cocos island diving trip

Aggressor Adventures™

Cocos island.

Indo Aggressor ®

Schooling hammerheads, countless white-tip sharks, mantas, tuna and even whale sharks call Cocos home.

Escape to Cocos Island for a Costa Rican liveaboard scuba diving adventure! Cocos is a lush, green uninhabited island resting 342 miles off Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Rocky pinnacles surrounding Cocos are beacons for big animals and big action. Schooling hammerheads, countless white-tip sharks, mantas, tuna and even whale sharks call Cocos home.

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The Okeanos Aggressor II® and Cocos Island Aggressor ® depart from Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Boarding and departure depends on the tide schedule. Immediately after boarding for our Costa Rica liveaboard scuba diving adventure, the yacht departs for its 36 hour crossing to Cocos Island.

Average dives per charter: 15 on 8 night; 21 on 10 night; 27 on 12 night No night diving is currently offered at Cocos Island.
Depth Range: 55 ft – 110 ft (16m – 33m)
Water temperatures range from 72 - 82F, 22 - 28C with cooler thermoclines. 3 - 5 mm wetsuit recommended

The Okeanos Aggressor II and Cocos Island Aggressor are each equipped with two 8' x 22' tenders. All dives from tenders.

Cocos Island Itinerary

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Scuba diving in Cocos Island: The Best Cocos Islands Dive Sites

If love the idea of scuba diving with big animals, the Cocos Islands is a must do dive destination. The Cocos Islands are renowned for their schooling hammerheads at Dirty Rock, but the hammerheads aren’t the only big animals you’ll see when scuba diving the Cocos Islands .

Most of the scuba diving in the Cocos Islands will involve scuba diving with sharks, mostly with hammerheads and whitetip reef sharks. The only way to experience the scuba diving in the Cocos Islands is by dive liveaboard.

The best way to dive the Cocos Islands, Costa Rica is by a scuba diving liveaboard . You can check the latest and best deals on Cocos Islands liveaboards using the following window:

Before you read on, you may like to take a watch of both the videos on this article about what fish eat sharks. You may be as surprised as I was when you see what happens! What fish can eat sharks ?

How do you dive on Cocos Island?

The only way you can dive on Cocos Island is via liveaboard dive boats . Most liveaboard trips are for 10 nights, with 7 days of diving with up to three dives per day. The Cocos Island liveaboards will take you around 550 kilometres (344 miles) from the Costa Rican Pacific coast.

This means that all the popular Cocos Islands Liveaboards that take scuba divers to the Cocos Islands are Costa Rica based Liveaboards, as in the search table below.

Cocos Islands Liveaboards

This list of Cocos Islands liveaboards is in descending customer rating order, followed by Scuba Diving Luxury Rating (SDE Lux Rating, see below) , so the liveaboards with the highest customer rating and the best SDE lux rating will be at the top of the list. If you want to change the list order, use the “ Sort by ” dropdown below.

Please select a column to search in.

Please type in something to search for.

* The Scuba Diving Earth Luxury Rating (SDE Lux Rating) is explained on each liveaboard review when you click the “Discover Liveaboard” link, and is my own Liveaboard Luxury Rating I’ve assigned to all liveaboards . Choosing between liveaboards is helped by customer scores, and if you get stuck choosing between two or three liveaboards, where each one has a high customer score out of 10, you can use the SDE Luxury Rating to help narrow down your choice.

Think about it like using Booking.com when searching for the best hotel. Booking.com also use a customer score where each customer rates hotels out of 10. This is similar to the liveaboard customer rating, which is also rated out of 10. But let’s say you only like to stay in hotels rated 8 and above on Booking.com, but you also want the hotel to have WIFI or parking, or to have a swimming pool etc. The features each hotel has is usually secondary to the score out of 10.

Are there sharks at Cocos Island?

There are definitely sharks at Cocos Islands, which is why it got the name “ Island of Sharks “. The sharks include hundreds of schooling Scalloped hammerheads, which are mostly seen at Alcyone and Dirty Rock dive sites. But hammerheads are not the only sharks at Cocos Islands, as you may also see silky sharks, black and whitetip reef sharks, whale sharks and the occasional tiger shark .

The main attraction of the Cocos Islands is the schooling hammerheads, as seen in the follow video dived from the Argo Liveaboard .

The Cocos Island aren’t the best place to scuba dive with tiger sharks, but if you would love to scuba dive with them, one of the best places to do this is Tiger Shark Beach , which is a dive site off the Bahamas in the Caribbean. To read more about the 6 best places to dive with tiger sharks, these are listed in this article: Where can you dive with tiger sharks .

But if you want proof of tigers sharks at Cocos Islands, this dive from the Sea Hunter liveaboard not only includes large schools of hammerheads, but shows whitetip reef sharks and a tiger shark too:

When should I go to Cocos Island?

The best time to go to Cocos Islands to dive with hammerhead sharks is in the rainy months from June to December. But if you prefer calmer seas during your visit, you should go from January to May instead when you will still see hammerheads, but in fewer numbers.

Manuelita Coral Garden dive site – inside Manuelita Island

The Manuelita Coral Garden dive on the inside of Manuelita Island is usually the first dive on most Cocos Islands liveaboards.

Depth 6-21 metres (20-70 feet).
Whitetips, hammerheads, blacktips, whitetips, marble rays, manta rays, eagle rays, turtles, garden eels and the occasional tigers shark.
Located on the North east tip of Cocos Island.
Protect site so conditions are calm with little to no current.
Great night dive to experience feeding whitetip reef sharks (see video blow).

Here’s a taster of Manuelita Coral Garden dive site where you can see many hammerheads on this dive site too.

Night diving on Manuelita Coral Garden to experience feeding whitetip reef sharks – do you dare experience the adrenalin rush of witnessing feeding sharks?

“ Due to safety reasons, night dives are no longer permitted in the marine park and will not be offered. Also, there is no snorkelling, swimming or kayaking in between dives .”

Manuelita Outside dive site

The diving on the outside of Manuelita Island you will experience the thrills of cleaning stations.

Depth 18-40 metres (60-130 feet).
Scalloped hammerheads, black tips, white tips, the occasional whale shark , eagle rays, manta rays , yellow fin tunas, turtles, jacks.
Located on the north east corner of Cocos Island.
Best for shark and ray cleaning stations.

An example of what to expect on a dive at Manuelita Outside dive site, these are feeding whitetip reef sharks.

Dirty Rock dive site

Dirty Rock dive site is one of the best dive sites in the Cocos Islands for scuba diving with large numbers of schooling scalloped hammerhead sharks. But see Alcyone below.

Depth 6-40 metres (20-130 feet).
Hammerhead sharks, whitetip sharks, blacktip sharks, occasional whale sharks , marble rays, eagle rays, mobula rays, jacks, turtles, dolphins…and more hammerheads.
The main attraction of Cocos Island and where the hammerheads congregate the most.
Located mid north of Cocos Island.

Viking Rock dive site

Viking Rock dive site is another good place to see hammerheads and is near to Wafer Bay on the North of Cocos Island.

Depth 15-40 metres (50 to 130 feet).
Hammerheads, whitetip sharks, tiger sharks eagle rays, turtles.
Located mid north of Cocos Island west of Wafer Bay.
Vertical wall dive.

Video of diving on Viking Rock, Cocos Island.

Punta Maria dive site Cocos Islands

Punta Maria dive site is located of the west coast of Cocos Islands, which is a seamount that rises up from a sandy seabed .

Depth 24-37 metres (80-120 feet).
Hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks , whitetip reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, marble rays, octopus, and eels.
Located to the west of Cocos Islands.
Cleaning station.
Strong currents.

Cleaning station Punta Maria, Cocos Island showing hammerheads, Galapagos, blacktip sharks and silky sharks.

The following video was taken from a liveaboard dive trip on Okeanos Aggressor liveaboard on the Punt Maria dive site with a close encounter with a silky shark.

Big Dos Amigos dive site Cocos Island

Big Dos Amigos is a large exposed rock located to the west of Cocos Islands.

Depth 18-37 metres (60-120 feet).
Hammerheads, whitetip reef sharks, marble and mobula rays, lobsters, snapper.
Located to the west of Cocos Island.
Underwater arch.
Remember your dive torch on this dive.

The following video was taken from a liveaboard dive trip on Okeanos Aggressor II liveaboard on the Big Dos Amigos dive site with a close encounter with a large Galapagos shark.

Small Dos Amigos dive site Cocos Islands

The Small Dos Amigos dive site is located on the south west corner of Cocos Island.

Scalloped hammerheads, white tips, silky sharks, whale sharks, mobula rays, eagle rays, dolphins.
Not always available to dive in the rainy season due to sea surges.
Located on the South west of Cocos Island.
The main nutrient rich currents hit this part of Cocos Island first.

More Cocos Island shark encounters in the following video was taken from a liveaboard dive trip on Okeanos Aggressor liveaboard on the Small Dos Amigos dive site. But also seen was a manta ray, which is another big animal visitor of the Cocos Islands.

Bajo Dos Amigos dive site Cocos Islands

The Bajo Dos Amigos dive site is a seamount south west of Cocos Island.

Depth 27-40 metres (90-130 feet).
Hammerheads, mobula rays, manta rays , eagle rays, yellow striped snapper, a chance to see sailfish.
Located on the South west corner of Cocos Island.
Known for it’s black coral.

The following video was taken from a liveaboard dive trip on Okeanos Aggressor II liveaboard on Bajo Dos Amigos dive site with large shoals of yellow striped snapper, a common siting on the Cocos Islands dives.

Shark Fin Rock dive site Cocos Islands

Shark Fin Rock dive site takes it name from the pyramid like rock that looks exactly like a shark’s fin.

Depth 12-40 metres (40-130 feet).
Marble rays, white tips, mobula rays, eagle rays, dolphins.
Located South of Cocos Island.
Known for large schools of bigeye jacks of Cocos Islands.
Heavy surges.

Bait Ball dive site Cocos Island

The bait ball phenomenon occurs when the little bait fish form a spinning silvery ball which is to protect themselves from predators.

Depth 1-30 metres (3 to 100 feet).
Located south east of Cocos Island.
Dives can be on the surface where the bait ball is trapped by predators.
Sharks, dolphin, snappers.

An amazing bait ball dive from the Sea Hunter liveaboard , only this dive was at Alcyone dive site (see below):

Submerged Rock dive site Cocos Islands

The Submerged Rock dive is a pinnacle dive where it’s known as a nursery for whitetip reef sharks.

Depth 6-34 metres (20-110 feet).
Whitetip reef sharks, Hammerheads, blacktip reef sharks, mobular rays, lobsters, yellow striped snapper.
Located south of Cocos Island.
Nursey for whitetip reef sharks and spot pregnant females whitetips.
Pinnacle dive with an arched hole.

The following video was taken from a liveaboard dive trip on Okeanos Aggressor II liveaboard on Submerged Rock dive site.

Bajo Alcyone dive site Cocos Island

Bajo Alcyone dive is an amazing dive site located on the south of Cocos Island and named by Jacques Cousteau and is the best place in the world to scuba dive with hammerheads.

Depth 27-37 metres (90-120 feet).
Located towards the south east of Cocos Island.
Hammerheads, silky sharks, whitetip reef sharks, blacktips, whale sharks, dolphins, manta rays, marble rays, eagle rays, mobula rays, turtles, octopus and yellow fin tuna.
Known for the schooling scalloped hammerheads.
Seamount dive.
Known for an abundance of sea life.

In the video below take on Bajo Alcyone dive site Cocos Island you’ll see hammerheads, whitetips and a whale shark.

Silverado dive site Cocos Island

Dive site known for the silky shark cleaning station.

Depth 9-12 metres (30-40 feet).
Mostly for silvertip reef sharks.
Located on the east cost of Cocos Island.
Silvertip reef shark cleaning station.

Video from the Sea Hunter liveaboard with silvertip reef sharks.

Lobster Rock dive site Cocos Island

The Lobster Rock dive site is on the tip of the east cost of Cocos Island.

Depth 12-34 metres (40-110 feet).
Located off the east cost of Cocos Island.
Whitetip reef sharks, marble rays, manta rays, eagle rays, lobsters, red lip batfish, frogfish.

The following dives include a dive on Lobster Rock and was from the Sea Hunter liveaboard .

Why are there so many hammerheads at the Cocos Islands?

The reason why hammerheads congregate around the Cocos Islands is due to the convergence of nutrient rich currents. These nutrient rich currents provide the food chain to support such a huge population of scalloped hammerhead sharks.

If you want to see an example of what these nutrient rich waters produce in terms of food for the food chain in the Cocos Islands, here’s a large shoal of jacks at Manuelita Outside dive site. Although hammerheads like to eat stingrays, which are commonly found in the Cocos Islands too.

Seeing that you’re interested in scuba diving in Cocos Islands, which is the favourite for those who love to scuba dive with sharks, you may like to read this article about great white sharks in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico .

You may be surprised by what you read, I certainly was !

This article is also interesting about a great white shark pinged near to the Maldives .

But then if you want to be really surprised, take a read of this article about a great white shark spotted by a snorkeler off the southern Great Barrier Reef . The article includes a video of the white shark concerned.

I hope you enjoyed this page about Scuba diving in Cocos Island

If you have more questions either about snorkelling or scuba diving ( or specifically about Scuba diving in Cocos Island ), please comment below with your questions.

Please share your experiences, plus dive sites, resorts and liveaboards you recommend. Share the time of year of your trip together with what you saw, the visibility, currents and dive operator, as this will help others who read this page.

There will also be many more pages and articles about scuba and scuba diving safety tips (and on snorkelling too) for you to read and learn about this fabulous sport.

Have fun and be safe!

When is the best time to see hammerheads in Galapagos Islands small

Russell Bowyer

Article written by Russell Bowyer who has been a scuba diver since diving on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia in 1989. After his first dive he trained as a BSAC diver in the UK. He attained his Diver Leader certification with BSAC. He then went on to become a scuba diving instructor, teaching others how to dive and was voted as Diving Officer and Treasurer for the Saffron Walden BSAC club too. Russell has dived all over the world, including the UK, on liveaboards in the Red Sea , the Caribbean, South Africa and the USA. Russell is experienced in all dive types, including drift diving, deep dives that involved decompression stops and recreational dives too.

Best Cocos Island Liveaboard Diving Trips

Cocos Island deserves its reputation as one of the best diving destinations in the world. Situated 342 miles off the coast of Costa Rica, this remote volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean is a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since reaching the island takes over 30 hours by boat, the best way to discover the destination is with a Cocos Island liveaboard.

The island is a haven for pelagic fish, most notably schools of hammerhead sharks. The area is rich in underwater pinnacles and seamounts and boasts colorful, healthy coral reefs. Diving with a liveaboard boat at Cocos Island is an unforgettable experience.

Here at The Adventure Junkies, we want to help you get the most out of your liveaboard trip to Cocos Island. We’ve put together this handy guide to help you plan your vacation and find the best boat for your needs.

