Cocos Island National Park

Region: South Pacific
Location: 550 km (340 miles) from the Pacific shore of Costa Rica.
Size: 5,706 acres
National Park since: June 11, 1978
Highlights: coral reefs, scuba diving, snorkeling, waterfalls
Facilities:

photo courtesy of J. Rawls

This volcanic oceanic island, thought by some as "the little Galapagos of Costa Rics", is an underwater enthusist's dream. 30 hours via boat from the port of Puntarenas is well worth the trip. Charter and Diving tours are the best option for visitors. The Galapagos Islands are the nearest neighbor at a few hundred miles further southwest.

The island is covered with dense rainforest and home to many endemic species such as the Cocos Cuckoo, Flycatcher, Finch, 2 lizards, freshwater fish and approximately 100 insects.

The best scuba reefs are at Punta Maria, Punta Presidio, Punta Pacheco, Iglesias, Chatham and Wafer Bays. Expect to enjoy sightings of hammerhead and white-tipped reef sharks, whales, mantas, tuna, and maybe whale sharks.

Cocos Island Dive Sites

photo courtesy of Rein Ketelaars

Manuelita Island
Skill Level: advanced
Depth: 45 feet - 150 feet

Dirty Rock
Skill Level: advanced
Depth: 65 feet to 150 feet

Shark Fin Rock
Skill: advanced
Depth: surface to 200 feet

Pajara
Skill: advanced
Depth: 65 feet to 100 feet

Big Dos Amigos
Skill: advanced Depth: 65 feet to 120 feet

FOR RESERVATIONS

through you boat operator
Costa Rica
Main: 0087-468712-0010 (satellite phone to park's staff)
Lodge: aboard vessel
Email: see your boat operator

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