Located 600 km off of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Cocos Island has been declared, “Patrimony of the Humanity” because of it´s unequalled splendor.

Among the most important islands in the East Pacific (Cocos, Clipperton, Malelo y Galapagos), Cocos Island is the only one with hydrautic conditions able to support a tropical rain forest.

In addition to its isolated location, the influence of different underwater streams have allowed the evolution of many endemic species, all living harmoniously in the Indic Ocean. This makes Cocos Island a unique laboratory for scientific study – particularly in the field of evolutionary biology.

The Okeanos has visited this natural treasure for almost 15 years, maintaining a balance between great adventure and the conservation of natural resources.

Historically, Coco Island has been known to sailors for ages. Its oceanic location and copious freshwater waterfalls made it an important provisioning stop for early travelers. Many of the island's rocks bear the inscriptions of ancient, and not so ancient, explorers, including the crew of the Calypso. Some of these explorers may have been looking for more than fresh water - legend has it that Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island was based on Coco Island. As the island is completely undeveloped and has no airstrip, all visitors to Coco Island must arrive by boat. The journey from the port of Puntarenas, Costa Rica to Coco Island is 32 - 38 hours, depending upon weather conditions.

While in Costa Rica, many visitors enjoy a few extra days of land based sightseeing in this fascinating Central American country. Costa Rica is attractive to visitors because of its political stability and its efforts to bring peace to Central America. Although still largely an agricultural country, Costa Rica boasts a high standard of living, with a literacy rate of 93% and an average life expectancy of 78 years.

The Colon is the monetary unit throughout Costa Rica. The rate of exchange varies regularly, but is generally favorable to travelers with US dollars. Food, accommodations, taxis and most purchases are quite inexpensive by US standards. Favorite souvenir items include hand carved wooden objects, woven and embroidered cloth and garments, and coffee. Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. English is spoken on board the Okeanos Aggressor by most of the crew, and is widely understood in San Jose.

The Friends of Coco Island Foundation (known as FAICO) is an independent non-profit organization that seeks to generate and provide financial, human and technical resources that contribute to the conservation of the biological diversity of the Cocos Island.

Scuba Diving Cocos Island

Costa Rica
Best Diving Tours and Packages to Cocos Island

SCUBA DIVING IN COCOS ISLAND - COSTA RICA

Cocos Island is one of the world’s largest uninhabited islands. Having the opportunity to dive and visit this unique paradise, is a dream come true.
Okeanos offers eight, nine and ten day diving programs, leaving from the Puntarenas port of the west coast of Costa Rica.

After sailing 275 nautical miles into the Pacific Ocean, 21 lucky divers will arrive at one of the most spectacular and exclusive diving places in the world: Cocos Island, Costa Rica.
Once the adventure is completed, they will cherish the fantastic memories of swimming with hundreds of hammerhead sharks, photographing graceful mantas and splashing in waterfalls of this natural paradise.

Splenderous sea scenes and an amazing island with great vegetation and beautiful waterfalls will make your time there something absolutely unique.

Isla del Coco is located far from Costa Rica’s coastline. Therefore, our trips go from 8 days and 10 days. We have specific departure dates each month.
Please check for the departures and the rates.

Important Note::: It is imposible to visit the island in less days.

The indicated price includes:::

Transportation from San Jose – Puntarenas – Cocos island – Puntarenas – San Jose
All meals are included
Weights and tanks are included
Lodging on board
Dive Guides
Liquors are included ( Beers and wines only )

• No certification programs or courses are provided while opn board, so the diver must be certified.

• We have 2 trips each month.- Usually the 8 day trip leaves the first week of each month, and the 10 day trip leaves the third week of each month.

• The price does not include lodging in San Jose or Puntarenas, nor does it include transportation from anywhere else.

• Cocos Islands Scuba visibility is great all year round. Experts say that rainfall or currents does only slightly affect the visibility.

CHARTERS DO NOT INCLUDE:

• Airfare (international and domestic)
• Insurance
• Equipment rentals
• Nitrox fills
• Certification or specialty courses
• Hotel stays/day rooms
• Dinner on final evening
• Crew gratuity
• Port/park fees and/or taxes (when applicable)
• Fuel surcharge on charters before 1/3/09

1. Where is Cocos Island?
Cocos Island is located 600 km (approximately 300 miles) off the western coast of Costa Rica, in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

2. What is included in the scuba charter?
Accommodations aboard the vessel, diving, compressed air tanks, weights and weight belts, transportation from the San Jose host hotels (there are two) to Puntarenas on day of arrival and departure, meals and snacks, non-alcoholic and local alcoholic beverages are include in the charter rate. (Fuel surcharge will be included in the charter price starting 1/3/09)

3. How many days is the charter and how many dives can I make?
The Okeanos Aggressor offers 8-day, Saturday to Sunday, charters with 5 days of diving and 10-day, Tuesday to Friday charters with 7 days of diving. Most guests make up to three dives a day.

