Cocos Island, located off the coast of Costa Rica, is a stand-alone diving paradise renowned for its exceptional underwater experiences. Unlike other diving destinations, Cocos Island offers an uninterrupted dive adventure with over 10 incredible dive spots. This offshore haven in the Pacific Ocean is where you can experience the best of the world’s dive sites all in one place, making it a must-visit for diving enthusiasts.
What activities can you arrange?
- Wall of Hammerhead Sharks at Bajo Alcyone
- Shark Cleaning Station at Dirty Rock
- Diving with Silvertip Sharks at Silverado
- Baitball Dive
- Night Diving with Whitetip Reef Sharks at Manuelita
- Deep-sea Submersible Diving
- And much more!
Let’s see in details:
Wall of Hammerhead Sharks at Bajo Alcyone
This dive site on the eastern side of Cocos Island is famous for its wall of hammerhead sharks. Divers can experience the awe-inspiring sight of hundreds of hammerhead sharks swimming together, often described as a living wall. The dive here is a mix of drift and deep diving, offering encounters with jacks, rays, and sea turtles amidst a vibrant reef system.
Shark Cleaning Station at Dirty Rock
Dirty Rock is home to a unique underwater barbershop for sharks, where hammerhead sharks come close to the reef to be cleaned by cleaner fish. Located 20 meters deep off the western reefs, this site offers the chance to observe these fascinating interactions. The shark encounters start as soon as you descend into the water, making it an exhilarating dive from the get-go.
Diving with Silvertip Sharks at Silverado
Located in the northeastern reefs, Silverado is a shallow dive site known for its encounters with the highly territorial Silvertip Sharks. With a maximum depth of 20 meters and minimal currents, this dive is both thrilling and accessible. Divers descend to the reef ledge and wait for these majestic sharks to make their appearance.
Baitball Dive
This famous dive is dependent on the migration of massive schools of baitfish. As these fish gather in large pacts, predators, including sea birds like the brown booby, swoop in for a feast. The baitball forms a circular defensive formation, making it a spectacular sight. This shallow-water dive is fast-paced and action-packed, with predators attacking from all directions.
Night Diving with Whitetip Reef Sharks at Manuelita
Experience the thrill of diving with whitetip reef sharks at night in Manuelita, located on the northern reefs of Cocos Island. These sharks, typically calm during the day, become highly active hunters after sunset. Illuminated by the beams of your underwater torch, the sharks’ behavior changes, making for an unforgettable night dive.
Deep-sea Submersible Diving
For those looking to explore the depths without getting wet, the deep-sea submersible dive offers an extraordinary adventure. Descend into the abyssal zone, reaching sites like the Everest, where you’ll encounter the eerie silhouettes of hammerhead sharks and schools of jacks. The dive concludes with sightings of rare deep-sea creatures like the jellynose fish and prickly sharks.
Dive into Paradise!
Cocos Island is a diver’s dream, offering a wide range of unique and thrilling underwater activities. From diving with massive schools of sharks to exploring the deep sea in a submersible, every dive here is an unforgettable experience.