OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II (formerly Wind Dancer): Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cocos Island?
Cocos Island is located about 300 miles west of Puntarenas, Costa Rica, off the verdant & lushly beautiful west coast of CR. It is a large hilly island, filled with deep jungles, & is one of the least-populated islands of its size anywhere in the Eastern Pacific. For nearly 40 years true adventure divers worldwide have been "Locos for Cocos" because it offers more virgin big shark activity than even the Galapagos, & is far less visited.
How is diving done from the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II?
TENDER DIVING IS THE RULE RATHER THAN THE EXCEPTION. We will offer up to 5 dives per day (weather & sea conditions permitting) from our two tenders with short runs to each dive site. The OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II features two 25 ft. fiberglass dive tenders with large, convenient ladders for easy boarding. Our experienced crew will be available to assist with the boarding & disembarking process to & from the dive tenders. Guests will board the tender without full dive gear. Our crew will hand down cameras & other ancillary equipment. Guests will then don gear at the dive site. For divers who require special assistance we will endeavor to provide it. Backward roll entry from the tender is the most convenient way to get into the water. To re-board the tenders, guests may be asked to remove their gear in the water & hand it up to our staff, then they will use the ladder placed over the side. All tanks & gear will then be "restored" on the tender. Please be advised that due to frequently strong currents it is MANDATORY for each diver to carry a safety sausage, Dive Alert (personal air horn), a reel & float (TO BE DEPLOYED ONLY IF SEPARATED FROM THE GROUP) & mini-strobe light on all dives. A Mini-B (personal locator beacon) is highly recommended. If you do not bring any one of these devices with you they can be provided for your use while on board the M/V Wind, however, quantities may be limited. If you do not possess these items, please notify our office prior to departure.
What kind of weather can be expected at Cocos Island?
Normally in a non-El Nino year, the best season to visit Cocos Island would be November through May when there is very little rainfall. Water temps at the surface will average about 73 to 80 degrees F. while air temps will vary from 75 to 90 degrees with moderate humidity. A 5 mm wetsuit with no hood will be the ideal gear.
What does the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II package include?
Accommodations for seven nights with all staterooms air-conditioned & fitted with private heads, shower & porthole view. Breakfast cooked to order, buffet lunch, & gourmet dinner are served daily in addition to fresh mid-morning & mid-afternoon snacks. Beverages (alcoholic & non-alcoholic) are complimentary while on board. Bathrobes are available in your stateroom for your use on board. The OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II is equipped with hair dryers in each stateroom. Linens are changed mid-week & fresh towels are placed in each stateroom daily. Guests have the opportunity of doing four or five dives per day. Filled tanks, weights & weight belt are included. There are additional charges for Nitrox fills (except for repeat guests who may have earned free nitrox fills).
For what additional expenses is one responsible?
No air transportation is included in the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II package. Departure tax must be paid at the airport. Airport departure tax levied on passengers for international travel is $TT100, payable in cash (about US $16.50)and must be in local currency. Dive instruction, dive & photo equipment rentals & "Boatique" purchases must be settled on board prior to departure. The method of payment for these items may be in $US, Travelers' Checks or credit cards (MasterCard, Amex or Visa) are accepted. NO PERSONAL CHECKS ARE ACCEPTED. No additional meals or beverages on shore are included, however, there are many quality affordable restaurants on the island. Crew Gratuities are not included. (See the FAQ page on our website for current rate of exchange.)
How does one get to the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II from the airport?
Airport transfers are included in the Wind Dancer package to & from the airport as long as the arrival & departure date are on the day the charter leaves & arrives. A transfer company has been hired to meet & greet our OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II guests. The representative will identify himself with an OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II sign and/or sign with guests names. There will be a van or bus to make the 250-mile transfer from San Jose International Airport to Puntarenas.
What is done on the last day of the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II charter?
The OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II returns to port early in the afternoon on Friday (around 1 PM), overnights at the dock & guests have a chance to explore the village for a few hours. Guests will disembark at 8:00 AM the next day. All tours are at additional charge, but are highly recommended.
Is it customary to offer a tip to the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II crew?
Aboard the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II gratuities are not included. We prefer that our guests reward our crew based on performance. If the crew performs to your expectations, we suggest that a gratuity of approximately 10% of the published package price be considered normal on a live aboard dive boat. Payment of gratuities is entirely at the discretion of the guest. It is the policy on Dancer Fleet vessels to pool any collected gratuities & divide these among the crew, since we believe no one crew member has the opportunity to give exceptional service without the assistance & support of all other crew members. Payment of gratuities may be by cash or credit card. While ashore, a 10% tip is generally included in most hotel & restaurant bills. Where this charge is not included, we recommend a tip of 10%-15%. If you choose to dive with our land-based affiliate (Tobago Dive Experience) a 10% tip for the dive shop staff is also recommended. Note that there is a 15% value-added tax (VAT) on many products & services, which is incorporated into the price of items before purchase (i.e. price tags already include the VAT). It is not possible to claim a refund on this VAT, as it is an indirect Government Tax.
Will there be any opportunities to go ashore during the charter?
Because we literally circle the island there could be numerous opportunities to go ashore but you should keep in mind that electing to do so will mean you will most likely miss the scheduled dives. Any trip ashore is CONDUCTED AT YOUR OWN RISK & Wind Dancer can accept no responsibilities.
How are pre- & post- charter hotels & transfers arranged?
Your U.S. Dive Travel / Live-Aboards.com reservation agent can arrange packages at various nearby eco-lodges in Costa Rica. Please inquire with us if your schedule will permit.
In the case of solitary guests, will a roommate be assigned on OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
All rates are quoted on a shared occupancy basis. Unless a guaranteed single room is requested & an additional 65% supplement is paid, sharing your stateroom with another guest of the same gender would be very possible.
What travel documents are needed for Costa Rica?
Valid passports are required by all foreign visitors. Visas are not required for citizens of the United States , Canada & members of the British Commonwealth with a few exceptions. Proof of onward passage is mandatory. A departure tax of TT$100 must be paid in cash at the airport.
Do I need trip insurance?
We strongly recommend that each guest purchase comprehensive accident, medical, baggage & trip cancellation & interruption insurance at the time of booking. Trip insurance will protect you from financial disappointment in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the vessel from making its scheduled trip. In an event where it is necessary to cancel or interrupt a charter due to weather or any matter beyond the control of Dancer Fleet, there will be no refund nor credit issued. We also recommend diving accident insurance. Please inquire with our reservation office for assistance.
What paperwork will I need for diving?
Please bring your certification card & log book(s) for verification of your dive training & experience. You will be required to complete & sign a standard release & waiver form prior to your arrival. Please remember that you alone are responsible for determining your medical & physical fitness to dive or to take part in any other activities during this trip. DIVING & ALL RELATED ACTIVITIES ARE CONDUCTED AT YOUR OWN RISK & we take no responsibility with respect to your determination. If you have any questions concerning your medical or physical fitness to dive or take part in any such activities, please consult your personal physician.
What should be packed for the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
Please plan to travel light, as on all live-aboards space is limited. We recommend that you pack your gear in soft luggage such as duffel bags for easy stowage. To add to your comfort in your cabin. Leave those large rigid suitcases at home. For guests who plan an extended stay on land, it is advised to pack the gear you will require on board, separately. OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II is spacious enough to take care of most luggage but if necessary, there are storage facilities on shore for items you will not require on board or for large suitcases once you have removed the necessary items for your trip. Skimpy clothing is fine for the beach but nowhere else. Nude or topless sunbathing is against the law (though you may encounter it in some secluded areas). Casual clothing is appropriate during the day & for evenings & at most restaurants. Men may want to take along a long sleeved shirt as certain restaurants have a dress code in effect. Take a sweater because evenings tend to cool off quite a bit. Additional items you may want to bring are sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, GOOD WALKING SHOES, A HAT OR VISOR & INSECT REPELLANT (WITH AT LEAST 25% DEET) IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED FOR YOUR TIME ON SHORE. Hair dryers are provided in each cabin. You may wish to pack your regulator, dive computer, mask, bathing suit, & change of clothes & essential items in your carry-on bag. This will make it easier in the event that your luggage is delayed. Please check with your airline for weight & size restrictions that would apply to carry-on & checked luggage.
