Unique experiences alongside family & experts
Since running the first private submersible dives in Antarctica back in 2012, we’ve gone on to pioneer new sub experiences across the planet. That includes discovering a Roman shipwreck, running world-first shark dives in the Pacific and using first-of-its-kind 3D mapping to establish new scientific data and identify new dive sites.
However, that’s not to say that this is the preserve of hardy explorers. Although you’ll be going beyond traditional dive depths, you’ll be travelling in comfort with no training or decompression required, with the sub prepositioned as you enjoy the comforts of your yacht.
And, you’ll be taking in storied wrecks or great aggregations of marine life in the company of our expert marine biologists and historians, able to discuss the excitement with your family and friends. Of course, we’re also no stranger to Scuba dives as well, from tagging whale sharks with conservationists to swimming with playful dolphins.
All media taken on Cookson Adventures trips excl. Caribbean
Exploring the world in a private submersible is as close as possible to travelling to another planet. Today’s technologies allow guests of all ages to spend unique moments under the ocean’s surface and have a real opportunity to discover what no human has ever seen before.
Ease and comfort
Despite being able to go deeper and longer than traditional Scuba, one of the joys of submersible diving as a guest is its ease. While you’ll have deep-sea wildlife and wrecks right in front of you, you’ll travel in comfort, with no need for training or decompression. Then, at the end of it all, return to your superyacht as the sub is prepositioned for the next day’s dive.
Potential for discovery
Simply put, much of the ocean floor is unexplored, let alone at the depths a submersible can reach. When combined with our experts and 3D mapping technology, there’s plenty to discover. As we did in 2019 when – alongside university researchers – we discovered a Roman shipwreck previously unknown to marine archaeologists. That’s without mentioning the deep-sea creatures you might come across.
Scientific impact & experts
Subs are a fantastic scientific platform. From marine archaeologists studying wreck degradation and glaciologists looking at glacial retreat to ecologists monitoring reef systems and wildlife behaviour, not only can you contribute to important research, but gain access and permits to areas you wouldn’t otherwise. Of course, the chance to learn from these experts is a further delight.
Leading track record
From discovering Roman shipwrecks to piloting Antarctica’s first private submersibles, we’ve got the authority and track record to ensure you have the best experience. What’s more, our network features leading submersible pilots and experts, complemented by a history of working with national parks and local governments to secure unique permits.
Off the sub
With a yacht at your disposal, of course that means the likes of island hopping and private-chef dining, but we’ll also tailor your experience to your interests. You might want to take part in conservation projects as a family, enjoy an epic beach party with friends or learn about the night’s sky from a top astronomer.
Seabed mapping
Using 3D imaging technology, we’ve contributed new data to research scientists, national parks and charitable organisations. And, not only is it useful for those studying and preserving marine ecosystems, but it can help identify new dive sites and provide extra information to our clients’ dives.
Safety
All the submersibles we work with our fully certified by the industry’s leading body – the DNV – with regular reviews. That means they’re packed full of safety systems, from redundancy systems and failsafes to buoyancy tanks and drop weights. We also run side-by-side ROV or second-sub operations for an added layer of security.
A sample of our favourite locations
The Pacific
From Fiji to French Polynesia
The Pacific offers a desert-island-hopping paradise. But, alongside taking part in tribal cultures, epic beach setups and turtle-tagging conservation journeys, we’ve seen clients examine everything from the Solomon Islands’ WWII destroyers to Fiji’s schooling manta rays and French Polynesia’s giant shark aggregations. Our 3D mapping here has facilitated world-first dives and created new data for scientists and local tribes alike, seeing for the first time the depths of the lagoon they’ve called home for centuries.
The Mediterranean
Excitement within touching distance
The Med enjoys a unique blend of wonderful accessibility and diverse submersible opportunities. There are sunken planes beyond the limits of normal diving that tell the world-war story of some of history’s pivotal moments. And, as we found in 2019, Roman shipwrecks to discover and coral thought to be regionally extinct. Then, back above water, there’s all the classic yachting fineries, alongside the Cookson unique. Think anchoring a superyacht off an erupting volcano or children’s gladiator battles organised in a Roman amphitheatre.
Antarctica
Polar discovery
In spite of the inhospitable polar climes, submersibles allow you to discover a side to the Antarctic few have seen – in perfect comfort. Following our world-first private submersible trip in 2012, we’ve run several successful submersible operations on the continent, paired with superyachts to access unique locations. Take in otherworldly ice formations and discover the polar marine life that call them home, from bizarre jellyfish to diving penguins, whales and seals.
The Caribbean
Beauty above & below the waves
This is your chance to experience the Caribbean with a difference. We’ve brought along support vessels to accompany superyacht adventures, mixing in dual submersibles to take in beautiful coral reef systems and passing sea life, from turtles to rays. Subs, here, are also vital for assisting scientific programmes monitoring the impact of coral disease and increased water temperatures. What’s more, in places like Cuba, potential still exists for new sub diving locations.
Cocos Island
Costa Rican jewel
We’ve taken multiple submersibles and scientific teams to Cocos, providing new 3D-mapping detail to both university researchers and the national park. This adds an extra layer, helping identify new dive sites among the incredible biodiversity. Here, there are incredible aggregations of large pelagic marine life, from hammerheads and eagle rays to dolphins and sea turtles. We’re also proud of our conservationist work in Cocos, with guests assisting with whale shark tagging and juvenile shark measurement, providing vital understanding of their behaviour.
Diving
Around the globe
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, we’ve organised epic Scuba adventures across the world, from the gentle waters of the Caribbean to the remotes of the Revillagigedo Islands. That might mean accompanying scientists as they tag manta rays or learning to dive as a family, with access to the best guides and scientific experts to enhance your experience.