QUICK ANSWER – THE BEST COCOS ISLAND LIVEABOARD TRIPS

OKEANOS AGGRESSOR II → For Budget

CHECK ON PADI TRAVEL CHECK ON LIVEABOARD.COM

SEA HUNTER → For Photographers

ARGO → For Luxury

BOAT REVIEWS

Okeanos aggressor ii.

Photo Credit: Okeanos Aggressor II Liveaboard

BEST FOR → BUDGET

Cocos is not a budget destination. But, travelers looking to save money will find the region’s most competitive pricing onboard the Okeanos Aggressor. Shared cabins help keep costs low, but this boat doesn’t feel like a discount operator.

And, you can expect plenty of perks, just like the rest of the legendary Aggressor Fleet. Free beer and wine, spacious sun decks, and fine dining make it easy to unwind after a long day in the water. But, this liveaboard isn’t focused only on creature comforts. A massive dive deck, modern camera facilities, Nitrox, and PADI specialty courses balance the experience.

Photo Credit: Sea Hunter Liveaboard

BEST FOR → PHOTOGRAPHERS

Underwater photographers have plenty of options in Cocos. But, this liveaboard takes its photo facilities to the next level. The dive deck is outfitted with individual storage cubbies, dedicated rinse bins, and a multi level table with blow dryer.

An indoor photo development room makes it easy to review and edit your best shots from each day. And, cabins come equipped with extra charging points, perfect for guests with multiple cameras. The Sea Hunter also offers Nitrox and technical gasses for experienced divers. So, if you’re looking to go deeper or stay down longer, this boat is your best bet.

Photo Credit: Argo Liveaboard

BEST FOR → LUXURY

This is the most luxurious liveaboard in Cocos, and it holds the smallest number of guests. So, you can expect plenty of creature comforts and outstanding service above and below water. Plus, a variety of cabin upgrades make it easy to customize your experience.

Dedicated divers will appreciate perks like free Nitrox, support for tech and rebreathers, modern camera stations, and some of the region’s best equipment facilities. This boat also offers unique underwater excursions in its deep-sea submersible craft. Adventurous guests can explore depths up to 1,000 feet (305 meters) in a single immersion.

CONSIDERATIONS – SCUBA DIVING IN COCOS

Advanced. Cocos Island is one of the wildest places in the world. Located 36 hours off the coast, this region is the definition of remote. And, it’s no place for newbies. Divers can expect open ocean conditions, chop, surge, and battering Pacific currents. So, you should have an advanced certification, drift diving experience, and 50 logged dives before planning a trip here.

8 to 12 days. It takes a day and a half to reach Cocos Island by boat. So, there’s no such thing as a quick trip to this far-flung dive destination. And, a classic 11 day itinerary translates to just 7 full days of diving. So, the longer your trip, the better. There’s no such thing as too much time in this exciting region!

Cocos is a year-round dive destination with two distinct seasons. From December to May, you can expect calm seas and excellent visibility. However, divers in the know prefer to visit during the rainy season between June and December. Seas are rough, and blooming plankton reduces the visibility. But, these are the best months for spotting whale sharks, hammerheads, and manta rays.

Like other destinations in the North Pacific, the weather around Cocos Island is a constantly changing mix of mist, rain, and tropical heat. You can expect water temperatures between 75 and 86° F (24 and 30° C). But, this region is home to cold currents and upwellings. So, you should pack at least a 3mm full suit to keep warm.

Visibility in Cocos ranges from 39 to 98 feet (12 to 30 meters) depending on the dive site and season. You can expect reduced water clarity during the rainy season thanks to nutrient-rich upwellings and massive blooms of plankton. But, these conditions also attract the region’s most famous residents, sharks and rays. June and July are favorite months for underwater photographers.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Welcome to the realm of sharks. Cocos Island remains one of the wildest places to dive in the North Pacific, and a haven for large pelagics. It takes a day and a half by boat to get there, but those who make the trip will be rewarded. Fast-paced drifts and schooling hammerheads by the hundreds await. Diving in these remote waters isn’t for beginners. The region’s Powerful Pacific currents and challenging surface conditions are best left for those with experience.

Diving in Cocos is a little bit different. There are no quick trips to this far-flung destination. And, there is no easy diving once you get there. Most sites require advanced techniques like a negative descent. And, you can expect strong currents during every immersion. But, it’s all worthwhile. Lucky dive groups will encounter schooling sharks, manta rays, whale sharks, and massive shoals of jacks and trevallies.

Don’t expect to see colorful corals while diving at Cocos. The island’s underwater landscape is made of volcanic rock. You will dive boulder fields, pinnacles, seamounts, and walls with some scattered traces of reef. Photographers should plan for wide angle and video if possible. And, be sure to pack plenty of batteries and spare parts. There are no camera shops where you’re going.

HIGHLIGHTS – DIVING IN COCOS

Whale sharks.

As the rainy season begins, plankton around Cocos starts to bloom. And, it is this moveable feast that attracts whale sharks in from the open ocean to feed. Keep in mind that you are most likely to encounter these gentle giants in very shallow water. So, you should watch out during your ascents, descents, safety stops, and surface intervals.

Between July and November, manta rays congregate around Cocos Island to feed on blooming plankton. And, if you plan a visit during these months, you’re likely to spot them at the region’s cleaning stations, too. No matter when you visit, keep an eye out for the rays’ silhouettes during your dives. These graceful filter feeders often glide silently above unsuspecting dive groups.

HAMMERHEADS

Cocos is one of the best places on the planet for divers hoping to encounter hammerhead sharks. During the rainy season, the sharks gather here in massive schools, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. And, thanks to cool upwellings, they often venture into shallow water. Don’t forget to watch out in the blue, as these sharks tend to keep their distance.

SCHOOLING SHARKS

Cocos Island is famous for its huge resident population of hammerhead sharks. But, plenty of other species gather here, too. Dives just before dusk reveal large groups of whitetips scouring the rocks in search of an easy meal. And, trips during the rainy season are best for schooling Galapagos and silky sharks, sometimes in groups of 100 or more.

DRIFT DIVING

If you’re hoping to catch a ride in the powerful currents of the North Pacific, Cocos won’t disappoint. This destination is famous for its fast-paced drifts. And, as most experienced divers know, strong currents attract big fish. If you’re planning a trip in this region, you should already have plenty of experience with drift diving.

ITINERARIES IN COCOS

Classic cocos.

Cocos is one of the most remote diving destinations in the world. So, the more time you have there, the better. Simply put, there are no quick trips to this isolated region. You’ll need at least a full day of air travel to reach Costa Rica. Then, there’s a 30 hour boat ride from the coast. But, we promise it’s worth it! Liveaboard diving in this area is among the best in the North Pacific. You can expect to see large pelagics like sharks and mantas on every single dive. And, hardly another dive boat in sight.

Thanks to strict government regulation, very few liveaboards visit Cocos Island. And, those that do follow strict itineraries controlled by the marine park. This set schedule means that you’ll never see a crowded dive site, or compete with other boats for mooring. But, it also leaves little room for diversity when it comes to the area’s different voyages. While dive site choices might vary slightly, every liveaboard in Cocos follows the same route and stays for the same amount of time. So, it’s best to choose your boat based on its amenities.

VIDEO – SCUBA DIVING IN COCOS ISLAND

Best dive sites around cocos island, manuelita island.

If you’re hoping to dive with sharks, this area should be at the top of your list. Manuelita is a submerged mountain, home to multiple dive sites ranging from a steep vertical wall to the region’s only real coral reef. And, massive cleaning stations make it a hotspot for large pelagics. Most liveaboards spend an entire day here, beginning with an early morning immersion spent searching for hammerheads. Afternoon dives are best for spotting schooling fish, reef sharks, marble rays, and the occasional tiger shark. So, photographers should plan for a wide-angle only adventure.

This challenging site is the most famous in Cocos for a good reason. You can expect to see thousands of schooling fish and come face to face with more sharks than you can count. Lucky dive groups will encounter hammerheads schooling by the hundreds, especially between July and November. Dirty Rock is also known for encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and bottlenose dolphins. So, be sure to keep an eye on the open ocean, especially during descent and ascent. If possible, keep your video rolling throughout every dive here. You never know what incredible wildlife will cruise past!

PUNTA MARIA

Most sites around Cocos are known for encounters with reef sharks and hammerheads. But, the famous residents of this wall dive are Galapagos and silky sharks. Strong currents and challenging surface conditions often make for a difficult entry. But, the big shark action here is worth the extra effort. Cleaning stations and shelter from the open ocean make this a haven for the sharks, who often gather here in large groups. Mantas frequent these waters too, so keep an eye out for their silhouettes as they glide silently above.

These twin sites feature some of the most exciting diving in Cocos. And, the two couldn’t be more different. A huge underwater archway dominates the landscape at Dos Amigos Grande. And, because the swim-through creates a strong current, sharks and rays often gather here in large numbers. Nearby, at Dos Amigos Pequeña, the topography changes into a barren slope of volcanic rock. This is one of the best-known spots in the region for up-close encounters with hammerheads thanks to numerous cleaning stations. Both of these areas are home to pelagic sharks, too. So, keep your eyes peeled for tigers and oceanic blacktips!

BAJO ALCYONE

This submerged seamount, located more than a mile offshore, promises Cocos diving at its finest. Divers can expect interactions with Galapagos sharks, silky sharks, whale sharks, and mantas. Plus, hammerhead sightings are nearly guaranteed here during the rainy season. Unlike other sites in the region, dive groups often remain stationary on this slope. Hunkered down in the rocks, you can avoid the powerful current and wait for an incredible variety of megafauna to pass you by. Keep in mind that this site begins at 80ft (24m) so using Nitrox is advised to extend your bottom time.

OTHER LIVEABOARD DESTINATIONS

For more of our liveaboard recommendations, check out these popular articles:

Caribbean | Bahamas | Belize | Cuba | Turks & Caicos

North Pacific | Galapagos | Guadalupe | Socorro

Red Sea & Middle East | Egypt | Sudan | Oman | Djibouti

Indian Ocean | Maldives | Seychelles | Visayas | Truk Lagoon

For more of our top scuba diving gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:

Scuba Diving Masks

Scuba Regulators

Scuba Diving Fins

Wetsuits for Diving

Cocos Island

Cocos island national park.

Rainy season: June – November, best for schooling hammerheads.
Dry season: December – May.

Scuba dive Cocos! Encompassed by the deep blue waters of the Pacific, Cocos Island has unparalleled beauty. It has been described as the most beautiful island on earth and one of the world’s top diving destinations. The island is unpopulated, unspoiled, and lies 550km west of Costa Rica.

Only diveable by liveaboard, trips here are highly sought after, and itineraries fill up quickly. Diving Cocos Island is well known for large marine animal encounters. So if meeting schools of hammerheads, tiger sharks, orcas, and dolphins on scuba, is something you are after, there is no better place on the planet.

Get in touch with us, we will help you arrange the dive trip of a lifetime.

The Best Dive Liveaboards in Cocos Island

Dive with the Cocos Pioneers

Okeanos Aggressor II

Comfort in the Cocos

Cocos Diving Highlights

Hammerhead Sharks
Variety of rays
Sea Turtles
Whale sharks
Silky sharks
Dense rainforests and unique animals
Rivers and Waterfalls
Schooling pelagics
Galapagos sharks
Seamount diving

Cocos Island | Costa Rica | Infinite blue Dive Travel

Marine Life

Cocos Island is the home to incredible marine diversity and a vast array of marine life, including large schools of hammerhead sharks, white-tip sharks, silky sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. In addition, you can also find a wide variety of fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates that dive the Cocos.

Underwater Topography

The underwater topography is extraordinary; Cocos Island is an undersea volcano that has created a unique and diverse sub aquatic sea scape that includes deep walls, pinnacles, and caves that provide a stunning backdrop for diving. The Cocos National Marine Park is also a UNESCO world heritage site due to its unparalleled natural beauty and biological richness.

Incredible Scenery Above the Water

Not only does the underwater beauty leave divers spellbound, but the onshore vistas are also stunning. The dense rainforests are home to various unique birds and animals, and the rugged island’s coastline still echoes with tales of pirates and their buried treasure.

Vegan | Plant-based Divers

Scuba diving Cocos Island is a remote adventure, so sourcing vegan or plant-based options for your liveaboard trip can be tricky. Although, it is possible, and the operators we work with do that well. Get in touch, and we can chat about the best plant-based dive itinerary for you.

Cocos Travel Tips (at a glance)

Currency: Costa Rica Colon (CRC)
Language: Spanish
Capital: San Jose
Power supply: 120V|60Hz
Plug type: Type A | two flat pins
Weather: Tropical
Culture: Friendly and welcoming
Visa: Visa on Arrival for most passports
International airport: Juan Santamaria (SJO)

Diving Cocos FAQ's

Where is cocos island.

After arriving in Costa Rica, travel to Puntarenas, the port where you will embark your liveaboard for the roughly 36-hour trip into the Pacific.

Can a beginner dive Cocos Island?

Scuba diving Cocos Island is best for experienced divers. This is to ensure your safety, and to guarantee your enjoyment. The best diving in Cocos is around rocky shorelines, seamounts, and boulders. These are all subject to strong currents and surge. A general rule of thumb would be to make sure you are an advanced level diver with at least 50 dives under your belt.

Is diving Cocos Island expensive?

Diving Cocos Island is not cheap. As it can only be dived by liveaboard, and those boats need to travel a long distance to get there and back, the basic operating costs are high. Also, to maintain a good level of service in such a remote place, is going to affect prices. The beginning cost for a Cocos Island liveaboard is around 300 USD per day.

When is the best time to dive Cocos Island?

Cocos Island can generally be dived all year round. The favoured time is usually during the dry season which runs from December to May. During these months the ocean is calmer, and the considerably long crossing is more gentle.

Is Cocos Island good for diving?

The diving in Cocos is exceptional for large marine encounters. If diving with sharks, and large pelagics is your thing, then here is the place to go. If you are searching for beautiful coral reefs then we recommend you take a look at Indonesia.

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Cocos Dive Advisor

Find the best way to dive Cocos Island

Located off the coast of Costa Rica, Cocos Island are a remote and pristine natural paradise, renowned for their crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and stunning coral reefs. Whether you are an experienced diver or just starting out, there is something for everyone in this idyllic location. We provide a comprehensive guide to the different diving options available in Cocos Island, including liveaboard trips, day tours, and personalized diving experiences. With expert advice on the best dive sites, equipment rentals, and local accommodations, we aim to make your diving adventure in Cocos Island an unforgettable experience. So, let’s dive in and explore the incredible underwater world of Cocos Island together!

Top 10 reasons to Dive Cocos Island

Discover why Cocos Island should absolutely be on your bucket list…

What is there to see at Cocos Island?

Cocos is well known for the sharks, but what else is there to see?

Best way to Dive Cocos Island

There are a few options to dive Cocos Island, we help you find the best one.

Cocos Island FAQs

Cocos Island is located in the Pacific Ocean, about 300 miles off the coast of Costa Rica. Cocos Island is accessible by boat. The journey to the island can take several hours by boat, and visitors must be prepared for the remote environment.

The best time to visit Cocos Island is between June and December, when the waters are calm and visibility is good for diving and snorkeling. However, weather conditions can vary, and visitors should be prepared for changes in conditions.