What if one is prone to seasickness?
Strong currents & winds will cause moderate movement of the vessel, however, calm anchorages will be selected for your overnight comfort. If you have a tendency toward seasickness, we strongly urge you to bring some sort of over the counter medicine like Bonine or Dramamine II, or consult your doctor about prescription brands, such as the scopolamine trans-dermal patch. Be aware of the side effects of these drugs when diving, as they are known to cause drowsiness, disorientation & dry mouth. Chewable ginger tablets, crystallized ginger or capsules of powdered ginger have also proved to be effective. The M/V Wind Dancer carries its own stock of motion sickness medication.
What if there is an emergency on board the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
The OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II crew is trained in first aid & diving accident management. The boat is equipped with a complete first aid kit & a high capacity oxygen system. There is a mono-place recompression chamber in Roxborough, Cocos Island . However, guests should remember that emergency transportation & cost of treatment is the individual's responsibility & we strongly recommend that each guest obtain special insurance for divers such as DAN Accident Insurance or PADI Dive Accident Insurance. Family members may call our Miami office on Pager # 954-209-8538 after office hours to reach you in the event of a medical emergency.
Are any immunizations required for Cocos Island, aboard the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
No, however it is always a good idea to consult your personal physician and/or the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta with reference to required vaccinations. Further information is available at the CDC website
What kind of food is prepared aboard OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
The ship's menu is excellent & consists of International & Caribbean style meals. If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise our US Office as soon as possible, so we can prepare to adequately meet your needs. Please understand that certain special dietary & beverage requests may not be available on a consistent basis in Cocos Island due to the remote nature of this location.
What kinds of drinks are available?
Our selection includes milk, fruit juices, soft drinks, well brands & local beer, wine & a limited variety of mixed drinks at the bar. We recommend that you purchase any special brands of alcoholic beverage that you may want to consume on board OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II at the Duty Free Shop at any airport. We encourage you to consume much more non-alcoholic drinks during the week to avoid dehydration. If there is a favorite libation that you cannot do without we suggest you purchase this at a Duty Free shop & bring it with you. REMEMBER: Alcohol & diving DO NOT MIX. For your safety, we recommend that the consumption of any alcoholic beverage be delayed until your dive day is complete. FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS DRINK & DIVE!
Is smoking permitted on the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
No smoking of any kind is permitted on the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II, except in the designated outdoor smoking area of the Lido Deck. Smoking is not permitted in any area where all guests must be assembled for any reason, for example, at dive briefings.
What languages are spoken on board OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
The official language of Cocos Island is Spanish & a little English too. Our crew will converse in English but while conversing amongst themselves may use Spanish.
What electrical current is available on OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
The electrical current on OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II is 110 volts. In Cocos Island , the current can be either 110 volts or 220 volts/60 cycles.
Are my valuables safe on OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
We recommend that you leave all valuables at home as they are not appropriate for an adventure cruise. Stateroom keys are not available. There is no "master" safe aboard the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II.
Can onboard advanced diving certification or specialties be earned?
