Frequently asked questions
Yes, unfortunately at the moment we need to charge a $200 per person fuel surcharge. This can be paid onboard at the end of the trip. This surcharge is due to the steep increase in fuel prices given the current world situation, and if (and hopefully when!) fuel prices drop back to normal, the surcharge will be dropped. However, for the foreseeable future please plan to budget $200 for this to be paid at the end of the trip. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Safety is Our #1 Priority
All of our boats’ crews maintain peak performance skills for all conceivable emergencies including Man Overboard, Lost Diver Searches, Fire at Sea and more. It is company policy that all of our ship’s personnel perform these exercise drills on EVERY trip, while our guests relax.
Due to the remoteness of Cocos Island, safety is an absolute priority at all times. This we have always understood, and no other dive operation takes it more seriously or is more prepared for all eventualities.
Your safety is our first priority, period. Our Captains are fully qualified and hold internationally recognized seafaring licenses. Many of our crew are Medic First Aid Instructors or are trained for basic first aid and as DAN O2 providers.
We take utmost care to hire and train only the most highly skilled personnel. As critical crew components, our skiff pilots have the experience and the know-how to keep track of our divers. Head counts are done methodically and our dive-masters and skiff operators quickly learn the names and faces of all of our guests. With full knowledge of local conditions, they are prepared to search and locate divers even in the most extreme circumstances.
Certifications
The captains of each vessel, as well as the crew are responsible for mastering the
International Maritime Organization’s categories of safety:
- Firefighting and Fire Prevention
- Survival at Sea Techniques
- CPR
- Personal Security and Social Responsibility
The Certification is granted when a crew member has successfully completed each of the above categories and has passed a health and wellness check. The IMO certification represents just a fraction of the safety measures that are integrated into every facet of the trip.
Paramedic Services
Cocos Island National Park staff is now equipped with paramedic services. In case of an incident, park rangers are available to come to the Sea Hunter or the Argo and deliver medical care, or to transfer the patient to the facility at Wafer Bay.
Nautilus GPS
We provide all guests with our safety kit that includes an extra-large orange dive sausage, a powerful storm whistle and a special safety light.
We also provide the Nautilus Lifeline device to all passengers — the units must be tethered to each diver’s BCD. When activated, the alarm is triggered aboard our vessel and the specific coordinates of the diver’s location are communicated. The Lifeline automatically communicates not just with our Undersea Hunter vessels, but also with every modern marine VHF radio within a 12-mile range.
These units also transmit the Marine International Distress Signal that is monitored by all ships and coast guard vessels. This is a revolutionary diver locator device: it has taken existing technology (VHF radio GPS) and custom-designed it specifically for scuba divers.
Please watch this video for more info about how to use the Nautilus GPS.
Diving Procedures
Our goal is to introduce you to varied and exciting dives. Generally, we have two dives scheduled for the morning, 8 AM and 11 AM and another dive after lunch, around 2.30 PM. This schedule can vary depending on events, circumstances and opportunities that may present themselves. Our motto is never turn your back on a magnificent bait-ball, which can appear at almost anytime.
Dive Briefing
We conduct a short dive briefing with white-board diagrams before each dive. The dive master will explain the site’s dive strategy and highlight the points of interest of that particular dive. All dives are lead by the same dive master who did your briefing. The buddy-system is obligatory. A 60-minute maximum dive time is enforced.
Best Diving Practices
Since the nearest hyperbaric facility in San Jose is 36 hours away, it is imperative that we maintain safe diving practices within the recreational diving limits. Thus, decompression dives are not permitted and a maximum depth of 115 feet or 35 meters is imposed. To increase safety and bottom time while maintaining safe non-decompression dives, the use of Nitrox becomes essential. DAN O2 Emergency kits are present on all of our skiffs as well as on the mothership.
Cocos Island Emergency Evacuation Plan
Our passengers must have valid Divers Alert Network insurance to provide coverage in the event of an accident. Cocos Island is a very remote area and the cost involved in evacuating a diver is very high. The D.A.N. policy is a vital protection to have. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance with obtaining dive insurance.
