A Lucky Streak with the Ferox Shark in Malpelo
We were on our last dive of my second trip to Malpelo this year.
Richie, the other dive guide and my brother-in-arms, had the idea to start from Altar de Virginia and head towards La Cara de Fantasma. On the other hand, I was still thinking and watching the waters, unsure what I wanted to do. I decided to go from the northeast corner of Malpelo Island, down the wall and into the channel between Monster Reef and Malpelo. The current had to be right in order not to have a crap dive. It looked right, so we entered the water.
Before going in, I said, “Mission Ferox, hammerheads, and whale sharks!” We crossed our fingers for seeing the big ones.
Revillagigedo: Over 20 Years’ Worth of Memories
It was around 4 years ago the last time I was in the Revillagigedo archipelago, which comprises of 4 islands: Clarion, Roca Partida, Socorro and San Benedicto. My first time in Revillagigedo was in 2004, which is almost 20 years ago now. Then I was away for two years, meanwhile working in the Maldives, Philippines and Palau. November 2006 found me back in Mexico and visiting Revillagigedo again.
Back in One of My Favorite Destinations to Guide
I was back on my favorite dive boat, Ferox. And I will start by saying that we did not have the best experience at the beginning of our trip. One engine broke down, then we had generator failure that caused the A/C to stop working. It was not a great start to the trip that preceded my Malpelo half-charter, but the issue got resolved and the next trip was back to normal operations.
Diving Malpelo in January: Kinburn, this is your fault!
I had a request from a friend and former guest to go diving in Malpelo in January. I had not planned on it, but I decided to do the trip because I wanted to see Kinburn again after so many years. It was also a nice change from the Malpelo summer trips that I normally do.
Malpelo: Life Underwater and Poachers of Life
I was reunited with Brad and Eric, whom I have previously met separately in Socorro. It wasn’t long ago when I last saw Brad, but it was great to see Eric again after over 10 years. Sergey, Katia and Denis completed another amazing team underwater and onboard Ferox. They are all wonderful people and it was a pleasure to guide them.
It was also nice to see my fellow guide and good friend, Arthur, whom I haven’t seen for many years.
There’s Something About Mongolia
Six years ago my wife told me, “Let’s go somewhere you have not been to.”
I said, “Let’s go somewhere I don’t need to meet crew members or anyone related to my work as a dive guide.”
We ended up traveling to Mongolia. Now we are back for many reasons.
Malpelo Trip Report, Summer 2022
I can honestly say I don’t like the crossings… not the 36 hours in seas that are sometimes pretty choppy. I don’t get seasick, but after years of long crossings, something about it just makes it hard for me to start working until we reach our destination. I don’t like to talk to anyone on the way to Malpelo because I am usually grumpy. I prefer to stay in bed and watch movies while getting my mind tuned in to where we are going.
My First Malpelo Trip in 2022
I’m back in Colombia for my first of three 2022 trips to Malpelo. I came with divers who have become friends over the years, as well as a couple of new ones: Kabir and Andres.
Having Some Uninvited Guests at Malpelo
This is my second trip to Malpelo in 2021. And each time it’s different.
I will not go so much in to the diving this time except for a few exceptions.
The short of it: We had a blast; some really exciting dives with lots of life. We did not get the 500+ hammerheads this time, but there were more hammerheads than on my first trip.
Finally Back in Malpelo!
Last year all my trips got canceled. When we were finally on our way this year, a demonstration canceled my first trip. Many of us, including Colombia, suffered during the pandemic; but now we are alive and kicking! Malpelo is running during COVID!