Several diving specialty courses are offered on the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II, but it is necessary to give at least one month notice to the yacht company prior to your charter date to ensure that an instructor will have the time available & that all required paperwork is complete. VERY IMPORTANT: IF YOU INTEND TO RECEIVE DIVING INSTRUCTION ON BOARD, YOU MUST COMPLETE A PADI MEDICAL STATEMENT IN ADVANCE & RETURN IT to DANCER FLEET PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. A doctor's medical certificate may be required if you answer "Yes" to any of the questions on the medical statement. A list of available courses & prices is located on our website. Guest (Non-Crew) Instructors are permitted to give instruction on board if they are in current teaching status with their certifying agency & if they maintain underwater liability insurance. They must obtain a list of companies from the boat, to be additionally insured on their Certificate of Insurance. Payment for instruction will only be accepted on board, not in advance.
Are Nitrox fills available on the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
The M/V Wind Dancer is equipped with Enriched Air facilities. Nitrox fills of up to 32% are normally available to all CERTIFIED Nitrox divers. Nitrox certifications are also available on board to all certified divers. Our purpose in providing enriched air Nitrox for the use of our guests is to give those who are unfamiliar with this new technology an opportunity to become certified Nitrox divers & to give those already certified a greatly enhanced safety factor in the face of extensive, repetitive dive profiles in remote regions of the world. Nitrox is not offered for extended range diving.
What scuba diving equipment should be brought?
Equipment provided aboard the M/V Wind Dancer includes tanks (80 or 63 cu. ft. aluminum with yoke style "K" valves) (DIN adapters will be available onboard), weights & weight belts. The basic diving equipment required is a regulator, depth & pressure gauge, watch or bottom timer, buoyancy compensation device (BCD), mask, fins, snorkel & a thin wetsuit or Lycra suit for protection. A SAFETY SAUSAGE, DIVE ALERT (air horn), a reel & float (to be deployed only in an emergency situation) & MINI-STROBE ARE MANDATORY EQUIPMENT FOR EACH DIVER. A Mini-B (personal locator beacon) is also highly recommended. Be advised that we require at least two light sources on night dives. Chemical light sticks ("cyalume" sticks) are highly recommended & you may bring your own or purchase them on board. Additional recommended equipment: dive computer, dive light (with extra batteries or charging unit). Water temperatures can range from approximately 24C (F) to 28C (F) thus appropriate exposure suite is recommended.
Is dive gear available for rent on board?
OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II has a limited number of diving equipment sets available for rent. We offer Uwatec dive computers, Scubapro BCD's & regulators.
Is fishing or spear fishing allowed?
One word sunseekers -- NOPE !! Guests are prohibited from bringing game taking equipment on board the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II. Guests are not permitted to spearfish or remove anything from the sea due to the island regulations. Line fishing may be conducted under the supervision of our "local" crew.
Could someone be refused service?
OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II, its owners & employees reserve the right to refuse service to any guest whose behavior is determined by the Captain to be a danger to the safe operation of the vessel (such as causing a fire hazard by smoking in prohibited areas). Divers who exhibit obnoxious & offensive personal conduct, drug abuse or insufficient diving skills could be refused air fills or put ashore at the Captain's discretion.
What other important information should I know?
Controlled substances & illegal drugs are strictly prohibited aboard OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II. Penalties for the sale, use or possession of controlled substances in Costa Rica are SEVERE & OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II + its officers, agents or staff will accept NO responsibility for any person(s) encountering difficulties with local authorities due to that person(s) involvement with the sale, use or possession of such substances. Live-Aboards.com & OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II's crew subscribe to the ZERO TOLERANCE policy of the US Coast Guard. Any person found using or in possession of any controlled substances will be immediately disembarked from the vessel & turned over to local law enforcement authorities. Prior to any diving from the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II, you will be required to provide us with acceptable evidence of your diving certification & your level of experience. You will also be required to execute a legally binding release of OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II & U.S. DIVE TRAVEL & LIVE-ABOARDS.com, their officers, directors, employees & agents from any claims, causes of action, damages or liabilities which may arise from or in connection with your diving activities & to acknowledge that you understand the risks attendant with diving & to personally assume all such risks. While we provide dive briefings prior to dives & limit our diving to no-decompression sport diving, each diver is responsible for his/her individual profile consistent with the standards & limitations of his/her certifying organization.