A short-term cancellation insurance policy is wise to obtain from your travel agent in case of unexpected changes in your plans. Accident, medical and baggage insurance are also recommended.
You will need the following gear:
1/8″ to 3/16″ (3 – 5 mm) wet suit, mask, fins, snorkel, regulator with visible pressure gauge, a mandatory dive computer, buoyancy compensator, depth gauge, dive gloves, weight belt (without weights) and dive watch. It is recommended that you mark each piece of gear with waterproof paint or tape. We suggest you put all or most of the above items in a carry-on bag. There is ample storage space for your diving equipment, including your own personal locker.
Equipment Provided Onboard
We provide you with 80 cubic ft. (12 lt.) tanks and weights. We have a limited supply of 15 Liter steel tanks, if you would like to rent one, make sure to reserve it well ahead of time. Please note, our 15L steel tanks can be turned into DIN or YOKE with an insert. Our 12L aluminium tanks are Yoke, but can be turned into DIN with an adapter.
We provide you with weights for your weight belt: 2, 3, 4, and 6 lbs. (1, 1.5, 2 and 3 kilos). We also provide you with air or Nitrox tanks — 80 cubic ft. aluminum (12 liters). 15 liter tanks are available upon request, for a small additional fee.
Again, please note our tanks are standard yoke (INT), not DIN. Please notify our office in advance if you need an adaptor.
Rental Equipment Onboard
You can rent a complete line of ScubaPro dive gear: BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, and Aladin Nitrox dive computers.
Imagine you are diving at Cocos Island, surrounded by hammerheads. You’ve planned the best air dive possible, but after too short a time on the bottom, your computer starts beeping that it’s time to begin your ascent. Looking down, you see others divers who began the dive with you, but their computers are giving them more time. They are wearing scuba tanks with a special green and yellow label: NITROX.
Nitrox diving is simple, beneficial, and most importantly, safer than diving on regular air. This is especially true in places like Cocos Island, where the diving profile is moderately deep and where, due to the excitement of the experience, divers have a tendency to stretch the limits of diving on air.
What is Nitrox?
Dives at Cocos are deep — that’s why using nitrox is such a great benefit to extend bottom time, and simultaneously enhance safety.
Advantages:
— Shorter surface intervals This is due to less off-gassing
— Less fatigue At the end of a busy diving day, you’ll actually feel less fatigued due to the reduced physiological effort required to off-gas.
— Reduced air consumption Another bonus that many Nitrox divers report is generally reduced air consumption, further adding to bottom time.
In order to maximize your dives and optimize your depth for each particular dive-site, the actual dive profile selection chosen by our dive masters is based upon the Nitrox mixture used.
Nitrox Certification on the Crossing
If you are already a certified Nitrox diver, please remember to bring your Nitrox certification card with you! You will be asked to present proof of certification once onboard the vessel.
If you are not yet a certified Nitrox diver, we can certify you onboard during the crossing for an additional fee. There are no special skills or in-water training associated with the certification. You can simply plan on completing the three-hour theory course during the 36-hour cruise to Cocos Island.
Practically speaking, Nitrox diving is as easy as breathing continuously, knowing how to work a dive table, analyzing your cylinder’s oxygen content and not diving beyond the limits.
Nitrox fills are free and unlimited aboard our boats
Click here to access our info packet.
