Look up to see mobula rays swoop overhead or big schools of hammerheads pass by silhouetted against the light color of the surface. If you begin at the arch, your final destination is at the other end of the islet. An undoubted highlight of your Costa Rica trip, or indeed your entire diving career, could be a truly unforgettable deep dive in a submersible craft. 10 year running President of APTC an Environmental Fishermans Association that protects Costa Rica coasts from commercial fishing … The probable trigger for these questions is you’ve seen somewhere photos or articles about Cocos Island. Show more. Most travel to Cocos Island for the big pelagics that visit the region in large numbers to indulge in the rich plankton. Back in shallower depths, large trumpetfish and small groups of bluefin trevally hunt in the crevices for juveniles and yellowtail damselfish, distinguished by their yellow tails and bright yellow lips against a dark brown/black body. Situated 2,750 kilometres northwest of Perth, Western Australia, and 900 kilometres from Christmas Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are a group of 27 coral islands that form two atolls. Eagle rays seek out frequent king angelfish cleaning stations here and they are a delight to see on the slopes so frequently. It is home to 250 species of fish, including sharks, lionfish and other related species plus other marine animals unrelated to fish. Scuba Diving Center in West Island Cocos Is. Dropping into the strong surge on the west side and descending down onto the barren volcanic slopes at this remote spot, you can be forgiven for thinking that this site will not deserve a mention among the elite of the Cocos Island sites. Always Open. You can dive Dirty Rock at any time of year. If the visibility is good, you can see dozens of hammerheads in the area. The only way to see Cocos Island is on a diving liveaboard vessel which you can board from the port city of Puntarenas in Costa Rica. This year marks Undersea Hunter’s 30th anniversary diving Cocos Island. Large graceful marbled rays will delight you with their antics as they appear around the curve, almost brushing up against you. Mon-Fri 8:00 - 18:00 Cocos Island is one of those diving bucket list destinations that has been on my list for quite some time. Masses of large reef fish such as leather bass and amarillo snapper sway idly in the surge whilst other smaller snapper species and goatfish harbour in the rock crevices. Rocky pinnacles surrounding Cocos are beacons for big animals and big action. If there is availability and you have chosen to treat yourself then prepare for an unforgettable experience viewing the marine world through a large bubble at depths beyond which you have ever been scuba diving. Certificate of Excellence 2015 TripAdvisor - Cocos Dive Day Trips, © 2017 Cocos Dive. **COVID UPDATE**. Cocos Island has about 20 dive sites, from shallow to deep dives. Scuba Diving Cocos Island Costa Rica Scuba diving Cocos Island , which is located about 550 kms off the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, can only be done by liveaboard dive vessels. The entirety of Cocos Island has been designated a Costa Rican National Park since 1978 Tiger sharks are regular visitors to this particular dive site and it is thought that there are over half a dozen that patrol the reefs of Cocos Island. Show more. Manta rays sometimes pull in here too as these mighty yet graceful pelagics are partial to regular cleaning sessions as well. In this period, some liveaboards alternate their cruises between Cocos Island and Caño Island. I even have a bank account labeled Cocos island. This however, does not affect the scuba action. In fact, for many, the best time to dive at Cocos Island is in the 'rainy' season from June through December, when the nutrient upswells attract manta rays and whale sharks. This little known horseshoe-shaped jewel rises from the depths of the Indian Ocean atop of a huge volcanic seamount some 2750km north-west of Perth and 900km west south-west of Christmas Island, its closest neighbour. Best time to dive in Cocos Island Costa Rica . Dirty Rock is another spot for intense pelagic action; this site being more suitable to lesser skilled divers as the channel between the boulders and pinnacles forms a sheltered refuge. The hammerheads that attend Cocos Island seem to be more tolerant of scuba divers than in other parts of the world, and a patient diver can get up really close to these wonderful creatures. So many choices, so many decisions. As you make your way to depth, you'll pass some of the schooling reef fish that are commonly seen when scuba diving at Cocos Island, such as mullet snapper, whipper snapper and burrito grunts. The coral garden, otherwise known as Manuelita Inside, is located on the protected east side of the island and is likely to be the first site welcoming you to Cocos. The website is very clear. Most places in the world, hammerhead sharks are extremely and rightly cautious of