Cocos Island is located about 300 miles west of Puntarenas, Costa Rica, off the verdant & lushly beautiful west coast of CR. It is a large hilly island, filled with deep jungles, & is one of the least-populated islands of its size anywhere in the Eastern Pacific. For nearly 40 years true adventure divers worldwide have been "Locos for Cocos" because it offers more virgin big shark activity than even the Galapagos, & is far less visited.
How is diving done from the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II?
TENDER DIVING IS THE RULE RATHER THAN THE EXCEPTION. We will offer up to 5 dives per day (weather & sea conditions permitting) from our two tenders with short runs to each dive site. The OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II features two 25 ft. fiberglass dive tenders with large, convenient ladders for easy boarding. Our experienced crew will be available to assist with the boarding & disembarking process to & from the dive tenders. Guests will board the tender without full dive gear. Our crew will hand down cameras & other ancillary equipment. Guests will then don gear at the dive site. For divers who require special assistance we will endeavor to provide it. Backward roll entry from the tender is the most convenient way to get into the water. To re-board the tenders, guests may be asked to remove their gear in the water & hand it up to our staff, then they will use the ladder placed over the side. All tanks & gear will then be "restored" on the tender. Please be advised that due to frequently strong currents it is MANDATORY for each diver to carry a safety sausage, Dive Alert (personal air horn), a reel & float (TO BE DEPLOYED ONLY IF SEPARATED FROM THE GROUP) & mini-strobe light on all dives. A Mini-B (personal locator beacon) is highly recommended. If you do not bring any one of these devices with you they can be provided for your use while on board the M/V Wind, however, quantities may be limited. If you do not possess these items, please notify our office prior to departure.
What kind of weather can be expected at Cocos Island?
Normally in a non-El Nino year, the best season to visit Cocos Island would be November through May when there is very little rainfall. Water temps at the surface will average about 73 to 80 degrees F. while air temps will vary from 75 to 90 degrees with moderate humidity. A 5 mm wetsuit with no hood will be the ideal gear.
What does the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II package include?
Accommodations for seven nights with all staterooms air-conditioned & fitted with private heads, shower & porthole view. Breakfast cooked to order, buffet lunch, & gourmet dinner are served daily in addition to fresh mid-morning & mid-afternoon snacks. Beverages (alcoholic & non-alcoholic) are complimentary while on board. Bathrobes are available in your stateroom for your use on board. The OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II is equipped with hair dryers in each stateroom. Linens are changed mid-week & fresh towels are placed in each stateroom daily. Guests have the opportunity of doing four or five dives per day. Filled tanks, weights & weight belt are included. There are additional charges for Nitrox fills (except for repeat guests who may have earned free nitrox fills).
For what additional expenses is one responsible?
No air transportation is included in the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II package. Departure tax must be paid at the airport. Airport departure tax levied on passengers for international travel is $TT100, payable in cash (about US $16.50)and must be in local currency. Dive instruction, dive & photo equipment rentals & "Boatique" purchases must be settled on board prior to departure. The method of payment for these items may be in $US, Travelers' Checks or credit cards (MasterCard, Amex or Visa) are accepted. NO PERSONAL CHECKS ARE ACCEPTED. No additional meals or beverages on shore are included, however, there are many quality affordable restaurants on the island. Crew Gratuities are not included. (See the FAQ page on our website for current rate of exchange.)
How does one get to the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II from the airport?
Airport transfers are included in the Wind Dancer package to & from the airport as long as the arrival & departure date are on the day the charter leaves & arrives. A transfer company has been hired to meet & greet our OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II guests. The representative will identify himself with an OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II sign and/or sign with guests names. There will be a van or bus to make the 250-mile transfer from San Jose International Airport to Puntarenas.
What is done on the last day of the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II charter?
The OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II returns to port early in the afternoon on Friday (around 1 PM), overnights at the dock & guests have a chance to explore the village for a few hours. Guests will disembark at 8:00 AM the next day. All tours are at additional charge, but are highly recommended.
