Cocos island, costa rica is around 36 hours travel by liveaboard from the mainland, making it a remote and mostly undisturbed haven for marine life and divers alike. Cocos island national park province of puntarenas 2020 all you. These include rich coral reefs, volcano tunnels, caves and clear, emerald water. Due to high demand of liveaboard trips to cocos island, as early as this year, we are publishing the 2019 trips for you to choose your preferred schedule and prepare for the ultimate diving adventure of your life. Cocos island in costa rica is surrounded by a large number of natural resources. As i mentioned, there was no wifi so i will cram everything into a few posts now. A rugged yet incredibly verdant island, this world heritage site is the spectacularly beautiful crown jewel of costa rica s many national parks. Cocos island costa rica tourist spots around the world. But first, i still cant send emails so if you want to communicate please use fb messenger. Driving directions, bus schedules and domestic flight information for travel to playa del coco, costa rica. This is also high season for diving trips to cocos island, so make sure to book as far in. Cocos island in costa rica is most famous for its huge schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks.
Liveaboard diving in cocos island cocos island is a breathtaking island located around 500 km off the mainland of costa rica. 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. Cocos island is often rated one of the top 10 best places to scuba dive in the world, and was described by jacques couteau as the most beautiful island in the world. Cocos island costa rica underwater diving sharks cocos island costa rica underwater diving sharks is an hd desktop wallpaper posted in our free image collection of nature wallpapers. Kelley 18 and i just got back from a fantastic 12day trip on aggressor 2.
Common species seen at cocos island costa rica scuba. Diver missing at cocos island, costa rica scubaboard. Stunning cocos liveaboard diving cruises, costa rica. Virgin australia operates two services per week to the cocos keeling islands, one on tuesday and one on saturday. Cocos island is an island approx 550km off the coast of costa rica. As you walk around the island, you can see rich and colorful flowers as the island has about two hundred and thirtyfive different species of flowering plants. Cocos island liveaboards diving cocos island, costa rica. Cocos island national park province of puntarenas 2020.
Local flights from san jose are also available nature air and sansa air offer 40minute daily flights from san jose into liberia. Unfortunately, its a very difficult place to get to because its so far off the coast. Come to isla coco in mind and spirit to learn how great treasures came to rest on this speck of land, only14 square miles. Also expect to see manta rays, and the occasional whale shark coming to feed in the nutrientrich waters. Cheap flights to coco island, costa rica in 2020 expedia. Since reaching the island takes over 30 hours by boat, the best way to discover the destination is with a cocos island liveaboard. Getting to cocos island is only possible with a tour. The main reason people visit cano island, is for the world class snorkeling and scuba diving. Several operators can take you there usually for scuba diving since you are only allowed on the island by special permission from park rangers. Playa del coco getting there playa del coco getting there. Also a world heritage site, cocos island is a costa rica national park too, and is uninhabited except. Due to high demand of liveaboard trips to cocos island, as early as this year, we are publishing the cy 2019 trips for you to choose your preferred schedule and. A rugged and incredibly beautiful island, today cocos island is the most sacred national park in costa rica s extensive park system. Islands of costa rica costa rica costa rica travel.
Cocos island isla del coco is the secret gem we refer to, which is the prize of all of costa rica s national parks. The island is popularly known as isla del coco in the native tongue of costa rica. Cocos island dive expeditions turtle island restoration network. The island is has emerged from volcanic eruption and its mineralrich soil supports the tropical lowland ecosystem and a cloud forest. Traditional pastimes such as surfing, rafting and fishing remain very popular and can be the main reason for visiting costa rica if they are your main interest. Cocos island costa rica travel tips costa rica things to do, map. In the official costa rican survey of cocos island in 1895, it was reported that, there are signs of mineral wealth, and gold has been found. Boarding and departure depends on the tide schedule. Cocos island is home to unique species of flora, fauna and some types of sea life. Belongong to costa rica, cocos island is the mecca for divers looking for big animals, open ocean, and advanced diving. Welcome to displaydomain, a us site operated by expedia, inc.