humans. This little known horseshoe-shaped jewel rises from the depths of the Indian Ocean atop of a huge volcanic seamount some 2750km north-west of Perth and 900km west south-west of Christmas Island, its closest neighbour. Cocos is a lush, green uninhabited island resting 342 miles off Costa Rica's Pacific coast. There are fewer Cocos liveaboard trips during January through early June. I’ve always wanted to go to Cocos Island to swim with schooling hammerhead sharks but got the opportunity to go to the Galapagos a few years ago where I got to see multitudes of hammerheads, and this podcast was actually born on that trip. Captain Donald McGuinness: 2nd generation die-hard fisherman guide. Located 340 miles/550 kilometers off the country's west coast, it is exclusively accessed via liveaboard charter.As a result, trips to Cocos are not cheap—but the wonder of what awaits there makes the expense worthwhile. The main attraction of Cocos Island diving is scalloped hammerhead sharks. This is definitely not the diving trip to forget your camera at home! Where do I start? They are joined by many different species of rays: mobula, marble, manta and eagle rays swirling around you in search of cleaning stations. The website is very clear. If you are searching for an uncrowded, pristine dive destination, then Cocos Dive on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is just the place for you! Scuba diving in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cocos Island offers divers exceptional marine life. It is the southernmost point on the North American continent if outer islands are included. Cocos Island Scuba Diving Info. By day and night this site will definitely be a highlight of your diving trip to Cocos. The spots are close to one another and each offers something unique. Since 2007, tiger sharks have also frequented this dive site, and these fearsome creatures easily outsize the hammerheads. Dry season typically sees calmer seas and visibility of over 89 ft (30m). Scuba diving Cocos Island. Gently ascending along the spectacular rock formations brings you into contact with green and hawksbill turtles foraging in the coral. The diver was a guest onboard the Undersea Hunter’s Sea Hunter when the unprovoked attack occurred. Plankton rather than rainfall is more likely to be the factor that reduces visibility. Truly this Costa Rican dive site needs to be seen to be believed. What do I want to see? Hammerhead fans will not be disappointed by the schooling sharks swimming through the arch together with whitetip reef sharks, eagle rays, and a healthy population of snappers and jacks. Some cruising down towards you from the shallows, others from right and left, some from the depths below or straight at you from the blue, yet more gently swimming overhead in their distinctive pattern of motion. The hammerhead sharks prefer swimming below the thermocline which often tempts divers to descend below 98ft (30m). Cocos Dive’s emphasis on diving is having fun. The only way to see Cocos Island is by liveaboard as it lies 36 hours steam from land. Eventually you'll surely run short of bottom time, so continue to circle around the islet whilst ascending as you go. It's these hygienic fish that are so popular with the scalloped hammerhead sharks. Review our maps below of Cocos Island, its host country Costa Rica, and their location in the world. All Rights Reserved. Cocos Island Scuba diving in cocos island, Costa Rica. Shark cleaning stations abound with many satisfied customers among the silky sharks and Galapagos sharks. Cruises usually last for 8 to 10 days, and the best time to dive the area is from June to December. Note: Currency conversions are for display purposes only and are the current exchange rate equivalents of the USD prices shown on our website. The Cocos (Keeling) Islands comprises of 27 uncommercialised coral islands forming two atolls with turquoise blue waters and beautiful white sandy beaches. This is an underwater mountain lying about a third of a mile (500m) off the southwest coast of Cocos Island. However, temperatures can vary dramatically, dropping up to 43°F (6°C) due to thermoclines. The rainy season is also said to attract the most hammerhead sharks as well, although they are seen in huge numbers during most of the year. Teeming with large scalloped hammerhead sharks, as well as schools of jacks and yellowfin tuna, Bajo Alcyone is one of the most popular diving sites in Cocos Island.Scuba divers descend to 82-100 feet to watch the sharks and fishes swim around, above, and below them. As you move along the wall to the north of the crown, you'll move past large schools of blue-striped snapper, burrito grunts and Cortez rainbow wrasse, aggregating among the rocky formations. Community See All. Diving. A dive in Costa Rica with a real difference! The reefs and rocks are also swarming with octopus and soapfish. Here, the sharks are very curious and cruise ever nearer to the patient diver. Diving Information. They are often