Dive Conditions
Visibility: 55ft
Water Temp. 81°F
mild
strong
Weather
sunny
rainy
calm
choppy
Crossings
calm
choppy
calm
choppy
Sea Hunter
Photo by Sylvia Stoeckli
The crossing to Cocos was somewhat challenging due to high waves and persistent rainfall. Upon arriving at the island, visibility at Manuelita was limited, but we were still able to spot some hammerheads above the sandy floor, as well as a few frogfish. During our dive at Manuelita Outside, we encountered hammerheads in mid-water, a tiger shark near the surface, and a group of jacks mating in open water.
The second day at Dirty Rock was amazing! We saw multiple hammerheads utilizing the cleaning stations and also schooling out in the blue. On day 3, we experienced some strong currents at Manuelita Outside, but we still spotted hammerheads, a variety of fish, whitetips, and marble rays. Plus, we saw a large school of bigeye jacks in the open blue. At Alcyone, we were thrilled to encounter a massive tiger shark, a school of jacks, and many hammerheads during the safety stop. Our afternoon dive at Pajara revealed whitetips, macro life, and another tiger shark.
On day 4, we visited both Big and Small Dos Amigos where we saw lots of fish, Galapagos sharks, and a few hammerheads at the cleaning stations. One of our favorite afternoon dives was at the new site, Pan de Azucar, where we saw a variety of reef fish and other macro life.
Day 5 led us back to Dirty Rock, where we saw a truly massive school of 200+ hammerheads out in the blue. Punta Maria was quieter, but we found whitetips and some curious marble rays there. We also saw three frogfish on our afternoon dive at Manuelita Coral Garden.
Day 6 comprised visits to both Dirty Rock and Alcyone. However, the highlight of the day was definitely Pajara, where we had a close encounter with a huge tiger shark, a silver tip, several whitetips, and a group of black durgons engaged in mating rituals.
Our final day spent at Manuelita Out was perfect, with a large school of hammerheads in the open blue. Dirty Rock presented some challenging currents, but we enjoyed observing a large school of jacks around the pinnacle, as well as a giant manta ray in the deeper waters and a school of hammerheads in the open water. The return crossing to Puntarenas was lovely and calm, accompanied by bright sunshine.
Special thanks to Sylvia Stoeckli for providing the photos for the trip report!
We had hammerheads on every dive! I rellay enjoyed all of the dive sites, there was always so much going on. My favorites were Alcyon and Dirty Rock. The afternoon dives were mostly very relaxing and I wouldn’t have wanted to miss any of them nor the frog fish we could see. The staff did their utmost tomake this trip the very best possible experience. They were very helpful and found solutiona to all my needs. The food was excellent, plentiful and had a great variety of dishes.
A really good trip. Excelent safety management. Well planned dives suitable for the abilities of the guests. Ex Ceptional support from ALL crew. Everyone was helpful and ailways willing to work with us. Food was superb. A special thank you to the chef. It took me 38 hours to get to Skan Jose, then the travel to Punteranus 3 hours, and finally the boat to Cocoos 36 hours. I will have to do it all again to go back home. Your boat and Crew madle it all definitely worthwhile. Thank you. Richard
The staff was convivial and highly skilled. They attended to all of our needs with proffessionalism and good humor. The meals were scrumptious and plentiful, and our room was handsomely refreshed every day. I’d like to make special mention of our cruise director Brayan, who navigated all of the disparate personalities on the boat with grace and aplomb.
My favorite dives are dirty rock and alcyone. I saw tiger and hammerhead sharks. First I will say thanks to the whole crew. It was a winderfull time, over and under water. You are doing a very outstanding job. Locking to make all happy. A special thanks goes to Brian and the dive guides that tried like hell to find a tiger shark and they did it 🙂 woooohooooo…. also to the kitchen crew, the food was amazing. I can just say thanks for make my stay in the sea hunter to the best experience in my diving life.
We had a great time at dirty rock and manualita outside. Was amazing to see the big schools of hammerheads when they showed up. All in all it was a good experience. Brayan really looked out for us on our dives to make sure we always felt very safe. Meals were quite large – always very tasty.
Very excellent food! This must be the first tume gain weight during a diving trip. Nice staffs and i know they have a very nit easy work but they always show smiles. I would say dirty rock and small dos amigos if i havent dived the last two days. But the last two days’ diving are amazing. Very relaxing dive at Pajara and coral garden with tiger shark, silvertips, and hammered head. It made my trip completed. I enejoyed a lot. Big thanks to all the crew members.