Immediately after boarding the liveaboard yacht departs for its 36 hour crossing to cocos island. You can fly directly into the daniel oduber international airport in liberia, just 15 miles from playa del coco. It constitutes the 11th of the districts of puntarenas canton of the province of puntarenas. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the dates you selected. Consequently, youve got to book a liveaboard dive trip if you want to visit. Review our maps below of cocos island, its host country costa rica, and their location in the world. It is believed that some, or all of this treasure, was left there.
Cocos island national park visit costa rica costa rica. Cocos island is a breathtaking island located around 500 km off the mainland of costa rica. Keep in mind that these tours are very expensive, some of around 6000 usd, for a 10night trip to the island. Coco island transportation costa rica forum tripadvisor. August gissler 9 september 1857 in remscheid 8 august 1935 in new york city was a german adventurer and treasure hunter, who lived with short interruptions on cocos island from 1889 until 1908 gisslers quest was to find the golden madonna of the treasure of lima, a solid gold, gemencrusted, lifesize image of the virgin mary, allegedly buried there by the mutineer. Cocos island lies about 320 miles south west of puntarenos on the pacific ocean side of costa rica and it took us a day and a half to get into the island but i enjoyed it since it was a different experience to be surrounded by water all the time. Apparently, the island was used as a safe house for pirates and you can find names carved into rocks from the. Sir frances drake frequently landed on the island and rumors persist that he cached treasure on cocos. Cy 2019 schedule of liveaboard trips to cocos island. Costa ricas cocos island costa rica connection blog. Cano island biological reserve costa rica vacations.
Costa rica s cocos island national park is located 340 miles 550 km off the pacific coast of costa rica. Cocos is a 9squaremile island about 300 miles off the southwest coast of costa rica that is known for its stories of buried treasure. It is costa rica s most secluded and least visited national park and can only be reached by a 36hour boat ride. Entry to the island is by permit only and there is no accommodations on the island except for the quarters of the dozen park rangers. The islands accolades read like a list of superlatives.
It is uninhabited other than park rangers and the only way to get there is by boat. Cocos island is the only spot above sea level in cocos ridge, a row of sunken volcanoes that run along costa rica to the north of the galapagos islands. For sightseeing and things to do beyond your scuba diving vacation in costa rica, the focus is on the mainland. Death in cocos from shark attack german diver attacked by shark isla del coco, costa rica manuelita is small island off cocos. Cocos island liveaboard diving all 4 diving liveaboards. Here, you will find information on how to get to cocos. Compare prices on expedia to get the best flight deals and promotions for coco island flights before you book. Cocos island is a crucial habitat for other large pelagic species like dolphins, giant manta rays and at least eight types of sharks.
Cocos itself is featured in the opening scenes of the island in jurassic park. Cocos island is a national park, the building shown at 1. Cocos island is located in the eastern tropical pacific approximately 300 miles southwest of cabo blanco, costa rica. There were a couple of accidents of tiger shark attacks on divers at the surface. Cocos island is often rated one of the top 10 best places to scuba dive in the world, and was described by. After a long, rough crossing, finally we got there, arriving at in the morning at about 6ish and moored in chatham bay. There is plenty to see and do in cocos island costa rica once you get there. All you need to know about cocos island costa ricas scuba diving. Cocos island one of costa rica s most well known dive spots. Located 340 miles from the pacific coast, the island is a unesco world heritage site and in the same class as the galapagos islands. Cocos island, costa rica is most famous for the vast treasure of lima and its unmatched natural beauty, a premier dive site internationally renowned. Cocos island is probably costa rica s most wellknown and popular island destinationthe 36hour boat ride from puntarenas is more than worth it. Some records show that the sharks are seen more often during this rainy season. It is a 36 hour trip once set out from the port aboard the argo.
Depending on conditions at sea, the boat trip from costa rica s mainland usually takes about 36 hours. Cocos island marine park costa rica undersea hunter. Located in the middle of the pacific ocean approximately 340 miles off the coast, cocos island is at the same time the most remote and the least visited of all the 25 national parks here. Among cocos islands many attributes is a startling degree of biodiversity. There are touring companies that can arrange these for you that include transfers from san jose to puntarenas.
