Plongée à Cocos Island — Costa Rica

Cocos Island lies 340 miles off Costa Rica's Pacific coast, accessible only by a 36-hour liveaboard crossing — but the reward is arguably the planet's greatest concentration of schooling hammerhead sharks. Mantas, whale sharks, and vast schools of jacks patrol the volcanic seamounts and cleaning stations. This is a true expedition dive destination where you trade comfort for some of the most electric shark encounters imaginable.

Score
64.6
Visibilité
9–30m
Température
22–28°C
Meilleurs mois
June, July, August
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Cocos Island
Costa RicaCentral America
64.6

SCORE

5.5297°N

-87.0572°E

Cocos Island lies 340 miles off Costa Rica's Pacific coast, accessible only by a 36-hour liveaboard crossing — but the reward is arguably the planet's greatest concentration of schooling hammerhead sharks. Mantas, whale sharks, and vast schools of jacks patrol the volcanic seamounts and cleaning stations. This is a true expedition dive destination where you trade comfort for some of the most electric shark encounters imaginable.

The Remote Hammerhead Capital

Visibility9–30 m
Temperature22–28°C
Max Depth40 m
Currentstrong
2-Tank Dive$350
Best MonthsJune, July, August, September
CertificationAdvanced Open WaterAdvanced

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML96.0CH55.0VIS58.0SV55.0TMP72.0DA70.0OP85.0TS25.0GT22.0VAL32.0CRD92.0SP92.0

Marine Life

96.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
82
Megafauna Encounters
100
Reef Fish Abundance
80
Macro Life
60
Endemic Species
85
Marine Life Diversity
96.0
Coral & Reef Health
55.0
Visibility & Conditions
58.0
Dive Site Variety
55.0
Water Temperature
72.0
Depth & Access
70.0
Operator Quality
85.0
Topside Experience
25.0
Getting There
22.0
Value & Cost
32.0
Crowding
92.0
Social Proof
92.0

Traveling with Non-Divers?

This destination is primarily accessed by liveaboard — not ideal for non-diving partners. Consider planning separate shore-based activities before or after your liveaboard trip.

Activities for Non-Divers

liveaboard deck time — no landing permitted without special permit

Non-Diver Score

1/10

Dedicated dive destination — not ideal for non-divers.

Family FriendlyNot recommended
Restaurants & Nightlifenone

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber550 km — Hospital CIMA Chamber, San Jose, Costa Rica
Nearest Hospital550 km

Extremely remote — 36 hr boat ride to Puntarenas; liveaboard should carry emergency O2; coast guard evacuation possible

Skill LevelAdvanced
Current Strengthstrong

Top Operators

Undersea Hunter

PADI

4.8
280 reviewsNITROX

Okeanos Aggressor

PADI

4.7
320 reviewsNITROX

Argo Liveaboard

SSI

4.6
180 reviewsNITROX