Cocos Island
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Cocos Island Destination
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Cocos Island an isolated and protected haven for numerous shark species and prime destination for adventurous divers; Cocos Island promises to test all your diving skills!
“Pura Vida” (pure life) is a popular catchphrase and lifestyle choice for many Costa Ricans; symbolising their passion for an eco-friendly and “pure” way of life in synergetic connection with the country’s vast expanses of rainforest and natural beauty. The allure of this natural (in some cases wild) destination attracts travelers seeking adventure, and for divers, this takes the form of the isolated world heritage site: Cocos Island.
Cocos Island, located off the coast of Costa Rica, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a dream destination for divers and nature enthusiasts. Known as the “Island of the Sharks,” it offers unparalleled underwater experiences alongside its lush, uninhabited landscapes.
Cocos is a serious adventurer’s destination!
Its rugged terrain is covered in dense rainforest, uninhabited island (except for a permanent ranger station), and it is surrounded by some of the richest marine ecosystems in the world.
Protected as a national park, Cocos Island is a haven for large pelagic species, pristine coral reefs, and extraordinary biodiversity.
…and supposed treasure trove for 17th century pirates!
Cocos Island lies in the Pacific Ocean, part of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Seascape.
Located almost 500 kilometres South West of the Costa Rican coast, Cocos island covers almost 24 square kilometers and is comprised of the main island and the largest islet: ‘Manuelita’.
It is accessible only by liveaboard, ensuring its ecosystems remain undisturbed and protected.
- Nearest Mainland: Puntarenas, Costa Rica, serves as the departure point for liveaboards heading to Cocos Island.
- Geographical Highlights: Towering waterfalls, volcanic rock formations, and dense tropical rainforests characterize the island.
Reaching Costa Rica does not present a problem for most international carriers, yet of the country’s two International airports, the largest (and most convenient) is located on the outskirts of the capital of San Jose.
It is considerably distant from the coastline at 2 hours away by shuttle. Fortunately the capital serves as the country’s transportation hub for private-shuttle and public buses to Punatarenas; one of the country’s main ports and base of operations for diving operators & liveaboards, that offer the only practical transportation to visit Cocos island 34 to 36 hours offshore.
Visitors are warned: ocean conditions can be quite rough, and leave many travellers sea-sick during the traverse!
- Airports:
- Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica.
- From San José, transfer to Puntarenas, the main port for liveaboards.
- Access:
- Cocos Island is reachable exclusively by liveaboard, with trips typically lasting 7–10 days.
- The journey from Puntarenas to the island takes about 36 hours by boat.
Given its location between the two tropics, cloudiness and rain are an annual occurrence, but tend to last only a few hours and make way to deep blue skies and sunshine.
Consequently, the island benefits from a consistent tropical climate, with average annual temperatures of 26°c (on land & underwater) and an abundance of lush jungle and waterfalls.
Cocos does witness “drier” periods from January to March and to a lesser extent September to October, although diving conditions can be considered peak year round.
Cocos Island experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons:
- Dry Season (December to May): Calmer seas and better surface conditions.
- Wet Season (June to November): Increased nutrient levels attract larger schools of fish and sharks, but seas may be rougher.
- Shark Diving: The wet season (June to November) is ideal for encountering massive schools of hammerhead sharks.
- General Diving: The dry season (December to May) offers calmer seas and excellent visibility.
- Dry Season: 26°C to 29°C.
- Wet Season: 24°C to 27°C.
Scuba Diving in Cocos Island
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Diving at Cocos Island is best suited for experienced divers due to its challenging conditions:
- Currents: Strong currents are common, particularly around seamounts and pinnacles.
- Visibility: Typically ranges from 15 to 30 meters, depending on the season.
- Depths: Most dive sites range from 18 to 40 meters.
- Drift Diving: Strong currents provide thrilling drift dives over vibrant reefs and open water.
- Shark Diving: Dive among hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks in their natural habitat.
- Night Diving: Witness white-tip reef sharks hunting in packs around the reef
The deep waters surrounding Cocos are admired by many scuba divers for their abundance of large pelagic species; indeed it is not uncommon to encounter dozens if not hundreds of Scalloped Hammerhead-sharks (Sphyrna lewini) during every dive.
Currents and visibility at Cocos are not much different from other global dive destinations, however its location in the open ocean can present a challenge to lesser experienced divers.
Average dive depths can range from 18-40m and so being at least a PADI Advanced Open Water & Nitrox Certified diver (or the equivalent) is recommended.
Of course a knowledgeable dive guide will determine the best daily-dive-sites, but here are some sites you may wish to make a note of visiting:
The largest of the islets surrounding Cocos offers 2 distinct dive-sites; a coral garden on the Eastern “interior” (Manuelita Somero) and a gradual decent on the Western “exterior” facing the Pacific Ocean (Manuelita Profundo).
Depths range from 6-21m and 18-39m respectively, boasting the largest range of both macro & micro marine life on location.
Divers can enjoy countless reef fish, lobsters, and White-tip Reef Sharks (Triaenodon obesus). Larger animals to be seen include Marble Rays (Taeniura meyeni), Eagle Rays (Aetobatus narinari), Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas), Mobulas (Mobula mobular) and until only recently Tiger Sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier).
Manuelita Somero is also a favourite site for night-dives, when white-tips numbers seem endless as they carpet the sea floor hunting for prey in the torch-light!
