Diving on the Okeanos Aggressor II
Protected as a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the waters surrounding Cocos Island are home to abundant sharks, dolphins, rays, and approximately 50 species of endemic fish. Combined with the limited human land presence, Cocos routinely makes it onto top 10 lists for scuba divers around the world. With the chance to dive 24 times during this trip, guests will spend plenty of time underwater.
Visibility can be over 80 feet (23 m) during the dry season (December to June). However, during the rainy season (May through November), divers are more likely to see hundreds of hammerhead sharks despite overall lower visibility. The average annual air temperature is 80 F (27 C). Light layers are recommended, especially for nighttime.
Conditions in Costa Rica allow for year-round diving. Water temperatures commonly range from 75 to 82 F (23 to 28 C), however, thermoclines occur at many sites and can cause greater fluctuations.
Those who typically wear a 3 mm wetsuit in tropical climates may want extra insulation for thermocline chills; most divers opt for at least 5 mm. In addition to thermoclines, divers should expect surge and currents. As such, this liveaboard is not suitable for beginners. According to regulations, night dives are not offered for Cocos Island.
Rental gear is available on board, as is nitrox certification. Note that not all dives provide direct supervision with an underwater guide. You and your dive buddy must be comfortable planning your own dive within the safety guidelines. However, staff will always be in the water, so buddies are welcome to stay near the staff if they wish. Sometimes a staff member will lead a group. Dives are conducted from a simple panga, launched from the main boat.
Excursions to the island are sometimes offered, usually including a hike to a lookout point, a natural pool, and the ranger’s station. This is a unique opportunity, as visitors to the island are few.
Highlights:
- Impressive quantity and variety of sharks
- Many endemic fish species
- Uncrowded dive sites
Onboard the Okeanos Aggressor II
At 120 feet (36 m), the Okeanos Aggressor II accommodates 22 passengers within 11 staterooms. Two suites are available, one with a king bed and one with two twin beds that are fixed in place. Both have a 42-inch flat screen TV and minibar/fridge.
One master stateroom features a queen bed, and the other eight rooms have bunk beds with a double lower and a twin upper. All rooms have bathrobes, blow dryers, ensuite bathrooms, and individually controlled air conditioning. Bright walls and dark wood blend energizing and calming aesthetics for the best of both worlds.
On the sun deck, relax in the popular hammock or choose one of several loungers. Sip a complimentary beverage in the shady area as you take in the tropical surroundings. The grill/BBQ will waft sumptuous smells as you soak in the sun. The dive deck features individual dive lockers and two hot, freshwater showers. A dedicated camera table with a low-pressure hose is available, as well as separate rinse tanks for cameras and equipment.
Back inside the boat, the restaurant doubles as a lounge, with padded benches, armchairs, and a cozy couch corner. Two computer stations are available for downloading photos. Above the bar, a television is mounted for movie nights, and guests are encouraged to bring movies if they wish.
Onboard entertainment includes fish identification slideshows, movies, and games. A library of books (take one, leave one) is also available. Fish identification books are permanent fixtures. The ship’s boutique is available to peruse, selling t-shirts and other sundries.
If connecting to the outside world is a must for you, satellite e-mail is available onboard. However, charges are incurred for ingoing and outgoing e-mails. When floating around Cocos Island, you may experience intermittent cellular service.
Highlights:
- Bathrobes and blow dryers in every room
- Hot freshwater showers on the dive deck
- Sunny hammock
Dining on the Okeanos Aggressor II
Staff put in extra effort to create fun, artistic edible decorations that are sure to impress and delight you. Complimentary beer and wine are offered throughout the journey. If you are particular about certain labels, pick up your favorites at the airport duty free shop.
Both cold and hot fare is available in the morning, and seasonal fresh fruit is a point of pride. Homemade breads, soups, and salads abound for lunch offerings. Dinners incorporate larger entrée selections with salads and homemade dessert. Meals are ordinarily served buffet-style, but table side service is common at dinner.
Expect mostly Western dishes with an international influence. The grill is put to good use for barbecues, and special occasions like birthdays are celebrated with impressive cakes. As with any dietary restrictions, guests should communicate with staff when booking.
Highlights:
- Fresh fruit
- Complimentary beer and wine
- Special occasion desserts
