Fun Trips | Seahawk

Archipelago de Revillagigedo

by Web Manager | Jun 11, 2026 | Fun Trips, Mexico

Please enjoy this video about Seahawk’s visit to The Revillagigedo Archipelago in February 2026.

The islands of the Revillagigedo National Park were first designated as a protected area in 1994, although only a six-nautical-mile radius around each island was initially protected. Fishing, mining, and other industrial activities continued outside these boudaries until 2017, when the Mexican Government expanded protection across the entire 148,000-square-kilometre marine parl. Fishing, mining, and tourist development on the islands were banned, creating one of the world’s largest marine protected areas.

A scuba diver poses next to the Plaque of the Revillagigedo Marine Park

Today the Archipelago is known for it’s rich marine biodiversity and exceptional diving. Sites such as Cabo Pearce, El Boiler, and El Cañon attract divers from around the world, for encounters with Oceanic Manta Rays, Hammerhead sharks, White Tip Reef sharks, Silvertip sharks and dolphins.

A school of hammerhead sharks.

Between January and April, Humpback whales migrate from Alaska and Canada downto the sheltered bays around Socorro and San Benedicto Islands to mate and give birth. During our visit, we witnessed what appeared to be a Humpback whale birth at Punta Tosca. A large whale remained stationary in the bay, before a second, much smaller blow became visible beside it. Surrounded by dolphins and with other mother and calf pairs nearby, the newborn gradually became more active. After initially staying close to its mother, in the shallow water the newborn appeared to start learning essential behaviours such as swimming, breaching, fin slapping, lob tailing and diving, getting more adventurous and further from its mother each time.

Humpback whale mother and calf drone shot.

For many divers, visiting Socorro, San Benedicto and Roca Partida is considered a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. This is not lost on Seahawk’s owners and crew. The abundance of life within the Revillagigedo Archipelago is unparalleled. Further, within a relatively small area of ocean it is possible to witness the many complex interactions amongst and. between species, some not easily visible anywhere else. With this third visit behind us, our experiences are indelibly inked, we can only look forward to a reprise sometime soon. There is so much more to explore.

An oceanic manta ray seen from underneath.

Isla Del Coco – January 2026

by Web Manager | Jun 3, 2026 | Fun Trips

Please enjoy this video about Seahawk’s visit to Isla Del Coco in January 2026.

Paradise. Eden. Utopia. Nirvana. Elysium or even cloud nine. These terms are all often used to describe idyllic locations or states of supreme happiness and contentment. All can be used to describe Cocos island. Located 340 nm from our starting point of Papagayo, Costa Rica, this island has everything. The amazing dive sites, the incredible scenery, never ending waterfalls in a luscious jungle background, no inhabitants, just 29 rangers on rotation protecting paradise (and the ‘Horde de Lima’ the pirate treasure that has never been found).

Two boobie birds resting on the pulpit of the boat

When we arrived at Chatham Bay on the morning of the 29^th December the sun was shining and it was almost like arriving in a world similar to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s : The Lost World. I was not surprised that the opening scene of Jurassic Park was filmed here. The sun was shining, we did a check dive and had a visit from the Rangers who presented to us that the wildlife was thriving at the moment. They also highlighted some of their struggles with illegal fishing and unwelcome visitors. Cocos has been a National Park since 1978 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, these labels do not protect the waters or the wildlife from harm but the Rangers do their best to protect what they are most passionate about. It was immediately obvious the love the Rangers and our guide for the trip, Carlos, had for the environment they ardently protect. The sunshine did not last for long.

The heavens opened for nearly 6 whole days. The unique ecology of Cocos means it is the only island in the Eastern Tropical Pacific with a tropical rainforest, which also explains why Seahawk’s scuppers were full and freeing ports overflowing. The spectacle of the island increased no end with huge, powerful waterfalls appearing around each corner, bird activity was still high and the island was thriving……. in dry season. The last time Seahawk visited Cocos in 2021, it was wet season, and yes it was dry and sunny the whole trip! The joys of the tropics!

The weather did not affect morale onboard and the challenging dives kept us focused. A number of dive sites on Cocos are among the most famous in the world. Sharks were abundant on each dive. World famous Alcyone, I believe named after the Jaques Cousteau Society expedition vessel, did not disappoint with lighter current than previously, Dos Amigos was as challenging as ever, Manuelita Gardens beautiful as ever but I feel that throughout the boat everyone looked forward to diving Dirty Rock. From scalloped hammerheads, giant oceanic manta rays to tiny barnacle blennies (Sarah’s favourites), Galapagos sharks, white tips, silkies and much more, Dirty Rock had it all, every time.

However, the special moment for me on this trip was not underwater. I had longed for so many years to dive with hammerheads but this was trumped by a trek to a waterfall. It had adventure about it from the onset. We could not land the tender on the beach and had to swim ashore and then time the beach break to prevent being slammed on the pebbles. This was then followed by a trek through the flowing stream, scrambling over boulders, slipping on smooth submerged rocks. Clambering ever closer until an awesome waterfall appeared with a cool pool to swim in. Never have I felt so close to raw nature as in this moment that very few get to experience. The forest was bustling with life, the waterfall so powerful yet so refreshing, bird calls everywhere, the sound of the jungle deafening yet tranquil at the same time. The island was very much alive. Wading back down the stream towards the pebble beach I turned regularly to catch one more glimpse of Paradise, the Paradise we all need to protect not just the 29 who choose to.

We were soaked through for over a week but hey we are all divers.

Written by Adam Cowley

Chief Officer

Canada – Summer 2025

by Web Manager | Mar 2, 2026 | Fun Trips

Please enjoy this video about Seahawk’s visit to Canada in Summer 2025.

After a year in the South Pacific, Seahawk turned north, swapping warm turquoise waters for the crisp air and long summer days of Canada’s west coast. A brief stop in Ensenada for hull repairs behind us, we crossed into British Columbia and into a dramatically different world.

Pacific white-sided dolphins surfed in our wake, humpback whales breached in the distance, and glacier runoff transformed the sea into luminous shades of turquoise. Logs drifted silently past, curious seals surfaced to inspect us, and the vast forests felt wonderfully untamed.

Ashore, we wandered through Rebecca Spit gathering wild blackberries and kayaked quiet rivers, always mindful that this is bear country. Near Knight Inlet, we observed grizzlies and cubs from a safe distance.

British Columbia’s coastal waters are also home to orcas. The small southern resident population is critically endangered, with only around 74 individuals remaining. Their primary food source, Chinook salmon, has declined significantly, placing immense pressure on their survival. Increased marine traffic and underwater noise add further strain. Without meaningful conservation efforts, their future is uncertain.

In contrast, Bigg’s orcas (also known as transient orcas) appear to be faring better. We were fortunate to encounter a pod near Thurston Bay, easily recognized by their distinctive dorsal fins and markings. It was an unexpected and uplifting moment during our journey south.

The natural beauty is stunning. But perhaps equally impressive is the demeanour of the people. Everyone we have met has been exceedingly friendly, welcoming, and kind. There is also a genuine generosity that transcends the need for conventional transactions. Mostly, though, it is the caring way members of the community treat each other that confirms a superior merit.

The Salmon Story

Salmon are woven into the fabric of this coastline. Local fishermen told us the runs have been thin this year, a reflection of broader declines affecting many species across the province. Fresh salmon was surprisingly hard to come by in British Columbia. We received a few puzzled looks when we asked locals if they had any salmon to spare from their catch. Later, we learned that trading or selling recreationally caught salmon is illegal, which quickly explained the awkward glances.

Wild salmon in British Columbia face mounting pressures: climate change, habitat degradation, historic overfishing, and the ongoing impact of open-net salmon farming. While recreational fishing is generally well-managed and localised, both historic commercial harvest and aquaculture practices have left lasting effects.

Open net pen farmed salmon is widely identified as a significant threat to wild salmon due to disease transmission, sea lice, pollution, genetic impacts from escapes, and other operational risks. It is frequently cited as a contributing factor in the decline of wild salmon populations in southern British Columbia. In response to these concerns, the Government of Canada has announced a plan to transition away from open net pen salmon farming in British Columbia’s coastal waters by June 30, 2029, with the stated goal of protecting wild salmon. More information on open net pen farmed salmon can be found at https://www.wildfirst.ca/issue/

Sources of Salmon:

Best Choice: Opt for wild-caught B.C. salmon certified either by Ocean Wise, the MSC, or Friend of the Sea.

Good Alternative: Choose land-based, closed-containment farmed salmon from suppliers like Kuterra or Sustainable Blue.

Avoid open-net pen–farmed salmon from B.C. due to ongoing environmental and ecological concerns.

Written by Nicola Watton and Kari Morgan

Chief Stewardess / Deckhand, Dive Instructor and Videographer

Great Barrier Reef 2024/2025

by Web Manager | Feb 20, 2026 | Fun Trips

Please enjoy this video about Seahawk’s cruise around the Great Barrier Reef between October 2024 and January 2025.

There are few places on Earth that feel truly otherworldly. The Great Barrier Reef is one of them.

Stretching more than 2,300 kilometres along Queensland’s coastline, it is the largest coral reef system on the planet, a vast mosaic of over 3,000 reefs and hundreds of islands scattered across brilliant turquoise water. From above, it looks almost abstract. Beneath the surface, it is alive with colour, movement and intricate life.

Seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, sponge gardens and coral lagoons all weave together to form one of the most complex ecosystems on Earth. Coral reefs themselves make up only a small percentage of the Marine Park, yet they are its vibrant heart, home to thousands of species that depend on each other for survival.

Established in 1975, the Marine Park now covers 344,400 square kilometres. It is carefully zoned and managed, balancing tourism, research and conservation. Rangers monitor reef health, protect cultural heritage sites and work to prevent illegal activity. But protection alone is not enough.

The Reef is under pressure.

Rising ocean temperatures cause coral bleaching, a stress response that turns corals white and, if prolonged, can lead to their death. Recovery, once measured over decades, is now interrupted by the next heatwave before it can fully take hold. Agricultural runoff, coastal development, overfishing and powerful cyclones all add to the strain.

One of the Reef’s most formidable natural threats is the crown-of-thorns starfish, capable of consuming vast areas of coral during population outbreaks. Targeted control programs now protect hundreds of reefs each year, giving damaged areas a chance to recover.

Each spring, after a full moon and on carefully timed nights, millions of coral polyps release tiny egg and sperm bundles into the sea. The water fills with drifting life. Most will not survive, eaten by fish or carried away by currents, but those that do – settle onto the ocean floor and begin building the next generation of reef.

It is fragile, it is extraordinary, and its future depends not only on local protection, but on global action to address the climate forces reshaping it.

The Great Barrier Reef is not just a natural wonder; it is a living reminder of both the beauty of our planet and the responsibility we carry to protect it.

Written by Nicola Watton

Chief Stewardess

Solomon Islands

by Web Manager | Apr 16, 2025 | Fun Trips, Solomon Islands

During mid October to early November 2024, Seahawk’s mission continued to the Solomon Islands where we spent 3 weeks exploring this beautiful tropical archipelago.

The striking thing about cruising these islands is that on one level they look and feel very unspoiled, untouched and stunning but this first impression belies the islands turbulent past and the onslaught of relatively recent misguided economic policies.

Scratching beneath the surface you are soon aware of past events, most notably the indelible footprint and scars on the land and seascape of WW2.

One of the most infamous battles of WW2 between the allies, primarily the United States, and Japan took place at Guadalcanal in the waters famously called “Iron bottom Sound”. This name refers to the huge numbers of aircraft and ships lost during the battles in this stretch of water. Reportedly some 111 shipwrecks and 1,450 airplanes are at the bottom of this sound. One striking statistic is that many of the wrecks along the shore are Japanese vessels. This was because at the time the Japanese were under considerable pressure from the allies with much disruption to their supply lines and army presence. To preserve life and as many of their supplies as possible, should a ship be hit and at risk of sinking, the Japanese sailors would literally drive their ship aground to salvage what they could.

The many wrecks in this area and other locations around the islands provide rich pickings as far as interesting dive sights today.

Beyond the “man made’ dive sites, the Solomons offer rich and beautiful coral dive spots populated with a multitude of reef fish and other creatures. These all look very healthy and are thriving.

Sadly however, there is a notable lack of larger pelagic fish in this area. Misguided economic policies have allowed large commercial factory fishing vessels to operate along the near coastal areas of the Solomons that are wiping out large populations of the larger fish stock either by design or through the inevitable destructive and indiscriminate “by catch” that is associated with the use of miles of large nets.

The other devasting destruction the Solomon Islands have experienced in the past was the logging of huge areas of the old forests. This commercial activity left large areas of unvegetated ground that was then eroded by the regular tropical downpours of rain this area experiences. The knock on effect of this led to soil run off into the surrounding waters that stifled and killed off coral reefs.

Thankfully this activity has now stopped, the vegetation is recovering rapidly and notable improvement to once devastated coral reefs is being observed in a relatively short time period.

During our stay, Seahawk partnered up with local conservationists to help lobby to establish an MPA ( Marine Protection Area) in the Munda province. A meeting was held onboard Seahawk with local politicians and key community leaders to discuss and agree a Memorandum of Agreement to establish an MPA.

The Munda MPA area is a beautiful area that needs protection from indiscriminate fishing. The hope is to show the importance of conservation and how marine life will thrive if protected. The meeting onboard was regarded as a great success with the community leaders and politicians present agreeing to and signing the Memorandum of Agreement to establish the MPA.

Touristically, the Solomon Islands are relatively untouched but one of the islands greatest assets is their marine life and environment. Protect this and they will protect a sustainable source of economic activity that will be good for both the islands ecosystem and their population if managed well.

Mass overfishing and deforestation is not sustainable but sadly the politicians of the islands have gone down this route in the past and continue to do so. By helping to try and establish an MPA we hope to have helped move the needle just a little in the right direction and maybe, just maybe, helped shift political thinking into a more sustainable and brighter future for the islands.