Home to a diversity of sea-birds which cover this small island in “debris” is how the site got this peculiar name; and yet, despite this unpleasant fact, Dirty Rock is among the island’s most popular locations.
Dropping to 35m from the surface, the dynamic rock formations below are covered with cleaner fish such as Passer Angelfish (Holacanthus passer) which attract an abundance of larger animals.
Darting in and around this underwater labyrinth divers can expect to see Galapagos Sharks (Carcharhinus galapagensis), Marble Rays (Taeniura meyeni), White-Tip Reef Sharks (Triaenodon obesus), Scalloped Hammerheads (Sphyrna lewini), and Big-Eye Trevally (Caranx sexfasciatus) forming impressive whirlwind-schools in their thousands!
During the months of January to March, if divers are fortunate enough, this site hosts up to a dozen Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus) as they migrate through this haven.
With striking scenery and numerous schools of fish, this impressive underwater archway presents fantastic photo-opportunities from depths ranging 6-33m.
Some of the marine life is accustomed to the presence of divers and occasionally curious towards them; indeed Marble Rays (Taeniura meyeni) can occasionally swim over the bubbles of divers to rid themselves of parasites.
Swimming through the archway is also an exhilarating experience and unique photo-opportunity; with curtains of hundreds of Burito Grunts (Anisotremus interrupts) and Blue-lined Snappers (Lutjanus quinquelineatus) opening to make way for divers or White-tip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) which come to rest under the archway and even give birth a this site.
This seamount is among the more challenging dives on location, but also one of the most rewarding!
Its distance from Cocos can often mean having to brave rough sea conditions, and most of the action takes place at depths ranging from 27-36m.
Once underwater, divers can expect to be approached and in some cases followed by Mexican Hogfish (Bodianus diplotaenia) hoping to catch any morsels stirred up by a diver’s fins.
Schools of fish such as Almaco Jacks (Seriola rivoliana) and Big-Eye Trevally (Caranx sexfasciatus) are not only incredibly large at this site, but a lot more common than other sites in Cocos.
Divers who are fortunate enough can witness these schools being corralled by larger pelagics including Bottle Nose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), Silky Sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis), and Galapagos Sharks (Carcharhinus galapagensis).
However, what truly rewards divers who visit this site are the “ceilings” of Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks (Sphyrna lewini) which can be in their hundreds!
A truly unforgettable experience!
Cocos Island is part of the Eastern Pacific Marine Corridor, home to extraordinary biodiversity:
- Sharks: Hammerheads, tiger sharks, silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, and whale sharks.
- Rays: Manta rays, eagle rays, and marble rays.
- Large Fish: Tuna, jacks, and barracudas.
- Macro Life: Frogfish, nudibranchs, and octopuses.
- Unique Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, and the occasional humpback whale.
Liveaboards:
- Liveaboards are the only way to dive at Cocos Island, offering luxury accommodations, expert guides, and fully equipped dive facilities.
- Nitrox is available on most vessels to enhance dive safety.
What else to do
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Of course the remoteness of Cocos can limit the variety of alternatives to diving, but there are other activities which visitors can enjoy.
While diving is the main attraction, snorkeling near the island offers glimpses of its rich marine life, including reef sharks, rays, and tropical fish.
Due to its remote location and strict conservation rules, water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are limited but may be available through liveaboards.
Cocos Island may not be the quintessential romantic hideaway, but it offers an unparalleled adventure for couples seeking an extraordinary and challenging getaway. The 34–36 hour boat journey across open seas, combined with thrilling advanced dives in strong currents, makes it an ideal destination for adventurous couples who share a passion for exploration and marine life.
Instead of traditional romantic experiences, Cocos Island allows couples to bond over once-in-a-lifetime encounters with hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and vibrant underwater ecosystems. Sharing this unique adventure can create lasting memories that go beyond the conventional romantic holiday.
For couples looking for adventure rather than relaxation, Cocos Island delivers an unmatched, adrenaline-filled journey into one of the world’s most pristine marine environments.
With ample notice and permission from the island’s Costa Rican Park Rangers, visitors are welcome to enjoy Cocos’ natural beauty on guided hikes.
These educate visitors about endemic species of flora and fauna and about the importance of conserving both the island and its waters. Indeed one of the island’s attractions is the “Genius Bridge” – constructed entirely with materials confiscated from poachers.
All part of a larger scale effort to protect the “Golden Triangle” – a triad of islands including Cocos, Malpelo, and Galapagos.
- Island Exploration: Guided hikes on Cocos Island take you through lush rainforests to waterfalls like Wafer Bay Falls.
- Wildlife Watching: Spot unique bird species like the Cocos Island cuckoo and enjoy sightings of dolphins and whales during boat journeys.
Most liveaboards offer gourmet meals featuring a mix of international cuisine and local Costa Rican flavors:
- Fresh Seafood: Enjoy ceviche, grilled fish, and seafood stews prepared onboard.
- Local Specialties: Dishes like gallo pinto (rice and beans) and plantain-based sides.
- Unique Experiences: On-deck dining under the stars with panoramic ocean views.
Cocos Island offers an unparalleled diving experience, set amidst one of the most pristine ecosystems on Earth.
Let Élite Diving Agency help you craft the ultimate liveaboard adventure to explore this underwater paradise. Contact us today to make your dreams a reality!