Malpelo Dive expeDition - BigAnimals.com

BigAnimals Expeditions | MAlpElo DIvE ExpEDITIon March 30 - April 10, 2017

Malpelo Dive expeDition If you are an adventurer, explorer, image maker, videographer, or adrenaline junkie, then Malpelo is a place not to be missed. Join BigAnimals Expeditions to become part of the amazing chaos that defines the mecca of pelagic predators that is Malpelo Island. Time to experience this unique place is quickly running out...

BigAnimals.com | [email protected] | 189 Evans Ave #A, pacific Grove, CA 93950 | phone 831.241.6657 | © AMos nAChouM phoToGrAphy


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tuna and swordfish may also appear to feed on these big aggregations of baitfish, creating an energy-charged frenzy in the water that will really get your adrenaline pumping.

BigAnimals Expeditions is headed to Malpelo in April 2017, the prime time to experience the peak of the explosive amount of life found in these pacific waters. The Colombian government recently announced major changes in diving regulations and by December of 2017, Malpelo will only be accessible to vessels operating directly out of Colombia.

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There is currently little information about what these new developments will mean for vessel conditions and crew availability in the near future. In light of this harsh news, BigAnimals Expeditions is launching one of the last charters to this most sharky of islands. our goal is to collect data that will further conservation efforts and increase shark protection around this unEsCo World heritage site while supporting the work of Mission Blue, Fins Attached, sea save, and shark research Institute.

In the black waters five miles below the tropical eastern pacific ocean lays a steep volcanic ridge that feeds strong, rapidly changing currents. The earth rises through the sea as sunlight begins to penetrate the depths, gradually changing the color of the water from navy blue to dark blue to sapphire to azure. The rock of the Malpelo ridge soon bursts through the surface to reveal an oceanic island one mile in length that has never been attached to the mainland. This three-peaked pinnacle surrounded by nothing but vast, blue ocean and about a dozen satellite rocks is none other than the famed Malpelo Island off the western coast of Columbia. often referred to as the Mount Everest of sharks because of its reputation for being the number one diving hub of shark activity in the world, the waters surrounding this island are graced with many species of elasmobranchs as well as other big pelagics. Along with schooling hammerheads and silkies, it is also common to see Galapagos sharks, Whale sharks, white-tips, jacks, tuna, rays, clusters of eels, and huge aggregations of angelfish and Creole fish. If you’re lucky, a humpback or Blue whale might even make an appearance. The wild marine environment surrounding Malpelo Island is a spectacular display of big animal life soon to be completely off limits to all but a few Colombian vessels, so who better to explore this location with than BigAnimals Expeditions?



the experience – nature at its Best. listen to Your Heart pound. As the only island of the Malpelo ridge to rise above the surface of the sea, this volcanic rock is the sole representative of this almost exclusively submarine geological feature. Despite its barren appearance and complete lack of obvious vegetation, Malpelo is home to a unique ecosystem of small plants that draw nutrients from the guano of migratory birds. The rugged cliffs covered by algae, mosses, and lichens are home to the second largest colony of Masked Booby birds in the world with over 25,000 individuals inhabiting the island. nutrients from the bird droppings not only feed the plants of the island but help drive the underwater ecosystem as well.

In addition to these air borne nutrients, six major ocean currents converge to fuel the marine food chain with plankton-rich waters. The upwellings produced by these currents as they run along the walls of the Malpelo ridge bring in the huge aggregations of large predators for which the area has become famous. These same strong currents that appeal to sharks also make the diving challenging for those of us without gills; rough sea conditions can also make entries and exits difficult. Any discomforts will soon be forgotten though once you submerge yourself in these shark-saturated waters.

often referred to as the Mount Everest of sharks because of its reputation for being the number one diving hub of shark activity in the world, the waters surrounding this island are graced with many species of elasmobranchs as well as other big pelagics. Along with schooling hammerheads and silkies, it is also common to see Galapagos sharks, Whale sharks, whitetips, jacks, tuna, rays, clusters of eels, and huge aggregations of angelfish and Creole fish. If you’re lucky, a humpback or Blue whale might even make an appearance. The wild marine environment surrounding Malpelo Island is a spectacular display of big animal life soon to be completely off limits to all but a few Colombian vessels, so who better to explore this location with than BigAnimals Expeditions? If you are an adventurer, explorer, image maker, videographer, or adrenaline junkie, then Malpelo is a place not to be missed. Join BigAnimals Expeditions to become part of the amazing chaos that defines the mecca of pelagic predators that is Malpelo Island. Time to experience this unique place is quickly running out, so reserve your spot with us for 2017 now.



Malpelo Dive Conditions visibility ranges between 10 meters and 35 meters (33 feet to 115 feet). occasionally, there can be upwellings full of plankton that bring a lot of fish but at the same time reduce visibility. Water temperatures range between 16 and 24 C (61 to 75 F) on the surface. Thermoclines start at 15 meters (49 feet), which sometimes totally disappear. All descents and ascents are without a line as most dive sites are located close to the main island and anchoring is not permitted anywhere within the marine protected area. Malpelo Sea Conditions sea conditions can make entries and exits challenging at times. Currents can be strong, making drift diving the best option on some of the sites. occasionally the crossings can get a little bumpy; however the diving at Malpelo makes it more than worth while. We highly recommend you take precautions if you suffer from travel sickness.