One insight I took away from these beautiful islands is that a large percentage of the local population live in small, disconnected villages on the numerous islands in the Solomons. We were fortunate enough to visit and interact with the local people in various villages. Among their numbers were many skilled artisans who produced amazing wood carvings of local culture and marine life. All onboard Seahawk came away with stunning souvenirs of their visit to these wonderful islands.

I felt that although the villagers led a life of simple subsistence living, they all seemed happy, content and living at one with their environment. Although their lives are physically hard in comparison to so many of us they already seem to have what many of us aspire to have that is sometimes missing from our, arguably, over complicated lives.

Written by: Guy Hayward

New Caledonia – Cruising Around Noumea

by Web Manager | Dec 7, 2023 | Fun Trips, New Caledonia

Seahawk left New Zealand in August 2023 after finishing the 10-month refit it went under in Auckland. It was exciting to say goodbye to the city and re-start our navigation program. It had been waiting for way too long!

Our first stop was Noumea, New Caledonia. Home to the second-largest reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef, New Caledonia is renowned for its rich biodiversity of fish and coral structures, and it hosts some of the healthiest reefs in the world.

An Octopus on top of Prony Pinnacle in New Caledonia's Prony Bay

The first trip of the year would take around two months and it would be a circumnavigation of the country, in search of pristine coral reefs and new landscapes. Seahawk was also going to take part in a new science mission organised by YachtAid Global to support researchers in their study of migration patterns of manta rays and leopard sharks in certain parts of New Caledonia. As the regional marine wildlife faces environmental threats from mining, commercial fishing and climate change, further research and conservation is necessary to protect this unique part of the world.

But as so many know, when it comes to boats, plans often change quickly and one must adapt to new circumstances. A combination of some mechanical, weather and personnel issues arose during our cruise, which required us to restrict our trip and head back to Auckland. This advanced our schedule for finishing some necessary warranty work before heading further north.

As described in the owner’s log:

High on the list of mechanical worries was the failure of the rescue tender’s crane system. The rescue tender, a Pascoe diesel craft, is heavy, hence the need for a fairly robust crane assembly. Further, the reef area where the science activity was to take place has very little protection and poor anchorages. While there is an improvisation that leverages the mizzen boom for Pascoe deployment, leadership determined that this system would not be sufficiently robust in the event of a worst-case combination of poor weather and some other kind of emergency that would demand the need to deploy expeditiously. I would note from experience captaining aircraft that often big problems/accidents result from a chain of events. It is rarely one thing. There is truism in flying I can paraphrase: “I would rather be on the ground wishing I had taken flight than in the air wishing I had remained on the ground”.

However, as short as our time in New Caledonia was, we had the opportunity to cruise for 10 days in the southern part of the region, during which we visited some beautiful dive sites and explored some of the land.

During our dives, we witnessed New Caledonia’s thriving marine ecosystem. Calling it “Green Turtle Paradise” would not be an exaggeration. Or maybe we got lucky with the amount of sightings of these animals. Sea snakes have also found a haven in many of the small islands we visited. Manta rays, humpback whales and even a dugong cruising in the bay of Anse Vata were also some of the exciting sightings, as well as the endless amount of fish and the explosion of colour in the coral systems we visited.

On the other hand, we found concerning the news regarding the shark culling that is ongoing in the country, a response to some attacks that occurred earlier in the year. As some of the targeted species (tiger sharks and bull sharks) remain vulnerable, such a controversial action raises a lot of questions about the future of these animals and the ecosystems in the region. Sharks play a vital role in the health of the marine environment, and culling campaigns haven’t shown to be an effective way of tackling the problem regarding shark attacks. As some environmental organisations have raised their concerns about this practice, it is hoped that a better solution will be brought to the table when it comes to this matter.

Noumea beaches were closed due to recent shark attacks

As for our little expedition, we experienced many diverse landscapes in a relatively small cruising area of the island. From the paradise that is Amédée Island to the dark red hills of Prony and the mangroves of Bouraké, we are still curious to see what the rest of the country looks like. Hopefully, we will be back someday and finish what we started.

For a taste of what Seahawk has been up to in New Caledonia, you can watch the latest video made by Kari Morgan, our dive instructor and videographer on board.

Kayaking in the mangroves in Bouraké Lagoon

References

Chahrazade Douah (2023, August 18th). Outcry in New Caledonia Over Shark Culls and Net Plans Despite Attacks [Article]. Retrieved from https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/18/outcry-in-new-caledonia-over-shark-culls-and-net-plans-despite-attacks

Pew Charitable Trust(2021, June 4th). New Caledonia’s Marine Ecosystem, Among the Healthiest on Earth, Deserves Stronger Protection. [Article]. Retrieved from https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2021/06/01/new-caledonia-marine-ecosystem-among-the-healthiest-on-earth-deserves-stronger-protection

Unesco WHC (2018). Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1115/

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