Join us for an unforgettable 11-day liveaboard expedition to legendary Cocos Island, Costa Rica, where remote volcanic seascapes and extraordinary big-animal encounters await. Designed for confident, experienced divers, this bucket-list adventure explores underwater seamounts, steep walls and nutrient-rich currents that attract scalloped hammerheads, Galapagos and silky sharks, rays, huge schools of pelagic fish and seasonal visitors such as whale sharks and tiger sharks. Located around 550 km off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Cocos is one of the world’s most iconic remote diving destinations.
Cocos is all about big-animal encounters. Expect the possibility of scalloped hammerheads, Galapagos and silky sharks, eagle and marble rays, plus huge schools of jacks and tuna moving through the blue. With powerful currents, deep water and open-ocean conditions, every dive offers the potential for something unforgettable.
Dates
22 July–1 August, 2029 (10 nights/11 days)
Liveaboard: Cocos Island Aggressor, Costa Rica
Package Costs
- $6,895 USD pp. – Master Stateroom, Twin Share
Staterooms 8, 9 & 11: Twin Beds
Stateroom 10: Queen Bed, ideal for a couple - $6,595 USD pp. – Deluxe Stateroom, Twin Share
Staterooms 2–7: Two Twin Beds - $6,295 USD pp. – Explorer Cabin, Twin Share
Stateroom 1: Smaller bow cabin with Two Twin Beds - $8,995 USD pp. – Solo Stateroom, Single Occupancy
Solo Stateroom with Double Bed (Limited Availability)
Notes
- All prices are in U.S. dollars (USD). A small Wetravel booking fee may apply, depending on the selected payment method.
- Cabin allocations are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Included
- 10 nights aboard the Cocos Island Aggressor
- Approximately 18–21 dives, weather and conditions permitting
- Air tanks and weights
- All meals and snacks onboard
- Water, tea, coffee and non-alcoholic beverages
- Beer and wine onboard
- Experienced local dive guides
- Diver safety equipment, including Nautilus Lifeline / marine rescue GPS where supplied, SMB and Dive Alert signal devices
- Marine-life presentations and informal educational sessions
- Travel with a marine biologist and experienced expedition leader
- Underwater photography advice, tips and editing support from OceanLife
- Private OceanLife group charter experience
- Group transfers between the designated San José host hotel and Puntarenas, with return transfer to San José Airport or host hotel
- Applicable vessel and package taxes, excluding separately listed government, park and fuel fees
Excluded
- International flights to/from San José, Costa Rica (SJO)
- Hotels before and after the liveaboard
- Travel insurance
- Dive insurance
- Nitrox: $150 USD pp. for the 10-night charter
- Rental dive gear
- Alcoholic spirits and specialty coffees
- Personal expenses and optional pre-or post-trip touring
- Wi-Fi
- Crew gratuities
Fees & Surcharges
- Cocos Island National Park Fee: $490 USD pp. + 13% VAT (subject to change)
- Cocos Island Emergency Evacuation Plan: $30 USD pp.
- Fuel surcharge: $152 USD pp. (subject to change)
How to Secure Your Spot
Places on Cocos Island charters are limited and can sell well in advance. Your booking is confirmed once OceanLife Scuba Expeditions has received your non-refundable $1,000 USD pp. deposit.
- $1,000 USD pp. deposit (non-refundable)
- Second payment due: March 10, 2027
- Third payment due: November 10, 2028
- Final payment due: April 10, 2029
OceanLife will send individual invoices and payment reminders. All payments and cancellations are subject to OceanLife Scuba Expeditions’ booking terms and conditions. To check availability or reserve your spot, please contact us.
Marine Megafauna & Wildlife Highlights
- Large schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks
- Galapagos sharks, silky sharks and whitetip reef sharks
- Manta rays, mobula rays, eagle rays and giant marble rays
- Huge schools of jacks, tuna, snapper and other pelagic fish
- Seasonal possibilities including whale sharks and tiger sharks
- Dolphins and occasional encounters with false killer whales
- Frogfish, moray eels, octopus, lobster and a wide variety of reef life
The nutrient-rich currents surrounding Cocos Island support one of the most productive marine ecosystems in the eastern Pacific, attracting sharks, rays, and vast schools of fish that have made this remote destination famous worldwide.