Diver Experience Level It is required that divers hold at minimum an Advanced open Water certification and have proof of extensive diving experience at the maximum recreational dive depths of 130 feet/40 meters. Beginner divers might find this diving environment and conditions challenging. What level of experience do you require? Due to the characteristics of the diving in the Tropical Eastern pacific Islands of Coiba, Cocos and Malpelo, new divers might find this diving environment challenging. An Advanced open Water certification with at least 30 logged dives is mandatory in order to dive Malpelo. noTE: you will need to show your certification card to our dive guide prior to diving. We strictly impose the no CErTIFICATIon, no DIvInG rule. We do not have an internet connection onboard, so we will not be able to do any online verifications for you. please ensure that you have your card with you.

Comfortable and safe Vessel - Yemaya Each expedition offers the best in safety, service, comfort and adventure aboard our robust 115-ft (35-m) modern and wellequipped liveaboard expedition boat, M/v yemaya. With a steel hull and equipped with 2 engines, 3 generators and all safety implements, this oceangoing vessel is built to withstand the occasional rough seas in the Tropical Eastern pacific. our dive tenders are 25 ft x 8.6 ft Caribe profundo custom skiffs, each powered by twin 115hp suzuki four-stroke outboards. Each skiff can accommodate 10 divers in comfort and its bimini top provides protection from the sun or shelter from occasional showers. The skiffs are equipped with dive ladders, drift lines, buoys and anchors, as well as vhF radios and all relevant safety and emergency equipment for diving. There is ample storage space for dive and camera equipment and dry storage space up front for personal items. life jackets are located in the closet of each cabin and also on the upper aft deck. There are 2 x 25 man life rafts onboard, one on star

Dedicated crew We have 8 crew members aboard M/v yemaya. All are dedicated to bringing you the best in safety, service, comfort and enjoyment during your stay aboard—our dive guides and skiff operators are responsible for making sure you have the best possible dive experiences on your trip while M/v yemaya’s internal staff will keep the vessel and your rooms spotlessly clean and be at hand to serve meals and delicious in between dive snacks, hot chocolate and juices. Ample space and well-appointed accommodations our dive expeditions, whale watching trips and nature observation tours take you to the peace, beauty and adventure of the remote and spectacular uninhabited islands of Malpelo. our 8 cabins, sun deck and al fresco dining area ensure ample space and a comfortable journey for 16 guests. There is ample storage space for your diving and camera equipment on the dive deck and other areas of the boat.



Malpelo Dive Expedition March 30-April 10, 2017 MAlpElo ExpErIEnCE: 5 years WhErE: Malpelo Island, Columbia DATEs: March 30-April 10, 2017 DurATIon: 12 days MAx no. oF GuEsTs: 16 guests prICInG: Master Cabin – $6,800 standard cabin, private bath – $6,400 standard cabin, shared bath – $6,000

oFEr kETTEr Expedition leader nickname: El oso (the bear) As a certified dive master, submersible pilot and professional globetrotter, ofer has experienced the world from every angle while visiting over 40 countries and all seven continents. his adventures include documentary filmmaking, circumnavigating the globe aboard a super-yacht, and working as a private travel designer. Another highlight: visiting the Geographic south pole and vostok station, the russian scientific research center in Antarctica. one of ofer’s wildest exploits involves solopiloting a submersible into a flooded volcanic crater in the Galapagos Islands. After serving as a First lieutenant in the Israeli Defense Forces, ofer dedicated his entire career to organizing exotic expeditions to some of the earth’s most uncharted reaches. still on his to do list: learn how to fly a helicopter. While exploring is in his DnA, ofer finds happiness on sunday mornings spent at the beach with his family. he’d loved to be remembered as the guy who did everything he was told could not be done and fulfilling his dreams without breaking his principals.

rEGIsTrATIon: Deposit of $2,300, $2100, $2000 resp.

Enhance your photographic skills with ofer. The Experience is priceless! BigAnimals’ unique services – raising the bar of services in every adventure we operate around the world is our policy. We lead by example with immaculate safety record. Each wildlife expedition is carefully scouted before offered to the public and we schedule departures only during peak animal presence and behavior displays. our Malpelo Dive Expedition is strictly limited to only 16 privileged guests. This is with consideration of the animal’s welfare and behavior, your safety and provides you with room to move freely, ample space in which to photograph and film, with personalized attention and advice.

vEssEl: yemaya liveaboard ACTIvITIEs: Diving TEMpErATurE: Water 68-72°F (20-24°C) Thermocline 60-62°F (16-18C) Air 80°F - 85 (27-28°C) TrIp prICE InCluDEs: • 11 nights onboard, based on shared accommodations plus all meals • 7 days of diving • All diving equipment, including tanks and weights • use of nitrox $100 • port fees and local taxes TrIp prICE ExCluDEs: • International flight • hotel overnights on arrival and departure in panama City • Airport transfers • park fee $80 pp x 7 days of diving • Gratuities to crew • Items of personal nature such as phone calls, laundry and drinks • Items not mentioned above • single occupancy – Available x2



Malpelo Dive expeDition itinerarY > March 30-april 10, 2017 MArCh 30 – Make your flight to panama City. We strongly recommend that you arrive a day early or two. Mainly to make sure that you will not miss the vessel due to airline delay and or because of luggage late arrival. We suggest you book in one of these two hotels Toscana Inn and Country Inns & suites Amador, from where the pick up will be made.

