Cocos island

Cocos island
Cocos Island is located approximately 550 km off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Entry to the island is by permit only and there is no tourist accommodations on the island, so all tourist activity is by liveaboard boats. The main activity is diving, there are many large species found in the waters. like hammerhead sharks, dolphins, whales and different species of rays.
ratings
Category | Rating | Your Rating |
---|---|---|
atmosphere |
|
|
beach |
|
|
hiking |
|
|
scenery |
|
|
tourism |
|
|
wildlife |
|
|
Things to do in Cocos island
-
Snorkeling at Wafer Bay
While Cocos Island is famous for its scuba diving, snorkeling offers an equally impressive way to explore its underwater wonders, especially at Wafer Bay. This sheltered bay provides calmer waters, making it ideal for snorkelers of all levels. The underwater visibility is often excellent, allowing you to see a wide variety of marine life just below the surface.
As you float in the crystal-clear waters, you'll be surrounded by schools of colorful tropical fish. Keep an eye out for larger species too - you might spot sea turtles gliding by or even a white-tip reef shark resting on the sandy bottom. The coral formations near the shore are teeming with life, from tiny crustaceans to vibrant parrotfish. Snorkeling at Wafer Bay is not just about what you see underwater; the bay itself is stunningly beautiful, with lush green cliffs plunging into the blue Pacific. It's a perfect blend of above and below water experiences that captures the essence of Cocos Island's natural beauty.
-
Scuba Diving with Hammerhead Sharks
Cocos Island is a diver's paradise, and one of its main attractions is the opportunity to dive with hammerhead sharks. These magnificent creatures gather in large schools around the island, creating an unforgettable underwater spectacle. The crystal-clear waters offer excellent visibility, allowing divers to observe these prehistoric-looking sharks up close.
Diving with hammerheads is not just about the sharks themselves. The underwater ecosystem around Cocos Island is teeming with life. You might spot other pelagic species like manta rays, tuna, and even the occasional whale shark. The rocky reefs are home to colorful tropical fish, making each dive a vibrant and exciting experience. It's important to note that this activity is for experienced divers due to the sometimes challenging conditions and depths involved.
-
Birdwatching Tour
Cocos Island is a birdwatcher's dream, home to several endemic species and a stopover for many migratory birds. A guided birdwatching tour is the best way to spot and identify the island's feathered inhabitants. The star of the show is undoubtedly the Cocos cuckoo, found nowhere else in the world. But keep your binoculars ready for other unique species like the Cocos finch and the Cocos flycatcher.
As you explore the island's varied habitats, from coastal areas to dense inland forests, you'll have the chance to observe both land and seabirds. The island's isolation has led to interesting adaptations in its bird population, making each sighting a potential lesson in evolution. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the birds' behavior, calls, and the conservation efforts to protect these rare species. Even if you're not an avid birder, the tour offers a unique perspective on the island's ecology and the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem.