General Info
Dive Experience for Cocos Island
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.
Dive Conditions
Most of the action is at 60-90 feet /18-27 meters, and most dives are between 60-130 feet / 18-40 meters. The safety limit is set at 130 feet / 40 meters and 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.
Certification
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.
Rebreathers
Please check directly with our office if you are bringing a rebreather with you. We can supply you with tanks, scrubber material and any further assistance you need. Please contact our reservations team for costs of these items.
Please note, at this time we are no longer teaching the rebreather course and we do not have any units available to rent.
The Crossings
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.
Gear to Bring With You
You will need the following gear: 5-7 mm wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, regulator with visible pressure gauge, a mandatory dive computer, buoyancy compensator, depth gauge, dive gloves, weight belt (without weights, as we provide weights on board!), dive light 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 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.
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.
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.
Meals & Beverages
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.
Clothing
We recommend casual and cool cotton attire while on board. Nights can be chilly and/or drizzly so bringing a sweater, a light jacket or windbreaker is recommended. In San Jose dress is slightly more conservative, like long jeans and collared shirts. We suggest packing in a soft duffel bag for easy luggage storage. Booties or hiking shoes are recommended if you want to visit the island.
Visiting the Island
We will usually make one or two visits to the island itself during a trip.
Crew
The Argo and Sea Hunter crews consist of a unique combination of talents, offering the ultimate in service. The Undersea Hunter has a crew of seven, while the Sea Hunter and the Argo have a crew of eight. The dive masters, deck hands, and skiff drivers make sure you have the best possible diving adventure, while the chef and steward prepare delicious meals and take care of all your needs on board.
Communication Onboard
The vessels maintain constant radio contact in the event of any emergency. Your family and friends can contact our office at telephone: +506-2228-6535. We are happy to let family and friends know how you are when they call our office.
Our main office is open 9.00 - 17.00 Costa Rican time Monday - Friday (except for national holidays). Outside of those hours our emergency contact number is +506-8735-2392 (please leave a message if necessary).
Please understand, however, that you will be in a remote area and it is preferable that personal communications to the boat be limited to emergency use only. We also now keep a satellite phone on board, which costs $3.50 per minute.
Cocos Island is now equipped with a cellular phone tower, which may or may not be in working order, as well as a public phone. When in closer proximity to the Island at certain locations (assuming your cell phone works in Costa Rica), it is possible to use your cellular phone services, but keep in mind, it is still an international call. Do keep in mind that in general it is difficult to get a good signal at the island.
Electricity
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).
Entertainment
There is a variety of nightly entertainment available on board: slide shows, DVDs, music, games and much more. Please feel free to bring along your favorites.
Tips
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.
Medical Support On-board
We have a well-equipped first aid kit including oxygen on-board. You should bring anti-seasickness medicine and ear drops if you feel you will need them.
Please inform us and especially the dive guides if you are taking medication or suffer from allergies.
Safety Onboard the Sea Hunter
Life rings are located on either side of the boat, and life jackets for all passengers are located in the lockers on both sides of the sun deck. Fire extinguishers are located in the hallways leading to your cabins. Emergency exit from the aft passenger cabins is possible through an overhead hatch above the doors of cabins 7 and 8. The emergency exit for the forward passenger area is through a door in cabin 4 and up the stairs in the engine room.
Safety Onboard the Argo
Life rings are located on the starboard side and sun deck. Life jackets for all passengers can be found on the upper sundeck at either side of the step ladder, as well as on the lower sundeck. Fire extinguishers are located in the hallways leading to your cabins. The emergency exit is located between cabins 5 and 6.
Re-compression Chamber
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
Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the boat, each boat has a designated location on the sundeck if you wish to smoke.
Disclosures
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).
Fuel Surcharge
Due to the possible increase in the cost of diesel, based on events in the past few years, the Undersea Hunter Group reserves the right to charge a US$200.00 per person Fuel Surcharge. This fee will be effective in the event that the diesel price published by Costa Rica’s state owned refinery, RECOPE, reaches US$3.80 per gallon (US$1.00 per liter). We will verify the fuel index table 75 days prior to the departure date and if it is necessary to collect a fuel surcharge then we will inform the participants of the trip. The surcharge will be collected onboard.
Arriving to CR
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
At the end of your Cocos adventure, you will usually disembark the boat at 8 AM and be transferred back to your hotel in San Jose. The transfer takes approximately 2 hours, give or take.
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.
Land Tours
Full and Half Day Tours
Aerial Tram
Irazu Volcano & Orosi Valley
Cafe Britt Coffee Tour
Canopy Tour
City Tour of San José
Island Cruise
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Poas Volcano & Oxcart Factory
Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfall
Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs
Costa Rica Naturalist & Overnight Tours
Arenal Volcano National Park Hot Springs, Canopy or Horseback Riding
Whale & Dolphin Watch
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Tortuguero National Park
Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs, & Monteverde Cloud Forest
Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs, Monteverde Cloud Forest & Mid-Pacific Coast
Arenal Volcano, Caño Negro Wild Life Preserve & Canopy Tour or Horseback Riding
Monteverde Cloud Forest & Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest
Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs
To Book a Tour Please Contact our Reservations Department
Email: info@underseahunter.com
Call: 1-800-203-2120
Frequently asked Questions
What dive gear do I need to bring?
We rent gear if you need anything. Just let us know ahead of time.
You’ll need a 5-7mm wetsuit, preferably 7mm so that you don’t get cold waiting for the action, a mask, fins, snorkel, regulator with visible pressure gauge, a mandatory dive computer, buoyancy compensator, depth gauge and dive gloves (very important to hold on to the rocks or the anchor lines).
What should I wear on a Cocos Trip?
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 will like to explore the island’s lush vegetation.
What is the Water Temperature at Cocos?
You will be diving in waters about 76-83º F (24-29º 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.
Are Underage Passengers allowed on a trip?
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 aboard under certain circumstances.
Can I Visit the Island?
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.
Do I Need to Bring a First Aid Kit?
We have a well-equipped first aid kit including oxygen is 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.
Is there a Satellite Phone on Board?
Yes, it costs $2.50 the minute.
Do I Need to Bring Towels?
No. We provide towels for each guest, and there will also be fresh towels after each dive.
What Type of Outlets are Available?
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).
Is there internet on board?
Unfortunately there is no internet on board, as it is difficult to get a working connection in such a remote location. If you urgently need to check your emails, please check with your cruise director about the possibility of going to the island to try to connect to the park ranger’s Wifi. We can do this between dives for a small extra cost.
How Can my Family Communicate with me Once On Board?
Your family and friends can contact our office at telephone: +506-2228-6535. Or please request our satellite numbers when you book. See above rates for use of the satellite phone.
Our main office is open from 9.00-17.00 Monday - Friday Costa Rican Time (except for national holidays). Outside of those hours our emergency contact number is +506-8735-2392.
(Last updated Jan 19, 2018)
If you have any further questions about our trips, feel free to write to info@underseahunter.com