Itinerary
The itinerary is indicative and may change depending on weather, sea conditions, crossing time, marine life activity, and the Captain’s operational decisions. Flexibility is part of any remote Cocos Island expedition.
21 July 2029 | Arrive in San José, Costa Rica
Please arrive at San José International Airport (SJO) at least one day before the liveaboard departure. An overnight stay is required, giving you time to recover from international travel before the group transfer the following morning. Recommended hotel details will be provided closer to departure.
22 July 2029 | Transfer to Puntarenas & Board
We’ll meet at the designated host hotel and travel by air-conditioned coach to Puntarenas, approximately one hour away. On arrival, we’ll board the Cocos Island Aggressor, settle into our cabins, meet the crew and begin the 550 km offshore crossing to Cocos Island.
22–24 July 2029 | Pacific Crossing
The crossing generally takes around 36 hours, depending on conditions. During this time, we’ll complete safety briefings, organise dive and camera gear, relax onboard and prepare for the adventure ahead.
24–30 July 2029 | Diving Cocos Island
We expect approximately seven days of diving and 18–21 dives, subject to conditions. The Captain and dive team will select sites based on currents, weather and wildlife activity to maximise opportunities for pelagic encounters.
Expect the possibility of scalloped hammerheads, Galapagos and silky sharks, whitetip reef sharks, rays and huge schools of fish, with seasonal chances to encounter whale sharks, tiger sharks and manta rays. When conditions permit, there may also be opportunities for a short island landing or waterfall visit.
30–31 July 2029 | Return Crossing
After our final dives, we begin the journey back to Puntarenas. Relax, review photos, share stories and unwind after an extraordinary week of diving.
1 August 2029 | Disembark & Return to San José
Check-out is scheduled for approximately 7:00 am, followed by the included transfer to San José International Airport or the designated host hotel. Please do not book departing flights before 12:30 pm.
Diving Requirements
Cocos Island is an advanced dive destination best suited to confident, experienced divers. An Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent) and 100+ logged dives are strongly recommended. Divers should be comfortable with moderate currents, negative entries, drift diving, blue-water safety stops, and deploying an SMB. A dive computer is required for all divers. The diving around Cocos Island is very much about working with the current rather than fighting it. The guides are extremely experienced and will position you according to the conditions, choosing sites and entry points accordingly.
Diving is conducted from purpose-built tenders, with surface support and pick-up coordinated by the vessel crew. Conditions can change quickly, with water temperatures typically around 24–28°C (75–82°F), cooler thermoclines and variable visibility. A 5 mm wetsuit is a practical starting point for many divers.
Vessel
The Cocos Island Aggressor is a purpose-built 138-foot liveaboard designed for remote expeditions, combining comfort, safety and efficient dive operations.
This vessel accommodates up to 22 guests across 12 staterooms, each with a private bathroom and individually controlled climate systems.
- Spacious dive deck with generous preparation areas
- Upper sun deck with hot tub and shaded relaxation spaces
- Two comfortable guest lounges
- Dining area with chef-prepared meals
- Computer and photo-editing station for underwater images and video
- Nine crew supporting diving, hospitality and vessel operations
Getting There
Arrival Airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), San José, Costa Rica. Please arrive by 21 July 2029 and allow for an overnight stay before the liveaboard transfer.
Transfers
Complimentary group transfers are included between the designated San José host hotel and Puntarenas Port.
- Arrival: Host Hotel, San José → Puntarenas Port (approx. one hour)
- Departure: Puntarenas Port → Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) (approx. one hour)
Guests travelling independently within Costa Rica may also be able to meet the group directly in Puntarenas by prior arrangement with OceanLife Scuba Expeditions and the vessel operator.