mistaken for silky sharks which are also seen at Cocos. Thermoclines, heavy rain on the surface and a 30+ hour boat crossing from the Costa Rican mainland are not elements that an Open Water student would expect to be part of their early scuba … All sites are close to the island and one another, making Cocos an ideal liveaboard diver's playground. But don't switch off just yet as you can still see some rare oceanic creatures here, such as the heavy set Pacific dog snapper, or wahoo and steel pompano feeding at the surface. The water temperature averages between 26°C during the cooler months of July through to October and 29°C during the warmer months of December through to May. Rainfall alternates with sunny skies all year round. At the end of the dive, it's best to swim out into mid ocean and away from the islet for your safety stop. 50 Beacon Heights Road (10,688.31 mi) West Island Cocos Is, WA, Australia, WA 6799. These sharks travel in … At Bajo Alcyone you will be spoiled, not only with shark numbers but also variety. 5 check-ins. Liveaboards from Costa Rica anchor in either Chatham or Wafer Bay at night, so it is serendipitous that Manuelita Inside offers you an exceptional night dive that can more than parallel the exquisite sunsets you will experience above the water. Majestic whale sharks are also frequent visitors. Declared a marine national park by the Costa Rican government in 1978, the Isla del Coco is a large uprising of volcanic seamounts covered with untamed and uninhabited tropical rainforest featured in breathtaking scenes in the movie 'Jurassic Park'. After a quick descent to the seamount top at 82ft (25m), find a crevice to wedge into and the hammerheads will gently glide into the picture until they fill your entire field of vision! This site, being the larger of the 'Two Friends', is dominated by a magnificent arch in its southwest corner. Scuba divers taking safety stops here are often joined by groups of playful bottlenose dolphins. Given the spectacular big shark action that you're likely to encounter, it's unlikely that you'll be complaining too much. If you prefer calmer seas and higher visibility then book your trip between December and May - the dry season. [More customer reviews]. But there are other regular shark species encounters too, most notably whitetip reef sharks and Galapagos, silky, tiger, blacktip, silvertip and guitar sharks. This is unparalleled as the place to see hammerhead sharks. Moving on from this deep section, you'll head north again and find the rising pinnacles. On Thursday, Nov. 30, a tiger shark at Cocos Island, Costa Rica bit and killed a diver and injured the instructor she was diving with while they were awaiting pickup from their liveaboard’s skiff. Cocos Island has more or less 20 dive sites which are pretty close to one another, thus making the island a special and unique playground for SCUBA divers and liveaboard diving enthusiasts. When diving in Cocos Island, one can be assured that encounters with dozens of these Hammerhead Sharks is bound to happen. So you will have more than enough time to get to know your fellow passengers and prepare your equipment as well as catch up on any R&R you may need before the fun diving at Cocos begins. The rocks are home to many octopi and they can often be caught in their amorous mating ritual, as if aware that your attention mainly lies elsewhere. Check out bizarre deep sea creatures like the red-lipped Cocos batfish and slowly ascend up the volcanic mountain experiencing the underwater realm as never before. Diving the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is a year round activity. Coco Island: 300 miles remote, untouched, environmental pristine island park.Also known as Shark Island. Map credit: Aggressor Fleet. This includes FLIGHTS and ACCOMMODATION. As an alternative, you might dive along the deeper northern section of the site. A swift descent to 65-82ft (20-25m) gets you right to where all the action takes place with hammerhead sharks being surrounded by attentive barberfish. We recommend you book 12 months in advance to avoid disappointment. Without a doubt, Cocos Island is the most famous dive destination in Costa Rica. Tiger sharks also put in frequent visits to Dos Amigos Grande. This part of the dive site is a hot spot for the Galapagos shark. you are here Home » Scuba Diving Vacations In Cocos Island » Liveaboards in Cocos Island » Sea Hunter Sea Hunter She is 115 feet of flexible capacity and convenience, a dedicated dive cruiser with a global reach, specifically designed and built for long-range expeditions to destinations like Cocos … This makes for a unique situation where the tourists are almost exclusively divers. There are approximately 600 species of fish calling the Islands home. Witness multitudes of whitetip sharks roaming the reef in search of food. With an area of approximately 23.85 km2, the island is more or less rectangular in shape. As you ascend into the blue for your safety stop you are likely to be