Okeanos Aggressor II

Far from any continental shelf, isolated oceanic islands act as powerful magnets for marine life. Costa Rica’s Cocos Island is a prime example, a volcanic peak rising from the deep Pacific. Here, nutrient-rich currents collide with a complex topography of sheer walls and pinnacles, creating a world-renowned aggregation point for large pelagic species. Divers come for the immense schools of scalloped hammerheads, whale sharks, and manta rays. To access this remote marine park, the Okeanos Aggressor II provides a dedicated platform for the long-distance voyage required to reach these singular waters. Diving is conducted from two custom tenders, ensuring divers are dropped precisely on sites like Bajo Alcyone. This system allows for rapid response and safe pickups, essential in the island's dynamic currents. The spacious dive deck offers individual gear stations for organized preparation. Each diver is provided with a digital depth and time computer and can use 15L tanks. For those who require gear, a full range of rental equipment is available. Underwater photographers are well-supported with a professional photo bench, numerous charging points, and a separate rinse tank for camera equipment. Life aboard is structured around comfort and relaxation. The vessel accommodates up to 24 guests in 11 climate-controlled staterooms, each with its own private bathroom and an audio-visual media system. Accommodations include a spacious Master Stateroom with a queen bed, Suites with twin beds, and Deluxe Staterooms with flexible arrangements. Social activity centers on the air-conditioned saloon and lounge, a spot for sharing photos or reading. Outdoors, guests can enjoy the ocean breeze on a covered terrace or ascend to the upper-level sundeck and its sunbathing platform for open views of the Pacific. The onboard chef prepares a menu that is both hearty and varied, designed to fuel active divers. Cuisine is a mix of international dishes and local Costa Rican flavors, served in the comfortable, air-conditioned dining saloon. An open-air barbecue is also a regular feature of the culinary program. The galley is equipped to handle most dietary restrictions with advance notification. A shipboard bar offers a selection of soft drinks, beer, and wine, providing a social hub for guests to gather and recap the day’s underwater sightings. The Okeanos Aggressor II is a 36.6-meter steel-hulled motor yacht with a substantial 8.2-meter beam. This design provides significant stability, a crucial attribute for the 36-hour open-ocean crossing to Cocos Island. The vessel was built for this type of expeditionary travel, offering a comfortable ride through the variable conditions of the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Its functional layout allocates generous space for its 24 passengers, ensuring that common areas and the dive deck remain uncongested even when the boat is at full capacity. The vessel operates year-round, running dedicated 8- and 10-night itineraries to Cocos Island National Park. All trips depart from and return to the port of Puntarenas. These expeditions are best suited for advanced divers confident in deep water, strong currents, and negative entries. The primary draw is the opportunity to witness large aggregations of sharks and other pelagic life in a wild, offshore environment. This liveaboard is for the serious adventurer and photographer who seeks challenging diving and is content to disconnect completely, as there is no internet access.