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Cocos Island is one of those diving bucket list destinations that has been on my list for quite some time. I even have a bank account labeled Cocos island. I’ve always wanted to go to Cocos Island to swim with schooling hammerhead sharks but got the opportunity to go to the Galapagos a few years ago where I got to see multitudes of hammerheads, and this podcast was actually born on that trip.
How Did this Interview Come to Be?
I stayed at some Oregon hot springs a few weeks ago and in the common kitchen, I met a traveler. We got to talking about the podcast and started discussing black water diving. David then turned to me and asked me if I had heard of Cocos. “Have I heard of Cocos? I have a bank account named Cocos Island!”.
I told him I knew about the Argo and the submersible on the boat… he then told me that ran the submarine for 4 years at Cocos Island!
David ran the submarine on a liveaboard diving boat, the Argo. My jaw dropped, and asked if I could interview him 10 minutes later… and so this podcast episode was born. Thank you, David.
Where is Cocos Island?
Cocos Island is a 36 boat ride from Costa Rica. It’s a rock in the middle of the ocean. No one stays on the island, but you can stay on a liveaboard there and have the diving adventure of a lifetime.
What Do You See While Diving Cocos?
Most people who go out on the Argo want to go scuba diving. Underwater you will see many creatures: hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, silky sharks, whale sharks, mantas, mobula rays, white tip sharks and all kinds of fish.
Let’s Talk About the Submarine on the Argo Liveaboard
The submarine is three meters wide and high, and six meters long. Two passengers and a pilot can go.
They offer two different submersive dives: shallow dives that are about 300 feet (100 meters), light is visible, similar to a scuba dive. The second dive is 1000 feet (300 meters) and there is no light. You’ll see pelagic creatures about 1 mile away from Cocos Island.
There is a cliff edge underwater and there the submarine lights shine on deepwater creatures such as jellynose fish
The submarine has two acrylic dome windows that when you look out, you feel like you’re in the ocean. Going this deep in the ocean isn’t a typical tourist dive, and it’s an experience that everyone should try.
How do You Book the Submersible on Cocos Island?
If you want to go in the submarine, you must book a liveaboard trip with the Argo. The name of the company to book is Under Sea Hunter.
How Much does it Cost to Dive Cocos & Go on the Submersible?
The liveaboard trip costs about $5000. This is an all-inclusive price, including three dives a day. The submarine trip costs $1850 for the deep dive and $1450 for the shallow.
The tip that you provide at the end of the trip (approximately 15%) will go to the whole crew (submarine included).
How far in advance should you book?
Some people book up to two years in advance, but at least a year is recommended.
Where do you Fly into to go to cocos?
Fly into San Jose Costa Rica, you will be driven to the port on the west side of the island where the Argo is located.
When are the wet and dry seasons at Cocos?
Wet season (May to end of November): potential storms, big waves, can be rough
Dry Season (end of November to May): calm seas
When are the best months to see schooling hammerheads?
June through November is the best time to see hammerheads because of the nutrient-rich waters. Yes, the waters might be rough, but it is an amazing site to see!
What type of Skills do you need?
Cocos Island is a place for advanced divers. It can be rough and currents can be difficult.
Is there wifi on the boat?
There is no wifi on the boat, and when you’re spending 10 days on the boat, it’s a great way to get disconnected.
What if you have limited Mobility?
For this experience those with limited mobility may need extra assistance; definitely check in with Under Sea Hunters to see if they can provide more information.