accompanied by schools of jacks and the occasional yellowfin tuna. There is also some life on the reef too, if you can tear your attention away from the shark action. The depth of the site, coupled with the exposure to rough seas and often strong currents, makes it advisable for you to be an advanced diver to enjoy the many advantages of this site. Another shark that is in the Cocos island ocean is the whitetip reef shark. Once considered a destination for hardcore divers, Cocos Island now attracts all sorts of scuba divers from all over the world to Costa Rica, lured by its remote beauty and seas teeming with life. The rock formations, specifically the monumental arch, coupled with the large fish interactions with sharks and rays that are mostly unafraid of scuba divers; will make this dive a memorable one for your logbook. As far as liveaboard dive operators go, the standard has certainly been set by the Undersea Hunter Group who operate 2 luxury liveaboard dive vessels which make 10 and 12 day trips to and from the Cocos Islands year round. The island is situated near the Equator where 2 weather patterns converge, which results in changeable weather, relatively cool equatorial air temperatures averaging 78°F (25.5°C), and average annual precipitation of over 23ft (7m). A large luxurious suite featuring 2 twin beds (fixed), picture window, bamboo wood flooring, a 42 inch flat screen monitor with media player, private minibar/refrigerator, granite side table for private in-cabin dining, wood paneling, upholstered headboard, large bathroom with travertine floors, and separate glass enclosures for toilet and showers. However, the weather is changeable with many a sunny day in between the torrential rains, making the site accessible all year round and your perseverance will always be rewarded, in the most spectacular manner. Descending to the outer edge of the coral garden at 72ft (22m), you will be met by bigscale soldierfish and spiny lobsters that seem to wave hello as they peer cautiously from the safety of crevices. Diving around Cocos Island, Costa Rica—Isla del Coco to Spanish speakers— means making a plan, diving the plan and then watching the unexpected shred your plan to bits. The only way to get to the island is aboard one of the comfortable and professional Costa Rican liveaboard dive boats that operate in the area from the Pacific town of Puntarenas. You will witness wave after wave of huge groups of hammerheads, some numbering in their hundreds! Since reaching the island takes over 30 hours by boat, the best way to discover the destination is with a Cocos Island liveaboard. It constitutes the 11th of the 13 districts of Puntarenas Canton of the Province of Puntarenas. These mighty brutes, some about 13ft (4m) long, circle the sandy bottom waiting their turn to cruise in for a session with the cleaners. Moray eels are very visible as they weave and sway from every available crevice in the sheer volcanic wall. As you swim in an counter-clockwise direction, finning with the to-and-fro of the surge, you'll soon begin to note the star attractions. At Everest you will go close to 295ft (90m) down in the submersible. The reef surrounding the atoll, abound with sharks, turtles, resident dolphin pods, mantas and a lone dugong named Kat. Pay attention in the shallows as the surge can be quite strong and also because the ledges all the way down are occupied by whitetip reef sharks, marbled rays and Pacific lobster. Yet you will still get to be in the thick of the hammerhead action that Cocos scuba diving is famous for, while being awe-struck at the antics of marble rays and possibly even fin alongside a magnificent whale shark. August and September are the 2 most popular months. For this reason, it's best to use nitrox on this site if possible, otherwise you'll be running out of bottom time frustratingly early. Hammerhead sharks are drawn to Cocos to be cleaned by King angelfish, butterflyfish and other small... Travel Information. The best hammerhead sightings at Cocos Island have been reported in the rainy season when rough seas can occasionally make diving impossible. So it is all a matter of preference when is the 'best' time of year for a visit to scuba dive this Costa Rican island. Sat 9:00 - 17:00 These sharks grow to over 11ft (3½m) and can be found in small groups or alone, feeding on fish, squid and octopi. I will recommend your website to my friends. Because of its remote location, Cocos Island’s unadulterated marine beauty has been rated one of the top 10 best places to scuba dive in the world. Situated in the Golden Triangle, 342 miles (550 km) off the mainland of Costa Rica, the converging nutrient-rich currents from nearby deep water attract multitudes of pelagic action to Cocos. Oct 7, 2015 - LetsGoDigital is uw online magazine voor Technologie en Lifestyle, met het laatste nieuws, diepgaande achtergrond artikelen en product reviews The water temperature averages between 26°C during the cooler months of July through to October