Argo

The luxurious steel-hulled Argo liveaboard, accompanied by the 'DeepSee' submersible, cruises to remote Cocos Island dive sites filled with large, schooling pelagics

The steel hulled liveaboard Argo is one of only five Dive Liveaboards traveling to the Cocos Island Marine National Park where the converging nutrient-rich currents attracts a multitude of large Pelagics.  Shark Heaven - Divers will see huge groups of Sharks, Mantas and Eagle Rays swirling around in search of the iconic cleaning stations.

The Argo has the 'DeepSee' Submersible aboard, it is a custom-built one-atmosphere submarine, capable of carrying a pilot and two passengers to a depth of 1,500 feet (450 meters). She is a flexible, capable and masterfully designed vehicle that can agilely operate throughout her range in comfort and safety. The view from DeepSee’s acrylic sphere is amazing, with a 360-degree field of vision. The Argo offers adventurous travelers the unique opportunity to journey deep into the ocean where few have gone before.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT ON ARGO TRIP'S

At 129ft (39m) and a beam of 26ft (8m), the roomy and luxurious liveaboard Argo is one of five liveaboards that sail to the Cocos Islands. Totally refurbished in 2008, it's an amazing mixture of a luxury vessel and a working ship, the mothership of the remarkable DeepSee Submersible.

All the cabins on this liveaboard are above average size and the liveaboard vessel is equipped with stabilizers which reduce the roll motion while anchored at Cocos Island. The 14 experienced crew members speak English and Spanish.

The roomiest liveaboard cabins found on any of the Cocos liveaboards will accommodate a total of 18 divers. The 9 rooms are available in the following options: Private Double cabins with Queen-size bed, Owner’s cabin with Queen bed, and Shareable Twin cabins with 2 Single beds.

All of the cabins come with full-size bathrooms with hot water showers, granite-topped hand basin, glass shower door, toiletries and towels, remote control air-conditioning, private wide-screen TV and VCR with laptop connectivity, satellite phone and e-mail facility, writing desk and chair, cabinet, shelves and mirror, USA & European 2-flat pin 110V electricity, portholes or windows, reading lights, bedding and space for luggage. Laundry service is also provided.

What to expect on DeepSee Submersible trips (optional upgrade to your Argo trip)

A total of four passengers per day will have the opportunity for this once in a lifetime experience. Our Aquanauts begin with a short "training" session on the mothership. This consists of a general introduction to the DeepSee submersible, an all-important safety briefing and finally the parameters of the scheduled dive including position, depth, geology and expected species to be encountered. Of course, there can always be surprises where deep encounters are concerned. Each Adventurer is then outfitted with a fresh, cotton one-piece jumpsuit and special footwear for the trip below. 

The Sub Pilot and one or two passengers then board the submarine as it floats within the protective hull of the Argo. Boarding is as easy as simply stepping into the cockpit and requires no special coordination or skill. The extreme depths we explore are a serious undertaking. The safe operation actually requires two pilots at all times: one for the Sub and another aboard the dedicated support boat, TopSee. TopSee also carries an in-water specialist to assist with the sub's final stage checklist just before decent. Surface to Sub communication between the two vessels is maintained throughout the dive. 

Regardless of the dive site, the DeepSee is always towed to the target area by the control skiff TopSee. The Sub is given a final check of all systems both externally, by the Dive Technician in the water and aboard as the Pilot completes his pre-dive procedures. Now situated above the dive target with all systems go, the Sub is disconnected and she is free, using her own power to complete the dive. 

When not diving, Argo features many activities to enhance your dive vacation.

Onboard entertainment can be enjoyed amongst the marine decor of the air conditioned Main Lounge. Besides the comfy seating, the range of liveaboard activities include games, a library, fish ID books, computer, TV/DVD entertainment system for listening to your favorite music, watching movies or having fun with Karaoke.

Use the computer photo and video editing facilities or find quiet time in the Upper Deck Study Room. There is plenty of room on this liveaboard for personal and private space. Nap on the shaded Sundeck or soak up the rays with sun chairs and mattresses. For more active guests, go on a land adventure, or go kayaking, or snorkeling.

Two incredible chefs will be preparing the cuisine aboard the liveaboard Argo

Meals will be served in the air conditioned Dining Room. Guests  vwill enjoy three meals a day on this liveaboard, served as a buffet which includes International, Italian and interesting Costa Rican delights. Meal items are well-balanced, varied and plentiful. Menus include fresh tropical fruit, salads, local seafood, chicken, beef and more. Snacks are served between meals to keep energy levels high. Coffee, tea, drinking water, soft drinks and snacks.  Wine is available for purchase.

HOW TO GET THERE

Pls refer to logistics section of each itinerary to find detailed info on how to get there.