Right here!
|
For Rent |
P/Day |
P/Trip-7 days |
Extra day |
|||
| Regulator | $10.00 | $58.00 | $8.00 | |||
| BC | $10.00 | $58.00 | $8.00 | |||
| Wetsuit | $10.00 | $58.00 | $8.00 | |||
| Lights | $7.00 | $42.00 | $6.00 | |||
| GoPro Light system | $10.00 | $52.00 | $7.00 | |||
| Dive computer | $18.00 | $100.00 | $14.00 | |||
| (Dolphin, Inspiration, Evolution) Oxygen Tank | $6.00 | $36.00 | $5.00 | |||
| (Dolphin, Inspiration, Evolution) Diluent Tank | $6.00 | $36.00 | $5.00 | |||
| Bail Out Tank | $6.00 | $36.00 | $5.00 | |||
| 15 L Steel Tank | $12.00 | $84.00 | $12.00 | |||
|
Courses |
Basic Nitrox 3 to 4 hours lecture (on crossing or first day in Cocos) |
$210.00 |
||||
| 1 day use of an Nitrox dive computer | ||||||
| Basic Nitrox manual / TDI pocket certification card | ||||||
| SDI Deep Diver | $42.00 | |||||
| 3 to 4 hours lecture (on crossing or first day in Cocos) | ||||||
| 2 Practical Dives | ||||||
| SDI pocket certification card |
We recommend casual and cool cotton attire while on board (t-shirt & shorts). Nights can be chilly and/or drizzly. A sweater or a light jacket or windbreaker should be sufficient on a cool evening. Bring good hiking shoes with good grip that you don’t mind getting wet, for walks on the island if you’d like to explore the island’s topside.
You will be diving in waters about 76-83º F (24-29 C), although it can be a few degrees lower under the occasional thermocline. 7mm full wetsuits are the most recommended, 5mm can also work well if you don’t get cold easily. 3mm might be too thin and you are prone to getting cold. A hood is not necessary.
No. We provide towels for each guest, and there will also be fresh towels after each dive.
The vessels have both 110 and 220 volts ac. The cabins have 110 volts ac only.
The vessels have standard US and European sockets (but not British-style sockets).
Starlink internet is available on board. Or please request our satellite numbers when you book. See above rates for use of the satellite phone.
Yes. It costs $2.50 per minute.
Starlink internet is now available aboard the Sea Hunter! Keep in touch with your loved ones during your voyage to explore Cocos Island – the most beautiful place on Earth.
Starlink will be charged onboard at an additional $40 USD fee per guest per 12GB of data. For trips booked directly with Undersea Hunter, the first 12GB of Starlink will be included free of charge.
Starlink for maritime vessels is different than Starlink on land – so each person will be allotted 12GB of data usage (so no streaming shows or movies, please!). Texting, voice calls and emailing to stay in touch with friends and family are accessible. If you run out of data mid-trip, you can purchase a second 12GB for another $40 USD.
We have a well-equipped first aid kit including oxygen on board and our crew is trained in basic first aid. You may want to bring anti-seasickness medicine and ear-drops if you feel you will need it. Of course, remember to bring all your personal medications.
We will usually make one or two visits to the island itself during a trip. You can schedule more visits in between dives with your cruise director if you would like, but please note that you will miss dives.
Cocos Island presents the same diving challenges as any other Pacific, Indian or Red Sea diving location. Cocos, however, is not recommended for inexperienced divers because it is an open ocean destination that requires advanced open water diving skills.
Please note, the minimum required level of certification to dive at Cocos is Open Water and we strongly recommend having at least the Specialty of Deep Diver. We also recommend having a minimum of 25 hours of diving experience.
Most dives are at depths deeper than 60 feet / 18 meters. At Cocos Island, currents and visibility can be entirely different in just a few hours. Please note, the dive guide will always be the final authority as to whether a passenger can do any specific dive.
At Cocos Island, currents and visibility can be entirely different in just a few hours. Please note, the dive guide will always be the final authority as to whether a passenger can do any specific dive.
As of April 12, 2023 we have dropped all COVID testing and vaccination requirements.
If you wish to bring a child who is younger than 15 on a trip, then please contact our office. Underage divers will only be allowed under certain circumstances.
Getting to Costa Rica & Baggage Restrictions
You must arrive at least one night prior to the departure date.
Costa Rica has two international airports. For optimum convenience, we recommend that you fly directly to San José (SJO) rather than the more distant Liberia International Airport.
