Location
Costa Rica is around 12 hours direct flying time. Most liveaboards to Cocos depart from San Jose.
Lying some 300 miles south west of the main land, this remote scuba diving destination is a haven for local wildlife, both above the water and beneath it. Hammerheads are the star attraction here and we don't mean the odd one or two. Great swarming schools of scalloped hammers visit Cocos many cleaning stations to keep in top shape. White tips pass by in giant clouds and Galapagos sharks patrol the plateaus. Manta rays, mobula and eagle rays can all be spotted here, along with the occasional whale shark to feast on the upwelling currents.
Covid Travel Information
View entry requirements here
All travellers from any country will be admitted into Costa Rica as long as they meet the visa requirements. There are no COVID-19 related entry requirements for Costa Rica.
From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you:
do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form
do not need to quarantine when you arrive
This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.
It includes people who are transiting through England.
Updated 13SEP 2022
Weather and Climate
Costa Rica itself has an average temperature of 21 to 28. Due to its proximity to the equator, it has no real summer or winter. It does however have a rainy season from May to November - Cocos Islands experiences rain usually between July and September. The Pacific coast around Guanacaste, on the other hand is hot and dry, perfect for the many world-class beaches.
Travel
Flight options
Our holidays to Cocos can be quoted with most major airlines. Many flights route via the USA. Depending on your trip dates, you may be able to take the direct BA flight.
If you would like to depart from a different UK airport (eg. Glasgow/Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham or Gatwick) or have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. A supplement may apply for regional departures. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday.
If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to San Jose, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.
Stopovers
Most flight options will route with a stop via the USA. Please ask your consultant if you would like to add a stopover en route
Arrange before you go
Visa requirements
UK passport holders are able to obtain a free 90 day tourist visa on arrival. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Insurance
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities.
We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation.
Find out more about our combined dive and travel policy click here
Immunisations
Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here
Preparing to fly
Seating
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
Check in
As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.
Lounge
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world.
click here
Parking
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think.
click here
What happens when I arrive?
On arrival to San Jose, you will need to clear immigration and collect your baggage. Depending on your first night arrangements, you will then either be met outside of arrivals by a representative (they will be holding a board with either your destination or your name on it) or you will need to join the hotel airport shuttle.
If you have any issues at all locating your rep, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
Transfers
Transfers in San Jose are usually either provided by your liveaboard, a private transfer or airport shuttle.
Departures
At the end of your holiday, your return transfer details will be advised locally.
On leaving the Costa Rica there is an departure tax of approx $30 which must be paid in cash.
Info
Tipping
Crew gratuities are not included in the charter. Aggressor believe gratuities should be voluntary and based upon the quality of service the crew has provided. When settling your account on the final morning morning, the Captain will have an envelope for gratuities that will be divided equally among the crew.
Currency
The Costa Rican Colon is the currency of Costa Rica but US dollars are widely accepted and is the preferred currency onboard the boat.
Phone coverage
Mobile phone service is available when diving North West Point which is usually the first and last day of the charter.
Plugs and electricity
Electrical outlets onboard are standard US 110 volt.
Extras
Hire equipment
A full line of Aqualung rental gear and 15l tanks are available aboard, please book before departure
Extras
Several diving specialty courses are offered onboard including Nitrox, Advanced Open Water, UW Photography, Master Diver and more.
Souvenirs
There is a mini-boutique onboard with assorted t-shirts, and miscellaneous items. The Okeanos Aggressor I & II accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and traveler’s checks.
Nitrox/Gas
Unlimited Nitrox is $100 per 7 night charter/ $150 per 10 night charter
Payments
Deposits and Balances
A typical deposit for your Aggressor liveaboard package will be 50% of the trip cost. Your final balance will be due 100 days before travel.
Ways to pay
We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. If you would like a pay by link to complete check out via email please let us know and it can be set up for you. We do not take AMEX.
All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 3% surcharge.
Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. Overseas bank transfers must add £8 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees.
We are not able to accept PayPal transactions or personal cheques.
Group Payments
If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation
Discounts
Repeat Guests
Are you one of Scuba Travel's repeat customers? Over 60% of our customers trust Scuba Travel to book their next diving holiday, time after time.
And we believe you deserve a huge thanks for your ongoing support over the years, which is what our repeater discount is all about! Travel with us again in either 12 months or 24 months and you will qualify for a discount. That's all you have to do. No forms, no numbers to remember, no fuss, just a good honest price reduction.
5% off for repeat customers travelling with Scuba Travel within 24 months
Plus travel on a second Aggressor trip in 12mths for an extra $100 discount or $200 on your third trip in 12 mths.
Repeat discounts are not cumulative and cannot be applied to special offer prices
Included
Your liveaboard accommodation is based on a deluxe cabin on a full board basis - your last night dinner is not included in your charter package
Soft drinks, water, tea, coffee and a limited selection of local beer and wine
All diving, 12lt international tanks, air fills and weights are included
Transfer are also included from approved hotels in San Jose
Excluded
International flights, domestic flights and any overnight stays where required are not included in your trip. Please ask your travel consultant for a quote to add these
$490 Park Fee, (10 night charters), non-divers $350, $30 Emergency Evacuation Plan will be collected at the end of the trip. A 13% government tax may be paid in cash or by credit card (with a fee).
Nitrox for 10 nights is $150 on all Aggressor charters, kit rental, souvenirs or private guiding services are paid for on board. All onboard sales/services have a 13% tax excluding park fees/evacuation program. Due to the high duty charged on liquor, do bring your special brand onboard
We had exceptional luck with the weather, visibility and number of hammerheads. On one dive the school was so shallow we could jump in and snorkel with them afterwards!