Description
Boat
Ferox was built in 1991 and fully renovated in 2017, measuring 32 meters in lenght and 8 meters in width. Built with an 11mm steel hull this former ice class Swedish Navy Ship (Mine Layer) is quite possibly the most robust liveaboard on the water. Selected after a worldwide search and immediately put to the test during her 7000 nautical mile voyage from Sweden to Colombia, the Ferox has proven her capabilities.
Ferox offers exclusive access to the UNESCO world-heritage site of Malpelo Sanctuary, giving guests an unforgettable, premium diving experience Stunning richness of marine life, including massive schools of hammerheads, silky sharks, white tips, mantas, eagle rays and the elusive saw tooth sand tiger shark. You can also dive in the Gorgona Island where Orcas and Humpback whales are abundant.
Ferox has an air-conditioned lounge area with comfortable couches and a large flat-screen TV. There is also a mini-library ideal for readers during their downtime. And there is an outside bar that also doubles as an entertainment lounge.
The meals will consist of a variety of international and local cuisines with a personal touch from the chef. You will also receive snacks and complimentary drinks throughout the day to keep your energy levels high.
Ferox has dive guides who have 30 years experience in Malpelo, ensuring you do not miss any opportunities on your trip to these diverse, pelagic-rich waters Explore Gorgona Island, the jewel of the Colombian Pacific.
Divers must have Enriched Air (Nitrox) certification, which can be obtained onboard. All certified guests get free nitrox throughout their stay on the Ferox.
Cabin
Ferox featuring 10 guest cabins, it can welcome 12 guests :
All cabins feature independently adjustable air conditioning, private bathroom, reading light, hypoallergenic towels.
The onboard the voltage is 220v, adapters (Type C & Type F with two pins) are available.
2 Queen Cabins (#1, #2):
Located on the lower deck, each cabin comes with one double bed (160cm x 200cm), 3 portholes.
2 Full Cabins (#7, #8):
Located on the lower deck, each cabin comes with one full bed (100cm x 200cm), 1 porthole.
2 Single Main Deck Cabins (#9, #10):
Located on the main deck, each cabin comes with one sinlge bed (80cm x 200cm), 1 porthole.
4 Single Lower Deck Cabins (#3 - 6):
Located on the lower deck, each cabin comes with one sinlge bed (80cm x 200cm), 1 porthole.
Diving
- 3 day dives per day (night dives are not permitted)
- No dive on the embarkation and disembarkation day.
- Only 2 dives will be provided on the last diving day.
- All diving will provide experienced guide to lead the dive.
- Nautilus Lifeline available for all divers to use free of charge.
- Divers must be at least AOW with a minimum of 50 logged dives.
- 5mm - 7mm wetsuit with an additional hood is recommended.
Other Information
- Nitrox：Complimentary for certified divers
- 15L Tanks：Available with additional charge
- REBREATHER Dive：Will be offered in the future.
- Technical Dive：Not available at the moment yet
- Dive Equipment Rental：Available with additional cost
- Dive insurance：Divers must have valid dive insurance
- Wi-Fi Internet ：Not available at the moment yet
- Laundry Service：Not available at the moment yet
- Massage Service：Not available at the moment yet
- Payment on board：Cash only (USD/EUR/COP)
- Crew Number：Unknow, include 2 dive guides
Itineraries
MALPELO ITINERARY
DAY 1 - WELCOME ABOARD
Trips to Malpelo and Gorgona start and end in Buenaventura on the Colombian Pacific coast. Our passengers have to fly to Cali (Airport Code : CLO) and should arrive one day before the trip starts.
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 - TRANSIT TO MALPELO
General Dive Briefing / National Park Briefing / Equipment Set Up.
DAY 3 - ARRIVE TO MALPELO
We arrive at Malpelo, after a dive briefing and safety checks, we will begin dive operations.
DAY 3 to DAY 8 - DIVING IN MALPELO
The number of days may vary depending on the dates chosen: 3 dives a day, no night dives are allowed.
DAY 9 - RETURN DAY
Two dives before returning to Buenaventura.
DAY 10 - TRANSIT TO BUENAVENTURA
Crossing day at sea
DAY 11 - END OF THE TRIP
Arrival at the port of Buenaventura after approximately 30 hours of navigation. Private transportation to Cali. Guests need to spend one night in Cali before their international flights as the returning time depends on the cruising hours (vary depending on the sea condition).
How to get there
Trips to Malpelo and Gorgona start and end in Buenaventura on the Colombian Pacific coast. Our passengers have to fly to Cali (Airport Code CLO) and should arrive one day before the trip starts. Transfers from Cali to Buenaventura as well as back to Cali after the trip are included in the rate.
Cali is connected internationally with Miami (American Airlines & AVIANCA), New York JFK, Madrid (both AVIANCA) and Panama-Tocumen (Copa Airlines). There are also direct flights to Cali from Quito, Guayaquil and Lima.
It is also possible to fly to Cali via Bogota which is connected to various cities in North America (Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York JFK, Orlando, Toronto, Washington) and Europe (Amsterdam, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Munich, Paris).