Diving is yearround, but some of the boats are pulled out of service from midseptember to october for repairs, indicating that this is probably not the best time to dive. It is believed by some that robert louis stevenson based his famous book treasure island on tales of pirate treasure hidden there. Cocos island national park the treasure is the island this national park was declared a world heritage site by unesco in 1997 for its unmatched natural beauty and rich biodiversity. An excellent book to get excited before costa rica diving and reminiscing about it. From san jose it is a 2hour drive to puntarenas for transit to liveaboards. This site is frequented by giant manta rays and jumping mobula ray. Cocos island, 350 miles off costa rica s shore, has a rainy season from june through december. The cocos island section is the real standout, and is required reading for. Uninhibited except for park rangers, the square shaped island lies in the pacific ocean, covering an area of 9.
Cocos island national park province of puntarenas all. Other sharks to look out for at cocos island include galapagos sharks, silky sharks and if you are lucky, tiger sharks. Those visiting cocos islands will fly into the city of san jose, costa rica. The area is said to be inhabited by over 30 species of coral, 60 species of crustaceans, 600 different mollusks, and about 300 varieties of fish. You can visit the two bays that are found within the island. You are only a few steps away in going to cocos island and we make sure we address. Cocos island national park encompasses the entire island, protecting its lands and waters. Top 3 best cocos island liveaboard diving trips the. It is known as the secondbest place in costa rica for to take a dive. Find paradise on the islands of costa rica tripsavvy. In 1994 after several return visits to the island, jacque cousteau pronounced cocos, the most beautiful island in the world. Before visiting cocos island in costa rica there are few things you should. It was wellknown for possibly holding various legendary treasures, but its protected area status had forbidden treasure hunting on it since 1978.
Isla del coco is an island in the pacific ocean administered by costa rica, approximately 550 km 342 mi. Cocos island costa rica travel tips costa rica things to. There are no inhabitants or shelters on cocos island at all. There are no airports on cocos, and it can take up to 36 hours by boat, each way, from puntarenas, costa rica to get there and back. Best guide to scuba diving at cocos island, costa rica. Getting to cocos island and boarding your liveaboard vessel.
Equatorial counter current is a surface current which is driven by strong winds towards the eastern directions. A protected area that has nutrientrich waters provides a unique experience for shark diving, making the cocos island diving an amazing once in a lifetime experience. The buried treasure of cocos island by reagen smith. Due to high demand of liveaboard trips to cocos island, as early as this year, we are publishing the cy 2019 trips for you to choose your preferred schedule and prepare for the ultimate diving adventure of your life. Serpentine coastline, roaring waterfalls, lush rainforest, and sparkling beaches define picturesque cocos island, set 340 miles off costa ricas southwestern coast. Lying 342 miles 550km off the shore of costa rica, cocos island was. Bordered by rich and abyssal waters, cocos island has become an ideal habitat for numerous pelagic species such as sharks, whales and dolphins.
This beautiful island has been a biological reserve since 1978. Howard halls film island of the sharks was filmed here, and sharks are the main attraction. There are many ways to travel to the exotic cocos keeling islands, including flying with virgin australia, using your private jet, or the more traditional way, sailing to cocos. Cocos island deserves its reputation as one of the best diving destinations in the world. Cocos island is a small island designated as a national park, located in the pacific ocean, approximately 550 km 342 mi from the pacific shore of costa rica. Located in the eastern tropical pacific, 300 miles southwest of cabo blanco, costa rica, lies the renowned cocos island marine park. Book or inquire for cocos island trip cocos island costa rica. It rises to an elevation of about 2,800 feet 850 metres above sea level, is about 5 miles 8 km long and 3 miles 5 km wide, and has a total area of 9 square. I usually use this website to book in advance my hotels in cocos island costa rica as they usually have the lowest rates i find. This remote locations only tourist activity is by liveaboard boats, primarily cocos scuba diving liveaboards. Cocos island costa rica a word heritage site full of. There are multiple dives throughout the day for an average of 24 dives on 10 night charters. Cocos island national park, province of puntarenas.
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