MV Sea Hunter
MV Sea Hunter Liveaboard Dive Trips
Jacques Cousteau has described Cocos Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as “the most beautiful in the world”. Large pelagic fish, such as eagle rays, tuna, whales, dolphins and multiple species of sharks call these waters home. One dip below the surface, and it’s easy to see why this destination remains top of every SCUBA divers list.
MV Sea Hunter’s former days were spent supporting commercial dive operations for the oil industry in the Gulf of Mexico. Today this all-inclusive liveaboard serves a dedicated dive cruiser with a global reach, specifically designed and built for long-range expeditions to destinations like Cocos and Malpalo islands.
When it comes to stability ad comfort, MV Sea Hunter sets the standard for all other all-inclusive liveaboards. Redesigned and configured, with the serious diver and photographer in mind, this 115 ft craft can comfortably accommodate 20 passengers over 10 cabins. The crew specialize in providing excellence in service, food, underwater excitement and beauty. The spacious lounge and study area allow for plenty of room to watch a DVD, edit photos or relax, while the sun deck is the perfect space for sunbathing between dives or stargazing in the evenings.
Book Your Ultimate Liveaboard Dive Vacation Aboard The MV Sea Hunter with The Ultimate Dive Travel Agency
Sample Itinerary
Arrive at least one day prior to the boat departure date.
8 AM and 1 PM pick up from certain hotels and transfer by bus to Puntarenas to board the MV Sea Hunter.
Due to occasional low tides, the MV Sea Hunter may need to depart from the pier earlier in the day. Should this occur, you will be transferred by skiff to the vessel. When all passengers have arrived on board, the vessel will take a 32-36 hour cruise out to Cocos Island.
Travel Day. This is the time to arrange your gear, get to know your crew, fellow divers and enjoy the open Pacific and sunshine while relaxing on the MV Sea Hunter sundeck.
This is what you are here for, diving the Cocos Island! Eat, sleep, dive, repeat. Divers usually average three dives per day at depths of 60-100 feet (18-30 meters) or more.
Last day of diving before the crossing back to Costa Rica.
Name: MV Sea Hunter
Length: 115 ft / 36 m
Beam: 26 ft / 8.1 m
Draft: 8 ft / 2.5 m
Displacement: 250 tons
Construction: welded steel with teak work deck
Engines: twin GM 16V92 / 1200 total hp
Cruising Speed: 9.5 knots
Maximum Speed: 10 knots
Range: 3,500 nautical miles
Endurance: 30 days (limited by food supply)
Tenders: Two 24 ft heavy duty fiberglass dive boats, 17 ft rigid bottom inflatable
Portable Generators: GM 6-71 75kw, John Deere 105kw, Portable Generator 5kw
Available Voltage: 110/220 VAC
Fuel Tank: 20,000 US gallons (78 tons)
Water Tank: 15,000 gallons (60 tons) 1,800 gallons/day water maker
Safety:
Two 25 person life-rafts.
Complete boat, crew, and passenger safety gear.
Firefighting system throughout the vessel.
Extensive first aid kit.
20 personal diver locator systems.
Scuba Compressors: 2 HP compressors, 1 nitrox generator
Scuba Tanks: 30 aluminum 80 cu/ft tanks, 2640 cu/ft high-pressure storage bank
Technical Diving:
Full oxygen, nitrox, and rebreather service.
Passengers must bring their own rebreathers.
Electronics:
3 GPS (Global Positioning Systems)
2 Radars (48 and 32 mile)
2 recording fathometers
Radio Direction Finder SIMRAD
Autopilot
2 VHF radios
3 handheld VHF radios
SSB radio (SEA 222)
Multi-system televisions, CD stereo, and DVD player.
Multimedia
Desktop Computer
Starlit Telephone
Miscellaneous:
20 personal dive gearboxes, 20 personal camera lockers with stabilized and surge-protected 110v outlets.
Air conditioning throughout the vessel
12-ton deck mounted crane (55-ft reach).
33 ft by 24 ft (10.3m by 7.4 m) work deck space.
44 ft by 24-ft sundeck (1000 sq. ft.) and lounge chairs.
Fully equipped workshop with arc welding and oxy-acetylene cutting equipment/supplies.
Guest Accommodations:
For 20 guests 10 double/twin cabins, all with heads and showers.
Crew Accommodations:
For 14 crew members – 7 crew cabins and 3 crew heads.
Cocos Island presents the same diving challenges as any other Pacific, Indian or Red Sea diving location. Cocos, however, is not recommended for inexperienced divers because it is an open ocean destination that requires advanced open water diving skills.
Please note, the minimum required level of certification to dive at Cocos is Open Water with the Specialty of Deep Diver. We also recommend having a minimum of 25 hours of diving experience.