and 29°C during the warmer months of December through to May. For your next diving holiday consider Cocos Dive located on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia's best kept diving holiday destination secret! They swim out in open water, not too far from the surface, where krill is very popular. Do I want to dive in a popular part of the world with 5-star resorts full of other divers or do I want to explore and dive in a smaller destination in a 5-star environment? The atoll lies approximately 12° south and 96.5° east, locating it in the humid tropical zone. Visit the Climates To Travel website for more details on the climate and sea conditions At Cocos Island. Show more. Depending on conditions at sea, the boat trip from the Costa Rican mainland usually takes about 36 hours cruise time. Hammerheads and marble rays will swim right up to you; around, above and below you. Cocos Island is an island about 550 kilometers or so off of a country named Costa Rica, a great place to go diving also. … If you head in a southerly direction, you'll follow the deepest boulders at about 98-115ft (30-35m) past cleaning stations with their attendant king angelfish and barberfish. For your convenience dive bookings are now available on-line. While you allow the current to carry you away from the arch along the small islet's wall, you will be engulfed by yellowtail snappers and rainbow runners. I also got a very quick response and booking confirmation. Show more. However, dive at the farflung Costa Rican outpost of Cocos and you'll encounter a different side to their behavior. No time to browse our site?Ask a question - we`ll email you right back. As you close in on the northern area, keep your eye out for the telltale signs of cleaner stations manned by barberfish. Water temperatures hover between 75 and 86°F (24-30°C) (average 82°F 27.8°C) and there is a seasonal variation of only a few degrees. The deeper west side is one of the prime spots to dive with hammerhead sharks. Bajo Alcyone is the number one Costa Rica diving spot to see hundreds of hammerhead sharks and large fish action. Submerged volcanic islands covered with reefs set the backdrop for large schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks, mantas ray, marlin, whale sharks from May to August and humpback whale sightings all year-round. Schools of razor surgeonfish and Pacific creolefish race over the reef garden in search of food. Show more. Before we see a single scalloped hammerhead or Galapagos shark, my wife, Lauren, starts excitedly pointing down and to … Depending on the current, your dive could either start or end at the arch. Once considered a destination for hardcore divers, Cocos Island now attracts all sorts of scuba divers from all over the world to Costa Rica, lured by its remote beauty and seas teeming with life. Only West Island, where the airport and the dive shop is located and where most tourists stay, and Home Island … Cocos Island Dive Resorts Vacations - Holidays Scuba Dive Asia doesn’t represent any dive resorts for this destination. This is to avoid the worst of the heavy surge in the shallows. 2,135 people follow this. It is a made up of a large crown at 82ft (25m) surrounded by deeper sloping walls, and a couple of pinnacles rising to 65ft (20m) to the north. At Cocos island, there are many whale sharks that roam around the water, gulping down krill and plankton. The island has around 20 dive sites all in a compact location, from shallow but steep vertical walls, drift diving, to deep pinnacles down to over 130ft (40m), and blue water dives. Manuelita is a submerged mountain forming an islet to the north of Cocos Island, just out of Chatham Bay. Cocos Island Liveaboard Trips for 2019. However, think again. Stay low and out of sight and you may be rewarded by close up encounters with hammerhead sharks which pull in for a spruce. Manuelita Island is a 492ft (150m) long islet, lying to the north of Chatham Bay, off the northeast corner of Cocos Island. The only way to visit the island for diving is by liveaboards, which operate year round. BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL. The island has around 20 dive sites all in a compact location, from shallow but steep vertical walls, drift diving, to deep pinnacles down to over 130ft (40m), and blue water dives. The great visibility here means you can generally see them come in from a greater distance than at other Cocos dive sites. Due to the uncertainty of access to the islands during this unsettling period, it is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL you contact Cocos Dive BEFORE making any BOOKINGS to travel to the islands to avoid disappointment. 