1. Where is Cocos Island?
A. Cocos Island is located 600 km (approximately 375 miles) off the
western coast of Costa Rica, in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
2. What is included in the scuba charter?
A. Accommodations aboard the vessel, diving, compressed air tanks,
weights and weight belts, transportation from the San José
office to Puntarenas on day of arrival and departure, meals and snacks,
non-alcoholic and local alcoholic beverages are include in the charter
rate.
3. How many days is the charter and how many dives can I make?
A. The Undersea Hunter/ Sea Hunter 10-day, charters offer 7 days of
diving. Most guests make up to three dives a day.
4. When should I arrive in Costa Rica?
A. You should arrive in Costa Rica the day before your charter begins
and plan on spending the night in San José.
5. Are there any taxes or fees not included in the charter price?
A. A $245 US (CASH ONLY, no traveler's checks) Park Fee per person
will be collected during your charter. The Costa Rican government
implemented this charge to maintain Cocos Island and preserve its
natural habitat. There is also a $28 US Dive Tax. This fee covers
one diver for the entire charter. A departure tax of $17 US per person
will be collected upon your departure from San José. These
fees are levied by the Costa Rican government and are subject to change,
so please check with your travel agent before your trip.
A possible fuel surcharge of $200 may be charged if fuel prices spike before your departure.
6. Do I need a passport?
A U.S. citizens are required to have a passport. Non-U.S. citizens
should check with the appropriate consulate.
7. How do I meet the boat on the day of departure?
A. Contact the Undersea office upon arrival into San Jose. Guests
will be transported to the port town of Puntarenas (about two hours
by bus) to board the boat.
8. Where does the boat dock? The boats dock at the Muelle Coopeinpesa
in Puntarenas.
9. What is unique to Cocos Island diving?
A. Lots of large pelagic animals, particularly the schools of scalloped
hammerhead sharks. White tip reef sharks are also abundant, as are
schools of tuna, jack and snapper. Whales sharks and dolphins are
frequently sighted.
10. What is the diving like around Cocos Island?
A. Diving around Cocos Island is more difficult due to its ruggedness
and currents. Diving from the dinghies has advantages, but can be
physically challenging for some.
11. What is the water temperature?
Will I need a wet suit?
A. During the winter, water temperature ranges between 73 and 78F,
while in the summer it warms up to 78 - 80F. A wet suit is highly
recommended. A 1/8 inch suit with hood and booties is generally sufficient
for most divers.
12. Is there dinghy diving?
A. Yes, almost all dives are made from the two skiffs.
13. Is there night diving?
A. Night dives are scheduled at the discretion of the dive master
since sharks are so plentiful in the area.
14. Are there any land tours?
A. Weather permitting, guests will be taken to the island for a hiking
tour.
15. What type of topography can I expect to see in Cocos Island?
A. The island is volcanic in origin, and is therefore mountainous.
Dense jungle covers the land. Numerous waterfalls, rivers and ponds
are created by the regular rains.
16. What is the best time of year for diving?
A. May through October is generally considered prime diving, but conditions
are generally very good all year round.
17. When is the rainy season?
A. The rainy season is from May through November. Cocos Island supports
a true tropical rain forest and receives an abundance of rain, particularly
around the mountain peaks. Overcast skies and frequent showers are
common.
18. When is check out time on the vessel?
A. Check out is between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m on the morning of departure.
The crew will transport you and your luggage back to San José,
dropping you at either the airport or your hotel.