Please make sure that you have a valid ESTA number for flights via the US and that you don't need to arrange a visa before arriving in Colombia (most nationalities receive 90 days on arrival).
Diving Equipment:
Each diver must have the following equipment: diving suit, buoyancy compensator vest, octopus or alternate air source, diving knife, whistle or other system, dive computer, personal locating buoy, flashlight and position light. Additionally the dive guide should have: Surface marker buoy, strobe light and snorkel.
It is important that divers maintain good buoyancy control in order to avoid damaging the ecosystems and that they refrain from feeding, chasing or touching the marine fauna.
More
| Destinations | Colombia |
|---|---|
| Facilities | Nitrox support, Sidemount Friendly, Camera Station, Nautilus GPS |
| Languages spoken | English, Spanish |
Schedules & routes
Prices & conditions
Included
- Transfers from airport and/or hotel to the yacht
- VAT and local taxes
- Full-board meal plan (including snacks)
- Complimentary beverages (water, tea, coffee)
- Soft drinks
- Diving activity (incl. tanks, weights, weight belts)
- Dive guide service
- Nitrox fills
- Land excursions and activities throughout the trip
- Boat accident insurance
- Cabin towels and complimentary toiletries
- Cabin cleaning service
Not included
- Marine park fees & Port fees
- Fuel surcharge
- Alcoholic beverage
- Dive equipment rentals
- Larger tank (15 L)
- Dive courses on board
- Dive insurance (mandatory requirement)
- Travel insurance (trip cancellation insurance)
- Crew gratuity
Useful information
Colombia
Best time for diving
Difficult to speak about the best time in Malpelo, it's all year round, the conditions can change dramatically from week to week.
Dry Season (January to April) : Reduced visibility (3m to 15m) due to the nutrient rich waters. Larger schools of hammerheads can be observed (150 - 300 individuals) in shallower water. Sand tiger sharks also can be seen but they usually stay in 40 to 60 meters depth. Occasional visits by Humpbacks but quite rare, and even orcas have been seen here.
Wet Season (May to December) : Improved visibility with clearer waters. Larger schools of Silky sharks can be observed especially during the early months of the the wet season (May to beginning of August). Whale sharks can be seen year round but thest time is July - September. Galapagos sharks and Manta Rays can also be seen more often during the wet season.
About temperatures
Air : range between 24°C - 30°C year round
Sea : Dry season (Jan - Apr) range between 16°C - 18°C under Thermocline, Wet season (May - Dec) rage between 21°C - 26°C under Thermocline.
Wetsuit Recommendation
Thermoclines are to be expected throughout the year and divers are advised to bring suitable thermal protection for all expected temperatures. We recommend at least a 5mm wetsuit from May to the beginning of December and a 7mm wetsuit- or semi-dry suit by the end of December to April. Bring gloves, as the barnacles and partly sharp-edged rock formations can cause hand injuries.
Diver requirement
Currents are variable and can be very strong. During a dive in Malpelo the currents and visibility can change in minutes and divers adaptation is required. Therefore, divers must have at least AOW certification, Nitrox certification with minimum 50 logged dive. In addition, we strongly suggest divers to get some experience in strong currents and reduced visibility! You can find out more informations about diving in the Malpelo Island and Gorgona Island here : Colombia
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Trips to Malpelo and Gorgona start and end in Buenaventura on the Colombian Pacific coast. Guests need to fly in/out from Cali (CLO), and should arrive/depart one day before/after the trip.
Cali is connected internationally with Miami (American Airlines & AVIANCA), New York JFK, Madrid (both AVIANCA) and Panama-Tocumen (Copa Airlines). There are also direct flights to Cali from Quito, Guayaquil and Lima. It is also possible to fly to Cali via Bogota which is connected to various cities in North America (Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York JFK, Orlando, Toronto, Washington) and Europe (Amsterdam, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Munich, Paris).
Visa Requirements
Most foreign visitors who carry passports with at least six months’ validity from their entry date can enter Colombia visa-free for stays up to 90 days.
Citizens of Cambodia, China, India, Macau, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam can enter Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days if they have an existing short-stay visa or residency permit issued by the USA or any Schengen Area country.
Citizens of most nations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East (plus some other countries) are not eligible for visa-free access and must apply in advance for a visitor visa to enter the country.
Please contact your nearest Colomian embassy / consulate for the latest requirements.
Vaccinations
Currently, no vaccines are required to gain entry to Colombia. However, if you wish to visit tourist sites such as the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park, the Tayrona National Park or the different Amazon reserves, the Colombia authorities will require that you are properly vaccinated against yellow fever.
Money Matters
The local currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). The best way to get cash is to use your bank ATM card. These are almost universally accepted at cajeros automáticos (ATMs) in the country. Colombia is still very much a cash based economy, credit and debit card use is becoming more and more prevalent in Colombia but not all places will accept credit cards, particularly away from the big cities.
Drones
You can fly your Drones in Colombia without a license for recreational purpose, but you should register each drone and obtain a permit before the flight. Please refer to Drone Laws in Colombia for more details.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
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