Coiba Dive Expeditions (M/V Yemaya)
In the Eastern Pacific, all liveaboards are generally very good. I have done Okeanos Aggressor once, Nautilus Explorer twice, Don Jose once, SolmarV once, and, well, Yemaya –five times. No regrets whatsoever, just the highest respect for people who keep those operations going.
Specifically for Yemaya: leaving aside all the technical specifications, Yemaya is a very comfortable and reliable vessel, well suited for perfect relaxation and fully equipped for all diving needs. Food is superb, crew – professional, divemasters – top of the line. You will always dive in small groups, about eight divers per panga (which are actually very roomy speedboats). Your gear will stay in pangas - no last minute surprises. Panga drivers are very experienced – in the Eastern Pacific this can be a matter of life. LifeLine GPS devices are provided free of charge. They take it seriously there.
Coiba Dive Expeditions (official name of dive operator) provide flawless service and transfers. They also offer guided tours conveniently scheduled for arrival/departure days. No days wasted. Tours to Panama Canal and Old Town are highly recommended, they will enhance your experience.
In this region you don’t choose liveaboard, all established dive-operators are great, you choose the destination. Still, money matters, and in my opinion - considering exclusive Malpelo diving, Yemaya offers the best fun per buck ratio in Eastern Pacific. Marine life is booming here. Moneywise, you might find a better deal with Colombian operators, but in the Eastern Pacific a better deal can quickly turn into the adventure of your life. Stay with established operators.The Yemaya’s schedule proved to be very time-efficient for me– they pick you up in Panama City, there is no local flight needed.
Malpelo is true open-ocean diving. The downside – no night dives there. I compensated it with one hour of evening snorkeling/freediving – mooring is just under the vertical Malpelo cliffs. Same thing – sharks, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, you name it. You are in the Eastern Pacific.
Last but not least - twice I took my daughter with me. Yemaya IS a reliable boat.
Mikhail
San Diego