Pack lightly since you will be dressing for warm, tropical weather. Please check with your airline for weight allowances and baggage policies. Airlines have ever-changing baggage limitations that can affect divers and photographers, so always check for updates on regulations.
Currently, Costa Rican customs places no limitation upon entering the country with personal equipment such as diving gear, cameras and video equipment or even computers meant for personal use. However, we do recommend that if you are carrying excessive amounts of equipment or professional gear, you simply declare that gear to customs.
Entry Requirements
All passengers must have a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. Most U.S., Canadian, EU and Japanese citizens do not require a visa. If in doubt we recommend checking with the nearest Costa Rican consulate to see if you will need a visa.
Vaccinations
Please note, if you are traveling to Costa Rica from certain South American countries then you will need to have a yellow-fever vaccination prior to traveling in order to enter Costa Rica.
Upon Arrival
Upon arrival in San Jose, you may take a taxi to your hotel. There are always taxis available at the airport and minivans for those of you who have a lot of gear. We can also arrange for your airport pickup as well as for accommodations at several fine hotels in San Jose — just let our reservations team know. The night before departure, an Undersea Hunter/Fiesta Tours representative will inform you at your hotel of your precise pickup time for transport to our dock and your awaiting vessel. Please note that we only pick up from a set list of San Jose hotels to go down to the vessels. The evenings on shore are at your leisure. Hotel nights and meals before and after the cruise are not included in the charter.
Transfer to the Vessel
Please note that we only pick up from a set list of San Jose hotels to go down to the vessels. On the day of departure to Cocos, generally between 8 AM and 1 PM, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred by Fiesta Tours to Puntarenas, the seaport village where you will board the vessel. The drive takes about 3 hours, including a stop on the way for a snack or lunch. The price of this meal is not included in your trip package. The ride will give you an opportunity to view some of the lush tropical forests and rich farmlands of the region.
Transfer from the Vessel
You will disembark in Puntarenas in the morning (usually, but not always around 8am), and you will be transferred to your hotel in San Jose. We strongly recommend NOT flying out the same day the vessel returns to Puntarenas, due to the possibility of unforeseen delays. If you book a flight the same day, you do so at your own risk. Undersea Hunter cannot and will not be held responsible for missed flights that are scheduled the same day as arrival to Puntarenas.
Other Transfers
If, for some reason, you should need travel to or from Puntarenas, other than the by the transport offered by the Undersea Hunter Group, a taxi service is, of course, available. The cost of independent transportation can run in excess of $100 one-way.
Land Arrangements
While you are here in Costa Rica, it is certainly worth the extra time to experience some of the other aspects of our little country that truly make it a natural wonderland. Active volcanoes, white water rafting, zip-line tours, mountain biking, pristine jungles, coffee plantations, horseback riding, visits to craft centers and of course some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are among the activities and destinations available to you here. After all, you’ve come this far! We would be happy to arrange one-day tours or longer trips to more remote areas, at your request. Only Costa-Rican approved companies recommended by USHG will operate these tours.
Language
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken within regions associated with tourism.
Currency & Exchange Rate
Colones are the national currency, with $1 US equal to approximately ¢565 (colones) as of August 2019. International credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted in regions associated with tourism. Hotels and banks will exchange US Dollars for Costa Rican colones. US dollars as well as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted on the vessels. We cannot accept personal checks or travelers checks onboard.
Health
We recommend checking the CDC’s website for the latest health news and information. LINK to http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/costa-rica.htm
Time Zone
Costa Rica and Cocos Island are 1 hour behind US Eastern Time during the North American winter and 2 hours during the North American summer.
Departure from Costa Rica
We strongly recommend staying one night after returning to mainland, in case of any unforeseen delays.
Departure Tax
There is currently a departure tax of $29 US as of October 2017. This is now included in the price of most airfare.
It’s crucial to let us know with as much advanced notice as possible if you plan to use a rebreather at Cocos Island.