Is it customary to offer a tip to the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II crew?
Aboard the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II gratuities are not included. We prefer that our guests reward our crew based on performance. If the crew performs to your expectations, we suggest that a gratuity of approximately 10% of the published package price be considered normal on a live aboard dive boat. Payment of gratuities is entirely at the discretion of the guest. It is the policy on Dancer Fleet vessels to pool any collected gratuities & divide these among the crew, since we believe no one crew member has the opportunity to give exceptional service without the assistance & support of all other crew members. Payment of gratuities may be by cash or credit card. While ashore, a 10% tip is generally included in most hotel & restaurant bills. Where this charge is not included, we recommend a tip of 10%-15%. If you choose to dive with our land-based affiliate (Tobago Dive Experience) a 10% tip for the dive shop staff is also recommended. Note that there is a 15% value-added tax (VAT) on many products & services, which is incorporated into the price of items before purchase (i.e. price tags already include the VAT). It is not possible to claim a refund on this VAT, as it is an indirect Government Tax.
Will there be any opportunities to go ashore during the charter?
Because we literally circle the island there could be numerous opportunities to go ashore but you should keep in mind that electing to do so will mean you will most likely miss the scheduled dives. Any trip ashore is CONDUCTED AT YOUR OWN RISK & Wind Dancer can accept no responsibilities.
How are pre- & post- charter hotels & transfers arranged?
Your U.S. Dive Travel / Live-Aboards.com reservation agent can arrange packages at various nearby eco-lodges in Costa Rica. Please inquire with us if your schedule will permit.
In the case of solitary guests, will a roommate be assigned on OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
All rates are quoted on a shared occupancy basis. Unless a guaranteed single room is requested & an additional 65% supplement is paid, sharing your stateroom with another guest of the same gender would be very possible.
What travel documents are needed for Costa Rica?
Valid passports are required by all foreign visitors. Visas are not required for citizens of the United States , Canada & members of the British Commonwealth with a few exceptions. Proof of onward passage is mandatory. A departure tax of TT$100 must be paid in cash at the airport.
Do I need trip insurance?
We strongly recommend that each guest purchase comprehensive accident, medical, baggage & trip cancellation & interruption insurance at the time of booking. Trip insurance will protect you from financial disappointment in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the vessel from making its scheduled trip. In an event where it is necessary to cancel or interrupt a charter due to weather or any matter beyond the control of Dancer Fleet, there will be no refund nor credit issued. We also recommend diving accident insurance. Please inquire with our reservation office for assistance.
What paperwork will I need for diving?
Please bring your certification card & log book(s) for verification of your dive training & experience. You will be required to complete & sign a standard release & waiver form prior to your arrival. Please remember that you alone are responsible for determining your medical & physical fitness to dive or to take part in any other activities during this trip. DIVING & ALL RELATED ACTIVITIES ARE CONDUCTED AT YOUR OWN RISK & we take no responsibility with respect to your determination. If you have any questions concerning your medical or physical fitness to dive or take part in any such activities, please consult your personal physician.
What should be packed for the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
Please plan to travel light, as on all live-aboards space is limited. We recommend that you pack your gear in soft luggage such as duffel bags for easy stowage. To add to your comfort in your cabin. Leave those large rigid suitcases at home. For guests who plan an extended stay on land, it is advised to pack the gear you will require on board, separately. OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II is spacious enough to take care of most luggage but if necessary, there are storage facilities on shore for items you will not require on board or for large suitcases once you have removed the necessary items for your trip. Skimpy clothing is fine for the beach but nowhere else. Nude or topless sunbathing is against the law (though you may encounter it in some secluded areas). Casual clothing is appropriate during the day & for evenings & at most restaurants. Men may want to take along a long sleeved shirt as certain restaurants have a dress code in effect. Take a sweater because evenings tend to cool off quite a bit. Additional items you may want to bring are sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, GOOD WALKING SHOES, A HAT OR VISOR & INSECT REPELLANT (WITH AT LEAST 25% DEET) IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED FOR YOUR TIME ON SHORE. Hair dryers are provided in each cabin. You may wish to pack your regulator, dive computer, mask, bathing suit, & change of clothes & essential items in your carry-on bag. This will make it easier in the event that your luggage is delayed. Please check with your airline for weight & size restrictions that would apply to carry-on & checked luggage.