Most dives are at depths deeper than 60 feet / 18 meters. At Cocos currents and visibility can be entirely different in just a few hours. Please note, the dive guide will always be the final authority as to whether a passenger can do any specific dive.
Please check directly with our office if you are bringing a rebreather with you. We can supply you with tanks, scrubber material and any further assistance you need, and can provide you with the costs of these items.
Please note, at this time we are no longer teaching the rebreather course and we do not have any units available to rent. Check for further rebreather information on this website at PRICES & SCHEDULES – Rental Gear
We provide you with weights for your weight belt: 2, 3, 4, and 6 lbs. (1, 1.5, 2 and 3 kilos). We also provide you with air or Nitrox tanks — 80 cubic ft. aluminum (12 liters).
Please note, our tanks are standard yoke (INT), not DIN. Please notify our offices in advance if you need an adaptor.
You can rent a complete line of ScubaPro dive gear: BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, and Aladin Nitrox dive computers.
We have a limited supply of 15 Liter steel tanks. If you would like to rent one, make sure to reserve it well ahead of time.
The menu aboard offers a delicious combination of International and local cuisine. Meals are varied and well balanced, and we also offer delicious snacks between dives. Food is abundant with plenty of fresh tropical fruit and salads and is served buffet style. Please let us know of any special dietary needs or requests, but try to be lenient, as storage and preparation space is limited.
Soft drinks: Free, Bottle of wine: $15 – $35.
Hard liquor is not available onboard but our guests are welcome to bring their own, which should be purchased prior to boarding.
The vessels maintain constant radio contact in the event of any emergency. Your family and friends can contact our office at telephone: +506-2228-6535. We are happy to let family and friends know how you are when they call our office.
Our main office is open 9.00 – 17.00 Costa Rican time Monday – Friday (except for national holidays). Outside of those hours, our emergency contact number is +506-8735-2392 (please leave a message if necessary).
Please understand, however, that you will be in a remote area and it is preferable that personal communications to the boat be limited to emergency use only. We also now keep a satellite phone on board, which costs $3.50 per minute.
Cocos Island is now equipped with a cellular phone tower, as well as a public phone. When in closer proximity to the Island at certain locations (assuming your cell phone works in Costa Rica), it is possible to use your cellular phone services, but keep in mind, it is still an international call. Do keep in mind that in general, it is difficult to get a good signal on the island.
The vessels have both 110 and 220 volts ac. The cabins have 110 volts ac only.
The vessels have standard US and European sockets (but not British style sockets).
We have a well-equipped first aid kit including oxygen on-board. You should bring anti-seasickness medicine and ear drops if you feel you will need them.
Please inform us and especially the dive guides if you are taking medication or suffer from allergies.
Explore More of Coast Rica
Come find out what the “Pura Vida” life is all about! No SCUBA dive trip would complete without some topside exploration and when it comes to adventure, Costa Rica delivers in a big way!
With over 2 dozen national parks and coastline along both, the Caribbean and Pacific, this natural wonderland offers something for everyone.
Adventure and eco-tours range from zip-lining through rain forest canopies, hiking along an active volcano, bathing in hot springs, surfing one of the many beautiful beaches or spotting wildlife on a jungle-river cruise.
Ask your Ultimate Dive Travel consultant to help arrange a side trip before or after your cruise!
MV Seahunter FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Cocos Island presents the same diving challenges as any other Pacific, Indian or Red Sea diving location. Cocos, however, is not recommended for inexperienced divers because it is an open ocean destination that requires advanced open water diving skills.
Please note, the minimum required level of certification to dive at Cocos is Open Water with the Specialty of Deep Diver. We also recommend having a minimum of 25 hours of diving experience.
Most dives are at depths deeper than 60 feet / 18 meters. At Cocos currents and visibility can be entirely different in just a few hours. Please note, the dive guide will always be the final authority as to whether a passenger can do any specific dive.
Most of the action is at 60-90 feet /18-27 meters, and most dives are between 60-130 feet / 18-40 meters. The safety limit is set at 130 feet / 40 meters and a dive computer is necessary. Visibility averages 60-100ft/18-30m.
To increase safety and bottom time while maintaining safe non-decompression dives the use of Nitrox is recommended. The vessel offers full onboard TDI training in Nitrox, with rental of Nitrox computers. Nitrox fills are free for Nitrox certified divers.
Please check directly with our office if you are bringing a rebreather with you. We can supply you with tanks, scrubber material and any further assistance you need, and can provide you with the costs of these items.
Please note, at this time we are no longer teaching the rebreather course and we do not have any units available to rent. Check for further rebreather information on this website at PRICES & SCHEDULES – Rental Gear
When all passengers are boarded, the vessel will take 32-36 hours to reach Cocos Island. Crossings are normally calm, but to prevent motion sickness we advise you to take the necessary precautions. At the conclusion of your trip, we will return to Puntarenas where a bus will be waiting to return you to your San Jose hotel.
