupancy)

Main Deck Single Bed Cabin: $6138 (single occupancy, 2 rooms)

Full Bed Cabin: $6288 (single occupancy, 2 rooms)

Payment:

For credit card payment please add 3.5% 

Dive & Travel Insurance: 

Dive insurance is required to participate in this trip. Please use our links to purchase dive insurance from DAN 
Travel insurance is optional. However, over the years, we have seen how valuable and beneficial travel insurance can be. These policies will help cover expenses when your trip is interrupted due to events such as weather, mechanical breakdowns, missed flights/connections, or when someone else has a dive/medical emergency that prevents you from diving.  

Cancellation Policy:
Before February 1, 2027, 1st deposit forfeited, no refund on first deposit.
After February 1, 2027, 1st and 2nd deposit forfeited (unless replacement can be found then 1st deposit forfeited).
After May 1, 2027, no refund (unless replacement can be found then 1st deposit forfeited).

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