Sea Hunter

Far from the Costa Rican mainland, Cocos Island National Park emerges from the eastern tropical Pacific as a solitary beacon for large marine animals. This remote volcanic outcrop acts as an oceanic aggregation device, its structure interacting with the North Equatorial Counter Current and deep-water upwellings. The resulting nutrient-rich environment supports a food web that attracts huge schools of scalloped hammerheads, along with whitetip reef sharks, silvertips, mantas, and large schools of tuna. Dives here take place against a dramatic backdrop of submerged volcanic pinnacles and sheer walls. The Sea Hunter was specifically designed as a stable, long-range platform to access this demanding and singular marine ecosystem. All diving is conducted from the vessel’s three dedicated dive tenders, allowing for small, well-managed groups. The fleet includes two 24-foot fiberglass tenders and a 17-foot rigid hull inflatable, ensuring quick and efficient access to Cocos Island's famous sites like Bajo Alcyone and Dirty Rock. Back on the main vessel, a spacious dive deck features individual gear stations for organized equipment storage and preparation. The ship offers extensive support for underwater imaging. Photographers and videographers will find dedicated camera benches, multi-level rinse tanks, and charging stations to service their equipment between dives. An experienced crew of ten, including knowledgeable dive guides, manages all operations and leads groups in these current-heavy waters. Life aboard the Sea Hunter is structured to provide comfort during an extended oceanic expedition. The vessel accommodates up to twenty guests in ten cabins, each equipped with a private en-suite bathroom. Accommodations are configured to suit different preferences, with suites on the upper deck and a combination of twin/double and bunk-style cabins on the lower deck. For socializing, the main indoor salon provides a central gathering space with a mini-bar. Guests seeking a quieter atmosphere can utilize the dedicated study room. Outdoors, an expansive sundeck offers ample room for relaxation and soaking up the sun between dives. The culinary program is designed to fuel active days of challenging diving. An onboard chef prepares a varied menu of hearty, wholesome meals served in the indoor dining area. The service is a mix of buffet-style and plated dishes, offering a range of international and local flavors. Fresh ingredients are a staple of the galley, ensuring satisfying and nutritious food throughout the trip. Snacks, fruit, and non-alcoholic beverages are available at all times. The crew is able to accommodate most special dietary requirements, provided the ship is notified in advance of the voyage. A former commercial dive-support vessel built in 1994, the 35.1-meter Sea Hunter is an exceptionally robust expeditionary craft. Its heavy, durable construction and 7.9-meter beam give it the mass needed for open-ocean stability. This is augmented by a modern zero speed stabilization system, which actively counteracts roll to reduce motion during the long crossing to Cocos and while at anchor. The vessel is powered by twin GM 16V92 engines, producing a total of 1200 horsepower for a reliable cruising speed of 9.5 knots. These technical features combine to deliver a comfortable platform for a journey far from shore. Sea Hunter operates dedicated, multi-night itineraries focused exclusively on Cocos Island National Park. Trips typically run for ten or more nights to maximize diving time at this remote location, with departures from the port of Puntarenas on the Costa Rican mainland. The liveaboard is best suited for advanced divers who are confident in deep water and strong currents. The dive profiles and conditions require experience beyond a novice level. This vessel strongly appeals to divers whose primary goal is to encounter large pelagic life, particularly the famed schools of hammerhead sharks, and to serious underwater photographers seeking a well-equipped base of operations.