What if one is prone to seasickness?
Strong currents & winds will cause moderate movement of the vessel, however, calm anchorages will be selected for your overnight comfort. If you have a tendency toward seasickness, we strongly urge you to bring some sort of over the counter medicine like Bonine or Dramamine II, or consult your doctor about prescription brands, such as the scopolamine trans-dermal patch. Be aware of the side effects of these drugs when diving, as they are known to cause drowsiness, disorientation & dry mouth. Chewable ginger tablets, crystallized ginger or capsules of powdered ginger have also proved to be effective. The M/V Wind Dancer carries its own stock of motion sickness medication.
What if there is an emergency on board the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
The OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II crew is trained in first aid & diving accident management. The boat is equipped with a complete first aid kit & a high capacity oxygen system. There is a mono-place recompression chamber in Roxborough, Cocos Island . However, guests should remember that emergency transportation & cost of treatment is the individual's responsibility & we strongly recommend that each guest obtain special insurance for divers such as DAN Accident Insurance or PADI Dive Accident Insurance. Family members may call our Miami office on Pager # 954-209-8538 after office hours to reach you in the event of a medical emergency.
Are any immunizations required for Cocos Island, aboard the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
No, however it is always a good idea to consult your personal physician and/or the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta with reference to required vaccinations. Further information is available at the CDC website
What kind of food is prepared aboard OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
The ship's menu is excellent & consists of International & Caribbean style meals. If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise our US Office as soon as possible, so we can prepare to adequately meet your needs. Please understand that certain special dietary & beverage requests may not be available on a consistent basis in Cocos Island due to the remote nature of this location.
What kinds of drinks are available?
Our selection includes milk, fruit juices, soft drinks, well brands & local beer, wine & a limited variety of mixed drinks at the bar. We recommend that you purchase any special brands of alcoholic beverage that you may want to consume on board OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II at the Duty Free Shop at any airport. We encourage you to consume much more non-alcoholic drinks during the week to avoid dehydration. If there is a favorite libation that you cannot do without we suggest you purchase this at a Duty Free shop & bring it with you. REMEMBER: Alcohol & diving DO NOT MIX. For your safety, we recommend that the consumption of any alcoholic beverage be delayed until your dive day is complete. FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS DRINK & DIVE!
Is smoking permitted on the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
No smoking of any kind is permitted on the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II, except in the designated outdoor smoking area of the Lido Deck. Smoking is not permitted in any area where all guests must be assembled for any reason, for example, at dive briefings.
What languages are spoken on board OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
The official language of Cocos Island is Spanish & a little English too. Our crew will converse in English but while conversing amongst themselves may use Spanish.
What electrical current is available on OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
The electrical current on OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II is 110 volts. In Cocos Island , the current can be either 110 volts or 220 volts/60 cycles.
Are my valuables safe on OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
We recommend that you leave all valuables at home as they are not appropriate for an adventure cruise. Stateroom keys are not available. There is no "master" safe aboard the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II.
Can onboard advanced diving certification or specialties be earned?
Several diving specialty courses are offered on the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II, but it is necessary to give at least one month notice to the yacht company prior to your charter date to ensure that an instructor will have the time available & that all required paperwork is complete. VERY IMPORTANT: IF YOU INTEND TO RECEIVE DIVING INSTRUCTION ON BOARD, YOU MUST COMPLETE A PADI MEDICAL STATEMENT IN ADVANCE & RETURN IT to DANCER FLEET PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. A doctor's medical certificate may be required if you answer "Yes" to any of the questions on the medical statement. A list of available courses & prices is located on our website. Guest (Non-Crew) Instructors are permitted to give instruction on board if they are in current teaching status with their certifying agency & if they maintain underwater liability insurance. They must obtain a list of companies from the boat, to be additionally insured on their Certificate of Insurance. Payment for instruction will only be accepted on board, not in advance.