DaY 2

DaY 10

AprIl 1 – Crossing to Malpelo. Time to relax, look for dolphins, take some sun and enjoy the hospitality of M/v yemaya and her crew. We arrive at Malpelo in the evening.

AprIl 9 – Crossing Back to puerto Mutis in the Gulf of Montijo. Time to pack your dive gear and camera equipment and relax as we cruise into panamanian waters. We arrive at our anchorage in the evening.

DaY 1

AprIl 2 – Arrival at Malpelo. We leave at 8:00 am to make our check out dive on one of the easier dive sites at Isla Malpelo. Afterwards, we take in two (2) more of Malpelo’s famous signature dive sites.

MArCh 31 – orientation. At 10:45 am you will be met by our representative/guide at the arranged meeting points at hotels in panama City. our representative/guide will accompany you on the coach ride to puerto Mutis, a small inter-tidal river port in the province of veraguas. This journey takes around 3.5 hours. upon arrival, a 30-minute transfer by tender to M/v yemaya, at anchor amongst the ancient mangrove forests of the Gulf of Montijo, a rAMsAr site, recognized for its international importance for marine birds. once aboard, we set sail for Malpelo Island, the Mount Everest of sharks. During the cruise, lunch will be served. you will have time to settle into your cabin, prepare your dive and camera equipment. We will introduce our crew and deliver briefings on safety aboard M/v yemaya and an introduction to the dive deck and dive program aboard.

DaY 3

DaY 4-8 AprIl 3-7 – Malpelo Island. Three (3) dives a day at Malpelo Island.

DaY 9 AprIl 8 – last Day at Malpelo. Three (3) dives at Malpelo Island, with choice of dive sites in Malpelo depending on sea state and weather. In the afternoon and upon completion of a full day's dive agenda, our crew will secure M/v yemaya for departure and the overnight cruise back to panama.

DaY 11 AprIl 10 – Transfer Day. After breakfast, our crew will assist to transport you and your luggage to the waiting coach and back to panama City. you will be in panama City by early afternoon.

pAyMEnT polICy AnD DEposIT: When we receive your deposit, we will send you a comprehensive and detailed Trip preparation Bulletin about the experience and the destination. All trip costs are subject to change without prior notice until your reservation is confirmed. A deposit of 33% of the total trip price is required to secure space on the trip. Full payment is due no later than 90 days before departure. We reserve the right to sell any space that is not paid in full by 60 days before departure. CAnCEllATIon polICy -Must be made in writing. -More than 90 days before trip: Deposit will be refunded in full. -90 days or less before trip: Deposit will be refunded if space is sold, less unrecoverable costs of sales, and administration costs. -no refund is made for unused part of the itinerary. The following are subject to change: -Cost of services which are not included in the expedition price -Flight time and schedule -Weather, water temperature, and animal behavior Dates and prices are subject to change without prior notice.


BigAnimals Expeditions | MAlpElo DivE ExpEDition March 30 - April 10, 2017

ApplicAtion Form Expedition Malpelo | Expeditions Dates: March 30-April 10, 2017

pErsonAl inforMAtion first name

last name

Date of Birth

Gender:

female

Male

Address City

state

Work phone

Zip

home phone

Email Citizen of

passport #

place issued & Date

trip price for Master Cabin - $6,800 p.p., standard cabin, private bath - $6,400 p.p., standard cabin, shared bath - $6,000 p.p. based on double occuppancy. Deposit of 1/3 is required to secure space= $2,300, $2,100, $2,000 resp. non-refundable. final payment due 90 days before departure. $ please make your check payment to BigAnimals Expeditions, 189 Evans Ave #A, pacific Grove, CA 93950. overseas payment can be done via bank wire, instructions will be sent to you upon receipt of this application. promotional code travel insurance: yEs no provider policy # travel insurance is prerequisite and mandatory on BigAnimals adventures. We need to have your policy number.. Do you carry diving insurance?

yEs

no provider

policy #

Diving Experience/years in Diving Where & When last 3 Dive Experiences? 1 how do you rate your Diving skills?

2

Beginner

inter

3 Advanced

Expert

how do you rate your photography and/or video skills? no interest

Beginner

inter

Advanced

Expert

BigAnimals.com | [email protected] | 189 Evans Ave #A, pacific Grove, CA 93950 | phone 831.241.6657 | © AMos nAChouM photoGrAphy