The DeepSee Submersible Experience - on the Argo

Note: 

The submersible mentioned in this review is on-board the Argo vessel, and so we recommend reading Dive Flag App's review on the Argo vessel, before reading this review.  

Briefing: 

The Argo vessel has a submarine on-board, which allows recreational divers for the first time to experience the deeper ocean crevasses surrounding Cocos Island. The Undersea Hunter Group gained inspiration to add this vessel after assisting in the production of the documentary 'Coral Reef Adventure' and after conducting many deep ocean explorations by scuba. 

Before the submersible operators take any firm bookings, they conducted a brief presentation regarding the on-board submarine. The presentation covers expected duration underwater, the type of experiences you can expect and the pricing. This presentation provides for a fantastic opportunity for passengers to ask any questions they want about the experience. After this presentation passengers can book either a 100 m or 350 m dive experience. Each experience is unique and so, should there be spots available and budget permitting it is highly recommended that you do both.

The submersible

The DeepSee is a custom-built one-atmosphere submarine, capable of carrying a pilot and two passengers to a depth of 1,500 feet (450 meters). It is a flexible, capable and masterfully designed vehicle that can agilely operate throughout its range in comfort and safety. 

The view from DeepSee’s acrylic sphere is unparalleled, with a 360-degree field of vision. The 4-inch thick acrylic sphere actually disappears when immersed, giving the astonishing sensation of total freedom.

You feel entirely comfortable and safe at the maximum speed of 1.7 knots.

Our experience:

The Undersea Hunter Group takes safety very seriously. Two members of the submersible crew sit down and run you through the experience by way of briefing and then caution you as to the safety procedures. Rest assured that the submarine is designed and built with safety in mind.

We are provided with safety gear: a blue jumpsuit and rubber shoes. After putting on the safety gear we walked outside to where they have already lowered the submersible into the ocean. You walk onto a standing platform and then lower yourself into the dome of the submarine.

Philippe was our pilot for the journey. Once in the dome the submarine pilot quickly makes you feel comfortable and relaxed about the experience you are about to undertake. Once in and sealed within the atmosphere the submersible is reversed out of the protective and sheltered area. A crew member then snorkels up to the front of the submersible and connects a towing line to a tow vessel. The vessel then tows the submersible to the island’s outer reef. After a quick and exciting final briefing the DeepSee vessel is lowered.

On the descent the submersible operator begins pointing out interesting fish and you get a complete run down on the behavior feeding and breeding cycles of each of them. 

After spending time at the Everest we man-oeuvred towards the Bajahara. It is on this short journey when you can expect to see the silhouettes of hundreds of hammerhead sharks swimming near the surface closely packed to one another.

During our submersible experience we sighted a Galapagos shark which quickly became over shadowed by a larger and closer Tiger shark. The surface tug boat and the submersible are in communication at all times. In fact the surface boat was able to advise us of a tuna feeding frenzy heading in our direction. By the time the submarine was able to orientate in the correct direction we were in prime position for the viewing of the feeding. We also sighted black coral, mobula rays, a lot of deep water fish and eels. We were submerged for over 1.5 hours.

Our pilot Philippe paused momentarily during the submersion to record ocean water values, like; salinity, temperature and current. These values are then provided to universities to assist in research projects - which for example measure physical changes in the Ocean. This is just one of the many examples of how the Undersea Hunter Group work with research authorities around the world.

Click here for pricing information.  

Dive Flag App's Over Review:

This is by far one of the most enjoyable complimentary scuba diving activities available. If you enjoy scuba diving you would enjoy this. You're in complete comfort and exploring parts of the world that even most scuba divers would never see. You're able to communicate with the operator and the other passenger about the animals and landscape. It's just as educational as it is enjoyable. 

The Undersea Hunter Group have done a great service in making this experience more accessible to a larger population. The safety procedures and briefing were impeccable and like all other experiences with the Undersea Hunter Group - as safe as it could get. 

We are grateful for the opportunity, experience and memories that will last a life time!

Over score: 10/10

Contact the Undersea Hunter Group now! 

Best regards, 

Frank Vorster
Dive Flag App
Owner