From North America
San José is served by direct and connecting flights from major North American gateways. As schedules may change before 2029, we recommend choosing an itinerary that arrives no later than 21 July 2029, allowing plenty of time for delays, baggage collection and connections.
From Europe & the United Kingdom
Guests can reach San José via direct or connecting services through major European, North American or Latin American hubs. We strongly recommend arriving at least one day before departure and avoiding same-day international connections to the liveaboard.
From Australia & New Zealand
Most itineraries involve one or more connections, often through the United States or another major international hub. If transiting through the U.S., travellers must meet all entry and transit requirements and clear Immigration and Customs, even when connecting directly to Costa Rica. Allow generous connection times or consider an overnight stop.
From Asia & the Middle East
Most routes connect through North America, Europe or another major international hub before continuing to Costa Rica. Given the long journey and multiple flight sectors, we recommend arriving earlier than the minimum one-night requirement where possible.
Flight Planning
The liveaboard departs Puntarenas on a fixed schedule and cannot wait for delayed international arrivals. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance from the time of booking and allowing sufficient buffer time in your itinerary.
Please do not book a departing flight from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) before 12:30 pm on 1 August 2029 to allow time for the return transfer, check-in and security.
Why Travel with OceanLife?
OceanLife expeditions are designed for divers who want more than a standard liveaboard booking. Every journey is personally hosted by Amanda Delaforce, a marine biologist with more than 25 years of field experience and over 30 years of diving experience. Her knowledge of marine life, underwater photography and responsible wildlife encounters adds depth to every adventure.
- Small, friendly groups of like-minded divers
- Fully hosted expeditions with experienced trip coordination
- Marine biology interpretation throughout the journey
- Underwater photography advice and practical editing support
- Pre-trip information, FAQs and guest coordination
- A relaxed, supportive atmosphere focused on wildlife, diving and shared adventure
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
We’d love to share this unforgettable journey to Cocos Island with you. Spaces are limited to keep the group intimate, so secure your place early or contact us if you have any questions about the diving, travel logistics or rooming options.
Extension Post-Trip?
Interested in adding a little more to your trip? Depending on group interest, Amanda is considering an optional 3–5-night Costa Rica land tour and/or a 5–8-night Galápagos extension. Galápagos travel would route via mainland Ecuador, likely with an overnight stay in Quito or Guayaquil, and around two travel days between Costa Rica and the islands.
These extensions are not included in the Cocos Island package. Contact us if you’re interested, and we’ll share details and pricing once group numbers are confirmed.
Bookings, Payment, Cancellation Policy and Force Majeure in Relation to the Tour
TERMS & CONDITIONS
These Terms & Conditions apply to all bookings made with Amanda Delaforce Photography and Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 26 661 237 734), trading as OceanLife Scuba Expeditions (“OceanLife Scuba Expeditions”, “we”, “us” or “our”).
1. Insurance
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions highly recommends that all guests purchase comprehensive personal travel and dive insurance as soon as possible after confirming their travel plans. Your insurance policy should provide adequate cover for, at a minimum, trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, scuba diving activities, missed or delayed flights, baggage loss or delay, travel interruptions and personal liability. We recommend Dive Assure or DAN for dive insurance. Dive Assure offers both annual and single-trip dive and travel insurance policies that can be purchased directly through its website.
- Evidence of adequate travel and dive insurance must be provided prior to departure.
- All diving, snorkelling and in-water activities are conducted by our appointed in-country operator(s), including liveaboard vessel operators and local dive centres, who maintain responsibility for their own operational procedures, safety standards and applicable insurance requirements. While participating in diving, snorkelling or swimming activities, you are required to comply with all instructions given by the Captain, Dive Instructor, Divemaster or other authorised crew members.
2. Bookings and Payments
- Bookings made more than 100 days before the commencement of the trip require a non-refundable deposit of USD $1000 per passenger.
- All deposits are non-refundable.
- Bookings made within 100 days of the commencement of the trip require payment in full to secure the booking.
- Final payment is due no later than 100 days before the commencement of the trip. A final payment reminder will be sent prior to the due date.
