Cocos Island National Park is a true shark enthusiast's destination, famous for its encounters with hammerhead sharks which can number more than a hundred in a single school. Cocos also delivers other exciting species including large silver tip sharks, Galapagos sharks, silky sharks, whale sharks, white tipped reef sharks and oceanic black tip sharks. Sightings of tiger sharks have also been on the increase over the past couple years. Other common marine species include bottlenose dolphins, manta rays, eagle rays, marble rays, cow nosed rays and mobula rays. The island is also home to more than twenty endemic species of fish including the strange looking red-lipped batfish.
Cocos is one of many islands that we visit throughout the Eastern Pacific that make up the 'Shark corridor'. Each location has its own unique character and highlights. Malpelo is its closest neighbour and somewhere we can combine with back to back liveaboard trips. Shark enthusiasts might also be interested to combine a Cocos liveaboard trip with diving at Costa Rica's Bat Island which is famous for its encounters with bull sharks. Aqua-Firma specialises at combing diving assets in this part of the world with equally inspiring tailor made travel throughout Latin America.
Cocos Island itself is covered in lush green tropical rainforest toppling precariously on its dramatic sheer cliffs. When you arrive it feels like you have stepped on to the set of a Jurassic Park film, with huge ephereal waterfalls cascading down to the ocean's edge, whilst being circled by the pterodactyl styled frigate birds. There are many different dive sites around the island including pinnacles, underwater arches, deep drop offs and sea mounts. During your voyage to the island you'll have a real sense of mid ocean isolation whilst keeping an eye out for migrating whales and dolphins whilst being followed by brown footed boobies.
The reason pelagic life is drawn to Cocos is that it is an area where the large Pacific sea currents converge. There is an upwelling of nutrients as these currents hit Cocos, enriching the water and encouraging the growth of plankton. This plankton attracts large shoals of fish as well as large filter feeders such as whale sharks and manta rays. This abundance of fish in turn attracts the larger marine predators. The nutrients are further improved in the wet season by increased run off from the island itself.
An excellent example of the fantastic diving at Cocos Island is the underwater seamount of Bajo Alcyone. There are cleaner stations dotted around this site which make it one of the best locations anywhere get close to large numbers of schooling hammerheads. As you descend the fixed shot line to the top of the seamount, keep a look out for the several shark species, rays, fish and even dolphins that frequent this beautiful blue water dive site. Whale sharks can often be seen here, as well as huge schools of schools of jacks and fast swimming yellow fin tuna.
The island itself is covered in lush green rainforest with many steep high falling waterfalls cascading into the sea. In the past the waterfalls and rivers have been an important resource for passing sailors and pirates making it a favourite location for supplies and hiding treasure.
The fertility and remoteness of the island has enabled many endemic and interesting bird species to thrive here including the Cocos Island cuckoo, Cocos finch, red footed booby and the Cocos Island flycatcher. Aqua-Firma specialises in combining the Best of Above and Below Water travel, which for Cocos can easily include Costa Rica and Panama. Please refer to our web pages for travel ideas in these countries, or Contact Us.
Depending upon which liveaboard trip you select with us, you can have the opportunity to go in an underwater submersible giving a completely unique view of the marine environment reaching depths of up to 305m.
Water Temperature: Ranges from 22°C - 28°C (73 - 82°F) therefore a 3 or 5 mm wetsuit is recommended. You will encounter thermoclines which can draw the temperature down by 5°C (12°F) Visibility: Generally 25 - 30m but very changeable throughout the day and year Currents: Medium to strong. Most dives plans will go with the flow of the current at a particular site. |
Itinerary
Choosing when to go to Cocos Island
Cocos Island is one of the world’s best dive sites at any time of the year. However, there are some seasonal variations in weather and what you have the best opportunities to see.
