Choosing the best boat in Cocos

[mermoose]

the argo is identical to the other boats except the rooms are a little larger, and it is "newer". i really liked it, but not a whole lot more than the undersea hunter. the food on the argo was good but not better than the undersea hunter. the large rooms are nice, but when i'm in the room i'm usually asleep so it doesn't matter.

I am booked on the Argo this coming July 6. I have never been on a boat that required using "pangas" or zodiacs. How exactly does it work. All the LOBs I have been on have a dive station for you where your gear stays set up for the week. Do you break it down and move it every dive or are there stations on the Tender we dive from. I could not make out the details of that on the website.I would love any details you care to share about the daily routine. And thanks for elaborating on the differences. I wondered at the price difference.It sounds like I will be glad to have spent the extra. I want to be comfortable under and over water when at all possible.There is nothing like a really good DM/guide to help you get the most out of your dive IMHO.
Also if anyone cares to weigh in what temps to expect topside? I expect rain, but will it be warm? And I am curious as to what ml wetsuit will be best. I own a 3mil full and a 3ml shorty. Might want to use them together?? Or better off with a 5? A 7 is just too much material for comfortable mobility on me. Yes I too want to know about the social space and alcohol situation. Cash bar? BYOB???
Any and all information will be processed and appreciated

 

[Utila Simon]

Hi,
I realize that this is an older thread, but i felt I wanted to balance things up. I was on the Wind Dancer, substituting for the Okeanos Aggressor, for the first 4 trips of 2010. I have never been on the Hunter boats, but they do look nice and the pangas are a good bet, particularly if you have expensive camera gear.

Crew- Most of the crew on Okeanos have worked for the Hunter group at some time or other (and I suspect vice versa). The Captain on most of the trips I was on had 12 years experience.
Food- Plentiful and good.
Rooms- The Wind Dancer was in for the Okeanos as she was being refitted so Okeanos rooms are all very nice now. The owner of both boats also intends to install two luxury cabins on the Wind Dancer. Wind Dancer normal rooms are fair sized but the main complaint was that they dont have portholes. But then how much time do you spend in the cabin??
GPS- Yes, all buddy pairs are issued with GPS locating devices.

Hope this helps.
Simon

 

[Md Spear]

I was on the Undersea Hunter a few years ago. I didnt feel forced to bond wth anyone. Its not that close. The pangas had new 4 stoke motors and nice dive ladders for easy exit. the chase boats are lashed to the mother ship so all your rig stays in its spot and you just remove your self and film gear ea day. there was abunch of old people from europe[65-68 yrs old] and they entered the chase boats w/ easy.

so I guess if old people can dive Cocos w/ease from Undersea hunter, that boat has got its **** together. Unlimlited food cafeteria style was good to ok. I saw the crew hosing out the kitchen floor one nite w/ I came on deck to cut the cheese. I was impressed they hosed the galley down ea nite. after 4 dives ea day most every one on my trip crapped out early w/ only a few drinks so they could SIEZE the dive day tommorow. I know i didnt drink much so I was at max energy ea day. I can drink at home.

If you like diving, Cocos is the place to be

 

[Manuel Sam]

This is a reply to Mermoose:

1. You asked: I have never been on a boat that required using "pangas" or zodiacs. How exactly does it work. All the LOBs I have been on have a dive station for you where your gear stays set up for the week. Do you break it down and move it every dive or are there stations on the Tender we dive from.

>You unpack your gear on the day you board and you set it up then or during the crossing (if you are seasickness prone, do it shortly after you board). Once the boat arrives into Cocos, the tenders are lowered into the water and your gear is transferred to one of the tenders, where it remains for the whole trip. All fills are done there.
>There is a tender tied at each side of the boat. You board by climbing 1-2 steps down a ladder at the side of the boat and then stepping onto the tender. It's only tricky if there is a slight chop in which case the tender may be swinging away or bouncing out of synch with respect to the boat. If that is the case, wait and step onto the tender when you see it bounce up and within easy reach. The crew is always there to help, so don't worry.
>Upon return from a dive, the only things that I usually bring back with me onto the boat is my mask and wetsuit. At the end of the trip, upon completion of the last dive, all gear is removed from the tenders, and after the tenders are reloaded onto the boat, you can wash your gear then or during the crossing. Suggest that you do it then or shortly thereafter to give it enough time to dry.

2. You asked: Also if anyone cares to weigh in what temps to expect topside? I expect rain, but will it be warm? And I am curious as to what ml wetsuit will be best.

>Daytime air temps are in the 80s in July. Every person is different as far as tolerance for cold water. What I have seen in July are water temps of 78-80, but maybe warmer if El Niño is still on at that time. If there is a thermocline, you might see low 70's.

3. You asked: Yes I too want to know about the social space and alcohol situation. Cash bar? BYOB???

>I haven't been on the Argo, but from prior comments it appears that it has a spacious lounge and dining area. At least on the Sea Hunter and Undersea Hunter, there is no bar nor bartender. You get beers from the fridge and you jot it down on the clipboard (honesty system). Wine is available upon request. Last year it was $15 a bottle. Yes, I've never done it but I believe that you can BYOB.