- Each guest is required to complete a Dive Trip Questionnaire (which may include a Dive Medical Assessment where applicable) before receiving final trip confirmation. The completed questionnaire must be returned to OceanLife Scuba Expeditions before final payment is made.
- Guests are required to disclose all relevant medical conditions honestly and completely. Failure to disclose relevant medical information, or providing false or misleading information, may result in OceanLife Scuba Expeditions refusing participation where the condition may affect the safety of the guest, other participants or the safe operation of the expedition.
- Guests are responsible for ensuring they hold valid passports, visas, permits, vaccinations and any other documentation required for entry into the destination country or countries. OceanLife Scuba Expeditions accepts no responsibility for denied boarding, refused entry or additional costs resulting from incomplete, expired or invalid travel documentation.
3. Amendment and Cancellation Policy
- All deposits are non-refundable.
- The total trip cost becomes 100% non-refundable within 100 days of the scheduled departure date. This applies to deposits and all subsequent payments, except where otherwise required by law.
- If you cancel your booking 100 days or more before departure, and your place can be resold, a trip credit equal to your remaining balance (less a USD $300 administration fee) will be issued. The credit must be used on another OceanLife Scuba Expeditions trip departing within two (2) years of the cancellation date.
- If you cancel your booking within 99 days of departure, no refund or trip credit will be issued.
- If a guest misses the commencement of the expedition or any part of the itinerary due to delayed or cancelled flights, missed connections, immigration delays, baggage delays, weather events or other travel disruptions, no refund, credit or alternative arrangements will be provided by OceanLife Scuba Expeditions. Any eligible costs should be claimed through the guest’s travel insurance policy, where covered.
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions reserves the right to amend itineraries, accommodation, vessels, dive sites, schedules, guides or expedition leaders where reasonably necessary due to weather, sea conditions, safety considerations, wildlife activity, mechanical issues, operational requirements, government directives or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control. Such changes do not constitute grounds for compensation or refund.
4. Force Majeure
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions shall not be liable for any delay, alteration, cancellation or failure to deliver a trip where such circumstances are caused by events beyond our reasonable control.
- A Force Majeure Event includes, but is not limited to, acts of God, war, terrorism, fire, flood, severe weather, natural disasters, epidemics or pandemics, industrial disputes, strikes, civil unrest, acts of government or regulatory authorities, the inability to obtain licences or permits, delays caused by subcontractors or suppliers, telecommunications failures, material shortages or any other event beyond our reasonable control.
5. Guest Responsibilities
- Guests participating in scuba diving must hold the minimum certification required for the expedition and provide proof of certification if requested.
- Guests agree to dive within the limits of their certification, experience and current medical fitness, and to follow all instructions provided by dive professionals, vessel crew and expedition staff.
- Guests are responsible for arriving at the designated departure location at the required time. OceanLife Scuba Expeditions is not responsible for missed departures resulting from delayed or cancelled flights, missed connections, immigration delays, baggage delays, weather events or other travel disruptions beyond our reasonable control. Any costs, losses or expenses incurred as a result of these disruptions are the responsibility of the guest and should be claimed through the guest’s travel insurance policy, where covered.
- Guests are responsible for the care and security of their own dive equipment, camera equipment, luggage and personal belongings throughout the expedition.
- Wildlife sightings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed. OceanLife Scuba Expeditions makes no representation or warranty that any particular marine species, wildlife encounter or photographic opportunity will occur during an expedition.
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions reserves the right to refuse participation or remove any guest from an expedition, without refund, where their behaviour is considered unsafe, abusive, disruptive, illegal, intoxicated, or likely to place themselves, other guests, crew members or the expedition at risk.
6. Liability and Obligations
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions acts as an expedition organiser and booking agent for accommodation providers, liveaboards, dive operators, transport providers and other third-party suppliers.
- We choose our in-country dive operators carefully. We check that they hold the correct permits, licences, vessel registrations and insurance before we work with them. Once you’re on the water, they’re responsible for running the trip safely under their own procedures, not ours.
