Destinations
MV Sea Hunter dive boat review
Costa Rica · Cocos Island · 2026 guide
Sea Hunter: an expedition boat built around diving
Choose lower-deck cabins or an upper-deck suite, with dedicated camera facilities and welcoming spaces to unwind between Cocos dives.
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Step aboard Sea Hunter
Explore the cabins, shared spaces and dive deck. Select a photo or use the arrows.
Photo 1 of 8 · Boat
Images from the operator’s current gallery. Shared-space photographs were published in July 2026; capture dates are not specified.
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Sea Hunter is Undersea Hunter Group’s 115-foot expedition liveaboard, welcoming up to 20 guests in 10 cabins.
Cocos lies roughly 550 km off Costa Rica in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Its volcanic island and surrounding waters are home to some of the most impressive pelagic life on the planet. This is one of the last places on earth where you can still see large groups of sharks and rays in their natural environment and is on the bucket list of every experienced diver.
Sea Hunter: September 2026 trip video
Undersea Hunter’s official report from the September 11–21, 2026 Sea Hunter trip. Wildlife and conditions vary between departures. Watch at the source →
MV Sea Hunter is 115ft/35m long and has been specifically renovated and reconfigured to be one of the ultimate hybrid dive vessels. Formerly a commercial dive vessel she has now been breathtakingly adapted to be a superb liveaboard option with the modern conveniences of a luxury yacht. The operator lists a cruising speed of 9.5 knots and a maximum of 10 knots for the long offshore journey.
Cabins and boat layout
Sea Hunter has 10 cabins spread over her decks.
| Location | Layout | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Lower deck — Twin | Two single beds | Shared cabins without sharing a bed |
| Lower deck — Double | Queen bed; optional upper single | Confirm occupancy and bed setup |
| Upper deck — Suites | Two suites with large windows | More light and sea views; request the exact layout |
Cabins have private bathrooms and individually controlled air-conditioning. Compare the assigned cabin, not just a historic category name.
Both of the two suites are located on the upper deck for a light, airy atmosphere and sea views.
For photographers onboard there is also a study room. Here you’ll find a library where you can research the aquatic life in peace and tranquility. Bring your own editing and backup equipment; dedicated camera facilities make it easy to organise your photography between dives.
On the main deck is the dining area where you’ll be amazed at the delicious food produced in the confines of the galley as you dine around one of five 4-person booths.
Life onboard
The lounge/salon is located further along the main deck. Here you can chill with fellow divers and trade stories. Or, alternatively, make use of the comfortable chairs for a nap or to watch a movie on the large TV. If you’re thirsty you’ll also find a refrigerator here healthily stocked with soft drinks.
In this area you’ll also find an entertainment system with charging station for batteries and strobes. Or, alternatively, you can edit your underwater photos here or watch a film!
As is commonplace on the best international liveaboards, the food is great combination of local delicacies and European/western cuisine.
Moving to the upper deck there is a huge area which can be used as a sundeck to soak up the rays. Or, sometimes, is used a the BBQ area as you watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.
Diving onboard Sea Hunter
The diving at the Cocos Islands is challenging and not for beginner divers or those uncomfortable with computer and DSMB use. There are sometimes strong currents and waves at the more challenging sites. However, for those that are suitably experienced, the rewards are immense.
The diving facilities are superb. For the happy snappers there are 20 individual camera/gear locker spaces and a camera bench.
The dive deck itself is spacious and well segregated providing you with plenty of room to put on and take off your equipment.
Confirm your eligibility before paying: the operator’s FAQ contains conflicting certification wording: one section lists Open Water as the minimum, while another asks for a qualification allowing 40 metres. Request written confirmation for your certification and experience. Deep Diver training and at least 25 hours of diving experience are recommended; Cocos is not recommended for inexperienced divers.
A dive computer is mandatory. Published diving procedures specify no-decompression diving to a maximum of 30 metres, with the guide deciding suitability. The usual rhythm is three daytime dives, subject to conditions, with a listed 60-minute maximum. Bring proof of Nitrox certification for Nitrox fills.
Itineraries
Cocos expeditions depart from Puntarenas. The offshore crossing is approximately 36 hours, so allow for transit days when comparing the number of diving days. Confirm the exact itinerary and duration of your departure.
