OKEANOS AGGRESSOR I, COCOS ISLAND: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cocos Island?
Cocos Island is located 600 km (approximately 375 miles) off the western coast of Costa Rica, in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
What is included in this Costa Rica diving charter?
Accommodations aboard the vessel, diving, compressed air tanks, weights & weight belts, transportation from the San Jose office to Puntarenas on day of arrival & departure, meals & snacks, non-alcoholic & local alcoholic beverages are include in the charter rate.
How many days is the Cocos Island scuba diving charter & how many dives can I make?
The Okeanos Aggressor offers 9-day, Saturday to Monday, Costa Rica diving charters with 6 days of diving & 10-day, Tuesday to Friday, charters with 7 days of diving. Most guests make up to 3 dives a day.
When should I arrive in Costa Rica for this dive tour?
You should arrive in Costa Rica the day before your charter begins & plan on spending the night in San Jose, the capital city. We will help you secure a safe, friendly, low-cost room downtown, close to the vessel office.
Are there any taxes or fees not included in this Cocos Island scuba diving charter price?
Yes, there are park fees & the USDT tariff. Here is how they work. First comes the park fees: about $120 US per scuba diver (CASH ONLY, no traveler's checks) Park Fee per person will be collected during your charter. The Costa Rican government implemented this charge to maintain Cocos Island & preserve its natural habitat. There is also an about $30 U.S. Dive Tax. This fee covers one diver for the entire dive charter. A departure tax of about $25 US per person will be collected upon your departure from San Jose. There will be a one-time $35 per client USDT tariff, payable with first deposit. These previous fees are levied by the Costa Rican government & are subject to change.
Do I need a passport to get into Costa Rica for my Cocos Island diving package?
U.S. citizens are required to have a passport. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the appropriate consulate.
How do I meet the Okeanos Aggressor on the day of departure?
We recommend staying at the Amon Park Plaza Hotel near the Okeanos Aggressor office. Otherwise, you need to arrange to be at the Okeanos Aggressor office by 12:00 noon on the day of departure. From there, guests will be transported to the port town of Puntarenas (about two hours by bus) to board the boat.
Where does the Okeanos Aggressor dock before these Cocos Island diving trips?
The Okeanos Aggressor docks at the Muelle Copeinpesa in Puntarenas. "Muelle" means pier or docks.
What is unique to Cocos Island scuba diving? Will this Cocos Island live-aboard deliver the goods?
Lots of large pelagic animals, particularly the schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks. White tip reef sharks are also abundant, as are schools of tuna, jack & snapper. Whales sharks & dolphins are frequently sighted.
What is the diving like around Cocos Island?
Diving around Cocos Island is more difficult due to its ruggedness & currents. Diving from the dinghies has advantages, but can be physically challenging for some.
What is the water temperature on these Cocos Island diving adventures? Will I need a wet suit?
As Jed Clampett used to say: "yes indeedy!" During the winter, water temperature ranges between 73 & 78F, while in the summer it warms up to 78 - 80F. A wet suit is highly recommended. A 3-5-3 mm wetsuit with hood & warm booties is recommended for most females, & thin males, during the cooler months. But a 3 mm suit with hood & booties is generally sufficient for most divers during the warmer months of summer.
Is there dinghy diving on these Cocos Island diving trips?
Yes, almost all dives are made from a dinghy, to give you maximum freedom of choice, & to minimize any negative impact on the environment.
Is there night diving on this Cocos Island live-aboard?
Sure thing, as with most Aggressors. All the time, with one important caveat. Night dives are scheduled at the discretion of the divemaster since currents sometimes can be strong, & sharks are so plentiful in the area. But these sharks are cool to view, & one of the main reasons our clients LOVE this expedition.
Are there any land tours on Cocos Island, largest uninhabited isle in the Pacific?
Weather permitting, guests will be taken to the island for a hiking tour to spice up your Cocos Island scuba diving tour.
What type of topography can I expect to see in Cocos Island?
The island is volcanic in origin, & is therefore mountainous. Dense jungle covers the land. Numerous waterfalls, rivers & ponds are created by the regular rains.
What is the best time of year for scuba vacations?
May through October is generally considered prime time for a Cocos Island scuba diving tour, but conditions are generally very good all year round. There really is no bad time to dive Cocos Island, except during a severe El Nino in the middle of summer, when surface temps are too high for the big pelagics to be plentiful.
When is the normal rainy season at Cocos Island?
The rainy season is from May through November. Cocos Island supports a true tropical rain forest & receives an abundance of rain, particularly around the mountain peaks. Overcast skies & frequent showers are common. But Cocos Island diving is still magnificent this time of year, so no worries. The critters are plentiful ANY time the water is not excessively warm.
When is checkout time on the vessel?
Check out is between 7:00 & 7:30 a.m on the morning of departure. The Cocos Island live-aboard crew will transport you & your luggage back to San Jose, dropping you at either the airport or your hotel. The Cocos Island diving charter of a lifetime has ended -- bittersweetly -- with fond memories yet a sadness to leave such a glorious Costa Rica diving realm.
