Cocos Island

Cocos Island Diving Guide

Cocos Island, Costa Rica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mecca for adventurous divers seeking unparalleled encounters with massive pelagic species. Its remote location and protected status have created a marine ecosystem teeming with life, offering unforgettable diving experiences.

Dive Details

Depth, Visibility, and Temperature

• Typical Depth Range: 60-130 feet (18-40 meters)
• Average Visibility: 50-100 feet (15-30 meters), can vary greatly depending on currents and plankton blooms.
• Water Temperature: 72-86°F (22-30°C), fluctuates throughout the year. Expect cooler temperatures from December to May.
• Difficulty Level: Advanced. Strong currents are common, and most dives involve deep water. Experience with drift diving is highly recommended.

Marine Life

Cocos Island is renowned for its incredible shark encounters. Scalloped hammerhead sharks are the star attraction, often seen in large schools. Divers can also expect to see whitetip reef sharks, Galapagos sharks, silky sharks, and occasionally whale sharks. Beyond sharks, the waters are rich with marine life, including manta rays, mobula rays, tuna, marlin, dolphins, and large schools of jacks. Colorful reef fish inhabit the shallower areas, and macro life, while not the primary focus, can also be found.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season, from December to May, generally offers better visibility and calmer surface conditions. However, this is also when the water is cooler, attracting larger schools of hammerhead sharks. From June to November, the rainy season brings warmer water but can also reduce visibility. Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on personal preferences regarding temperature and visibility versus the likelihood of seeing large aggregations of hammerheads.

What Makes It Special

Cocos Island's remote location, approximately 340 miles (550 km) off the coast of Costa Rica, is a key factor in its unique marine environment. Its isolation has fostered a rich and undisturbed ecosystem. The island is a protected national park, limiting human impact and ensuring the preservation of its biodiversity. The sheer abundance and diversity of pelagic species make Cocos Island one of the world's premier diving destinations.

Practical Tips

• Liveaboard is Essential: Due to the island's distance from the mainland, a liveaboard trip is the only practical way to dive at Cocos Island.
• Nitrox Certification Recommended: Given the depth and repetitive dives, Nitrox certification is highly recommended to extend bottom time and reduce fatigue.
• Pack Appropriate Gear: Bring a 5-7mm wetsuit or a hooded vest, as water temperatures can fluctuate. Gloves are also a good idea to protect your hands from the rocks.
• Be Prepared for Currents: Bring a reef hook to safely observe marine life in strong currents.
• Listen to Your Dive Guides: The local dive guides are experienced and knowledgeable about the area. Follow their instructions for a safe and enjoyable diving experience.