One of the World’s Top 10 Diving Spots! Cocos Island National Park

Cocos Island, designated as a national park located approximately 550 km off the coast of mainland Costa Rica, is surrounded by abundant wildlife and legendary buried treasures. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, it is one of the world’s most breathtaking diving spots. It has also been ranked among the world’s top 10 diving locations by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors). Don’t miss the chance to visit this untouched Costa Rican World Heritage island!

What is Cocos Island National Park?

The history of Cocos Island dates back to the 1500s when it was discovered by the Spanish. Later, pirates hid treasures on the island, giving birth to numerous legends about buried fortunes. However, these treasures remain undiscovered to this day. The island became part of Costa Rican territory in 1832, and currently, the only residents are the national park rangers. The island is famous for inspiring the setting of the film Jurassic Park.

Cocos Island was formed by volcanic eruptions approximately 2 million years ago and is home to an extraordinary level of biodiversity rarely found elsewhere. This stunning biodiversity extends below the ocean’s surface, captivating divers from around the world. Visitors can encounter whale sharks, yellowfin tuna, giant manta rays, various shellfish, and up to seven different species of sharks in schools. It is the only place where over 100 sharks swimming overhead can block out the sunlight.

How to Get to Cocos Island National Park

Since there are no public transport options such as flights or ferries to Cocos Island, visitors must book a diving or fishing tour in San José. Additionally, landing on Cocos Island requires special permission from the rangers. Only tourists and crew members who have obtained approval from the island’s rangers can go ashore. Camping, lodging, and collecting plants, animals, or minerals are strictly prohibited. However, guided tours allow visitors to explore the island.

Top 3 Recommended Spots at Cocos Island National Park

Abundant Pelagic Marine Life

For many visitors, observing marine wildlife is a primary reason for traveling to Cocos Island. The waters around the island are home to around 20 species of coral, about 60 species of crustaceans, approximately 120 species of mollusks and more than 200 species of fish. The island’s rich coral reefs, volcanic tunnels, underwater and surface caves, and deep, clear waters make it a paradise for divers.

One of the most frequently spotted creatures is the hammerhead shark. Schools of hammerheads swimming overhead can block out sunlight, creating an enchanting underwater world. Additionally, visitors have a high chance of encountering over 1,000 vividly colored fish, large whales, and manta rays, making it a dream destination for divers.

Chatham Bay

Cocos Island National Park covers the entire island and is the most isolated and least populated national park in Costa Rica. It also features a safe anchorage bay and two sandy beaches. The primary access route is Chatham Bay, located on the island’s northeast side. The island’s mineral-rich soil supports lowland ecosystems and lush cloud forests. With a rugged terrain, numerous waterfalls and underwater caves are scattered across the island, offering breathtaking scenery.

Cocos Island has a fascinating history filled with tales of pirates and explorers. Often referred to as a real-life Treasure Island, historical evidence of past visitors can still be found on the island. For centuries, explorers and sailors have engraved their marks on the stones and rocks of Chatham Bay’s beaches.

Cerro Iglesias

Covered in lush tropical rainforest, Cocos Island is the only island in the Eastern Pacific that features a cloud forest, created by its high rainfall and elevated mountain peaks. Formed by volcanic activity around 2.5 million years ago, the island consists of basalt, labradorite, and andesite lava. The island’s terrain is divided into four mountain peaks, with the highest being Cerro Iglesias, standing at 575.5 meters (1,888 feet).

On the northern side of the island, there are three major bays—Wafer, Chatham, and Weston—with numerous short rivers flowing due to the island’s heavy rainfall. The combination of mountainous landscapes and a tropical climate has resulted in the formation of over 200 waterfalls across the island. Visitors can embark on a guided hike to Cerro Iglesias, where they will be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of Cocos Island.

◎ Summary

The main attraction of Cocos Island is scuba diving. Since the island has no leisure facilities, visitors stay on boats, but guided tours allow them to step foot on this UNESCO World Heritage site and experience its untouched beauty. Take a trip to Cocos Island, Costa Rica, where you can witness over 200 waterfalls, hike to the summit of Cerro Iglesias, and explore an island shaped by its tropical climate and fascinating history!

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One of the World’s Top 10 Diving Spots! Cocos Island National Park