COCOS ISLAND

Cocos Island is without a doubt Costa Rica's most well-known dive location. It is only accessible via liveaboard charter and is located 340 miles/550 kilometers off the country's west coast. As a result, excursions to Cocos are not cheap—but the wonder of what awaits there justifies the cost. Deep oceanic seas around the island, are accented by high pinnacles and sharp coral walls. This abrupt change in terrain results in nutrient-rich upwellings, which attract a plethora of pelagic organisms.

Cocos is one of the Best Dive Sites in Costa Rica, and has over 20 different dive locations, with potential sightings ranging from large schools of gamefish such as trevally and tuna to dolphins, sailfish, turtles, and manta rays. However, sharks are the main draw here. Galapagos sharks, bull sharks, tiger sharks, silky sharks, and whitetip reef sharks are frequent visitors. Bajo Alcyone, one of the most well-known diving destinations, is noted for its large schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks. The visibility extends from 33 to 100 feet/10 to 30 meters. The ideal time to see animals is from June to November when plankton blooms bring the most variety of life.

Cocos Island dive spots are typically deep and washed by a strong current. As a result, divers must be comfortable in the water and hold a PADI Advanced Open Water certification.

Location: southwest of the Costa Rican mainland