The dry season runs from November to May during which you can expect calmer seas. Pelagic highlights during this period include Silky Sharks and Mobula Rays which can accumulate in very large schools. Water temperatures range from around 25 – 28°C (78 – 82°F)
The rainy season runs from June to November during which the seas can be rougher – something which can make the 30 to 36 hour liveaboard dive boat journey from the Costa Rican mainland to Cocos quite uncomfortable. Schooling Hammerhead Sharks can be seen at any time of the year in Cocos, but the rainy season tends to attract larger schools. This is also a better time of the year to sea Whale Sharks. Water temperatures range from 24 – 27°C (76 – 80°F).
These dry and rainy seasons reflect the weather on the Costa Rican mainland.
Sample 11 Day Itinerary
Day 0 - Arrive in San Jose
We always recommend that you aim to arrive into San Jose at least one day before embarkation. Stay in the city or spend a few nights at a coffee lodge in the countryside.
Day 1 - Embarkation in Puntarenas
Meet at a central hotel in San Jose for an overland transfer to Puntarenas for embarkation (pick up time depends on the tides in Puntarenas). Embark your liveaboard and set sail for Cocos Island
Days 2-3 - Travel to Cocos Island & Diving
Arrive to Cocos Island and begin diving!
Days 4-9 - Diving at Cocos Island
Diving around Cocos Island
Days 9-10 - Return to Puntarenas
You will leave Cocos Island for your journey back to the mainland
Day 11 - Disembarkation & Transfer to San Jose
You will disembark early this morning in Puntarenas and will be transferred overland back to San Jose Airport or a selected central hotel
Vessel Options
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
This modern liveaboard carries 22 divers in 22 cabins all with ensuite facilities. Deluxe staterooms are located on the lower deck and have side-by-side twin beds and porthole windows, and Master Staterooms are located on the upper deck and have either twin beds or a queen bed and a large picture window.
Onboard you will find a spacious salon, shaded cocktail deck and large sundeck with shaded and open areas along with a hot tub. The dive deck is well equipped with lockers and a camera table.
Cocos Island Liveboard Option 2
This comfortable liveaboard carries 22 divers in 9 cabins and 2 suites, all with ensuite facilities. Deluxe Staterooms are located on the lower deck with bunk-style beds (double lower & single upper), a Master Stateroom on the main deck with a queen size bed, and two Suites on the upper deck with either two twins or a king size bed.
Onboard you will find a spacious salon, shaded cocktail area, sun deck with seating, bar and grill. The dive deck is well equipped with lockers and a camera table.
Dates
Save up to 25% on new bookings!
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 2
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 2
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 2
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 2
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 2
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 2
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 2
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 2
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 2
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 2
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Fortnightly departures available
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 2
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Weekly departures available
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Fortnightly departures available
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 2
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Weekly departures available
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Fortnightly departures available
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 2
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Fortnightly departures available
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 2
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Weekly departures available
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Weekly departures available
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Fortnightly departures available
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 2
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (9 & 11 Days)
Fortnightly departures available
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 2
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Weekly departures available
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Weekly departures available
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (9, 11 & 13 Days)
Fortnightly departures available
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 2
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 Days)
Weekly departures available
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 1
Puntarenas - Puntarenas (11 & 13 Days)
Fortnightly departures available
Cocos Island Liveaboard Option 2
Prices include
- All meals and snacks onboard
- Standard return transfers San Jose to Puntarenas
- All diving and shore landings
- Tanks, weight belts and weights
- Soft drinks, water, tea, coffee, local beer and wines
Prices exclude
- International flights and departure tax
- Accommodation in San Jose (but please enquire as we can arrange this)
- National Park entry fee US$490* (10 nights) + 13% government tax**
- Emergency Evacuation Plan (as charged by the Costa Rican Government)
US$30**
- Use of NITROX (US$200pp)*
- Fuel surcharge where applicable (currently US$200pp)**
- Equipment rental and diving courses
- Spirits and cocktails from the bar
- Gratuities
- Insurance
- Items of a personal nature
* or $350 (8 nights) / $630 (12 nights) + 13% tax
**These fees may be subject to change without notice