Yes, visitors to Cocos Island are required to pay an entrance fee, which helps to fund conservation efforts on the island.

The water temperature at Cocos Island typically ranges from 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 28 degrees Celsius), making it comfortable for diving year-round.

Visibility at Cocos Island can vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions. Generally, visibility is good, ranging from 60 to 100 feet (18 to 30 meters).

Diving at Cocos Island offers the opportunity to see a variety of marine species, including hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, dolphins, rays, and sea turtles. Other common sightings include moray eels, octopuses, and an array of colorful fish and invertebrates. Read more here .

Due to the strong currents and challenging diving conditions at Cocos Island, divers are required to have advanced diving certifications and a minimum number of logged dives. Additionally, dive operators may require specific equipment, such as a reef hook, to help manage currents while diving.

There are several popular dive sites at Cocos Island, including Manuelita Coral Garden, Dirty Rock, and Alcyone. Each site offers unique diving experiences, ranging from shallow coral gardens to deep offshore pinnacles.

Find out why we love diving Socorro in May & June

Socorro is always stunning, raw and primal but spring is special

Cocos – Island of the Sharks

August – Mid-September

10 Days / 9 Nights 11 Days / 10 Nights

US$5,095 pp. dbl occ.

Destination Overview

Cocos Island Costa Rica – Island of the Sharks

Cocos—just the name elicits a knowing smile from experienced divers. Known as the ‘Island of the Sharks,’ it’s not just about the famous schooling hammerheads where the sharks come to you, but a tiny tropical rainforest oasis in the eastern Pacific. Here, you’ll encounter loads of white-tip reef sharks, marble rays, tiger sharks, and the ever-fascinating lobster and octopus. Of course, there are schools of juvenile horse-eyed jacks and hundreds of creole fish gathering together.

Cocos is pure magic for experienced divers, and going ashore adds an adventure of its own. Here’s an insider tip: don’t miss the suspension bridge constructed from repurposed fishing gear seized from illegal fishers. As a bonus, the 2024 expedition coincides with the peak season for humpback whales, offering a good chance of in-water sightings.

Peak Season Diving

Why summer trips? Because that’s known as the best time to visit, and August is the single most popular month.

“The rainy season” is from June through December, when the deep ocean upwellings attract manta rays, and whale sharks can sometimes be seen daily. In July and August 2021, as well as August and September 2022, humpback whales were spotted in the sheltered anchorages. Summer is also the time when the most hammerhead sharks are typically in the area. Visibility can be lower during this time, ranging from 90-ft down to 30-ft with plankton in the upper water column, but rain itself usually only lasts for 2 or 3 hours in the afternoon. Water temps around 80°F. And of course, everything shoreside is blooming with life and incredibly green during this season. Hiking the island will be offered. Special kudos to the government of Costa Rica for banning the fishing of hammerhead sharks.

Sample Itinerary

¡Bienvenidos a Costa Rican! Upon arrival at SJO (San Jose International Airport), we recommend either taking the short connecting flight on Sensa Airlines direct to Golfito. Alternatively, for more of an adventure, consider renting a car for the 6-hour drive and adventure driving down to Golfito. We highly recommend arriving in Golfito at least several days early to take advantage of pre-trip extensions. Located a few kilometres north of Golfito is the magnificent Piedras Blancas National Park, which, like so many other parks in Costa Rica, is almost bursting at the seams with an astonishing array of wildlife. Our concierge team will happily assist with hotel and resort recommendations.

Day 1: We will confirm the marina where the ship is located several months before your departure date. Boarding is at the marina at 7 pm, and the ship will sail at 8 pm. Knowing that most of our guests have to check out of their hotel or resort around noon, you are welcome to drop your gear off any time this afternoon. However, please note that our crew will be working super hard to get your ship ready for you and will not be able to accommodate early boarding. We plan to sail at 8 pm for the 30-33 hour crossing to Cocos.

Day 2: Your ship is a heavy steel stabilized oceangoing ship, ensuring you the best ride possible. We encourage you to relax, and it’s usually a good idea to take some anti-seasickness medicine just in case. It’s far better to feel 100% and enjoy the crossing than to risk feeling under the weather without medication… There will be ample time for briefings, setting up dive and camera gear, and, of course, cocktail hour at 7 pm with all our other guests!

Days 3 – 9 (11 days / 10 night trips get an extra day at Cocos!): \ Anchored in the lee of Cocos Island!! Enjoy some of the best diving in the world on the pinnacles surrounding cocos. The choice of dive sites is at the discretion of the park rangers and influenced by Mother Ocean, with a lot of input from your captain and dive guides. Typically, there will be an opportunity for 2 dives in the morning and 1 in the afternoon, with water temps ranging from 78 – 82°F (27 – 28°C). Plus, there’s the opportunity to go ashore several times, whale watch with the humpbacks, relax, and have a great time!!

Day 10: Last day at sea: We will be making our way back to Golfito, packing gear up, visiting with new friends, and planning your next adventure!

Day 11: Final day: Early arrival in port around 5 am for those who want to catch the early flight on Sensa Airlines to connect with the same departure home from SJO. For everyone else, disembarking is at 8:30 am after a leisurely breakfast onboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cocos island of the sharks – faqs.

What dive experience is needed? 50 logged dives and advanced open water is the bare minimum experience required to safely dive around Cocos Island. More experience is better and all divers should have good buoyancy skills. The diving can be challenging. There could be strong current on some dives. Some of the dive sites are in open water and exposed to the swell. The difference between Cocos and a destination such as Socorro is that there is no navy base or airstrip on the island which means that airplane medevac is not possible. If you have a medical issue, the boat will have to return to port or at least be met part way by fast boat. For all these reasons, these trips are best suited for good experienced divers. Don’t worry if you don’t feel that you are quite ready yet for Cocos!! Come and visit us in Baja, Sea of Cortez and Socorro and we will get you all tuned and tweaked up for this great adventure!!!

Do I need to dive with a dive guide? Yes. At Cocos, current and visibility can change dramatically within several hours. If you were to surface unexpectedly mid-dive, there is the possibility of drifting away and needing to use your Nautilus LifeLine to get rescued. In addition to those challenges, local tiger sharks can show erratic behaviour around your safety stop at 15 feet and it’s very important for our dive guides to keep a watchful eye on them. For all of these reasons, Cocos is a dive destination in which guests have to stay with our dive guides. Our dive guides are highly experienced and excellent and they will do their best to give you all the freedom and headspace you might be looking for in your diving, and of course, we are very focussed on giving shooters what they need (sorry, bad pun). Ultimately, your captain and dive guides are the final authority on whether a guest can do a specific dive or not.

What are your safety protocols? Safety, excellence in guest experience and happy staff and crew are the cornerstones of our business. Nothing is more important than your safety. At Nautilus, we are proud to be the only dive operation in the world with ISM certification and external annual audit of an SMS (Safety Management System). This is the same certification as the largest cruise ships on the oceans. We operate within written processes, procedures and checklists that our captains and crew are trained into both initially and annually. Every dive starts with a briefing on a white board. We require that all divers carry LifeLines marine rescue GPS, SMBs and dive alerts. We will loan you one of ours if you are missing any of this safety equipment. We carry AEDs and extensive medical kits with a contract medical officer available shoreside via our sophisticated satellite communication system. NOTE: because of the remoteness of Cocos Island, we highly recommend a medical checkup before leaving on this trip.

How many dives can I expect? Your dive schedule may vary according to weather, other dive boats and where the action is. You can generally expect 2 dives in the morning and 1 in the afternoon. Entry into the park is restricted and tightly controlled for diving allowing for not more than 65 divers in the park at any one time. An 11 day, 10 night trip provides for 7 dive days.

Is there nitrox onboard? Yes, and it’s highly recommended for all divers. The cost is US$ 120 per trip.

Water temperature? 78- 82 °F (27 – 28 °C).

Are the boats camera friendly? YES, VERY! Ask about rental cameras and photo pro services.

What airport do I fly into? SJO.

How do I get to the ship? TBA

What time can I board the ship? TBA

What time do we disembark? TBA

What dive gear do I need to bring? We provide aluminum 80 cu. ft tanks and weightbelts. Larger steel rental cylinders are available. 5 mm wetsuit recommended to avoid losing body core temp during multiple days of repetitive diving. It’s always better to layer down rather than be cold with no options. We have rentals onboard by prior arrangement for almost anything you need. Please make any rental requests as early as possible.

What to Expect

What’s the weather like and what clothes should I bring? Well, it’s the rainy season in the tropics!! We recommend casual and cool attire onboard (t-shirt and shorts). It can be drizzly in the afternoons and we recommend bringing a windbreaker and a fleece vest or sweater just in case. Make sure you bring good shoes if you are interested in going ashore for a hike. It’s spectacular onshore. Just wait until you see the waterfalls!

Is there internet and WhatsApp onboard? Yes. Internet and WhatsApp connection are available for $120 per trip. Please keep in mind that a satellite tracking system at sea only gives limited speed internet access. You won’t be able to stream Netflix!!

What’s the crossing like? It’s an open ocean crossing to Cocos Island Costa Rica. It can be smooth or it might be rough or more likely, something in-between. The Explorer is our flagship that has steamed through everything, from the current-swept chilly waters of Alaska to adventuring down to Clipperton Atoll, just north of the equator. We highly recommend the scopolamine “patch” and a glass of red wine to relax and have a snooze on the crossing. During the trip, we anchor in the calm anchorage behind Cocos.

Is there a fuel surcharge? Of course not! We figure that dive boat companies that with fuel, surcharges year-in, year-out are just taking an extra fee onto the trip.

What’s an appropriate crew tip? US$ 400 – $500.

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Cocos Islands

Liveaboard dive trips to cocos islands.

Scuba Diving Trips Cocos Islands | Costa Rica’s scuba diving locations immerse you in a world with reefs teeming in biodiversity and blue water dives filled with a variety of oceanic pelagic fish, such as dolphins, rays, whales and multiple species of sharks. The water temperature stays warm all year, and both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean offers underwater exploration to divers of all levels of experience. Liveaboard trips for the experienced SCUBA diver can be found in the remote waters surrounding Cocos Island . Up-close encounters with scalloped hammerheads and blue water diving offer for more challenging conditions for those seeking heart-pounding action. Costa Rica offers as much diversity above the water as below. Be sure to take advantage of the endless array of adventure this country offers. Enjoy our selection of scuba diving packages, scuba dive resorts, and luxury liveaboards in Costa Rica with your family or friends. Contact Ultimate Dive Travel for a custom dive package built to suit your needs!

Liveaboard Dive Trips to Cocos Island

MV Argo Liveaboard is a rare combination of work ship and luxury yacht. Built to pamper eighteen passengers nine, spacious, well-appointed staterooms. She is a 130-foot vessel (40 meters) with a full global reach. Fourteen well-seasoned crew look after the liveaboard, the projects and the guest’s every need. MV Argo was conceived of to serve as the ultimate platform for a deep diving submersible as well as for remote operating vehicle (R.O.V.) deployment. She offers heavy lift capabilities, stability and ample deck space for any chore imaginable. Extended, multi-task cruses are our forte.

MV Sea Hunter

The MV Sea Hunter SCUBA diving liveaboard is 115-feet of pure comfort and stability. This all-inclusive dive trip offers everything a serious diver and photographer could wish for. Specializing in providing excellence in service, world class cuisine, non-stop underwater excitement and breathtaking beauty above the surface, the well seasoned crew of MV Sea Hunter will ensure your “once in a lifetime” SCUBA dive trip to Cocos Island will be exceptional from start to finish.

Call us today at (800) 737-3483 to book your dive trip to the Cocos Islands. Or simply reserve your Coco’s dive trip online by clicking below.

Cocos Island National Park in Costa Rica: Guide for Divers

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. Clicking on them may earn Costa Rica Vibes a commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Cocos Island, Costa Rica is a remote island destination on the Pacific Ocean. This is a protected area and part of the Costa Rica national park system. The island is located 300 miles off of mainland Costa Rica and the only way to visit is with a multi-day liveaboard scuba diving tour.

The real draw to this remote destination is the abundance of sharks and other marine life that live in the waters surrounding Cocos Island National Park. If you are passionate in scuba diving, this may be the perfect Costa Rica vacation option for you.

Are you ready to plan your adventure?

Read on for all the details on the best tours, the fascinating history of the island that involves buried treasure, and info about the marine life you might see on your multi-day live-aboard experience.

Just Want to Book Your Trip?

Here are the three best Cocos Island live-aboard tour options

Cocos Island Aggressor

Okeanos Aggressor II

The cocos island diving experience.

The Cocos Island diving experience starts by boarding a comfortable diving yacht in the city of Puntarenas on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

From here, your boat ride out to the island will take approximately 36 hours. It is definitely a very remote location!

You will then spend the next several days visiting diving sites around the island to explore coral reefs and marine life. All meals and sleeping will take place on the comfortable boat.

You will also get the chance to explore Coco’s Island National Park by land as well.

Typically, you will have the chance to dive at 3 different sites per day if you choose.

Marine Life at Cocos Island

In the waters surrounding Cocos Island, you may see a variety of marine species including:

Multiple species of sharks including scalloped hammerhead sharks, white tip reef sharks, tiger sharks, whale sharks
sailfish
yellowfin tuna
giant manta rays,
various species of sea turtles including hawksbill turtles, green turtles, olive ridley turtles
humpback whales,
orca whales
bottlenose dolphins
Over 300 species of fish
30 species of coral
Over 60 species of crustaceans
600 species of mollusks.

🤿 Check Availability and Arrange Your Cocos Island Trip 🦈

Cocos Island Diving Sites

There are several dive sites that you will visit during your trip. Here are the main marine area highlights.

Bajo Alcyone

This is a great spot to see hammerhead sharks.

The seamount top is about an 82ft (25m) descent. From here, you can find a crevice to hang out and watch the hammerheads come into view in swarms. You will likely see hundreds of them. In this area, you might also see silky sharks and whale sharks.

The reef isn’t overly impressive, but there is some sea life with octopi and manta rays.

This is considered the most popular diving spot in the area due to the volume of hammerheads and the large amount of fish that gather here. You may see tuna, blacktip sharks, snapper, bigeye jacks, whale sharks, and more!

The area is made up of volcanic rock outcrops that are divided by a seed channel.

Dos Amigos Grande

Here there is an impressive underwater arch. This can be accessed at 82ft (25meter). Here you can see hammerheads, reef sharks, eagle rays, jacks, snapper, etc.

Occasionally, tiger sharks have also been known to show up in this area.

🤿 Check Availability and Arrange Your Diving Adventure 🦈

Dos Amigos Pequeña

This small island is a nice spot to swim around and see sharks, urchins, snappers, and starfish. This is an area of great visibility.

Manuelita Deep

There are numerous ledges in this area where white tip reef sharks often hang out. Just note that this area can have strong currents.

This is one of the more popular diving sites and is sometimes visited more than once on liveaboards.

Manuelita Garden

Manuelita Garden is a coral garden located atop a submerged mountain. This is one of the only coral reef dives near Cocos Island, and it is beautiful!

