Dive in Cocos Island, One of the Hottest Shark Diving Destinations!

Why We Love It

Located 500 km west of Costa Rica, this lush volcanic island shelters a high number of endemic species both above and below water, as well as incredible marine life - white tip reef sharks, schooling hammerheads, dolphins, mantas - just to name a few. Because it is so remote, we think that this dive trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience... but the truth is, many visitors go back again and again!

Conservation

The dive operator works closely with the Cocos Island National Park Department in their efforts to protect the island, the University of Costa Rica's Marine department, the NGO's Turtle Island Restoration Network, Crema, and Costa Rica por Siempre.

Who Is It For?

Accomplished divers ready to indulge in one of the most well-known marine life-watching experiences. Most sites are deep and have strong currents, attracting large pelagics. Cocos Island has fantastic topography with seamounts, arches, and caves. Would you want to do anything else besides diving? If so, try the sea kayaks, snorkeling, hikes on Cocos Island. And for a real thrill, reserve a spot aboard the DeepSee Submersible and plunge hundreds of meters below the surface - a truly unforgettable experience!

Prices and Dates

Dive Briefing!

Marine Life

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site and national park since 1978, Cocos Island is located in the Eastern Tropical Pacific - about 500 km southwest of Cabo Blanco, Costa Rica.
• The island was formed during a volcanic upheaval about two-and-a-half million years ago. It is remote, 36 hours from the mainland, and well-preserved.
• Sometimes called the 'Little Galapagos', it is among the Top 10 dive destinations in the world: schooling hammerheads, white tip reef sharks, dolphins, mantas and marbled rays, giant moray eels, sailfish, whale sharks occasionally. Large schools of jacks and tuna, silky sharks, silver tips, marlin, creole fish, green turtles, octopuses, and the exotic rosy-lipped batfish.
• The terrestrial life at Cocos also exhibits a high number of endemic species.

Dive Conditions

• Season: the diving is great all year long, but there are differences in the seasons
  • Dry Season (December to May): calmer sea but also a few less pelagics
  • Rainy Season (June to November): a peak time for hammerheads, mantas, and whale sharks
• Currents: strong
• Visibility: around 30 meters (98 ft) in the dry season and 10 to 25 m (30 to 80 ft) in the rainy season
• Water Temperature: 26° to 29°C (79° to 84°F) with occasional thermoclines
• Depth: deep dives mostly (18m+)

Dive Sites

• Open ocean dive destination which is not for beginners - you need at least 25 hours of diving under your belt, and have deep and night dive specialties.
• As Cocos Island is 36 hours from the mainland, dive safety is even more crucial. Max depth is 35 meters and maximum dive time is 60 minutes.
• Topography is diverse with walls, spectacular rock formations, arches, seamounts, pinnacles, swim throughs, coral gardens, slopes, and sandy bottoms.
• 3 dives per day after arriving to the island, and usually 3 night dives
• Dive sites: Manuelita Coral Garden, Manuelita Outside, Viking Rock, Dirty Rock, Punta Maria, Big Dos Amigos, Small Dos Amigos, Bajo Dos Amigos, Shark Fin Rock, Bait Ball, Submerged Rock, Bajo Alcyone, Silverado, Lobster Rock

The Team

• Dive operator in the area since 1990
• Two boats
• Instruction in English and Spanish
• Nitrox course available on request
• Maximum 10 divers per instructor

Safety Information

• Equipment Recommended: 3 to 5 mm wetsuit, dive computer, dive gloves, and nitrox. ScubaPro equipment can be rented on board.

• A Safety Kit that includes an extra-large orange SMB, a powerful storm whistle, a special safety light and a Nautilus Lifeline is provided by the dive operator.

• Insurance: Both dive insurance and travel insurance are mandatory. We recommend DAN Europe that has plans to cover both - ask us for a quote.

• Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber: 36 hours away in San Jose

Visas, Flights, and More!

Visa Requirements

• You must have a valid passport to enter Costa Rica, and a return ticket.
• Most USA, Canadian, EU and Japanese citizens do not require a visa.
• Please check current visa policies that apply for your country: Visit Costa Rica

How to Get There

• You need to go to San José, the capital of Costa Rica, at least one day before the departure of the liveaboard. Ask us for some advice on where to stay.
• The night before departure, an Undersea Hunter/Fiesta Tours representative will inform you at your hotel of your precise pick-up time (between 8am and 1pm) for transport to our dock and your awaiting vessel - the pick-up is from a set list of San José hotels.
• You will be taken to Puntarenas, the seaport village where you will board the vessel. The drive takes around 3 hours, including a lunch stop - the price of this meal is not included.
• At the end of your Cocos adventure, you will usually disembark the boat at 8 AM and be transferred back to your hotel in San José.

More...

• Bring sunscreen, a hat, mosquito repellent, a rash guard, and a sweater or lightweight jacket.