Sea Hunter prices: build a complete 2026 quote
A current public fare total could not be verified from the operator’s rate page. Request the price for your exact departure, cabin and occupancy rather than relying on an old starting price.
| Cost | What to include in your quote |
|---|---|
| Cruise and cabin | Exact dates, nights, cabin number, beds, occupancy and any single supplement |
| Nitrox | Operator lists free fills for certified divers; training is a separate charge |
| Mandatory extras | For 10 nights: USD 554 park fee plus USD 100 scheduled San José–vessel return transfers, plus any notified fuel surcharge. Confirm that your quote has not already included these amounts. |
| Internet | Operator FAQ lists Starlink at USD 50 per guest for agent bookings and included for direct bookings; confirm your booking terms |
| Travel and optional costs | Flights, hotels before and after the cruise, transfers, insurance, equipment rental and gratuities; identify what your package already includes |
Comparable 10-night cruise budget: Q (your dated cabin quote in USD) + USD 654 (park and scheduled transfers) + any notified fuel surcharge. Nitrox fills are included for certified divers. Full holiday budget: add flights, mainland hotels, airport–hotel transfers, dive insurance, rentals, internet and optional gratuities. These are cruise subtotals, not all-inclusive holiday prices.
Budget checked 28 September 2026 against Sea Hunter’s official package terms. Eleven- and thirteen-night trips have different park fees; do not reuse this ten-night subtotal.
The fuel supplement is conditional under the operator’s published policy, not a confirmed fixed charge for every departure. Get the final balance, cancellation terms and payment schedule in writing.
Travel planning and diver requirements
Arrive at San José (SJO) at least the night before embarkation. Confirm the designated hotel and transfer arrangements; hotel nights and meals ashore are separate. Undersea Hunter recommends not flying home on disembarkation day: plan a return overnight rather than applying Aggressor’s different flight guidance to Sea Hunter.
Dive insurance including evacuation is required. The FAQ differs on whether DAN specifically is mandatory or recommended, so ask which policy is accepted and carry written confirmation. Check your certification eligibility as explained above, and discuss recent diving experience before booking.
Sea Hunter suits travellers who value its 20-guest capacity, dedicated camera facilities and included Nitrox fills. Compare the precise cabin and total quote; free Nitrox alone does not establish which boat is cheaper.
Which Cocos boat fits your priorities?
| Your priority | Boat to compare | Tradeoff to check |
|---|---|---|
| Lower published 10-night Deluxe fare | Okeanos Aggressor II | USD 450 below Cocos Island Aggressor in 2026; Deluxe uses a lower double and upper single bunk |
| Side-by-side Deluxe twins or a dedicated cabin for one | Cocos Island Aggressor | Solo has its own tariff; compare the exact bed arrangement and full quote |
| 20-guest capacity and included Nitrox fills | Sea Hunter | Certified Nitrox divers only; request a departure-specific total and allow a return hotel night |
These are practical differences, not a quality ranking. Match dates, trip length, cabin and mandatory fees before deciding. Compare all Cocos liveaboard options →
How to use this guide
Planning information checked September 26, 2026 against the operator sources linked below. This is an editorial update, not a new onboard inspection. Useful original review text and past guest comments are retained. When reading reviews, consider the travel date: cabins, equipment and services may have changed.
Sea Hunter booking questions
Is nitrox included?
The operator lists free fills; certification is required. Confirm any training charge separately.
Which cabin should two friends choose?
Request a lower-deck Twin and confirm the assigned beds in writing.
Can a beginner dive at Cocos?
The operator advises against inexperienced divers joining this open-ocean destination. Discuss your recent experience before booking.
Is the lowest advertised fare the full trip cost?
No. Request a written breakdown of mandatory fees and optional extras for your departure.
See available dates & prices →
Dived aboard Sea Hunter? Help another diver choose
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Checked September 26, 2026 against the operator’s vessel page, FAQ and partner listing. Useful original Divezone narrative is retained. Photos are supplied by the operator’s current vessel gallery; this update is not a new first-hand test.
Where does this liveaboard dive boat go?
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Note: some destinations may not be listed below, please enquire for more details.
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