The Ultimate Cocos Adventure 2010
The Cocos Island National Park is located approx 300 miles off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and is the first point of contact with the incredibly nutrient rich equatorial counter-current, and quite literally is The Ultimate Warm Water Rush !
Cocos Island iteslf was known to mariners and cartographers at least as early as the beginning of the sixteenth century. It was first mentioned as “Y’sle des Cocques” on a map by Nicholas Desliens in 1541, and over subsequent years became a regular haunt of many of the regions most renowned pirates. It is said that the island is still home to the two richest treasures in the world, that of Benito Bonito who sailed the “Relampago,” raiding every city along the pacific coast line, and that of Captain Thompson in 1821, who had been entrusted with the wealth of Lima by the Spaniards …
Although tempting, all the possible gold on the island doesn’t even come close to compare to the value and beauty of the treasures to be found under the surface of the islands waters. As a UNESCO World Heritage site its pedigree speaks for itself, and it then becomes easy to understand why any of the proffessional divers lucky enough to have visited it list it as “the best dive site in the world !” …
The lush green uninhabited island with its towering rocky pinnacles provide the ideal backdrop for the ultimate in diving adventure. The island, its proximity to major ocean currents and sheer remoteness act as a beacon for big animals and big action. The island is home to massive groups of schooling hammerheads; countless white-tip sharks; graceful manta rays, swift running tuna; green and hawksbill turtles; king angelfish; butterfly fishes; big eye jacks; leather bass; spotted blue jacks; puffer fish; yellow and blue striped snappers and even the mighty whale shark. All of course supported by an unimaginable plethora of colourfull and abundant reef fish; mindblowing coral growth and rugged underwater landscapes …
Our Ultimate WWR adventure to Cocos has been specifically scheduled to coincide with the regions dry season. The dry season offers water temperatures in the 25-27 degree range and much calmer sea conditions, which will be very welcome during our 30+ hour initial crossing out from port. Although warm throughout the year, Cocos enjoys approx 8m of rain per year, so don’t be surprised if we get wet above and below the surface on this one …
To ensure we have the best possible facilities for our adventure we have recruited the Okeanos Aggressor Liveaboard as our dive partner. The Okeanos is the largest of the three boats to have permissions to opperate in the Cocos waters, and besides assuring us a greater level of comfort once we arrive it should also ease the “bouncing” on the inital leg of the journey. Our facilities include 9 delux twin ensuite cabins (used as double or twin); 1 quad ensuite cabin (two doubles); TV/DVD; Sundeck: Shaded Sundeck; Lounge; Dinning Area and Large Dive Deck. The Okeanos has onboard Nitrox blending facilites, but we must remember our DIN adapters as all cylinders are A/Clamp style …
As we can only dive most of the time, the crew will also (weather permitting) take us ashore to trek the rainforrests and experience the ultimate cool down with a swim or two in the islands many waterfalls, and who knows we may even come back with a few “pieces of eight”. So with all this diving and non-diving adventure going on its great to know that the boats chef will keep us fully topped up with mid-morning snacks; lunch; dinner and pretty much anything else we need. The basis is All inclusive, however some branded alchohol may be charged as extra, Nitrox carries an extra charge of approx $100 dollars for the week, and as the boat runs on a USA basis gratuities (approx $200) will be expected …
So there you go, this truly is the Ultimate Warm Water Rush Adventure, and an absolute must for any of us that are up to the challenge !
| Depart UK – London Heathrow ~ 19th March 2010 ** | Airline – Iberia Airlines (Bus Class @ Approx £2250 **) |
| Arrival – Costa Rica (Via Madrid) ~ 19th March 2010 ** | Price @ £3245 * ** (Rapid Book Advised) ~ Dep £300 ^ |
| Accommodation – Okeanos L/B ~ 8 Ngts (Full Board) | Diving @ Included On L/B (Approx 20 Guided Dives) |
| Extension (Included) – Hotel Alta ~ One Night Pre / Post L/B | Single Supplement @ Not Available |
| Depart Costa Rica – 30th March 2010 ** | Min Diver Level – PADI Advanced / BSAC Sports (50+ Dives) |
* Worldwide Price Basis – Price Increases Expected
** Details Correct At Time of Printing – Subject To Confirmation At Time Of Booking
^ Split Deposit – Total Deposit Divided Into Two Equal Payments (Second Payment Due 12 Months Before Departure)
# Terms & Conditions as Per Booking Forms
# National / Marine Park Fees and Gratuities Are Not Included In Any Wwr Trip Prices
# Equipment Provision Includes Cylinders and Weights Only (Additional Charges Apply For Other Hire Equipment)
# Fuel / Taxation Surcharges May Be Applied By Airlines Or Charter Operators At Any Time