Cocos Island is located 600 km (approximately 375 miles) off the western coast of Costa Rica, in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
What is included in this Costa Rica diving charter?
Accommodations aboard the vessel, diving, compressed air tanks, weights & weight belts, transportation from the San Jose office to Puntarenas on day of arrival & departure, meals & snacks, non-alcoholic & local alcoholic beverages are include in the charter rate.
How many days is the Cocos Island scuba diving charter & how many dives can I make?
The Okeanos Aggressor offers 9-day, Saturday to Monday, Costa Rica diving charters with 6 days of diving & 10-day, Tuesday to Friday, charters with 7 days of diving. Most guests make up to 3 dives a day.
When should I arrive in Costa Rica for this dive tour?
You should arrive in Costa Rica the day before your charter begins & plan on spending the night in San Jose, the capital city. We will help you secure a safe, friendly, low-cost room downtown, close to the vessel office.
Are there any taxes or fees not included in this Cocos Island scuba diving charter price?
Yes, there are park fees & the USDT tariff. Here is how they work. First comes the park fees: about $120 US per scuba diver (CASH ONLY, no traveler's checks) Park Fee per person will be collected during your charter. The Costa Rican government implemented this charge to maintain Cocos Island & preserve its natural habitat. There is also an about $30 U.S. Dive Tax. This fee covers one diver for the entire dive charter. A departure tax of about $25 US per person will be collected upon your departure from San Jose. There will be a one-time $35 per client USDT tariff, payable with first deposit. These previous fees are levied by the Costa Rican government & are subject to change.
Do I need a passport to get into Costa Rica for my Cocos Island diving package?
U.S. citizens are required to have a passport. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the appropriate consulate.
How do I meet the Okeanos Aggressor on the day of departure?
We recommend staying at the Amon Park Plaza Hotel near the Okeanos Aggressor office. Otherwise, you need to arrange to be at the Okeanos Aggressor office by 12:00 noon on the day of departure. From there, guests will be transported to the port town of Puntarenas (about two hours by bus) to board the boat.
Where does the Okeanos Aggressor dock before these Cocos Island diving trips?
The Okeanos Aggressor docks at the Muelle Copeinpesa in Puntarenas. "Muelle" means pier or docks.
What is unique to Cocos Island scuba diving? Will this Cocos Island live-aboard deliver the goods?
Lots of large pelagic animals, particularly the schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks. White tip reef sharks are also abundant, as are schools of tuna, jack & snapper. Whales sharks & dolphins are frequently sighted.
What is the diving like around Cocos Island?
Diving around Cocos Island is more difficult due to its ruggedness & currents. Diving from the dinghies has advantages, but can be physically challenging for some.
What is the water temperature on these Cocos Island diving adventures? Will I need a wet suit?
As Jed Clampett used to say: "yes indeedy!" During the winter, water temperature ranges between 73 & 78F, while in the summer it warms up to 78 - 80F. A wet suit is highly recommended. A 3-5-3 mm wetsuit with hood & warm booties is recommended for most females, & thin males, during the cooler months. But a 3 mm suit with hood & booties is generally sufficient for most divers during the warmer months of summer.
Is there dinghy diving on these Cocos Island diving trips?
Yes, almost all dives are made from a dinghy, to give you maximum freedom of choice, & to minimize any negative impact on the environment.
Is there night diving on this Cocos Island live-aboard?
Sure thing, as with most Aggressors. All the time, with one important caveat. Night dives are scheduled at the discretion of the divemaster since currents sometimes can be strong, & sharks are so plentiful in the area. But these sharks are cool to view, & one of the main reasons our clients LOVE this expedition.
Are there any land tours on Cocos Island, largest uninhabited isle in the Pacific?
Weather permitting, guests will be taken to the island for a hiking tour to spice up your Cocos Island scuba diving tour.
What type of topography can I expect to see in Cocos Island?
The island is volcanic in origin, & is therefore mountainous. Dense jungle covers the land. Numerous waterfalls, rivers & ponds are created by the regular rains.
What is the best time of year for scuba vacations?
May through October is generally considered prime time for a Cocos Island scuba diving tour, but conditions are generally very good all year round. There really is no bad time to dive Cocos Island, except during a severe El Nino in the middle of summer, when surface temps are too high for the big pelagics to be plentiful.
When is the normal rainy season at Cocos Island?
The rainy season is from May through November. Cocos Island supports a true tropical rain forest & receives an abundance of rain, particularly around the mountain peaks. Overcast skies & frequent showers are common. But Cocos Island diving is still magnificent this time of year, so no worries. The critters are plentiful ANY time the water is not excessively warm.
When is checkout time on the vessel?
Check out is between 7:00 & 7:30 a.m on the morning of departure. The Cocos Island live-aboard crew will transport you & your luggage back to San Jose, dropping you at either the airport or your hotel. The Cocos Island diving charter of a lifetime has ended -- bittersweetly -- with fond memories yet a sadness to leave such a glorious Costa Rica diving realm.
All Okeanos Aggressor photos © Copyright Aggressor Fleet & Dancer Fleet.