You will need the following gear: 5-7 mm wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, regulator with visible pressure gauge, a mandatory dive computer, buoyancy compensator, depth gauge, dive gloves, weight belt (without weights), dive light, and dive watch. It is recommended that you mark each piece of gear with waterproof paint or tape. We suggest you put all or most of the above items in a carry-on bag. There is ample storage space for your diving equipment, including your own personal locker.
We provide you with weights for your weight belt: 2, 3, 4, and 6 lbs. (1, 1.5, 2 and 3 kilos). We also provide you with air or Nitrox tanks — 80 cubic ft. aluminum (12 liters).
Please note, our tanks are standard yoke (INT), not DIN. Please notify our offices in advance if you need an adaptor.
You can rent a complete line of ScubaPro dive gear: BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, and Aladin Nitrox dive computers.
We have a limited supply of 15 Liter steel tanks. If you would like to rent one, make sure to reserve it well ahead of time.
The menu aboard offers a delicious combination of International and local cuisine. Meals are varied and well balanced, and we also offer delicious snacks between dives. Food is abundant with plenty of fresh tropical fruit and salads and is served buffet style. Please let us know of any special dietary needs or requests, but try to be lenient, as storage and preparation space is limited.
Soft drinks: Free, Bottle of wine: $15 – $35.
Hard liquor is not available onboard but our guests are welcome to bring their own, which should be purchased prior to boarding.
Finally, if you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special life events, please let us know. Our crew stands ready to assist you in making your special day something to remember.
We recommend casual and cool cotton attire while on board. Nights can be chilly and/or drizzly so bringing a sweater, light jacket or windbreaker is recommended. In San Jose dress is slightly more conservative, like long jeans and collared shirts. For women, we recommend holding off wearing shorts and beach type clothing till you are aboard the vessel. We suggest packing in a soft duffel bag for easy luggage storage. Booties or hiking shoes are recommended if you want to visit the island.
Finally, if you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special life events, please let us know. Our crew stands ready to assist you in making your special day something to remember.
We will usually make one or two visits to the island itself during a trip.
Finally, if you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special life events, please let us know. Our crew stands ready to assist you in making your special day something to remember.
The Argo, and Sea Hunter crews consist of a unique combination of talents, offering the ultimate in service. The Undersea Hunter has a crew of seven, while the Sea Hunter and the Argo have a crew of eight. The divemasters, deckhands, and skiff drivers make sure you have the best possible diving adventure, while the chef and steward prepare delicious meals and take care of all your needs on board.
The vessels maintain constant radio contact in the event of any emergency. Your family and friends can contact our office at telephone: +506-2228-6535. We are happy to let family and friends know how you are when they call our office.
Our main office is open 9.00 – 17.00 Costa Rican time Monday – Friday (except for national holidays). Outside of those hours, our emergency contact number is +506-8735-2392 (please leave a message if necessary).
Please understand, however, that you will be in a remote area and it is preferable that personal communications to the boat be limited to emergency use only. We also now keep a satellite phone on board, which costs $3.50 per minute.
Cocos Island is now equipped with a cellular phone tower, as well as a public phone. When in closer proximity to the Island at certain locations (assuming your cell phone works in Costa Rica), it is possible to use your cellular phone services, but keep in mind, it is still an international call. Do keep in mind that in general, it is difficult to get a good signal on the island.
The vessels have both 110 and 220 volts ac. The cabins have 110 volts ac only.
The vessels have standard US and European sockets (but not British style sockets).
There is a variety of nightly entertainment available onboard: slide shows, DVDs, music, games and much more. Please feel free to bring along your favorites.
Since it is customary to tip crew members, many people ask us what tip amount is appropriate. This is a very personal decision, as tips are your way of expressing satisfaction. Generally, the tip is given to the captain who distributes it equally amongst the crew. Please note that we do not dictate or include tips.
Industry standard is 10-15% of your trip cost.
We have a well-equipped first aid kit including oxygen on-board. You should bring anti-seasickness medicine and ear drops if you feel you will need them.
Please inform us and especially the dive guides if you are taking medication or suffer from allergies.
Life rings are located on either side of the boat, and life jackets for all passengers are located in the lockers on both sides of the sun deck. Fire extinguishers are located in the hallways leading to your cabins. Emergency exit from the aft passenger cabins is possible through an overhead hatch above the doors of cabins 7 and 8. The emergency exit for the forward passenger area is through a door in cabin 4 and up the stairs in the engine room.
The nearest Re-compression Chamber is in the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, about 36 hours sailing from Cocos, the implications of which are obvious.
Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the boat, each boat has a designated location on the sundeck if one wishes to smoke.
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