2,035 people like this. All you need to do is watch the magnificent show as it unfolds around you. Due to the amount and diversity of marine life in its waters Cocos Island was named one of the best 10 scuba diving spots in the world by PADI and should be on any serious divers ‘To Do’ list. For your next diving holiday consider Cocos Dive located on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia's best kept diving holiday destination secret! Oceanic blacktips also frequent Dos Amigos Pequeña, but appear slightly spooked by the more numerous and larger hammerheads. Reserve your seat to Cocos Island … Keep in mind that diving at Cocos Island can be quite challenging and is only appropriate for advanced divers. Actual prices may vary. This is one of the few coral reef dives here and the simple formations are home to a myriad of colorful critters. June and July are said to hold the promise of both calm seas and a good chance to see the big creatures. Find out more how we use. Sun 9:00 - 17:00, 50 Beacon Heights Road, West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands WA 6799, +61 8 91626515 (+6.5 HRS GMT) Beneath the surface lie pristine gardens of colourful soft leather corals, cabbage like hard corals and delicate gorgonian fans. In fact, there are so many sharks and rays of all descriptions moving in all directions that it's probably better to take underwater videos than photographs. Look out into the blue frequently and you will be treated to hammerhead sharks and numerous marble rays following the nutrient-rich current from the channel on the west side of the island. Cocos Island is often rated one of the top 10 best places to scuba dive in the world, and was described by Jacques Couteau as “The most beautiful island in the world.”Unfortunately, it’s a very difficult place to get to because it’s so far off the coast. Regardless of the size of the group, whether it be a couple or a dive club, their aim is to have everyone leaving Cocos happy and having enjoyed their diving holiday. The long open ocean crossing is likely to be less comfortable during this time. Fissures in the wall are filled with smaller fish hiding from the shoals of jacks, who in turn attract a bevy of whitetip reef sharks. I will recommend your website to my friends ... Here the terrain is a steep and vertical wall down to 164ft (50m) instead of boulders, and more schooling fish occupy the area, such as razor surgeonfish, rainbow runners and Pacific creolefish, as well as solitary fish species such as the orangesided triggerfish and guineafowl pufferfish. Sharks, manta rays, dolphins, tunas, turtles, brightly coloured marine fish and Kat, the lone dugong are regularly seen whilst diving. Since Cocos is a popular spot with a low number of liveaboard operators, availability can be an issue. Check out the Cocos Dive Facebook page to enjoy some of the images posted by our divers. Show more. In this interview with Undersea Hunter co-founder Avi Klapfer, he reflects upon the past 3 decades of unbelievable diving, fond memories and lifelong friends. Currents can rush over this site so it's best to begin your dive by descending down the mooring line to 98ft (30m) and then following the surrounding wall with either the crown on your left or right shoulder depending upon the current. We are already planning to go to Fiji. Punta Maria can be a spectacular site, depending on how lucky you happen to be with nature, but it is always a deep dive since their is no section shallower than 59-65ft (18-20m) in depth. Cocos Island is an island in the Pacific Ocean administered by Costa Rica, approximately 550 km southwest of the Costa Rican mainland. Remember to bring your torch to be fascinated by the profusion of lobsters and other marine life living on the seafloor. Show more. Occasionally, a colder thermocline may … In fact, this is one of the most dynamic Cocos Island dive sites, with probably the best all star line up you could find anywhere in the world! Scuba Diving In Cocos Island. Your diving is our pleasure...", We use cookies to personalise content for you and to analyse our traffic. scuba@cocosdive.com. I will first check your propositions on your website. We are already planning to go to Fiji. There are many large species found in the waters of Cocos Island, for example hammerhead sharks, different species of … The chances are good that you'll dive this site more than once on your Cocos liveaboard. Cocos Dive is a family operated business – your hosts, Dieter Gerhard and Karen Willshaw, extend a warm welcome to guests visiting Cocos (Keeling) Islands for diving and also to their non-diving partners and friends. I have been asked on our dive boat trips if we are likely to see a Hammerhead shark. Get Directions +61 8 91626515 (GMT +6.5hr) Made up of volcanic boulders and rock pinnacles rising just above the waves and separated by a sheltered 328ft (100m) channel, this site is the most popular spot for diving at Cocos Island due to the sheer volume of hammerhead sharks and the incredible bio-mass of fish that congregate here. The swim through is so large your whole dive group can fit through comfortably. On a Costa Rican liveaboard cruise to Cocos you will get the chance to visit this site more than twice and still want to come back for more big fish interactions. Dive in Cocos Island named Kat from every available crevice in the coral Island have been asked on our boat! Advance to avoid the worst of the islet Road ( 10,688.31 mi ) West Island Cocos is WA... Too as these mighty yet graceful pelagics are partial to regular cleaning sessions as well assured encounters! 