Operated by Colombia Dive Adventures, Ferox and Vivax dive liveaboards are not typical liveaboards. These former ice class Swedish Navy Ships are quite possibly the most robust liveaboards on the water. They have 11 mm steel hulls and have been put to the test during 7000 nautical mile voyages from Sweden to Colombia.
Both boats can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests in eight cabins designed to provide the most valuable commodity aboard any vessel, space and privacy. Between dives, guests can relax in the cosy lounge furnished with banquette-style seating and a large flat screen TV, or catch some rays on the sun deck. Meals feature Colombian and international influences and can be taken on the covered deck which features casual bar-style furniture and comfortable benches for a relaxed ambience. And, complete with rolling chocks, paravane stabilisers, and three self-righting, fast rescue boats, Ferox is well-equipped to take on Colombia’s fierce Pacific coast in maximum safety and comfort.
The ships are powered by twin Scania engines, reliable and environmentally friendly due to their low fuel consumption. Two generators ensure there is plenty of power aboard. There are few liveaboards in the world with their own waste-water treatment plants (MSDs). The MSDs installed reflect the company’s commitment to minimise impact to the marine environment. Extensive fire safety and lifesaving equipment can be found onboard including a fixed firefighting system for the engine space that can be operated remotely in a severe engine fire.
Cabins are all steel construction limiting the amount of flammable material in cabins. A primary hard wired smoke detector, a secondary battery powered smoke detector and emergency lighting in event of power failure. Large and well marked emergency escapes. All cabins are private with ensuite bathroom and individually controlled air conditioning.
We think…
Colombia Dive Adventures are committed to delivering maximum safety and comfort alongside a level of high-class service you wouldn’t expect from an adventure liveaboard. And, boasting guides with more than 30-years experience in Malpelo, you can rest assured you’ll be dropped in the heart of the action, time and time again – guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure diving experience.
Both Ferox and Vivax have a selection of double, small single and large single cabins.
Queen Cabin
Upper Deck Single Cabin
Lower Deck Single Cabin
The dive deck is equipped with all new machinery and facilities including a camera table, camera rinse tank, and low-pressure air hoses. Gear storage and showers are also available. Sherwood and Scubapro rental equipment, including dive computers, can be provided onboard and all divers are equipped with a Personal Locator Beacon.
Up to three dives are offered every day, with additional night dives offered on Gorgona Island itineraries. Dive equipment and tanks stay on the tenders throughout the trip, streamlining the dive process and reducing the chance of damage to gear – and divers. Guests must be nitrox certified to join these voyages and the use of nitrox is complimentary throughout the trip. Nitrox certification can be obtained on board.
To give you some sense of the range of dive sites, here are some brief descriptions:
La Nevera “The Fridge”
This is the cleaning station site where schools of scalloped hammerheads and smaller groups of Galapagos sharks visit to be cleaned by the abundant fish. Moray eels are also very common here. The reef itself is very stark, consisting mostly of rock with some urchins.
El Altair de Virginia
Also a great site for hammerhead shark sightings as well as multiple eagle rays. There is more colour at this site with some hard corals and lots of fish. Small whitetip reef sharks can be spotted patrolling close to the reef.
La Ferreteria
Small underwater pinnacle at the southern end of Malpelo Island. The sheer density of marine life found here is amazing: multiple eels sharing one crevice, multiple large scorpionfish stacked on top of one another. Currents are very strong, so you need to be careful not to get blown off the pinnacle or get pushed into it and cause damage.
La Cathedral
This site is at the northern end of Malpelo Island and features a large swim-through cave. Large schools of fish, including bigeye trevally jacks, are frequently spotted here.
Bajo Del Monstruo
This is a pinnacle at the northern end of the island, which can only be dived in good conditions. Huge schools of leather bass and creole fish navigate the strong currents. On the sides of the pinnacle where there is less current, the structure is entirely covered with delicate yellow and orange anemones.
La Cara del Fantasma
Fantasma is a wonderful site where you can see large schools of fish like blue and gold snapper, whitetip reef sharks and hammerheads, as well as schooling barracuda.
La Gringa
This site is at the southern end of the island, with its most notable feature being a large cave.
Pricing for Malpelo on Ferox and Vivax
| Valid for 01 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025 | AUD | USD | |||
| 9 Nights | |||||
| Queen Bed Lower Deck | 5150 | USD | | | 5150 | |
| Full Cabin Lower Deck | 5350 | USD | | | 5350 | |
| Single Cabin B Lower Deck | 4950 | USD | | | 4950 | |
| Single Cabin A Lower Deck | 5050 | USD | | | 5050 | |
| Single Cabin Main Deck Starboard | 5200 | USD | | | 5200 | |
| Single Cabin Main Deck Portside | 4900 | USD | | | 4900 | |
| 10 Nights | AUD | USD | |||
| Queen Bed Lower Deck | 5450 | USD | | | 5450 | |
| Full Cabin Lower Deck | 5650 | USD | | | 5650 | |
| Single Cabin B Lower Deck | 5250 | USD | | | 5250 | |
| Single Cabin A Lower Deck | 5350 | USD | | | 5350 | |
| Single Cabin Main Deck Starboard | 5500 | USD | | | 5500 | |
| Single Cabin Main Deck Portside | 5200 | USD | | | 5200 | |
| 11 Nights | AUD | USD | |||
| Queen Bed Lower Deck | 5750 | USD | | | 5750 | |
| Full Cabin Lower Deck | 5950 | USD | | | 5950 | |
| Single Cabin B Lower Deck | 5550 | USD | | | 5550 | |
| Single Cabin A Lower Deck | 5650 | USD | | | 5650 | |
| Single Cabin Main Deck Starboard | 5800 | USD | | | 5800 | |
| Single Cabin Main Deck Portside | 5500 | USD | | | 5500 | |
| This resort's prices are in USD. The AUD prices shown are based on the current exchange rate. The price paid in AUD will be based on the actual exchange rate at the time any payments are made. | |||||
| Included: All meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages including fresh fruit juices and of course Colombian coffee Transfer from Intercontinental Cali to Buenaventura and back to Cali. Experienced Dive Guides NITROX fills Usage of PersonalLocator Beacon (McMurdo 510) during the dives Usage of Surface Marker Buoy during the dives 3 dives per day with except on of last day, which is limited to 2 dives (night dives are not permitted) |
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| Excluded: Marine Park and Port Fees $400 USD per 10 days, $440 USD per 11 days. This is to be paid onboard in COP, USD or EUR. Alcoholic beverages are available at reasonable prices (please note that guests are restricted from bringing their own alcohol, if guests have a special request, we will do our best to accommodate, please advise at time of reservation) Satellite phone communication is offered at USD 5 per minute Crew gratuities if guests find the service deserving Rental equipment and courses |
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