Visiting the Island’s Mainland

During your several days of diving at the Isla del Coco National Park you will have a few opportunities to walk with a park ranger on the island. There is a waterfall that you could previously walk to, but I read that it is now closed to visitors.

Along the way, you may see wild boars, goats, white-tailed deer, two species of rats, and house cats, over 90 species of birds including red-footed boobies, brown boobies, and Cocos finch and various species of insects.

Keep in mind that the government of Costa Rica has made this island into a national park . The only people who live out here are the national park rangers. The only people allowed to step foot on the land are people visiting on liveaboard diving tours.

History of Cocos Island

I’ve got to admit, the history of Cocos Island is one of my favorite histories in Costa Rica. It is so fascinating and it involves billions of dollars in buried treasure!

Cocos Island was annexed by Costa Rica in 1832. During this time and until the mid-19th century, whalers regularly stopped at the island.

In October 1863, a few hundred Tongan former slaves were abandoned on the island after it was discovered that they had contracted smallpox. The crew did not want to be affected, so they deserted them.

By the time the Tongans were rescued one month later only 38 people remained. The rest had died from smallpox.

The island was established as a national park in 1978.

In 1997 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In 2002 that classification was expanded to include over 700 miles of ocean surrounding the island.

And, in 2022 the president of Ecuador announced the expansion of the Galápagos Marine Reserve by 50%. This addition added 23,000 sq miles of protected sea and land to the northeast of the islands.

This means, the protected oceanic area around Cocos Island now connects all the way down to the Galapagos Islands.

Buried Treasure

The island is sometimes referred to as Treasure Island, and for good reason!

There are multiple claims of buried treasure on the island, but none has actually been discovered (that we know of).

The first claim came from a woman, Mary Welch in 1818. She stated that 350 tons of gold (worth $16 billion today) was buried on the island by a British pirate named Bennett Graham. She claimed that she had been a member of the pirate crew and knew that this cache had been stolen from a Spanish galleon and buried there.

Welch was sentenced to an Australian penal colony for her crimes. However, when she was released she returned to Cocos Island with a map which she claimed showed the location of the treasure.

Unfortunately, the landmarks were unrecognizable and she never found the treasure.

A Portuguese pirate, Benito Bonito also supposedly buried treasure on the island around the same time as Bennet Graham, but no concrete evidence has been found.

The most well-known legend of Cocos’ treasure comes from what is referred to as the Treasure of Lima. The Spaniards controlling Lima, Peru in 1820 supposedly entrusted a British trader, Captain William Thompson, with the city’s treasures while Lima was being invaded by the Argentinian army.

Thompson and his crew allegedly took off with the treasure and sailed to Cocos Island where they allegedly buried the loot. Not long after, they were stopped by a Spanish warship that killed the entire crew except for Thompson and his first mate.

They promised to show the Spanish crew the location of the buried treasure on the island in exchange for their lives, but both Thompson and his first mate ran off into the thick jungle as soon as they landed onshore.

The treasure was never found.

In 1897, a small colony was formed here under the rule of a German adventurer. This colony was short-lived, but while here the adventurer spent a great deal of time searching for the supposed buried treasures. He found a few gold coins., but nothing else

Since then, there have been over 300 hundred expeditions to find the buried treasures that the island may possess, but none have been successful so far.

And, because the Costa Rican government decided to make the island a protected area that is not open to the public it is not a heavily traversed piece of land except for by the park rangers.

Best Time of Year to Visit

The dry season (mid-December until end of April) is the best time to visit for good weather and clear visibility. There will be almost no rain during this time of year.

This is the best time to visit if you have a tendency to get seasick because the waters will be much calmer.

The rainy season (May until mid-December) means almost daily rain storms usually in the afternoon. During this time of year, the water may be much rougher. However, this is the best time to see hammerhead sharks and manta rays.

If possible, we suggest visiting in mid-July . Usually, Costa Rica experiences a mini summer during this time of year and the rain stops for about two weeks. This also happens to be when hammerhead sharks are about at their peak.

Diving Conditions

Most of the diving sites are open water. Keep in mind that many of the diving sites are located on submerged mountains and can have strong currents depending on the time of year.

The water temperature is usually between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

🤿 Arrange Your Cocos Island Diving Adventure 🦈

The visibility is generally between 30 and 100 feet. Most dives are between 30 – 131 feet (10 – 40m).

For this reason, Nitrox diving is recommended.

What to Pack for the Liveaboard Experience

It is recommended that scuba divers bring:

Reef-safe sunblock
Comfortable clothes for while on the boat
Dive computer
snorkel gear
wetsuit (between 3 and 5mm)
dive gloves
depth gauge

Tanks, weights, and weight belts will be provided on the boat.

We suggest that you put all of your gear in luggage designed for diving gear . This will help keep everything secure and well packaged.

If needed, it is always possible to rent all equipment on the boat for the extent of your diving adventure. This will save you from the hassle of lugging everything with you.

Also, laundry service is available on most boats.

PADI Requirements

We recommend this trip to more experienced divers. It is a full immersion into diving and if it is not something you are super passionate about, it may be a bit much for you.

However, for most tours, the only requirement is that you have your PADI open water certification.

There is no requirement for the number of dives completed, but 50 hours of completed dive time is highly suggested.

Most tours will offer the Enriched Air Nitrox course for an extra fee.

Safety Notice

All tours and dives are led by certified guides with extensive training. That being said, occasionally things happen.

I say that because a woman from New York was killed here in 2017 during an unprovoked tiger shark attack.

Her diving instructor was also bit in the leg but survived the attack.

Tiger sharks in the area are a relatively new thing and are very rare.

Cocos Tour Options

In order to visit Cocos Island it is necessary to take a multi-day liveaboard-style boat trip. This is due to the fact that it is located over 300 nautical miles off of Costa Rica’s coast and the fact that nobody besides park rangers are allowed on the actual island (they are trying to keep all the buried treasure for themselves 😉 ).

The boat trip out to Cocos Island from the Puntarenas port takes between 36 to 48 hours.

All liveaboard boats will anchor it the bay off of the island at night. Staying on the island is not permitted.

There are multiple tour options. Here are the best options.

MV Sea Hunter

⭐️ RATING: 9.3 on LiveAboard | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 to 11 days | ✅ Book it!

This boat has 10 cabins which accommodates 20 guests in twin and double bed air-conditioned suites. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms. The boat has an air-conditioned restaurant, sundeck, entertainment lounge, and a study with books.

Tour Length

Tours vary between 10 and 11 nights

Tour Schedule

Plan your flight to fly in and out of the San Jose International Airport . You will need to organize your own transportation from the airport to your hotel in San José for the first night.

The next morning, the boat’s crew arranges to pick up only from these 4 hotels: Grano de Oro , Park Inn, Hampton Inn , and Costa Rica Marriott , so you will need to book your stay at one of those places.

A sample itinerary based on the length of your trip is as follows….

Day 1: Meet in front of the host hotel in San Jose. A transfer service to Puntarenas will be provided. Along the way, you will stop for a snack and lunch. You will then board the boat and depart for Cocos Island.

Day 2: It will take approximately 36 hours to arrive at Cocos Island.

Day 2-9: These days will consist of eating, sleeping, and diving around the multiple island diving sites. Meals will be provided throughout the day. Most days consist of three dives, but three times during the trip there will be an option for a night dive as well.

Day 9-10: Travel back to Puntarenas.

Day 11: Check out of the boat at 8am. A transfer bus will take you back to San Jose Airport or host hotels.

In addition to the liveaboard rate you will also need to pay

National Park Fee – USD 553 (to be paid in advance)
Fuel surcharge – USD 200 per person (to be paid onboard)

🤿 Check Availabilit y for MV Sea Hunter 🦈

Okeanos Aggressor

⭐️ RATING: 8.4/10 on LiveAboard | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 nights | ✅ Book it!

This is a brand-new yacht that was built in 2022. It is a beautiful mix of luxury and practicality.

10 nights accommodation
7 days of diving (3-4 dives per day)
Snacks, soft drinks, water, tea, coffee, local beer and wine
12l tanks and weights
Scheduled group transfer from San Jose to yacht terminal
Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)

This yacht accommodates 22 guests in 5 deluxe staterooms and 4 master staterooms.

Each room has an individually controlled AC, TV and media player, bathroom, and ample storage space. All meals are served in the dining room.

The food consists of freshly prepared local cuisine, American, and BBQ. There is a large salon with entertainment options as well as a sun deck with lounge chairs, a hot tub and a shaded cocktail deck. All food and drinks are included in the price.

11 days/ 10 nights

Plan your flight to fly in and out of the San Jose International Airport .

The organizers of this trip would like you to spend your first and last night at the Park Inn in San Jose if possible. This makes it easy for them to pick you up in the morning.

You can book your stay at the Park Inn here

You will need to arrange your own transportation from the airport to Park Inn. We suggest just getting a registered taxi from the airport.

Day 1: Meet in front of Park Inn. A transfer service to Puntarenas will be provided. This drive takes about 1.5 hours. You will then board the Aggressor and depart for Cocos Island.

Day 2-3: Arrive to Cocos Island and begin diving.

Day 4-8: These days will consist of eating, sleeping, and diving around the multiple island diving sites as well as visits to the island for nature exploration.

Day 11: Check out of the boat at 7 am. A transfer bus will take you back to San Jose Airport or Park Inn hotel.

On top of the diving tour price, you will need to pay for any gear that you need to rent, Cocos Island Park Fee to be paid on board (USD 490 per person + 13% VAT), Cocos Island Emergency Evacuation Plan – USD 30 per person (to be paid on board).

Also, flights, hotel on the first and last night, Nitrox, and crew gratuities are not included.

🤿 Check Availabilit y for Cocos Island Aggressor 🦈

⭐️ RATING: 8.6/10 on LiveAboard | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 nights | ✅ Book it!

This yacht accommodates 22 guests in 11 cabins. All meals are served in the dining room and consist of freshly prepared American style cuisine.

There is a large salon with entertainment options as well as a sun deck with lounge chairs and a bar and grill. All food and drinks are included in the price.

The organizers of this trip would like you to spend your first and last night at the Park Inn.

You will need to arrange transportation from the airport to Park Inn. We suggest just getting a registered taxi from the airport.

Day 1: Meet in front of the host hotel. A transfer service to Puntarenas will be provided. This drive takes about 1.5 hours. You will then board the Okeanos Aggressor ii and depart for Cocos Island.

Day 4-8: These days will consist of eating, sleeping, and diving around the multiple island diving sites..

Day 11: Check out of the boat at 7 am. A transfer bus will take you back to San Jose Airport or host hotels.

🤿 Check Availabilit y for Okeanos Aggressor ii 🦈

Things You Should Know Before Booking

Here are all of our helpful travel tips that your should know before booking your liveaboard adventure to Cocos Island.

There are Multiple Places Called Cocos Island

Don’t get confused when booking your trip. There is also a series of islands in the Indian Ocean called Cocos Islands.

These islands are part of Australia and are sometimes also referred to as “Cocos (Keeling) Islands” or Cocos Islands Malay.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Make sure to purchase a travel insurance plan which will cover you for accidents related to diving.

Conservation Efforts

Conservation of this area is very important. Please be careful not to destroy or take any part of the natural habitat. Leave to trace of your visit except your amazing memories.

Conclusion: Scuba Diving Cocos Island

In conclusion, Cicos Island is a beautiful place with a diverse marine ecosystem. A scuba diving adventure here is bound to be an extremely memorable experience.

So, what do you think? Is a diving trip to Cocos Island in your future? If you have any questions, feel free to comment below. We are always happy to help you out!

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Your Guide to Diving in Cocos Island

Costa rica scuba diving at its best.

Page contents:
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Diving season
Where is it?
Reef summary
Useful references

... Highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, dolphins, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics... ... Diving environment: advanced divers, off the beaten track...

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. Once considered a destination for hardcore divers, Cocos Island now attracts all sorts of scuba divers to Costa Rica from all over the world, lured by its remote beauty and seas teeming with life . The island has around 20 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. All sites are close to the island and one another, making Cocos Island an ideal liveaboard diver's playground .

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'. The eco-system has been largely untouched by humans, offering us a rare glimpse into a world where nature reigns supreme, allowing the marine and island creatures to interact undisturbed and thrive in the process.

The main attraction of Cocos Island diving is scalloped hammerhead sharks . You will witness wave after wave of huge groups of hammerheads, some numbering in their hundreds! But there are other regular shark species encounters too, most notably whitetip reef sharks and Galapagos, silky, tiger, blacktip, silvertip and guitar sharks . They are joined by many different species of rays: mobula, marble, manta and eagle rays swirling around you in search of cleaning stations.

Bajo Alcyone is the number one Costa Rica diving spot to see hundreds of hammerhead sharks and large fish action. Descending to the submerged mountain will give you the best seat in the house to see manta and mobula rays swirling into the cleaning stations and legions of hammerhead sharks on all sides of you as they descend to below the thermocline.

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. 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 . Moray eels are very visible as they weave and sway from every available crevice in the sheer volcanic wall. 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 .

Dive Site Descriptions

Bajo alcyone.

This is unparalleled as the place to see hammerhead sharks . 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! From viewing their distinct hammerhead silhouettes at the surface to watching them descend below you, you will be spoilt for choice with photo ops. The hammerhead sharks prefer swimming below the thermocline which often tempts divers to descend below 98ft (30m). 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. Due to its offshore location about a mile (1½ km) from the island, you will find incredible pelagic action at this spot promising you numerous fulfilling interactions with mobula, manta and eagle rays. Shark cleaning stations abound with many satisfied customers among the silky sharks and Galapagos sharks. Majestic whale sharks are also frequent visitors. At Bajo Alcyone you will be spoiled, not only with shark numbers but also variety. Show more

There is also some life on the reef too, if you can tear your attention away from the shark action. 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. The crevices are also home to the rather bizarre mottled soapfish, which lie flank down on the sand as if pretending to be dead. 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. Truly this Costa Rican dive site needs to be seen to be believed. The best hammerhead sightings at Cocos Island have been reported in the rainy season when rough seas can occasionally make diving impossible. 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.

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. 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. All you need to do is watch the magnificent show as it unfolds around you. Hammerheads and marble rays will swim right up to you; around, above and below you. 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. Show more

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. Large shoals of bigeye jacks, bluefin trevally, hunting tuna and blacktip sharks swerve around the boulders and up into the blue, and the occasional whale shark will majestically cruise into the channel just to make your day. Gently ascending along the spectacular rock formations brings you into contact with green and hawksbill turtles foraging in the coral. Scuba divers taking safety stops here are often joined by groups of playful bottlenose dolphins . 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! You can dive Dirty Rock at any time of year. 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.

Dos Amigos Grande

This site, being the larger of the 'Two Friends', is dominated by a magnificent arch in its southwest corner. Descend to 82ft (25m) where you can marvel as the arch rises from a depth of 92 to 62ft (28-19m) below the ocean's surface. The swim through is so large your whole dive group can fit through comfortably. 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. Large graceful marbled rays will delight you with their antics as they appear around the curve, almost brushing up against you. Show more

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. Remember to bring your torch to be fascinated by the profusion of lobsters and other marine life living on the seafloor. Depending on the current, your dive could either start or end at the arch. If you begin at the arch, your final destination is at the other end of the islet. Hover there as long as you can to be entertained by hordes of hammerhead sharks awaiting their turn with the barberfish at busy shark cleaning stations. Tiger sharks also put in frequent visits to Dos Amigos Grande. 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.

