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Diving on the Cocos Island Aggressor
Cocos Island is known for sharks, easily equal to Galapagos-level fame among divers in the know. The underwater landscape is dramatic with pinnacles and rocks, not corals. Whale sharks are known to pass through, and manta ray sightings are frequent.
During the dry season (December through June), visibility can be over 80 feet (23 m). In the rainy season (May through November) the visibility is reduced, but the likelihood of seeing hundreds of hammerhead sharks is strong, especially at the famous Dirty Rock site.
In total, there are approximately 20 dive sites around Cocos, all relatively close to each other. Swim into the deep blue under the giant arch of Dos Amigos Grande, or marvel at the pelagics frequenting Bajo Alcyone, a prime nutrient-rich spot.
Despite the tropical climate, thermoclines add a chill to many of the dives. Divers who swear by 3 mm wetsuits in the tropics may want extra insulation, with at least a 5 mm suit recommended. Strong currents and surge are the norm in Cocos, so this liveaboard is best suited for experienced divers. Due to regulations, night dives are not currently offered—but that just means more time to enjoy the hot tub on deck.
After a briefing onboard the Cocos Island Aggressor, dives are conducted from two tenders. Rental equipment, including nitrox for those who are certified, is available for an additional charge. You may also obtain advanced certifications during this trip, which are recommended for the deeper dives.
Although night dives are not an option, an excursion to the island is a unique opportunity not to be missed. Walk through a tropical forest to enviable vantage points; refresh your feet under a waterfall; and learn more about the island from park rangers. Terrestrial wildlife enthusiasts should bring binoculars.
If you crave more land-based adventures after glimpsing the plants and animals on Cocos, check out these all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica. Or, simply use them as an extended decompression vacation to recharge after the excitement from Cocos Island Aggressor.
Highlights:
- Sharks, sharks, sharks!
- Abundance of fish species
- Pinnacles and seamounts
Onboard the Cocos Island Aggressor
Contemporarily elegant, soothing neutrals dominate the inside space of this new ship, launched in 2022. All beds are floor level (no bunk beds), and each room has a media player and private bathrooms. With the addition of individual climate control, this is one of the most comfortable boats for Cocos Island divers.
Outside, you’ll find a partially shaded upper deck, with a combination of tables and chairs, armchairs, and loungers. Choose a spot in the sun to warm up or in the shade to snooze between dives.
The shaded hot tub is a favorite place to relax and warm up after a day of thrilling thermocline dives. Costa Rica’s average annual air temperature is 80 F (27 C), so light layers are suggested for nighttime and communally air-conditioned spaces.
The community saloon combines dining tables with padded benches and chairs, lounge couches, and two entertainment nooks with TVs and L-shaped couches. If you prefer more solitude for your downtime, your stateroom has a media player. All staterooms also have private bathrooms, and all but one features a separate water closet for the shower and toilet, with the sink communally located between the two.
On the dive deck, individual gear lockers are provided for everyone. Dedicated camera spaces help you document the diversity you experience underwater. A bathroom and shower are also located toward the back of the dive deck.
Highlights:
- Media players in every stateroom
- No bunk beds
- Hot tub onboard
- Bathroom and shower on dive deck
Dining on the Cocos Island Aggressor
Although breakfasts and lunches are buffets, dinner is a more formal affair with a la carte service. Lunch tends to feature lighter food, such as soups, salads, and sandwiches. Dinner offers seafood, beef, chicken, BBQ, salads, and homemade desserts. Soda, juice, tea, water and coffee are included throughout the voyage.
Beer and wine are also complimentary, but specific labels may not be available due to import restrictions. If you’d like a specific adult beverage as a nightcap, it’s best to bring your own from the mainland. Dietary restrictions are happily accommodated, but advanced notice will give you the best experience.
Highlights:
- Complimentary beer and wine
- A la carte dinner service
- Homemade desserts
Things we like:
- Welcome cocktails
- New boat launched in 2022
- Excursions to Cocos Island always offered if conditions are safe
- Hot tub on board
Things we don't like:
- Journey to/from Cocos can be choppy
- Steep price tag
- No night dives
- Boat may be showing some wear and tear already
Key facts
Where to book
Take a moment to look at this.
Unfortunately not as I would have image for that price.
That not all the sharks are there that’s nature, but but for a ship, they say from 2022,
water soaked carpets in the room, without any explanation is a bit strange.
Overall the first impression of Aggressor fleet quite negative taken into account the price.
One positive the crew.