Are Nitrox fills available on the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II ?
The M/V Wind Dancer is equipped with Enriched Air facilities. Nitrox fills of up to 32% are normally available to all CERTIFIED Nitrox divers. Nitrox certifications are also available on board to all certified divers. Our purpose in providing enriched air Nitrox for the use of our guests is to give those who are unfamiliar with this new technology an opportunity to become certified Nitrox divers & to give those already certified a greatly enhanced safety factor in the face of extensive, repetitive dive profiles in remote regions of the world. Nitrox is not offered for extended range diving.
What scuba diving equipment should be brought?
Equipment provided aboard the M/V Wind Dancer includes tanks (80 or 63 cu. ft. aluminum with yoke style "K" valves) (DIN adapters will be available onboard), weights & weight belts. The basic diving equipment required is a regulator, depth & pressure gauge, watch or bottom timer, buoyancy compensation device (BCD), mask, fins, snorkel & a thin wetsuit or Lycra suit for protection. A SAFETY SAUSAGE, DIVE ALERT (air horn), a reel & float (to be deployed only in an emergency situation) & MINI-STROBE ARE MANDATORY EQUIPMENT FOR EACH DIVER. A Mini-B (personal locator beacon) is also highly recommended. Be advised that we require at least two light sources on night dives. Chemical light sticks ("cyalume" sticks) are highly recommended & you may bring your own or purchase them on board. Additional recommended equipment: dive computer, dive light (with extra batteries or charging unit). Water temperatures can range from approximately 24C (F) to 28C (F) thus appropriate exposure suite is recommended.
Is dive gear available for rent on board?
OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II has a limited number of diving equipment sets available for rent. We offer Uwatec dive computers, Scubapro BCD's & regulators.
Is fishing or spear fishing allowed?
One word sunseekers -- NOPE !! Guests are prohibited from bringing game taking equipment on board the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II. Guests are not permitted to spearfish or remove anything from the sea due to the island regulations. Line fishing may be conducted under the supervision of our "local" crew.
Could someone be refused service?
OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II, its owners & employees reserve the right to refuse service to any guest whose behavior is determined by the Captain to be a danger to the safe operation of the vessel (such as causing a fire hazard by smoking in prohibited areas). Divers who exhibit obnoxious & offensive personal conduct, drug abuse or insufficient diving skills could be refused air fills or put ashore at the Captain's discretion.
What other important information should I know?
Controlled substances & illegal drugs are strictly prohibited aboard OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II. Penalties for the sale, use or possession of controlled substances in Costa Rica are SEVERE & OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II + its officers, agents or staff will accept NO responsibility for any person(s) encountering difficulties with local authorities due to that person(s) involvement with the sale, use or possession of such substances. Live-Aboards.com & OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II's crew subscribe to the ZERO TOLERANCE policy of the US Coast Guard. Any person found using or in possession of any controlled substances will be immediately disembarked from the vessel & turned over to local law enforcement authorities. Prior to any diving from the OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II, you will be required to provide us with acceptable evidence of your diving certification & your level of experience. You will also be required to execute a legally binding release of OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II & U.S. DIVE TRAVEL & LIVE-ABOARDS.com, their officers, directors, employees & agents from any claims, causes of action, damages or liabilities which may arise from or in connection with your diving activities & to acknowledge that you understand the risks attendant with diving & to personally assume all such risks. While we provide dive briefings prior to dives & limit our diving to no-decompression sport diving, each diver is responsible for his/her individual profile consistent with the standards & limitations of his/her certifying organization.
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