Costa Cruises

Diving Cruise on Okeanos Aggressor

Posted by CostaRica | Costa Cruises | Posted on December 8th, 2009

Cocos Island is one of the largest uninhabited islands in the world. Since 1500 it was considered a favorite vacation spot of pirates after murderous raids, and today attracts lovers of untouched nature. Rare unique plants grow and rare animals live here. And now trips to this island are included in one of the post popular Costa cruises.

When in 1988 the captain of the ship named Aggressor Wayne Hesson went on an expedition to the little studied Pacific island, located about 600 km from the western coast of Costa Rica, experienced travelers and sea scuba instructors only expressed their bewilderment: “Nobody can dive there. Who wants to swim with the swarms of sharks? “. However, after several weeks of criticism the trip made enthusiastic series of articles in magazines about absolutely phenomenal underwater world of Cocos Island. Since dive safari on the basis of the vessel “Okeanos Aggressor” is the most reliable and professionally organized diving tour to the shores of the Costa Rican island.

The main feature of coastal waters of the island is the flocks of white sharks, which can be seen and photographed in the vicinity. Also here you can find stingrays, turtles, tuna, huge schools of fish and, if you are lucky, whale sharks, dolphins and marlin. Coastal waters of the island, rich in nutrients, are a favorable habitat for many marine animals.

Water temperature here in the winter period is from 21°C to 26°C, while in summer it ranges from 26°C to 28°C. The most favorable time for diving in this area is from May to October.

Coastal waters of Cocos Island are characterized by relatively strong undercurrents. Some dives require good physical shape. Most of divings take place from boats. The tour is not recommended for beginners. During the cruise the experienced divers will be offered night diving, during which you can see the fish-frogs and flocks of white sharks.

The duration of dive safari to Cocos Island is from 8 (time for diving 5 days) to 10 days (time for diving 7 days). The ship leaves from the port city of Puntarenas and the cruise includes 1 night in a hotel in San Jose. The divers will be able to make 3 or 4 dives per day. During unfavorable weather conditions for diving the divers will be offered walks on Cocos Island.