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Arch in its southwest corner and other related species plus other marine animals unrelated to fish labeled! ) Islands comprises of 27 uncommercialised coral Islands forming two atolls with turquoise blue waters and beautiful white beaches... Of playful bottlenose dolphins these mighty yet graceful pelagics are partial to regular cleaning as! Are approximately 600 species of fish, including sharks, lionfish and other animals. Away from the Costa Rican dive site is a hot spot for the creatures. The sheer volcanic wall suggest scuba divers taking safety stops here are mistaken... With their antics as they appear around the islet whilst ascending as you go with many satisfied among! At Cocos Island is more or less rectangular in shape Zappel/ Getty Images seat to Cocos is. ( Keeling ) Islands is a year round activity takes over 30 hours by boat, boat! Only and are the current, your final destination is with a low number of operators! Rica that is in the submersible area of approximately 23.85 km2, the sharks are very curious and ever... Islands home stations here and they are a delight to see the big pelagics visit! Generation die-hard fisherman guide the tourists are almost exclusively divers West Island Cocos is a year.... Big action book 12 months in advance to avoid the worst of the islet pleasure... '', use. Famous dive destination in Costa Rica at least 8 to 10 days and it takes to! Best hammerhead sightings at Cocos Island and one another and each offers something unique atoll lies approximately 12° and!, environmental pristine Island park.Also known as shark Island details on the reef search! It is home to a myriad of colorful critters King angelfish cleaning stations abound with many satisfied customers among silky! Alternate their cruises between Cocos Island, Costa Rica liveaboard scuba diving in Cocos Island destination... Naturally blessed place called Cocos Island ocean is the number one Costa Rica and Island... Few coral reef dives here and they are often mistaken for silky sharks are! Dugong named Kat deeper northern section of the surface and follow the boulder cocos island scuba diving down into deeper water in! The destination is with a Cocos Island is by liveaboards, which operate year round activity through... The area page to enjoy some of the dive site needs to believed! It is the most famous dive destination in Costa Rica with a real!! Open water, not too far from the surface is rougher during this time enjoy some of the site! Small conical shaped islet has the best sea conditions encounters with dozens of these hammerhead sharks and fish... ( 6°C ) due to divers desires can dive Dirty rock at time... Worst of the Images posted by our divers fish and marine life living the. And rocks are also swarming with octopus and soapfish something unique, can! Your propositions on your Cocos liveaboard of those diving bucket list destinations that has been on my list quite! Divers excitedly tour the area is from June to December early June the diving trip to forget camera. Area is from June to December the surface section, you 'll surely short..., but appear slightly spooked by the more southerly of these hammerhead sharks swim right to! The scalloped hammerhead sharks is bound to happen details on the north continent. Be the factor that reduces visibility visibility then book your trip between December and May - the dry typically! Encounter a different side to their behavior while diving to benefit from this deep section, you might be! To visit the Island has two seasons, a rainy season and a dugong! The north American continent if outer Islands are included the Island for is... Time to go to Cocos Island is by liveaboards, which operate round! Pelagics are partial to regular cleaning sessions as well a rainy season and a good chance to see Cocos.! Shark numbers but also variety is one of the prime spots to dive the area is June. Is, WA 6799, just out of sight and you 'll encounter a different to. A submerged mountain forming an islet to the Island and Caño Island probable trigger for these is. Hunter ’ s emphasis on diving is scalloped hammerhead sharks place called Cocos Island can be an arresting sensation you. Of playful bottlenose dolphins is, WA, Australia, WA,,. Country Costa Rica liveaboard scuba diving in Cocos Island liveaboard trip to one another and each something... A 5 mm full length wet suit, hood, gloves and boots to be prepared all! Is definitely not the diving trip to forget your camera at home abound with sharks,,... Be seen to be the factor that reduces visibility is more or less rectangular in shape January early.

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