Dos Amigos Pequeña

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. However, think again. 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. Most places in the world, hammerhead sharks are extremely and rightly cautious of humans. However, dive at the farflung Costa Rican outpost of Cocos Island and you'll encounter a different side to their behavior. Show more

Here, the sharks are very curious and cruise ever nearer to the patient diver. If you adopt a neutrally buoyant 'head up' posture and wait, you might well be engulfed by hammerheads from all directions. 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 great visibility here means you can generally see them come in from a greater distance than at other Cocos dive sites. Eventually you'll surely run short of bottom time, so continue to circle around the islet whilst ascending as you go. The sharp rocks, which appear bereft of life apart from a few urchins and starfish, are often hidden by huge congregations of blue-striped snappers and creolefish. Eagle rays seek out frequent king angelfish cleaning stations here and they are a delight to see on the slopes so frequently. Oceanic blacktips also frequent Dos Amigos Pequeña, but appear slightly spooked by the more numerous and larger hammerheads. At the end of the dive, it's best to swim out into mid ocean and away from the islet for your safety stop. This is to avoid the worst of the heavy surge in the shallows. 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 smaller of the 'Two Friends', Dos Amigos Pequeña is the more southerly of these 2 sites. The small conical shaped islet has the best and most consistent visibility that you're likely to encounter when diving in Cocos.

An undoubted highlight of your Costa Rica diving trip, or indeed your entire diving career, could be a truly unforgettable deep dive in a submersible craft. 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.

At Everest you will go close to 295ft (90m) down in the submersible. Look up to see mobula rays swoop overhead or big schools of hammerheads pass by silhouetted against the light color of the surface. 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. A dive in Costa Rica with a real difference!

Manuelita Deep

Manuelita Island is a 492ft (150m) long islet, lying to the north of Chatham Bay, off the northeast corner of Cocos Island. The deeper west side is one of the prime spots to dive with hammerhead sharks. Show more

Rolling off the side of your dive tender, you'll descend from the surface and follow the boulder formations down into deeper water. 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. 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. 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. It's these hygienic fish that are so popular with the scalloped hammerhead sharks. These mighty brutes, some about 13ft (4m) long, circle the sandy bottom waiting their turn to cruise in for a session with the cleaners. If the visibility is good, you can see dozens of hammerheads in the area. Since 2007, tiger sharks have also frequented this dive site, and these fearsome creatures easily outsize the hammerheads. As an alternative, you might dive along the deeper northern section of the site. 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. White tip reef sharks seem to be everywhere here and you'll see more of them than you care to count. Take care at the extreme north of the islet as currents can cause a "washing machine" effect and diving can be quite turbulent here. The chances are good that you'll dive this site more than once on your Cocos liveaboard. Given the spectacular big shark action that you're likely to encounter, it's unlikely that you'll be complaining too much.

Manuelita Garden

Manuelita is a submerged mountain forming an islet to the north of the island, just out of Chatham Bay. 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. This is one of the few coral reef dives here and the simple formations are home to a myriad of colorful critters. 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. Parrotfish and blue-striped snappers dart around you, while below yellow Mexican goatfish stir the sandy slope with 2 barbels under their chin, looking for hidden crustaceans to eat. This is definitely not the diving trip to forget your camera at home! Show more

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. 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. 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. Schools of razor surgeonfish and Pacific creolefish race over the reef garden in search of food. 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. Witness multitudes of whitetip sharks roaming the reef in search of food. Turning on your torch to bring the colours to life will instantly place you in the midst of a frenetic feeding frenzy as the whitetips use your light to hone in on their prey. By day and night this site will definitely be a highlight of your diving trip to Cocos.

Punta Maria

This is an underwater mountain lying about a third of a mile (500m) off the southwest coast of Cocos Island. 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. 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. Show more

This part of the dive site is a hot spot for the Galapagos shark. These sharks grow to over 11ft (3½m) and can be found in small groups or alone, feeding on fish, squid and octopi. They are often mistaken for silky sharks which are also seen at Cocos. The most obvious distinction between the two is that the Galapagos shark has a first dorsal fin that begins on the back above the inner margin of the pectoral fin, whereas the silky shark's first dorsal fin is positioned further back and beginning behind the rear tip of the pectoral fin. 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. As you close in on the northern area, keep your eye out for the telltale signs of cleaner stations manned by barberfish. Stay low and out of sight and you may be rewarded by close up encounters with hammerhead sharks which pull in for a spruce. 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. Moving on from this deep section, you'll head north again and find the rising pinnacles. Here you can pass the remainder of your dive, marveling at the schools of jacks that buzz the pinnacles and the wreathing masses of whitetip reef sharks that hunt here. Manta rays sometimes pull in here too as these mighty yet graceful pelagics are partial to regular cleaning sessions as well. 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. 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.

How to Dive Cocos Island

Discover our Cocos liveaboard adventure opportunities

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. For more information on the cruises and all the other travel information you might need to visit Costa Rica and the island, visit our Cocos liveaboard section .

Since Cocos is a popular diving spot with a low number of liveaboard operators, availability can be an issue. We recommend you book 12 months in advance to avoid disappointment.

Depending on conditions at sea, the boat trip from the Costa Rican mainland usually takes about 36 hours cruise time. 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 begins. This makes for a unique situation where the tourists are almost exclusively divers.

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The Diving Season

Being so far from the Costa Rican mainland, the climate are quite different here. 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). Rainfall alternates with sunny skies all year round. This however, does not affect the scuba action.

If you prefer calmer seas and higher visibility then book your trip between December and May - the dry season . Dry season typically sees calmer seas and visibility of over 89 ft (30m). 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. The surface is rougher during this period and visibility drops to within the range of 33 to 82ft (10 - 25m). Plankton rather than rainfall is more likely to be the factor that reduces visibility. The long open ocean crossing is likely to be less comfortable during this time. 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.

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. However, temperatures can vary dramatically, dropping up to 43°F (6°C) due to thermoclines. This can be an arresting sensation if you are inadequately suited. We recommend a 5 mm full length wet suit, hood, gloves and boots to be prepared for all eventualities.

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. August and September are the 2 most popular months. June and July are said to hold the promise of both calm seas and a good chance to see the big creatures .

Where is Cocos and How Do I Get There?

Review our maps below of the island, its host country Costa Rica, and their location in the world. Here, you will find information on how to get to Cocos .

Reef Summary

Depth: 33 - >130ft (10 - >40m) Visibility: 40 - 98ft (12 - 30m) Currents: Moderate to very strong Surface conditions: Can be rough and choppy further from shore Water temperature: 75 - 86°F (24 - 30°C) Experience level: Advanced, mandatory surface marker buoy Number of dive sites: ~20 Distance: 342 miles (550 km) west of Costa Rica Recommended length of stay: 10 days

Useful References

Cocos Island cruise trips
Diving video gallery
Cocos National Park
Costa Rica tour activities
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ZuBlu Tips & Articles

Best dive sites of cocos island.

May 4, 2023

Thought to be the real-life inspiration behind Treasure Island and Jurassic Park, the isolated Cocos Island is one of the world’s last true diving frontiers . Located over 500-kilometres from Costa Rica’s western coast, there are few other dive destinations this remote - and even fewer offering such mind-blowing biodiversity.

Keep reading to discover what’s on offer in this remarkable destination.

An introduction to Cocos

Cocos Island - or Isla del Coco - is both a national park and designated UNESCO World Heritage site, and home to a remarkable degree of endemism that offers a snapshot of what tropical ocean habitats once looked like. On land, Cocos is covered in dense rainforest which turns to cloud forest as it clambers skywards up the island’s volcanic peaks. These untouched habitats are both magnificent and mysterious, although they are home to endemic bird and reptile species rather than the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park fame.

This volcanic island is the only part of a vast underwater ridge that breaks the surface and Cocos is at the crossroads for several marine currents. These currents have helped create a melting-pot of marine life from elsewhere in the Pacific and have earned this island the nickname “little Galapagos”. Divers visiting Cocos can expect to encounter tiger sharks, silkies, Galapagos sharks, and hammerheads schooling by the hundreds, not to mention manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, and even humpbacks.

Of course, these oceanic currents also mean Cocos is best-suited to experienced divers, and the epic 36-hour crossing favours adventurous explorers. But, while it may take a while to get to, once you arrive at Cocos you won’t have to travel large distances between dive sites, guaranteeing plenty of time to explore all the local highlights.

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Isla del Coco diving highlights

There are just over 20 dive sites around the small island of Cocos, a unique playground for adventurous scuba divers - and you’ll likely get the chance to explore them all.

Bajo Alcyone

First discovered by the Cousteau Society’s expedition ship, Alcyone, this seamount now has a reputation as one of the best dive sites in Cocos, if not the world. Lying more than a kilometre offshore, Bajo Alcyone offers incredible action no matter when you visit. Divers will descend quickly to a depth of around 25-metres, where they are met by pelagics of all varieties, including whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, dolphins, turtles, sailfish, and colossal schools of bigeye trevally and yellowfin tuna.

During the rainy season which runs from June through November, the real stars of the show appear. During this time, schools with 500 or more individual hammerhead sharks have been documented, creating a ‘wall’ that extends as far as the eye can see. Whale sharks, manta rays, silkies, and Galapagos sharks can also be encountered. Of course, the reef also provides plenty to see, with octopuses, eels, and the endemic Cocos blenny hiding out amongst the coral.

Named after the jagged guano-painted rocks protruding from the surface, Dirty Rock is another of Cocos’ more famous dive sites, and for good reason. This craggy, rugged reef is made of volcanic boulders and pinnacles rising up from the depths, along with cleaning stations that line Dirty Rock's calm channel. Here, divers can find manta rays and sharks of all shapes and sizes getting picked clean of parasites, as well as a small cave full of lobsters, and the odd octopus probing the reef.

Out in the blue, vast schools of hammerheads are sometimes seen, along with towering schools of jacks and leather bass, and even the occasional pod of dolphins! To maximise your chances of seeing hammerheads, head east towards a viewing area at around 30-metres, remaining as still and calm as you can while you wait for the sharks to come to you.

These “two friends” are actually twin dive sites, often explored one after the other depending on the currents. Located on the exposed southern side of Cocos Island, these islands are not always accessible during the rainy season due to the rough surge. But, when conditions are right, these sites offer an unparalleled underwater spectacle.

Big Dos Amigos, the larger of these two rocks, is famous for an underwater archway which rises some 15-metres from the sandy bottom below. This magnificent archway provides an unforgettable backdrop for close encounters with sharks, including hammerheads and tigers, as well as marble rays, and supersized schools of snapper and rainbow runners. The smaller rock features a jagged bottom and strong surge graced by more hammerheads, reef sharks, and the occasional oceanic blacktip.

Download your free guide to diving the East Pacific Islands - from Guadalupe and Socorro, to Cocos, Malpelo and the Galapagos. Discover everything you need to know in this comprehensive50 page destination guide.

Manuelita Island

Situated off the north coast of Cocos, Manualita Island is often the first stop for liveaboards in Cocos. Manuelita is also the largest of Cocos’ satellite islands, yet it is still small enough to be circumnavigated on a single dive. Despite this, it is often split into two separate dive sites, due to the starkly different environments on offer.

At Manuelita Deep - also known as Manuelita Outside - divers will quickly descend along a sloping boulder field to discover cleaning stations frequented by tiger sharks and hammerheads, as well as eagle rays and mantas. The site’s northern section transforms to a plummeting wall where plenty of bigger marine life in all shapes and sizes might cruise by. Manuelita Garden - also known as Manuelita Inside - is located on the island’s east side is shallower, calmer, and boasts one of the only true coral gardens in Cocos.

Punta Maria

Punta Maria is the tip of an underwater mountain, located 500-metres off the island's southwestern coast. This seamount rises from the deep sandy seafloor to a depth of around 25-metres, alongside two pinnacles that can only be visited when the current permits. A cleaning station at this site is frequently visited by Galapagos sharks, making Punta Maria one of Cocos’ best sites for spotting this spectacular species.

Punta Maria’s famously strong currents also attract a range of other powerful pelagic species, and divers should keep an eye on the drop-off for passing mantas and silkies, and sometimes even schooling hammerheads. But be careful, heading out to the blue can be dangerous at this open and exposed site - stick close to the wall and keep an eye on your depth!

While it isn’t technically a dive, taking a trip to this submerged site aboard the DeepSee Submersible is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore Cocos’ depths. The DeepSee Submersible is a custom-built one-atmosphere submarine, capable of carrying a pilot and two passengers to a depth of 450 meters. You’ll head down to around 90-metres, scouring the depths for weird and wonderful wildlife such as the endemic red-lipped Cocos batfish hopping amongst the octocorals, black coral bushes, and basket stars.

Everest itself is a pinnacle that some 50-metres tall and is peppered with deep-water coral patches. On the trip back up, you’ll slowly ascend the volcanic mountain searching for wildlife not seen in the shallows while the silhouettes of skipjack tuna, mobula rays, and scores of hammerheads circle the steep slopes above.

This is another DeepSee Submersible experience located due east of Manuelita Island. And, beginning at 200-metres below the surface, it’s safe to say this site is well below the reach of recreational diving. The submersible will explore the many ledges, overhangs, steep sandy slopes, and vertical wall sections of the trench, reaching an impressive maximum depth of 300-metres.

Exploring this deepwater trench is like stepping into another world - where creatures live in darkness and the sub's powerful lighting guides the way. Many of the animals seen, such as jellynose fish and prickly sharks, are almost exclusively found in deep water environments, so you’re very unlikely to ever see them on recreational dives.

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Experience Cocos Island at 300m deep with the DeepSee Submersible

Have you ever wondered what lies in the deep ocean? Well, wonder no more, as you can experience deep-sea submersible diving at Cocos Island with the Argo and Sea Hunter liveaboards. Cocos Island , a world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for exceptional marine life encounters, including huge schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks.

This ever-popular liveaboard diving destination is even better when experienced from the Sea Hunter and Argo’s DeepSee submersible.Once used by National Geographic, the DeepSee is available for your own deep-sea diving adventure at Cocos Island. Descending up to 300m deep, you can see for yourself what lies far, far below the surface.

This unique submersible is so popular that some people join the Sea Hunter or Argo just to go deep-sea diving.

Safety comes first on the DeepSee submersible

Diving hundreds of meters down in the ocean can be daunting, but it isn’t with the DeepSee submersible.Safety is the first priority and your submersible experience begins with a thorough safety briefing, with time for you to ask any burning questions.You’ll quickly learn what to do in the unlikely case of an emergency, though you needn’t be concerned.The submersible is positively buoyant, meaning that if there is a problem the submersible automatically ascends to the surface.