4. When should I arrive in Costa Rica?
You should arrive in Costa Rica the day before your charter begins and plan on spending the night in San Jose. We recommend the Alta Hotel and the Courtyard by Marriott in San Jose which are the host hotels. The Okeanos provides pick up and transportation services from these hotels to Puntarenas. The pick up transportation times from the host hotels and departure times from Puntarenas are located on the destination page.

5. Are there any taxes or fees not included in the charter price?
Yes, US $175 Park fee for an 8 day trip or US $245 Park fee for a 10 day trip, and a fuel surcharge of $100 per person. These fees are collected at the end of your charter when you settle your tab. The park fee and dive tax must be paid in cash (no traveler's checks) and the fuel surcharge may be paid by cash, travelers checks or credit card (MC/Visa). A departure tax of $26 US per person will be collected upon your departure from San Jose. (Starting 1/3/09 fuel surcharge will be included in charter price)

6. Do I need a passport?
U.S. citizens are required to have a passport for international travel. For details on travel requirements for U.S. citizens, please visit the U.S. State Department's web site http://www.state.gov/. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the appropriate consulate.

7. How do I meet the Okeanos Aggressor on the day of departure?
We recommend staying at one of the host hotels in San Jose; the Alta Hotel or the Marriott Courtyard. On the day of departure, if you are staying at either the Alta or Marriott hotels, you will be met by the Okeanos Aggressor to transport you to the vessel. Pick up times are posted on the Okeanos Aggressor web page. If you are not staying at the Alta or Marriott, please make your way to either one of the above mentioned hotels prior to the scheduled pick up time. If you have any questions, you may call the Okeanos Aggressor phone numbers which are located on the Okeanos Aggressor "Know Before You Go". You will be transported to the port town of Puntarenas (about two hours by bus) to board the boat. Please download the Okeanos "Know Before You Go" PDF for more information.

8. Where does the Okeanos Aggressor dock?
The Okeanos Aggressor docks at the Muelle Coopeinpesa in Puntarenas.

9. What is unique to Cocos Island diving?
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 and snapper. Whales sharks and dolphins are frequently sighted.

10. What is the diving like around Cocos Island?
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 and snapper. Whales sharks and dolphins are frequently sighted.

11. What is the water temperature? Will I need a wet suit?
During the winter, water temperature ranges between 73 and 78F, while in the summer it warms up to 78 - 80F. A wetsuit is highly recommended. A 3mm inch suit with hood and booties is generally sufficient for most divers. For current water temperatures, please refer to the Captains log.

12. Is there dinghy diving?
Yes, all dives are made from a dinghy.

13. Is there night diving?
Night dives are scheduled at the discretion of the dive master since sharks are so plentiful in the area.

14. Are there any land tours?
Weather permitting, guests will be taken to the island for a hiking tour.

15. What type of topography can I expect to see in Cocos Island?
The island is volcanic in origin, and is therefore mountainous. Dense jungle covers the land. Numerous waterfalls, rivers and ponds are created by the regular rains.

16. Is it customary to offer a crew gratuity?
We believe gratuities should be voluntary and based upon the quality of the service the crew has provided. When setting your account, the Captain will have an envelope for gratuities to be divided equally among the crew. Gratuities may be left by cash, credit card, or travelers checks.

17. What is the best time of year for diving?
May through October is generally considered prime diving, but conditions are generally very good all year round.

18. When is the rainy season?
The rainy season is from May through November. Cocos Island supports a true tropical rain forest and receives an abundance of rain, particularly around the mountain peaks. Overcast skies and frequent showers are common.

19. When is check out time on the vessel?
Check out is between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m on the morning of departure. The crew will transport you and your luggage back to the Alta Hotel, Marriott Courtyard or the airport.

20. As a single traveler, do you offer single supplement rates?
Yes, the cost is 1 1/2 of the normal charter rate.

21. If I book as a single traveler, who will I room with and who will I dive with?
As a single traveler, you will be booked in a stateroom with someone of the same gender. If you are traveling as a group, the group leader determines the rooming list. If you need help finding a dive buddy, the Captain and/or crew will gladly assist you or you can find one once onboard. Normally, there are many other single travelers.

Scuba Itineries

Eat. Sleep. Dive. The typical Aggressor scuba cruise itinerary revolves around one goal, maximum bottom time. Most dive schedules permit four, five, possibly six dives each day with delicious meals and snacks served in between.

Here’s a sample of a week aboard the Kona Aggressor II:

• Board the boat Saturday evening, followed by dinner and the Captain’s briefing.
• Sunday morning, diving briefing, then the first dive of many dives, including night dives.
• Between dive snacks, meals, soft beverages, local beer and wine are included.
• Diving ends Friday before lunch.
• The boat returns to port Friday at lunch for shopping and sight-seeing. –
• Guests return to the boat for an afternoon cocktail party. Dinner is not served on board Friday, however, the crew can recommend a local restaurant.
• After a good night’s rest.
• Everyone says good-bye at the Saturday morning check-out.
• Transportation to the local airport is provided.

If you would like to design your own schedule, we recommended chartering the entire boat, which is great fun.