Originally a gin palace, the 120ft Italian-built Okeanos Aggressor was converted to a live-aboard dive vessel in 1984 and came under the Aggressor wing 2 years later. A major refit in 1996 now means she carries up to 21 passengers in 10 cabins, each with en suite bathrooms. Herr high bow and broad beam means has excellent ocean going capabilities, vital for the 36 hour open ocean crossing to her ultimate destination, Cocos Island.

Despite the fact that all diving is done from the Okeanos Aggressor's two tenders, the dive deck is vast; each diver has their own dive station with tank rack, locker and bench. Tanks are filled by whips direct from the compressors. A 3-tier camera table with low pressure air hoses, rinse tanks, freshwater showers and charging stations are also found on the dive deck. The dive platform located at the water’s edge is rarely used for diving, but is ideal for snorkelling from.

Forward of the dive deck is the saloon with comfy sofas, TV, video & music system, as well as a library of books and CDs. The dining area is separate from the saloon, with 2 large tables and chairs for the full complement of guests. A built-in 35mm slide projector is located in the dining room for silde shows. The galley is forward of the dining area, behind the crews’ quarters.

A stairway in the saloon takes you below decks, where 7 of the 11 cabins are to be found. The forward cabin is a triple (a substantial discount is available for those who are prepared to share this cabin), the remainder being twin cabins with double beds below and single bunks above. All have air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms.

A stairway from the dive deck takes you to the upper deck where the other 3 cabins are located, just behind the captain’s cabin and the bridge. Each of these cabins has a double bed & single bunk above and en suite bathroom. Also on this level is a shaded bar and access to a sun deck with loungers & flying bridge. The elevated position of the sun deck allows fantastic views of the tumbling waterfalls and jagged cliffs of Cocos Island.

The Okeanos Aggressor offers alternate 9 & 10 night cruises to Cocos Island, with 6 & 7 full days diving respectively. 9 night cruises start on Saturday and finish on Monday, and 10 night cruises are from Tuesday to Friday. Because of the flight connections a night’s hotel accommodation is required in San Jose either side of the boat trip.