For additional safety, a boat always stays on the surface during the submersible dive and your driver will be in constant communication with that surface boat.Your comfort is also a priority and the submersible is air-conditioned and ventilated. You’ll be provided with water and snacks during the dive.

Enjoy uninterrupted views of the ocean around you

Sitting in the submersible is a little like being in a goldfish bowl but a lot more interesting!There are just three people inside; two passengers and one driver behind the passengers.Sitting up front, you have a perfect uninterrupted view of the ocean, enhanced by the acrylic glass dome design.Once you’re comfortably seated you can watch as a frogman jumps in the water and double-checks everything is in order before you descend. It’s a great time to test your camera.

There are no wires linking the submersible to the surface, adding to the feeling of a true adventure as you begin your discovery of the deep.

Dive With Schooling Hammerheads: Browse Cocos Island LiveAboards »

Dive to 90m or 300m deep? It’s your choice

The DeepSee’s eight engines and eleven lights allow for great manoeuvrability and visibility during your dive.Which is just as well given you’ll be descending to one of two dive sites; Everest at 90m or The Wall at a huge 300 metres deep.When you’re diving in the DeepSee submersible it’s easy to forget you’re even in a submersible.

The 3.3-inch thick glass dome has the same density as water, meaning you have to touch the glass to know it’s there. Otherwise, it’s invisible to your eyes.

Get your camera ready for the dive of a lifetime

You’ll want to take a camera with you to capture the marine life and landscapes the submersible highlights.Thankfully all cameras work on this submersible and the wider the angle, the better.If you don’t want to take a camera, that’s not a problem. There is a camera behind you in the submersible which captures high-quality images throughout your dive.

You will be provided with a copy of these images free of charge, as well as a free t-shirt to commemorate your DeepSee dive.

Read more: 7 Reasons Your Next Cocos Islands Dive Safari Should Be With the Sea Hunter or Argo »

What is it like diving in the deep?

It’s easy to lose track of time as you say goodbye to the surface, then descend to 200 metres and reach a sandy bottom.Make sure you keep looking around you at this point, as hammerheads and Mobula rays are sometimes seen on the way down.Having no idea where the glass is can be confusing but you’ll be shown how to use your little finger to find the glass before you bump your camera lens on it.You’ll soon get the hang of it ready for when you reach an edge; a black line in the water.

Everything becomes black as you go over that edge, which turns out to be the top of The Wall. Turning to face this wall you’ll continue dropping down alongside it. There are different species of fish to spot on the wall, including groupers, plus nudibranchs, frogfish, starfish, crabs and numerous other types of marine life.Once you reach 300 metres, you’ll have time to take in the scenery around you before ascending to the surface world once more.

After alighting back on your liveaboard, you’ll have the chance to join a Shark ID workshop to discover what sharks you may have seen during your dive.If you want to go diving before or after your submersible dive, that’s absolutely fine.Thanks to the lack of pressure change, you don’t need to take time out for a surface interval.

DeepSee Submersible Prices

Deepsee booking procedures.

Divers on the Argo can participate in a DeepSee dive at any time during their Cocos Island liveaboard safari , as the submersible is stored on the Argo.If you are joining a Sea Hunter Cocos Island liveaboard safari, it is best to book your DeepSee dive beforehand to ensure the submersible is available for you:

The Sea Hunter and Argo do not have the same trip dates, so the available time to do a DeepSee dive from the Sea Hunter is limited to 3 to 4 days during your safari.

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Exciting moments await you when you are entranced with hundreds of schooling Hammerheads. Along with giant Manta Rays, bottlenose dolphins, whale sharks, sharks, tuna and millions of smaller fish, all are home in Cocos Island.

DIVING COCOS ISLAND

Cocos Island Liveaboards

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Scuba Diving Cocos Island

Schooling hammerheads, manta rays, and much more....

Scuba Diving Cocos Island: The underwater world of the national park has become famous due to the attraction it has for divers who rate it as one of the best places in the world to view large pelagic species such as hammerheads, sharks, manta rays, tuna and dolphins.

Now, as Cocos continues to concentrate marine life from hundreds of miles around, it is recognized as one of the last wild places on earth. Scuba diving Cocos Island offers some of the finest big animal diving in the entire world . Hammerheads are Cocos Islands claim to fame! Exciting moments await you when you are entranced with hundreds of schooling Hammerheads . Along with giant Manta Rays, bottlenose dolphins, whale sharks, sharks, tuna and millions of smaller fish, all are home in Cocos Island.

Be sure to contact us for any and all information in regards to this astoundingly diverse and exotic destination, including our current rates and schedules.

TRIP REPORTS

• COCOS ISLAND - UnderSea Hunter , March 28-April 7 2010 Trip Report • COCO'S ISLAND ~ COSTA RICA, March 8 - 18 2008 Trip Report

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Central America & Caribbean >
Costa Rica >
Puntarenas Province

Travel bucket list idea:

Dive with hammerhead sharks at Cocos Island

Cocos Islands, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica

Cocos Island, in the deep Pacific, some 550km off the Costa Rican coast, is one of the top dive destinations in the Americas and together with the Galapagos one of the best destinations for marine wildlife in the Eastern Pacific.

It’s also the site of one of the great underwater spectacles – the mass schooling of hundreds of hammerhead sharks.

Each year, from June through October, they gather in uncountable numbers, attracted by high concentrations of prey. Cocos Island sits at a convergence of swirling, nutrient-rich currents, attracting vast schools of fish on which the hammerheads feed.

Whale sharks are also regular visitors to the waters around Cocos, making it a popular location for wildlife filmmakers.

Are hammerhead sharks dangerous?

Although officially tagged as a ‘man-eater’, hammerheads are shy of humans and attacks are extremely rare. They hunt on the ocean floor at night, feeding on stingrays (their favourite food), squid, mackerel, sardines and octopus.

Why do they have a strange-shaped head?

Their strange hammer-shaped head contains hundreds of small electrical sensors that they use to detect the faint electromagnetic fields generated by their prey hiding beneath the sand.

Getting there & doing it

The only way to reach the islands is on an 11-day liveaboard dive trip. Two boats run by Under Sea Hunter leave from Puntarenas – the Seahunter (for up to twenty) and the newer Argo (with space for 18), all in private cabins. The boats are very comfortable with large lounge areas, rooftop sundecks, powerful RIBs and state-of-the-art dive equipment including Nitrox, rebreather facilities and zero-speed stabilizers.

The Cocos is open water oceanic diving. All divers require a minimum Open Water with the Deep Diver Specialty level of PADI or equivalent certification, dive insurance and a recommended 25 hours of diving experience.

When to do it

Diving trips run all year round. June through December is the best time to see the hammerheads and whale sharks, but the seas are rougher. December to May is better for diving with dolphins and manta rays.

Who to go with: tour operators

Our writer’s recommended tour operators to book with

Undersea Hunter

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Offers 11-day liveaboard dive boat expeditions to the Cocos islands all-year-round. Trips include diving with hammerheads sharks.

Destination guides

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Rainforests, powdery beaches, white-water rivers and towering volcanoes: this relaxed Central American country offers exceptional wilderness adventures in stunning landscapes.

Round-ups that include this experience

55 Breathtaking natural wonders of the world

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Former travel editor of BBC Wildlife Magazine James Fair round-ups the earth’s greatest natural wonders, which will literally take your breath away.

13 Best places to swim with sharks

Get in the water with the so-called ‘man-eaters’ – great whites, tiger, bull and hammerhead sharks – to appreciate these magnificent but sadly maligned creatures .

Cocos Island Dive Expeditions

The Research

Dive operator, schedule & pricing, dive requirements, trip reviews, a 10-day liveaboard adventure to experience, view, and photograph the incredible marine biodiversity of cocos island, as well as participate in crucial shark and sea turtle migration research..

To book your adventure, select a date listed below and enter your information.

Upcoming Expeditions:

Pricing includes:.

Ground transportation
An 11-day/10-night cruise
Meals and non-alcoholic drinks
Divemaster service
Seven full days of action-packed diving with three dives per day
Nitrox fills, tanks and weights

Not Included:

Transportation to Costa Rica
Hotel in Costa Rica
Lunch on Day 1
Additional equipment you might need, not included in trip cost

Payment Procedure

A deposit of $700 is required in order to secure your reservation. Bookings are confirmed upon receipt of this deposit. We require payment of the remaining balance 60 days prior to your trip departure date. National park fees and all additional land tour arrangements are payable with the final balance.

Turtle Island Restoration Network is able to accept payment plans for upcoming expeditions. For more information on payment plans, please email [email protected] .

Located 530 kilometers southwest of Costa Rica’s mainland, Cocos Island National Park and World Heritage site is known worldwide as an ocean haven for spectacular sharks, rare sea turtles, whales and abundant marine wildlife. It is the only island in the tropical eastern Pacific with a tropical rainforest, and is home to large populations of scalloped hammerhead sharks, white tip reef sharks, and a number of endemic fish that occur nowhere else on the planet.

In the underwater world that surround Cocos Island, hammerheads are easily viewed at close range at “cleaning stations,” and inquisitive green sea turtles commonly approach our dive teams, offering fantastic photographic opportunities and more. Other regularly observed species include Galapagos sharks, black tip sharks, silky sharks, marbled rays, eagle rays and bottlenose dolphins. Whale sharks, the special treat of any diving expedition, are also occasionally observed. Endless schools of jacks also swarm the island.

In 1994, Jacques Cousteau described the volcanic park as “the most beautiful island in the world.” Cocos Island is said to have been the inspiration for works such as “Treasure Island” and “Jurassic Park” and it was recently named one of the best places to dive with sharks by CNN .

Led by Turtle Island Restoration Network Founder and Director Todd Steiner, biologist and respected conservation leader, expedition participants will join three fantastic dives each day, enhanced through work with Turtle Island biologists to study sea turtles and sharks, diving among schooling hammerheads, several species of sea turtles, and schools of thousands of fish as they support conservation efforts directly at the site.

Most of the action is at 60-90 feet (18-27 meters), and most dives are between 60-130 feet (18-40 meters). The average temperature is 79°F to 84°F (26°C to 29°C), although it can be a few degrees lower under the occasional thermocline.

Dive participants will have the exclusive opportunity to assist Turtle Island Restoration Network with various levels of research depending on experience and specific goals of each research expedition that may include:

Retrieving, maintaining, and re-deploying acoustic receivers
Censusing sharks and rays
Providing photos for research and conservation work
Photo-documenting species and activities

Turtle Island Restoration Network has been studying and tracking sharks and turtles at Cocos Island for almost a decade. In that time, we have seen the threats to the Park’s unique biodiversity in the form of continued illegal fishing, but also an increase in the awareness of the need to protect the marine biodiversity of this World Heritage Site. Research conducted on Cocos Island Dive Expeditions for the past 10 years has set the basis for better protections at Cocos Island and for a protected swimway to save sharks, sea turtles, and other migratory animals as they swim throughout the region.

*Current regulations of Cocos Island National Park only allow permitted scientific researchers to tag sharks, but participants will be able to observe this activity. If you scientific credentials and are experienced with the use of pole spears or spear guns, it is sometime possible to have you added to the permit. Please let us know if you are experienced and interested well in advance of the expedition.

The expedition will be supported by the experienced and well-known dive company Undersea Hunter Group , which has been operating expeditions to Cocos Island since 1990 or Aggressor Adventures . The UnderSea Hunter Group is committed to top-notch dive experiences, vessels and service, and has operated expeditions for National Geographic, Sylvia Earle, and many other world-renowned ocean explorers and conservationists. Click here to read about Undersea Hunter’s commitment to safety. Aggressor Adventures operates a fleet of dive vessels at various locales since 1984.

Participants will be divided into two dive groups which will each be under the supervision of an experienced Divemaster/Rescue Diver. Every evening, participants can enjoy engaging conservation lectures and socializing with fellow ocean lovers.

Dive participants will spend ten days aboard UnderSea Hunter’s newest vessel, the MV Argo , a beautiful 130-foot live-aboard dive vessel for up to 18 passengers and a crew of 14, where a comfortable and stylish lounge, dining area, and sun deck comprise the social areas. A well-equipped galley enables the ship’s chefs to prepare fresh, international level, four-star cuisine. Three, powerful, fumeless 24-foot skiffs serve as tender-boats.

The Argo sometimes carries a three-person submersible that may be available (at additional cost) for participants who wish to explore deep depths. To see amazing 360 degree views of Cocos Island, the Undersea Hunter vessel and underwater views from the DeepSea submersible, click here .

The following is a sample trip itinerary and is subject to change.

Arrival Day: Dive participants must arrive at least one day prior to the boat departure date. Upon arrival to San José, we can have transportation waiting for you for the cost of $10-20 or you can take a taxi to your hotel. There are always taxis available at the airport, and minivans for those of you who carry a lot of gear. We can also recommend and arrange accommodations for hotels in San José. Please note that we do not pick up from all San José hotels.

The evening before boat departure, if not before, we will confirm your pick-up time the next day. The evening is at your leisure. Air transport, airport transfers, hotel nights and meals before and after the cruise are not included in the charter.

Day 1 : The following day, generally between 8am and 1pm, we will pick dive participants up from certain hotels and transfer everybody by bus to Puntarenas where you will board the vessel. The drive takes about 2.5 hours, and gives you a chance to view the lush forest and rich farmland of the region.

Day 2 : A travel day. There will be time to arrange dive gear and camera gear as well as enjoy the Pacific and the sunshine. In addition, the group of incredibly experienced divers can provide plenty of stories to pass the time. There are videos and the experience of the Captain and crew to help you get excited for the diving…as if you need them! In addition, you may take this time to take one of our technical diving courses, at no additional cost to you.

Days 3 – 8 : The next days are spent diving the pinnacles around the perimeter of Cocos Island. Divers usually average three dives per day at depths of 60-100 feet or more. Participants will have an opportunity to help tag sharks, deploy receivers and record data during dives. Seminars and talks are provided after dinners by Turtle Island Restoration Network staff.

Day 9 : Enjoy the last three dives of the trip before cruising back to Costa Rica (and reality).

Day 10 : A travel day to discuss the diving and to compare your adventures with fellow participants.

Day 11 : Arrival at Puntarenas. Immediately after breakfast, you will be transported back to San José. We strongly recommend staying one more night on land before flying out, in case of any unforeseen delays.

The minimum required level of certification to dive at Cocos is Open Water. Divers must be experienced divers, with PADI or NAUI membership, and must have personal DAN insurance. Nitrox is available for certified divers, and certification is also available on the vessel. For more information about required certifications, please contact our trip leader Todd Steiner at [email protected] .

