Marine Life & Conservation

Top 5 Guadalupe Liveaboards

Published

7 years ago

August 3, 2018

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.

Marine Life & Conservation

Raising Awareness for Scuttle the Cuttle – A Global First in Tackling Microplastic Pollution

Published

5 days ago

May 19, 2025

Team Scubaverse

Addressing the global crisis of ocean plastic pollution, a new innovation is turning the tide—by placing real-world environmental action in the hands of children. Scuttle the Cuttle, a microplastic-collecting tool designed specifically for young users, has been launched as a practical and inspiring way to involve families in beach cleanups.

Crafted entirely from recycled ocean plastic, Scuttle is a cuttlefish-shaped combination of bucket and sieve. Its engaging design, sustainability credentials, and focus on education make it more than just a toy—it’s a tool for change.

scuttle the cuttle

Designed for Impact

Scuttle’s core purpose is to help remove microplastics—plastic particles smaller than 5mm—from beaches. With a mesh size of 2.8mm, Scuttle can collect small plastic fragments and nurdles before they degrade further. This addresses a critical but often overlooked part of the plastic pollution problem.

Built for Young Eco-Heroes

Scuttle is ergonomically designed for both children and adults. Lightweight, durable, and easy to carry, it allows even the youngest users to contribute meaningfully to beach cleanups. Its approachable design turns environmental action into a fun and empowering activity for children and families.

Circular by Design

From production to end-of-life, Scuttle reflects a strong commitment to the circular economy. Made from 100% recycled ocean plastic and fully recyclable, it is manufactured with long-term use in mind. The product not only removes waste from the environment but also repurposes existing waste in its construction, reducing environmental impact across its lifecycle.

Community and Collaboration

In addition to its environmental function, Scuttle is part of a broader movement to build awareness and encourage local partnerships. It supports responsible sourcing, local collaborations, and community-driven conservation efforts.

Scuttle is now available for purchase and is positioned as the first product of its kind focused specifically on the collection of microplastics through kid-friendly, hands-on cleanup.

For more information about Scuttle the Cuttle, visit odysseyinnovation.com/pages/scuttle.

Marine Life & Conservation

I.CARE, SSI Blue Oceans, and Mares Team Up to Remove Over 36,000 Pounds of Debris from the Florida Keys

Published

1 week ago

May 17, 2025

Team Scubaverse

The 3rd Annual I.CARE Trash Derby has come to a successful close, delivering a powerful message of community-driven conservation. In partnership with SSI Blue Oceans, Mares, and several other industry leaders, I.CARE once again led an inspiring grassroots effort to restore and protect the marine environment of the Florida Keys.

This year’s Trash Derby broke records, drawing support from more than 900 participants—including divers, boaters, and conservation advocates—who collectively removed an impressive 36,459 pounds of marine debris. Over a two-day period, teams worked on land, along shorelines, and at reef sites both above and below the water, making a meaningful contribution to the region’s ecological health.

“I am so proud of everyone involved in last week’s I.CARE Trash Derby,” said Mike Goldberg, Co-Founder of I.CARE. “This level of success comes from the passion and hard work of hundreds of people who care about our oceans, reefs, and local communities. I’m filled with gratitude.”

Recognizing Top Contributors: From Trash to Triumph

The event featured competition across three categories—Land & Shore, Private Boat, and Dive Operator—awarding teams based on the amount of debris collected per person. Additional special recognitions included the most monofilament retrieved and the most unusual item found. Congratulations to the standout teams of 2025:

Land & Shore Division:

Tired of Tires – 1,128.75 lbs/person
DerSno – 930.7 lbs/person
KnotaYacht – 124.2 lbs/person

Private Boat Division:

Triple Crown – 1,076.83 lbs/person
Fisherman & the Mermaid – 735.95 lbs/person
Dumpster Diving Divas – 572.875 lbs/person

Dive Operator Division:

Quiescence Diving – 430.6 lbs/person (average)
Key Dives – 141.3 lbs/person (average)
Captain’s Corner – 83.2 lbs/person (average)

Special Awards:

Most Monofilament Collected: Conch Republic Divers (26.8 lbs)
Most Unique Item Found: Bilge Buddies

Celebrating Conservation with Community and Education

The weekend concluded with the Trash Derby Festival at Founders Park in Islamorada. Attendees enjoyed live music, food, and sustainability-focused vendors, all centered around marine conservation. The festival also provided opportunities to connect with environmental organizations and celebrate the participants’ achievements.

“The energy and dedication from everyone involved was incredible,” said Rachael Steidley, SSI’s North America Marketing Manager. “This event goes beyond collecting trash—it’s about building a movement and inspiring conservation on a global scale.”

Looking Ahead to 2026: Raising the Bar

Plans are already underway for the 4th Annual I.CARE Trash Derby, with organizers calling on dive pros, boaters, and ocean advocates to help set an even bigger record next year.

To get involved or learn more about how you or your dive shop can participate in 2026, visit www.icaretrashderby.com or contact I.CARE at info@icareaboutcoral.org.

Let’s keep making waves for the planet—one pound at a time.