- To the maximum extent permitted by law, OceanLife Scuba Expeditions accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, delay or expense arising from the acts, omissions or default of any third-party supplier involved in delivering any component of the expedition.
- Participation in scuba diving, snorkelling and other adventure activities involves inherent risks which may result in serious injury, permanent disability or death. These risks include, but are not limited to, decompression sickness, arterial gas embolism, hyperbaric injuries requiring recompression treatment, equipment failure, adverse weather, strong currents, remote locations where emergency medical assistance may be delayed, and encounters with wild marine life that may result in stings, bites or other injuries.
- Guests acknowledge these inherent risks and voluntarily participate in these activities at their own risk. Participants are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit to participate, exercising reasonable care, following all safety instructions and complying with directions provided by the vessel crew, dive professionals and expedition leaders.
- To the maximum extent permitted by law, OceanLife Scuba Expeditions shall not be liable for any personal injury, illness or death suffered directly or indirectly as a result of participation in the expedition or associated activities. We are also not liable for any consequential loss, including loss of income, profits, enjoyment or opportunity, nor for the loss, theft or damage of personal belongings before, during or after the expedition.
- Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes, restricts or modifies any rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law or any other applicable legislation.
7. Privacy & Data Collection Notice
OceanLife Scuba Expeditions collects personal information, including contact details, payment information and, where relevant to trip participation, health and medical information, in order to process bookings, arrange travel and diving activities, and communicate with guests. Health information collected through our Dive Trip Questionnaire is used solely to assess fitness to dive and may be shared with our appointed in-country dive operators for safety purposes. We do not sell personal information to third parties. By using this website or booking a trip, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described here.
8. Photography
During the expedition, OceanLife Scuba Expeditions and its representatives may capture photographs and video footage for promotional, educational and marketing purposes. Unless you notify us in writing before departure, you consent to the use of images or video in which you may appear on our website, social media channels, printed publications and other promotional material without compensation.
9. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms & Conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland, Australia.
By placing a booking with Amanda Delaforce Photography and Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 26 661 237 734), trading as OceanLife Scuba Expeditions, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and accepted these Terms & Conditions and the Cancellation Policy.
Entry Requirements for Costa Rica
Entry Requirements for Costa Rica
Entry requirements vary depending on nationality, travel history and transit route, and may change before 2029. Each guest is responsible for checking the requirements that apply to their passport and itinerary before travelling.
- A valid passport or travel document is required. The vessel operator currently requests that passports be valid for at least six months beyond the travel period. Guests should also check the requirements of Costa Rica, their airline and any transit countries.
- Visa requirements vary by nationality. Travellers from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and many European countries currently travel visa-free for tourism, but individual requirements should always be confirmed.
- Visitors may be asked to provide proof of onward or return travel.
- Costa Rican immigration may request evidence of sufficient funds. Current guidance states a minimum of $100 USD per month or per part month of legal stay.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required for travellers arriving from certain yellow fever-risk countries, including those relevant to your pre-trip itinerary.
- If transiting through another country, you must also meet that country’s entry and transit requirements.
For additional information, visit the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica.
Travelling via the United States (ESTA Requirements)
Many guests travelling from Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the United Kingdom and parts of Asia may transit through the United States on their way to Costa Rica. If your itinerary includes a U.S. transit, you must meet all U.S. entry requirements, even if you are only connecting and do not leave the airport. The United States does not have an international transit zone, so passengers must clear Immigration and Customs before continuing their journey.
Travellers using passports from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and many European countries will generally require an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). ESTA approval should be obtained well before departure through the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection ESTA website. If you are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, you may require a U.S. transit or visitor visa instead. Please check the requirements for your nationality before booking flights.
Travel Advice
Entry and transit requirements can change. Each guest is responsible for holding a valid passport, any required visas or ESTA approvals, and all other documentation required for each country visited or transited through. OceanLife Scuba Expeditions recommends checking the latest government travel advice for your country before making travel arrangements.