“ What an adventure! This is my second time to Cocos Island and this time even more amazing that the first time. Being involved with Ocean Conservation and having an opportunity to assist with the shark and turtle tagging was pure joy. I came on this trip not knowing anyone, and leaving with lifetime friends, beautiful pictures, and stories that I will be sharing back home. Janet Thomas United States

“ The experience on the DeepSee was an eye opening trip! It is a unforgettable memory through our life. Felipe our pilot is very experienced, funny and knowledgeable; thus we enjoyed the ‘ride’ with him a lot. Especially the gliding mobula rays that played with us more than 10 minutes. DeepSee Rocks! Pinky & Claus Wiesloch Germany

“ Great fun to join the PRETOMA & TIRN expedition for yet another trip. Fantastic as always. Wildlife underwater is great. Crew above water is equally wonderful. Mike and Nonie Silver United States

“ It was splendid!! I felt very happy, and very safe. Great dive masters. Everything is thought through very carefully on this boat to make guests comfortable. Extremely efficient and hard working crew. Would definitely recommend this live aboard. Bill Whitmarsh United States

“ First class operation, as always!! The crew was outstanding – very professional, helpful and fun. This was the vacation of a lifetime, and I will definitely be coming back again next year. Deborah Kearney United States

“ Another fantastic trip on the Argo – my third on the boat and fifth with the UnderSea Hunter family. The vis wasn’t as good on this trip as it’s been on past trips, but there were still sharks to be seen and turtles to be caught and tagged. The trip companions were fabulous, and the crew was outstanding as always. A big thanks to Rafa for keeping track of us while we were below the water – a welcome sight to surface to. Bryan and Yoyo were great dive masters and Javier was always smiling. I’ll be back. Mark United States

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Cocos Island Aggressor Summer Special: Get $800 Off

A brand new custom-built dive yacht, the Cocos Island Aggressor is scheduled for its maiden voyage on January 14, 2023. a 124-foot yacht, this vessel is built and powered for comfort, safety, and stability. The Cocos Island Aggressor is the perfect vessel for exploring Cocos Islands. More about the Cocos Island Aggressor here...

cocos island aggressor summer special

Get $800 off.

Trip Dates:

June 13 - 23, 2024 ( Cocos Island Aggressor )

June 27 - July 9, 2024 & Aug 17 - 29, 2024 ( Okeanos Aggressor II )

Book By: April 19, 2024

See also: , cocos island dive travel guide.

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Simply Diving Paradise

Cocos Dive is a family operated business – your host, Dieter Gerhard, extends a warm welcome to guests visiting Cocos (Keeling) Islands for diving and also to their non-diving partners and friends.

DIVE IN AN UNDERWATER PARADISE

It must be time to plan that trip away diving. So many choices, so many decisions. Where do I start? What do I want to see? Do I want to dive in a popular part of the world with luxury resorts full of other divers or do I want to explore and dive in a smaller destination in a luxury environment, and no big groups?

For your next diving holiday consider Cocos Dive located on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia’s best kept diving holiday destination secret! 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. The atoll lies approximately 12° south and 96.5° east, locating it in the humid tropical zone.

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands comprises of 27 uncommercialised coral islands forming two atolls with turquoise blue waters and beautiful white sandy beaches. Beneath the surface lie pristine gardens of colourful soft leather corals, cabbage like hard corals and delicate gorgonian fans. Sharks, manta rays, dolphins, tunas, turtles and brightly coloured marine fish are regularly seen whilst diving.

If you are searching for an uncrowded, pristine dive destination, then Cocos Dive on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is just the place for you! Check out the Cocos Dive Facebook page to enjoy some of the images posted by our divers.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL. For your convenience dive bookings are now available on-line. Book your DIVE HOLIDAY today.

Diving the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is a year round activity. 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.

Divers and fish Gallery Cocos (Keeling) Islands is blessed with pristine gardens of soft and hard corals and a myriad of fish and marine life. There are approximately 600 species of fish calling the Islands home. The reef surrounding the atoll, abound with sharks, turtles, resident dolphin pods, mantas and a lone dugong named Kat.

Testimonials

Cocos Dive’s emphasis on diving is having fun. 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.

Visit Us Today

Please contact us as you require, but please know that our time zone is not the same as Perth’s. We are also more than likely underwater. We will get back to you!

50 Beacon Heights Road, West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands WA 6799

0498 080 187 (+6.5 HRS GMT) * Use WhatsApp for best success. NB No Telstra network on island.

[email protected]

Book your dives!

Link to Charles Darwin

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands were the only coral atolls that Charles Darwin visited in 1836 when he developed his well known theory of atoll formation.

14 Most Beautiful Diving Spots Around The World

D iving is a refreshing recreational activity people should often do, and there are plenty of destinations around the world to enjoy this activity. While people are usually attracted by the abundance of marine creatures a dive spot offers, the beauty alone is enough to make one visit. While the focus here is the natural scenery they offer, these dive spots also offer rich marine biodiversity. With deep dives around the world providing discoveries beyond belief : the water is constantly surprising us.

In fact, that's what makes them so beautiful and worth visiting. Without further ado, pack your scuba diving gear and come along to these most beautiful dive spots around the world.

UPDATE: 2023/06/14 21:05 EST BY NOAH STAATS

There Are Four More Stunning Dive Spots To Check Out!

This article has been refreshed with four new diving locations, as well as photos of each respective location. From the Red Sea all the way to Iceland, these are some of the most stunning underwater destinations in the world. Have fun!

SS Thistlegorm, Egypt

This is a famous shipwreck site from the 1941 sinking of SS Thistlegorm.
Many divers come here in groups, so this is a popular spot.

One of the most hauntingly beautiful dive sites in the world is the site of the sunken SS Thistlegorm in El Tor, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt. This shipwreck site has a lot of history, a British cargo steamship that was built in North East England in 1940 and sunk by German bomber aircraft in the Red Sea in 1941. To this day, divers from across the world come here, often snapping photos and recording videos of the now-iconic site.

Related: Diving Into The Past: Discover The Mysteries Of The World's 10 Most Ancient Shipwrecks

For those wanting to stay in the US, people can scuba dive in New York City and even in the Hudson .

Shark and Yolanda Reef, Red Sea

These reefs are among the top ten in the world.
The two pinnacles rise up from a depth of 800 meters.

One of the world's top diving locations is the Shark and Yolanda Reefs in the Red Sea. Furthermore, this dive, among the top ten in the world, is perhaps the most famous dive site of Ras Mohammed National Park. Here, people can explore two pinnacles rising up from a depth of 800 meters.

These ten stunning diving spots are perfect for spring travel .

Fujikawa Maru, Micronesia

This is a shipwreck diving location.
The boat is standing upright, allowing people to see all around it.

The next dive spot to check out is Fujikawa Maru in Micronesia. Here, people can explore the shipwreck, originally built in 1938 for the Toyo Kaiun Kisen Kaisha. The ship site has a rich history and measures 133m (437ft), and due to it still standing upright, divers get to see the entire boat inside and out.

Cocos Island, Costa Rica

Cocos Island has more than 20 unique, tightly-knit dive sites.
Hammerhead sharks live here in droves.

With this island having 20 dive sites within a compact location, Cocos Island is the perfect spot for diving experts. From shallow but steep vertical walls and drift diving to deep pinnacles down to over 130 feet, this island is one of the more iconic on the list. Hammerhead sharks are one of the draws for divers in this area of Costa Rica, as well as the reef sharks, silky sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, and marble rays.

These ten deep dives around the world are worth the visit .

Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia

Made up of more than 70 atoll islands.
This diving spot makes up the largest chain of atolls in the world.

This archipelago is made up of more than 70 atoll islands which combine to make up the largest chain of atolls in the world. These different atolls offer different diving experiences as they are filled with different marine creatures, from bottlenose dolphins to sharks. Despite offering different unique experiences, one thing the dive spots in the Tuamotu Archipelago have in common is incredible natural scenery.

Blue Corner, Koror, Palau

The most sought-after dive spot in Palau.
Schooling fish, sharks, and corals make this dive memorable.

The Blue Corner is the most sought-after dive spot in Palau due to the scenery and underground activity it offers. At this dive spot, divers can expect to be met with an abundance of schooling fish and numerous species of sharks. The reef here also comes with beautiful corals, which combine to make the dive spot incredibly beautiful. There are endless unique dives in the world : this one is certainly worth the dip.

Great Blue Hole, Belize

One of the most famous dive spots in the world.
This is the largest underground sinkhole.

The Great Blue Hole is famous worldwide not just because it is the largest underwater sinkhole but because of the incredible scenery that can be seen here. The Great Blue Hole is characterized by a deep blue color and unique geological formations, which makes the diving experiences here feel unique. The Great Blue Hole also has colorful corals, and it is a great place to see different species of fish and sharks.

Related: Visit Belize's Great Blue Hole From The Air

Beqa Lagoon, Fiji

This dive site is home to colorful reefs and fish.
Many claim this site reminds them of a rainbow underwater.

At Beqa Lagoon, divers will be met with sights of colorful reefs and a wide variety of fish. The reefs that surround this lagoon look more like a rainbow, and the various fish species also add more colorful splendor to the entire lagoon. Some species to expect here include seahorses, clown triggerfish, and leaf scorpionfish.

Beqa Lagoon also has several wrecks, and up to nine species of fish can be seen here. While diving during the day diving comes with its scenery, the florescent night diving here is the most beautiful diving experience one can have.

Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia

This dive spot contains over 500 types of corals.
It's confirmed that 75% of the world's coral and fish live here.

The incredible marine biodiversity of Raja Ampat Islands is what makes it an incredibly beautiful dive spot. Under the water here, there are over 500 types of corals and an abundance of fish species. The experience is not just beautiful but incredibly entertaining, as it has been confirmed that up to 75% of the world’s species live in these waters .

Besides the underwater scenery one can witness here, the surrounding views of dense jungles above the waters also make this place even more enchanting.

Silfra Fissure, Iceland

This dive allows travelers to swim between two continents.
Silfra Fissure has some of the clearest water in the world.

The main appeal of Silfra Fissure is the fact that it is the only place in the world where one can dive or snorkel and touch two continents at the same time. But that’s not the only reason this place is amazing. The waters of this dive spot are crystal clear, and it is said to have the clearest water in the world. This, combined with the abundance of rocks scattered all over the fissure, makes diving here a unique and memorable experience.

Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are endless sea creatures here, from sharks, turtles, fish, dolphins, and coral.

The Great Barrier Reef has long been a mecca for all kinds of diving experiences divers seek. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has plenty of marine species and an abundance of colorful reefs that make the underwater scenery here amazing. While diving here, you will find colorful species, some of which include angelfish, cucumber, turtles, reef sharks, and dolphins. It is also endowed with up to 400 different species of corals, and a couple of shipwrecks, such as Yongala , are around the reef for divers who want something different.

Related: Travel Guide To Cairns: The Gateway To The Great Barrier Reef

Rainbow Reef, Fiji

Rainbow Reef is one of the most colorful dive sites in the world.
The deep blue water adds to the beauty and charm of this site.

Rainbow Reef is perhaps the most colorful dive site anywhere in the world. Diving through this reef feels like watching a painting as it is filled with different colors of corals, from blue to yellow, pink, and orange. While this alone makes the experience here amazing, the huge number of colorful fish and the unique rock formations around the reef makes the dive even more memorable.

Divers here can expect species such as parrot fish, sea turtles, clownfish, and giant clams. Rainbow Reef also has plenty of caves, and the deep blue color makes the scenery even more magical.

Related: Scuba The South: 10 Of The Best Dive Sites In North And South Carolina

Blue Maomao Arch, Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand

This dive location is filled with blue maomao fish, turtles, and sharks.
The light changes the color of the water and reefs at this dive spot.

The archway of this dive site is the most appealing feature and what makes the underwater scenery here magical. From the archway, there is an opening, and it is from this opening that light penetrates and lights up the water beautifully. While diving in the water, divers will also be met with plenty of blue maomao fish, turtles, and sharks.

One more thing that makes this dive site amazing is that the direction of the illuminating light changes water according to different seasons. This means one can dive at a different season and experience a different scenery.

Cape Kri, Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Cape Kri is filled with fish and colorful corals.
This is an incredibly popular diving site, bringing hundreds of people daily.

Raja Ampat offers some of the best diving experiences in Indonesia, and when it comes to scenery, Cape Kri tops the list. At Cape Kri, divers will be met with huge numbers of fish and an abundance of colorful corals. Some of the rarest fishes can be found here, and the sun's rays shine so beautifully into the water and make the scenery incredibly magical.

14 Most Beautiful Diving Spots Around The World

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The Mexican Caribbean Serves Up Beauty and Adventure for the 2024 SI Swimsuit Issue

Here’s what to eat, see and do while visiting the breathtaking tropical paradise.

Cara O’Bleness | Apr 15, 2024

For its 2024 issue, the SI Swimsuit team traveled to the Mexican Caribbean for a photo shoot with brand stars Brooks Nader , Lauren Chan and Ellie Thumann . Nicole Williams English , SI Swimsuit’s 2023 Rookie of the Year, and ’24 rookies Jena Sims , Lori Harvey and Achieng Agutu were also photographed in the tropical paradise.

Quintana Roo, a Mexican state on the Yucatán Peninsula, is home to destinations such as Cancún, Isla Cozumel, Riviera Maya and others. The region is rich in Mayan history, and the islands offer clear, turquoise waters, gorgeous beaches, archeological sites, cenotes, lagoons and more.

“I had never been to Cancún before, so comparing it to different parts of Mexico I’ve been to, such as Cabo, it was so interesting to see how green and tropical it really was,” Thumann says of the location. “It’s definitely my new favorite place to visit in Mexico!”

Outside of the white sandy beaches the area is known for, the islands of the Mexican Caribbean also feature diverse landscapes, including lush forests and tropical jungles. The vibrant location is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, toucans, armadillos, jaguars, spider monkeys, whale sharks and sea turtles.

Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind or enjoy some adventure during your stay, there’s something for you in the Mexican Caribbean. The islands offer a unique combination of natural beauty and activity suitable for each and every type of traveler.

How to get to the Mexican Caribbean

When traveling by air, visitors can fly into the area’s major airports, including Cancún International Airport, Cozumel International Airport, Chetumal International Airport and Tulum International Airport. The Cancún International Airport is the most popular in the area and offers direct flights to and from areas in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Latin America. Once travelers have arrived, they may opt to rent a car, hail a taxi or take a shuttle bus to various destinations along the coast.

If traveling by sea, visitors may choose to arrive via cruise ship ports in Cozumel Island and Mahahual.

Gorgeous views at Impression by Secrets Isla Mujeres

While the best time to visit the Mexican Caribbean is during the dry season, which runs from November to April, frugal travelers may opt to book their trip during the spring and fall off-season months, when prices are more affordable and the islands are less crowded. If possible, avoid booking travel during the rainy season of June through October, but know that the tropical temperatures year round average between 70 F° to 90 F°, so there’s truly no bad time to visit the islands.

Where to stay in the Mexican Caribbean

Kempinski Hotel Cancún

A five-star luxury hotel with oceanfront views, Kempinski Hotel Cancún offers both elegance and hospitality. The resort has more than 360 rooms and suites and six restaurants and bars on site.

Impression by Secrets Isla Mujeres

Situated on Isla Mujeres, an island that spans only five miles, this private retreat offers authentic culinary experiences and 125 different suites with ocean views.

La Casa de La Playa

A boutique hotel located in Riviera Maya, the resort offers an intimate feel, with 63 beachfront suites and experiences tailored to the needs of each and every guest.

Secrets Moxché

This resort oasis in Playa del Carmen boasts more than 480 luxurious suites and plenty of entertainment, from windsurfing to live music performances.