Our vessel is equipped with Nitrox Gas Blending Systems, Partial Pressure as well as a Membrane Compressor, and rebreather support. We offer tri-mix support with helium for special expeditions, and an assortment of bail-out and rebreather cylinders.
We are capable of supporting all types of closed-circuit rebreathers (CCR) units with Sofnolime CO₂ Scrubber material and high-pressure oxygen with a booster bump.
Cocos Island is a fantastic dive destination to take advantage of the silence and tranquility of a rebreather. Without making bubbles, you blend into the environment and become basically invisible to the sharks.
Rebreather Prices
| DESCRIPTION |
Price |
||
|
RB Service |
RB Oxygen or Nitrox Fills |
$15.00 |
|
| CO2 Scrubber Fill ( Dolphin, Inspiration, Evolution) |
$42.00 |
||
| CO2 Scrubber Fill (Hollis) |
$26.00 |
||
| CO2 Scrubber ( p/Lbs. ) |
$8.00 |
||
| CO2 Scrubber per 45LB Keg |
$312.00 |
||
|
BATTERIES |
AA / AAA / CR2025 | $ 1.50 | |
| 9V / CR2450 / C | $ 4.00 | ||
| CR123 / CR23 / D | $ 5.00 | ||
| 6V | $ 7.00 | ||
| LR44 / LR 1130 | $ 0.50 | ||
| CR2430 | $ 2.50 | ||
| CR2032 / SR626SW / 6PHV23AE | $ 1.00 | ||
| 12V | $ 34.00 | ||
| AA2 | $ 12.00 | ||
| 6VPSA.5-6 | $ 3.00 |
Undersea Hunter’s dive skiffs are one of the elements that truly sets us apart. In circumstances when a rubber inflatable would be crippled in the wind-blown vastness of the Pacific, these large, heavy-duty fiberglass dive cruisers provide the stability and safety that is essential at Cocos Island. We comfortably handle up to nine divers (plus dive-master and pilot) in each skiff to move safely and efficiently between diverse dive sites around the island.
These boats are extremely stable in any sea conditions, and serve as the primary dive platform throughout your trip. Each skiff measures 24 feet in length with a beam of over nine feet long, and is powered by twin 115hp, 4-cycle fumeless outboard motors. These modern engines provide the power and redundancy required to safely reach any of the remote dive sites within an extended radius of the mothership. At the end of each dive, re-boarding is conveniently accomplished via a solid, steady ladder.
Skiffs are equipped with integrated racks for scuba diving equipment, separate camera storage area, VHF radios and a T-roof, which offers shelter from the tropical elements for the crew and camera equipment. They further hold all the necessary safety equipment including communications, oxygen, first-aid kit and spare dive gear.
Personal dive gear is kept onboard the skiffs during the entire duration of the active dive days. This completely eliminates the need to lug heavy scuba tanks back and forth between mothership and skiff, reducing wear and tear on equipment (as well as on people!). The tanks are refilled in place, within minutes of returning from each dive. This enables the divers to always be ready, at a moment’s notice, to take advantage of a fleeting opportunity — be it a whale sighting or the spontaneous appearance of a baitball.
Special Expeditions & Private Skiffs
Our skiffs are 100% customizable to fit the needs of your expedition. They can be fitted with a range of conveniences like a scientific winch or swinging boom to lift heavy camera gear — whatever you need, we have you covered. A portable 5kw electric generator can also be supplied and installed on the deck of one of our two skiffs.
In addition to these two large skiffs on each of our vessels, for an additional fee we can supply you with an additional private skiff or an 18-ft. Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) with an experienced boat operator. This gives you even greater mobility and flexibility for your film projects.
Galmar is our private dock located in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Owned and operated by Undersea Hunter, it consists of 49 linear meters (160 linear feet) of concrete bulkhead and dock with approximately 2400 square meters (25,000 square feet) of adjacent property. Galmar is a new, purpose-built working and boarding dock designed to serve the harboring, boarding and maintenance needs of our vessels.
