Argo

Accommodation and Facilities
The Argo has 9 spacious en-suite cabins spread over 2 decks. All cabins have large bathrooms, air-conditioning, flat screen TV with DVD player and ample storage space.  There are 2 double cabins with queen beds and large picture windows located on the upper deck, 3 twin cabins and 3 double cabins with porthole windows located on the lower deck and the luxurious owners cabin with queen sized bed and picture windows located on the upper deck.

There is a large air-conditioned lounge located on the main deck with comfortable seating, flat-screen TV and DVD player, games, library and well-stocked fridge. There is also a spacious sun deck with sun loungers which is the perfect place to relax with a good book between dives.  

Meals are served in the dining area located on the main deck and are a combination of American and international cuisine.  Snacks are served throughout the day and tea/coffee, soft drinks and beer are complimentary during your stay on board.

The large dive deck is located at the rear of the main deck and has individual storage and camera lockers for each diver, fresh water rinse tanks and showers.  Diving is from one of the three 24ft tenders which take up to 9 divers to different sites allowing for uncrowded and incredible diving. There is no need to load and unload your scuba equipment for each dive as your gear stays on the tender throughout the trip.

Please note: as of April 2018 the Cocos Island National Park Department does not allow night dives, snorkelling and kayaking at the island for safety reasons.

Itinerary: Cocos Island, including Dos Amigos, Manuelita, Bajo Alcyone, Dirty Rock, Punta Maria, shore visits can be arranged

Day 1
Pick up time from your hotel in San Jose varies as the boat departure from Puntarenas is planned according to the tides. It is generally between 0800 and 1300. The drive to the seaport village takes about 3 hours and includes a stop on the way for a snack or lunch (not included in the trip price). It is a long but pleasant transfer that will give you the chance to see the lush tropical forests and rich farmlands of the region. Once on board MV Argo relax on the sundeck while the cruise embarks on its trip to Cocos island. It takes approx. 36 hours to reach the island. 

Days 2-10
On most days the 1st dive of your diving vacation is at 0800 but a light breakfast is already available since 0700. Be ready for a week of encounters with a huge volume of fish: you will witness jacks and giant trevallies hunting on small prey and there will also be good chances of seeing silvertips and hammerhead sharks swimming out in the blue. A second hot breakfast is served while on board, before the 2nd dive of the morning which is usually at around 1100. Buffet style lunch is at 1200. The menu offers a delicious combination of American and local cuisine. Fresh tropical fruit and salads will help you stay well hydrated. There is still a 3rd dive of the day in the early afternoon, at 1430. Then snacks and sun bathing for the rest of the day, or you can use a kayak when the boat is not moving. Dinner is served at 1800, but 3 times during the trip there will also be a 4th dive (night dive). Each dive will be introduced by a briefing done by the guides on board to give you more details about the sites and marine life you are about to see. Expect to see tons of sharks! The boat also carries a submersible named DeepSee able to take you and your buddy to a depth of over 300 metres (at an extra cost)! 

Days 2 and 9 do not include a full day of diving due to the late arrival at/early departure from Cocos Island. 

Day 11
The MV Argo returns to Puntarenas and the check out is at 0800, after an early light breakfast. You will be transferred either to your hotel or to the San Jose Airport. The drive takes about 2 hours.