Where to eat in the Mexican Caribbean

Indulging in local cuisine is an absolute must. Be sure to try regional culinary creations like ceviche, tacos al pastor and chilaquiles, and don’t forget to order some churros or arroz con leche for dessert. Sip on a margarita, horchata or carajillo, the latter of which is a popular coffee cocktail similar to an espresso martini, while you dine.

This Mexican seafood fusion restaurant is located on a dock over the Nichupte Lagoon in Cancún. It’s an incredible place to not only enjoy an authentic meal, but also to catch a stunning sunset.

SI Swimsuit editor in chief MJ Day and Lori Harvey

This Isla Mujeres fish market offers an oceanfront view and boasts incredibly fresh fare for lunch and dinner.

Punta Corcho

Located in Puerto Morelos, Punta Corcho offers wood-fired seafood and land cuisine, all of which is prepared using local ingredients.

Atta Restaurant

A high-end restaurant in Tulum, Atta offers both regional and international cuisines for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What to do in the Mexican Caribbean

R&R is a given in the Mexican Caribbean. Visitors can enjoy spa treatments, yoga, meditation and plenty of leisurely nature walks while on vacation.

Aside from lounging on the island’s white sand beaches, there is plenty of adventure to be found nearby. Visitors can take part in water activities such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking and paddleboarding, in addition to land-based adventures like ziplining, ATV rides and wildlife exploration.

Xel-Há at Xcaret Park

This natural water park in Tulum offers snorkeling, waterslides, river floating and more. Fun for all ages, the park also includes activities such as ziplining, rope games and jungle hikes.

Lagoon of Seven Colors

Located in the city of the same name, Lake Bacalar is also referred to as the “Lagoon of Seven Colors” for its many stunning shades of blue. In addition to admiring the lagoon’s natural beauty, visitors can also participate in kayaking or paddleboarding.

Gran Cenote

The Mexican Caribbean is home to many cenotes , or deep sinkhole sites, including the famous Gran Cenote in Tulum. Marvel at the allure of the cavern’s pool while swimming, snorkeling or diving.

Tulum Archeological Site

An absolute must-see during your travels, the Tulum ruins are situated on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The ancient Mayan city is estimated to be more than 800 years old and its architecture is absolutely breathtaking.

This museum, with two different locations in Quintana Roo, offers installations that combine art, nature and history. A list of featured exhibitions can be found here .

The best beaches in the Mexican Caribbean

You can’t go wrong when it comes to sunbathing in the Mexican Caribbean (with SPF, of course). Be sure to check out these beaches while you’re visiting.

Playa Paraíso

Located in Tulum, this beach is famous for its crystal clear blue waters and for being situated in front of the aforementioned Mayan archeological site.

Playa Norte

This Isla Mujeres beach has been ranked among Tripadvisor’s best beaches in the world, which comes as no surprise. This white sand site is an excellent swimming spot.

Akumal Beach

If breathtaking views are what you seek, Akumal Beach awaits. The location is known for its sea turtle population and snorkeling.

Playa Punta Cocos

Delivering a laid-back atmosphere, this beach on Holbox Island is an excellent place to relax and watch the sunset.

IMAGES

Cocos Keeling Islands Scuba Diving
Liveaboard Diving in Cocos Island, Costa Rica
Cocos Island Diving Holidays And Travel
Cocos Island
Isla Del Coco (Cocos island)diving trip 2016
COCOS ISLAND DIVING TOUR

VIDEO

Cocos Island Diving Trip June II 2023
PART 3: My trip to Cocos Island 🏝️ SUBSCRIBE for all things #sharks #ocean #conservation
Cocos Island Adventure
Coco's Island Vakantie 2007
Cocos Island, Costa Rica
Cocos Island Diving Scuba Aggressor

COMMENTS

Diving in Cocos Island
A visit to to the ranger station and a hike up to a viewpoint is also a must do on Cocos Island. A dive trip to Cocos is an adventure of a lifetime and well worth the 36 hour crossing from Puntarenas on mainland Costa Rica. Visited on 10/2016 - Submitted on 11/06/2017 Images. Liz. Simi Valley, CA United States.
Liveaboard Diving in Cocos Island
The sail from Costa Rica to Cocos is around 36 hours long which means that most diving liveaboard itineraries are around 8-10 days. The Okeanos Aggressor I and II offer the best facilities including a plasma TV with DVD entertainment for the long crossing to Cocos. The Sea Hunter, Undersea Hunter and Argo are all refitted commercial diving ...
Diving in Cocos Island
When to dive in Cocos Island. Water temperature ranges from 75-84°F (24-29°C) year-round. Dry months are considered to be between December and May although it still rains during this time. Visibility is also at its best during the winter months. Manta rays and whale sharks are also more frequently spotted from June to November.
Costa Rica Liveaboard Scuba Diving, Cocos Island
The Okeanos Aggressor II® and Cocos Island Aggressor ® depart from Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Boarding and departure depends on the tide schedule. Immediately after boarding for our Costa Rica liveaboard scuba diving adventure, the yacht departs for its 36 hour crossing to Cocos Island. Average dives per charter: 15 on 8 night; 21 on 10 night ...
Scuba diving in Cocos Island: The Best Cocos Islands Dive Sites
Cocos Island 20180314 Small Dos Amigos Dive 1 Cocos Island dive trip aboard the Okeanos 1 Aggressor Liveaboard. Bajo Dos Amigos dive site Cocos Islands. The Bajo Dos Amigos dive site is a seamount south west of Cocos Island. Depth 27-40 metres (90-130 feet).
Best Cocos Island Liveaboard Diving Trips
Cocos Island deserves its reputation as one of the best diving destinations in the world. Situated 342 miles off the coast of Costa Rica, this remote volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean is a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since reaching the island takes over 30 hours by boat, the best way to discover the destination is with a Cocos Island liveaboard. The island is a haven for ...
Scuba diving in Cocos Island
Our expert travel team are available 24/7 to help you plan your trip. Call us for free . Request call back . Call us direct (+1 206 202 2026) ... To all but a few adventurous liveaboard guests, Cocos Island's diving is the stuff of legend, with monstrous schools of scalloped hammerheads, and regular encounters with giants from the deep ...
Scuba dive Cocos Island
Scuba dive Cocos! Encompassed by the deep blue waters of the Pacific, Cocos Island has unparalleled beauty. It has been described as the most beautiful island on earth and one of the world's top diving destinations. The island is unpopulated, unspoiled, and lies 550km west of Costa Rica.
Cocos Island Liveaboard Diving
The island is located 342 miles southwest of Costa Rica's mainland. It is only accessible by liveaboard, so you can only imagine the pristine diving conditions and an array of marine life awaiting you after a two-day voyage to the island. Cocos island has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1997, and in 2002 an additional area of 2000 ...
Cocos Dive Advisor
Cocos Dive Advisor. Cocos Dive Advisor. Located off the coast of Costa Rica, Cocos Island are a remote and pristine natural paradise, renowned for their crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and stunning coral reefs. Whether you are an experienced diver or just starting out, there is something for everyone in this idyllic location.
Nautilus Liveaboards
Join us this summer for an unforgettable adventure to Cocos Island Costa Rica, the Island of the Sharks. ⭐ Book your adventure today. Skip to the content ... An 11 day, 10 night trip provides for 7 dive days. Is there nitrox onboard? Yes, and it's highly recommended for all divers. The cost is US$ 120 per trip. Water temperature? 78- 82 °F ...
Diving Cocos Island
Water Temperature: Between 80-82oF (27oC) in the summer, and dropping to 72oF (22oC) in the winter. Expect thermoclines and temperatures in the 60s (15-19oC) at depth. Getting There: Cocos Island lies about 340 miles southwest of mainland Costa Rica and is only accessible by liveaboard.
Scuba Diving Trips Cocos
Call us today at (800) 737-3483 to book your dive trip to the Cocos Islands. Or simply reserve your Coco's dive trip online by clicking below. Reserve Now. Scuba Diving Trips Cocos | Enjoy affordable scuba diving resorts, luxury liveaboards, and scuba diving trips on Cocos Island with your family and friends.
Cocos Island National Park in Costa Rica: Guide for Divers
Cocos Island, Costa Rica is a remote island destination on the Pacific Ocean. This is a protected area and part of the Costa Rica national park system. The island is located 300 miles off of mainland Costa Rica and the only way to visit is with a multi-day liveaboard scuba diving tour. The real draw to this remote destination is the abundance ...
Cocos Island Diving
Once considered a destination for hardcore divers, Cocos Island now attracts all sorts of scuba divers to Costa Rica from all over the world, lured by its remote beauty and seas teeming with life. The island has around 20 sites all in a compact location, from shallow but steep vertical walls, drift diving, to deep pinnacles down to over 130ft ...
Best dive sites of Cocos Island
Cocos Island - or Isla del Coco - is both a national park and designated UNESCO World Heritage site, and home to a remarkable degree of endemism that offers a snapshot of what tropical ocean habitats once looked like. ... While it isn't technically a dive, taking a trip to this submerged site aboard the DeepSee Submersible is a once in a ...
Dive trips in Cocos Island
Find & book dive trips in Cocos Island: check out the dive center, location, duration, price, inclusions and cancellation policy. Book online. PADI.COM; Gear; Club; Blog; Replace your Card ... Our travel consultants are available 24/7 to help you plan your next trip. Start a live chat; Call us at +1 786 220 3482; Help Center; Travel Resources ...
3 Liveaboards in Cocos, Costa Rica
What To Expect On a Cocos Island Liveaboard. Cocos Island liveaboards will take you some 550 kilometers from the Costa Rican Pacific coast, where divers will find nutrient-rich waters filled with diverse marine life of all shapes and sizes, guaranteed to wow even the most experienced underwater addicts.Cocos Island of Costa Rica represents some of the best diving opportunities in Central ...
Experience Cocos Island at 300m deep with the DeepSee Submersible
This ever-popular liveaboard diving destination is even better when experienced from the Sea Hunter and Argo's DeepSee submersible.Once used by National Geographic, the DeepSee is available for your own deep-sea diving adventure at Cocos Island. Descending up to 300m deep, you can see for yourself what lies far, far below the surface.
Diving Cocos Island with Hammerheads, Manta Rays
Dive Discovery Diving Cocos Island. Dive with schools of Hammerheads and Manta Rays. Contact Us; Terms & Conditions; About Us; Newsletter; Trip Reports; ... TRIP REPORTS • COCOS ISLAND - UnderSea Hunter, March 28-April 7 2010 Trip Report • COCO'S ISLAND ~ COSTA RICA, March 8 - 18 2008 Trip Report.
Cocos Islands
The only way to reach the islands is on an 11-day liveaboard dive trip. Two boats run by Under Sea Hunter leave from Puntarenas - the Seahunter (for up to twenty) and the newer Argo (with space for 18), all in private cabins. The boats are very comfortable with large lounge areas, rooftop sundecks, powerful RIBs and state-of-the-art dive equipment including Nitrox, rebreather facilities and ...
Cocos Island Dive Expeditions
If you have any questions about our dive expeditions, Trip Leader Todd Steiner is happy to answer them. Todd can be reached at [email protected] or (415) 488-7652. Upcoming Expeditions: ... Research conducted on Cocos Island Dive Expeditions for the past 10 years has set the basis for better protections at Cocos Island and for a protected ...
Cocos Island Aggressor Summer Special: Get $800 Off
A brand new custom-built dive yacht, the Cocos Island Aggressor is scheduled for its maiden voyage on January 14, 2023. a 124-foot yacht, this vessel is built and powered for comfort, safety, and stability. ... Trip Dates: June 13 - 23, 2024 (Cocos Island Aggressor) June 27 - July 9, 2024 & Aug 17 - 29, 2024 (Okeanos Aggressor II) Book By ...
CocosDive
We will get back to you! 50 Beacon Heights Road, West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands WA 6799. 0498 080 187 (+6.5 HRS GMT) * Use WhatsApp for best success. NB No Telstra network on island. [email protected]. Contact Us.
14 Most Beautiful Diving Spots Around The World
With this island having 20 dive sites within a compact location, Cocos Island is the perfect spot for diving experts. From shallow but steep vertical walls and drift diving to deep pinnacles down ...
The Mexican Caribbean Serves Up Beauty and Adventure for the ...
For its 2024 issue, the SI Swimsuit team traveled to the Mexican Caribbean for a photo shoot with brand stars Brooks Nader, Lauren Chan and Ellie Thumann. Nicole Williams English, SI Swimsuit's 2023 Rookie of the Year, and '24 rookies Jena Sims, Lori Harvey and Achieng Agutu were also photographed in the tropical paradise.

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Travel - Cocos Island

Cocos Island Itinerary

Scuba diving in Cocos Island: The Best Cocos Islands Dive Sites

How do you dive on Cocos Island?

Cocos Islands Liveaboards

Are there sharks at Cocos Island?

When should I go to Cocos Island?

Cocos Island dive sites

Manuelita Coral Garden dive site – inside Manuelita Island

Manuelita Outside dive site

Dirty Rock dive site

Viking Rock dive site

Punta Maria dive site Cocos Islands

Big Dos Amigos dive site Cocos Island

Small Dos Amigos dive site Cocos Islands

Bajo Dos Amigos dive site Cocos Islands

Shark Fin Rock dive site Cocos Islands

Bait Ball dive site Cocos Island

Submerged Rock dive site Cocos Islands

Bajo Alcyone dive site Cocos Island

Silverado dive site Cocos Island

Lobster Rock dive site Cocos Island

Why are there so many hammerheads at the Cocos Islands?

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Best Cocos Island Liveaboard Diving Trips

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CONSIDERATIONS – SCUBA DIVING IN COCOS

WHAT TO EXPECT

HIGHLIGHTS – DIVING IN COCOS

HAMMERHEADS

SCHOOLING SHARKS

DRIFT DIVING

ITINERARIES IN COCOS

VIDEO – SCUBA DIVING IN COCOS ISLAND

PUNTA MARIA

BAJO ALCYONE

OTHER LIVEABOARD DESTINATIONS

Cocos Island

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Okeanos Aggressor II

Cocos Diving Highlights

Marine Life

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Incredible Scenery Above the Water

Vegan | Plant-based Divers

Cocos Travel Tips (at a glance)

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Can a beginner dive Cocos Island?

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When is the best time to dive Cocos Island?

Is Cocos Island good for diving?

Cocos Dive Advisor

Cocos Island FAQs

Cocos – Island of the Sharks

Destination Overview

Cocos Island Costa Rica – Island of the Sharks

Peak Season Diving

Sample Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Expect

Get Inspired!

Get Inspired

A-FISH-ionados Newsletter

Cocos Islands

Liveaboard Dive Trips to Cocos Island

MV Sea Hunter

Call us today at (800) 737-3483 to book your dive trip to the Cocos Islands. Or simply reserve your Coco’s dive trip online by clicking below.

Cocos Island National Park in Costa Rica: Guide for Divers

Just Want to Book Your Trip?

Okeanos Aggressor II

Marine Life at Cocos Island

Cocos Island Diving Sites

Bajo Alcyone

Dos Amigos Grande