The dock contains about 800 square meters (8500 square feet) of covered work area and houses our local offices, crew accommodations, workshops and ample warehouse. It is our logistical center and storage for an extensive inventory of spare parts and provisions for all of our vessels. Galmar hosts an extremely well equipped workshop that can handle all types of work including carpentry, fiberglass, mold building and repairs, painting and corrosion treatment, engine work and metal work in steel, aluminum and stainless steel including cutting and welding. Almost all of the maintenance work performed on our vessels is done in-house by our own talented workers.
The Galmar dock has a permanent crew of 12 to 16 employees during regular operations and supports up to 50 workers and employees during periods of construction or the pre-programmed maintenance of our vessel. Keeping this work in-house assures that our stringent quality needs are being met. We are fully capable of overhauling and extensively refurbishing our vessels at Galmar.
UCR Research Partnership
Undersea Hunter and the DeepSee submersible have enjoyed a longstanding partnership with the University of Costa Rica, and each year we donate a certain quantity of trips to UCR scientists to further their research.
Each and every recreational submarine dive we take with passengers catalogs depths, temperatures and other info at various locations. We also record videos with a laser scale, which scientists can then freeze frame by frame, zooming in to count algae, particles in the water, etc. Analyzing years of this information creates a sort of virtual mosaic of the island’s underwater topography.
Such invaluable data enables scientists to track of the health of the deep waters surrounding Cocos Island, which would otherwise never be explored by human eyes. This research has been critical in identifying “new” species previously unknown to science. For example in 2012 UCR scientists discovered a new family of soft corals they named Aquaumbridae. Its first new speices was named Aquaumbra klapferi, after Undersea Hunter co-founder Avi Klapfer.
Not only that, but each and every scuba dive performed above the Sea Hunter and Argo also contributes to a vast body of research. Every single time we hit the water, our guides take detailed biodiversity counts and estimates, recording variables like water temperature, currents and a slew of other metrics. This data has been compiled into several large-scale studies to assess the health of Cocos Island over time. We are thrilled to announce that as of 2020, Undersea Hunter guests will also have the option to participate.
Community Involvement
Undersea Hunter believes in conservation through education, which is why we participate in talks and community events at schools countrywide, emphasizing the critical importance of ocean protection for kids ages 2-5th grade. For example in 2018, we were invited by Costa Rica’s Ministry of Education to speak at the Ecological Kids Camp in Puntarenas Matambu Natural Reserve. The main topic was the Tropical East Pacific marine corridor of hammerhead sharks, popularly known as the “Hammerhead Triangle”, which connects three marine worldwide heritage sites in a triangle formation: Cocos Island in Costa Rica, Malpelo in Colombia and Galapagos in Ecuador. This marine corridor also includes the coastal areas of Coiba in Panama and the Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica, which are the nurseries for hammerhead sharks, turtles and other reef sharks so vital for marine ecosystems. Our team went home with hearts full of positivity, and hope that the future of our oceans are planted on the hearts and minds of the next generation.
Recycling
Undersea Hunter has set up an incentivized system for receiving, separating and storing all forms of recyclable waste at our very own GalMar dock. What’s the incentive, apart from doing the right thing? Our workers are rewarded for their diligence with the entire proceeds gained by this effort.
The process begins on our two boats where the paper, plastic, glass and aluminum are separated by the crew and brought home. Next we receive, transport and separate all of the additional refuse produced and collected by the park rangers, volunteers and academic investigators working at Cocos Island, and that refuse is also brought to our dock. Lastly, all chemicals, medicines, batteries and other tech-generated wastes are segregated and stored appropriately. Once a month, this substantial volume of material is transported by our own trucks to the proper facilities.