 

[NTSilver]

Mermoose
I have been to Cocos quite a bit at different times of the year. The only time I wore anything greater than a 3 mil with hooded vest was in November. Then I wore a 5 mil with hooded vest. If you don't already have one, the hooded vest seemed to me my lifesaver. Not only does it keep the heat in, it protects my sensitive ears.
Manuel Sam gives a very good explanation of setting up gear etc. The crew is very helpful so don't be afraid to ask questions.
Yes - I have BMOB several times. They do not have hard alcohol. But then, I generally save it for the trip back home as I don't like to drink and dive.

 

[mermoose]

It is comprehensive answers like this that makes Scubaboard such a wonderful asset.
You guys answered all of my questions and more. Which, BTW, saved me the cost of the5-4-3 that I was planning on purchasing for this trip. I have layers that I can use and now believe that will do just fine. I always am happier when I know what to expect. Packing is a big deal to me, I really wish I could get by with just my gear. But, you know how us girls are...not too mention we all Must spend time out of the water. And it's much more fun to be comfortable while sharing fish stories topside.Your comments tell me what I can really expect, firsthand. That's something a website just can't do.
Thank you all so much for this valuable information. :kiss2:

 

[mantajohn]

Thanks everyone for a really helpful thread. i'm thinking about taking Argo in June & was about to post a query, but almost all of my questions have already been answered here.

Just one additional question - how difficult is the diving? There's much reference to 'strong currents' on many Cocos web sites, but its hard to gauge what is the required level of competence /experience required to safely enjoy a Cocos liveaboard.

Any thoughts/help would be much appreciated.

thanks

John

 

[Dom@DiveAdvice]

There is an added plus on the Undersea Hunter fleet - the Deep See submersible - one of the most awesome underwater experiences you will ever have - if the marine world at Cocos is not already enough. I took a group on Argo to Malpelo + Cocos in 2008, and not only is the boat the most stable and spacious of any diveboat I have ever been on (I have been on many), but the layout of the dive deck is fantastic, it has so many decks and public areas that give you the freedom to socialise without disturbing some who may want to take the time to catch up on their movie collection. Food is excellent and plentiful and beers + soft drinks are complimentary. Wines and spirits are extra but you can bring a bottle if that is your preference. They have the best guides and as was mentioedn above, will give you 4 dives a day and night dives no matter how many you are. But if you have the budget to splurge for a dive on the Deep See, it is a once in a lifetime experience you won't regret. The sub is not on every trip but we can provide details of when it is. You can get a full list of all the vessels, descriptions rates and availability on DiveAdvice.com. The different of this site is that you get availability of everything and you can more easily compare the options. You'll fall in love with Cocos no matter what you go on. Cheers Dom

 

[sharksdelight]

I have had 10 trips to the Cocos on the Aggressor and one trip on the Hunter. Both ships were just fine with good food and service. I personally love the zodiacs and have never had any issue with my video gear being improperly handled. The Hunter is a bit faster in the water but a getting to the Cocos at 5am instead of 3 am meant no difference to me. The Aggressor has one of the best cam tables of any boat and the Hunters cam table is not a table at all and was totally insufficient. Some shooters had to leave their cam gear on the floor because those little cubby holes on the Hunter simply wouldn't do. That was really my only complaint about the Hunter.

I am going back to the Cocos for the 12th time next year, July 30 through Aug.9 on the Aggressor. If anyone would like to join us, we still have some cabins opens. The boat was completely refitted last month so I look forward to seeing what improvements they have made.
Steve

 

[ewaiea]

I have had 10 trips to the Cocos on the Aggressor and one trip on the Hunter. Both ships were just fine with good food and service. I personally love the zodiacs and have never had any issue with my video gear being improperly handled. The Hunter is a bit faster in the water but a getting to the Cocos at 5am instead of 3 am meant no difference to me. The Aggressor has one of the best cam tables of any boat and the Hunters cam table is not a table at all and was totally insufficient. Some shooters had to leave their cam gear on the floor because those little cubby holes on the Hunter simply wouldn't do. That was really my only complaint about the Hunter.

I am going back to the Cocos for the 12th time next year, July 30 through Aug.9 on the Aggressor. If anyone would like to join us, we still have some cabins opens. The boat was completely refitted last month so I look forward to seeing what improvements they have made.
Steve

Yeah, as I've said I've never been to Cocos but I'm planning on hitting the Palau Aggressor II in January 2011, and I'm going to try and do one more liveaboard in 2011 and I'm leaning towards the Okeanos Aggressor in October/November 2011. The pangas do seem fun, I've seen some videos and though it looks somewhat bumpy the crew seems to do alot for the guests so I think it would be a fun way to experience Cocos - but if you're the type of diver who hates wet and rough rides maybe the Undersea Hunter boats would be a better bet. But for me, it's going to be either the Wind Dancer or the Okeanos Aggressor.