Food Sourcing
We are succinctly aware of our environmental impact, both on land as well as the oceans. For this reason, all of our food is carefully chosen to encourage best practices. All beef served on our vessels consists of locally-raised, grass-fed cattle from a supplier that uses no chemicals or antibiotics in their husbandry. The pork we use is also raised locally and free of chemicals and antibiotics. Where possible, our local fruits and vegetables are raised with no pesticides or chemicals, following international organic guidelines.
Liability Release
All passengers will be asked to fill out our Liability Release form on the shuttle bus transfer to Puntarenas. Please note that it is necessary to fill out this form in order to board the vessel. A Sample Form is part of the information packet sent to all passengers when they reserve the trip. Please read the form and if you have any questions or concerns then let us know.
If you have not received a copy of the Sample form, please contact us and we will be happy to resend it.
Payment Procedure
A deposit of 1/3 of the total price is required in order to secure your reservation. Bookings are confirmed upon receipt of this deposit. We require payment of the remaining balance 60 days prior to your trip departure date. National park fees and all additional land tour arrangements are payable with the final balance.
Cancellation Fee & Insurance
A cancellation fee of 10% from the deposit is charged for all cancellations more than 1 year before the trip. A cancellation fee of 10% from the total trip price is charged for all cancellations made between 1 year and 6 months before the trip. All deposits received are non-refundable from 180 days prior to departure.
We recommend the purchase of a short-term cancellation insurance policy in case of unexpected changes in your plans. Accident, medical, and baggage insurance are also recommended. Ask your travel or insurance agent to help you with these details.
Dive Insurance
Please note, it is mandatory that you have a dive specific insurance that covers evacuation. We strongly recommend that passengers have valid Divers Alert Network insurance to provide coverage in the event of an accident. Cocos Island is a very remote area and the cost involved in evacuating a diver is very high. The D.A.N. policy is a vital protection to have. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance with obtaining dive insurance (at least one week prior to the trip).
Most of the action is at 60-90 feet /18-27 meters, and most dives are between 60-100 feet / 18-30 meters. A dive computer is necessary. Visibility averages 60-100ft/18-30m.
Water Temperature
Average temperature is 79º F to 84º F (26º C to 29º C), although it can be a few degrees lower under the occasional thermocline.
All divers must bring proof of certification by a national certifying agency. The certification must allow the diver to dive to the recreational dive limit of 130 feet (40 meters). The divemaster will request to see your certification before you are allowed to dive. If you are certified for Nitrox and rebreathers as well, please remember to also bring those certifications.
Nitrox
To increase safety and bottom time while maintaining safe non-decompression dives the use of Nitrox is recommended. The vessel offers full onboard TDI training in Nitrox, with rental of Nitrox computers. Nitrox fills are free for Nitrox certified divers.
Once all passengers are boarded, the vessel will take 32-36 hours to reach Cocos Island. Crossings are normally calm, but to prevent motion sickness we advise you to take the necessary precautions. At the conclusion of your trip, we will return to Puntarenas where a bus will be waiting to return you to your San Jose hotel.
The menu aboard offers a delicious combination of International and local cuisine. Meals are varied and well balanced, and we also offer delicious snacks between dives. Food is abundant with plenty of fresh tropical fruit and salads and is served buffet style. Please let us know of any special dietary needs or requests, but try to be lenient, as storage and preparation space is limited.
Beer & Soft drinks: Free
Bottle of wine: $15 – $35.
Hard liquor is not available on board but our guests are welcome to bring their own, which should be purchased prior to boarding.
Since it is customary to tip crew members, many people ask us what tip amount is appropriate. This is a very personal decision, as tips are your way of expressing satisfaction. Generally the tip is given to the captain who distributes it equally amongst the crew. Please note that we do not dictate or include tips.
The nearest Re-compression Chamber is in the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, about 36 hours sailing from Cocos, the implications of which are obvious.
Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the boat, but each boat has a designated location on the sundeck if you wish to smoke.
Do you need more information?
If you have any further questions about our trips, feel free to write to info@underseahunter.com.
Wishing you the greatest diving trip of a lifetime!