Diving in Isla del Coco: 3 Amazing Spots to Dive in

Welcome to Isla del Coco, simply paradise in the middle of the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, close to the shoreline of Costa Rica. This amazing island, also known as Cocos Island, is the perfect place to be if you want to have a great time by the beach.

Looking forward to having an underwater adventure? Diving in Isla del Coco is more than just a scuba diving trip. With its crystal-clear waters and awesome coral reefs, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has so much to see underwater that once you come out to the beach, you’ll be amazed from what you just look at.

So, grab your gear and go Diving in Isla del Coco. There is a world just waiting for you. Come, and experience the wonders of this semi deserted island, in your next Costa Rica vacation all-inclusive.

What Makes Isla del Coco in Costa Rica So Special

Isla del Coco, off the coast of Costa Rica, holds a special place in the memories of everyone that gets to visit. This remote island grants an unforgettable time if you sink in its waters and surrounding jungles.

Diving in Isla del Coco is an experience like no other. The underwater world surrounding the island has some of the most varied marine life on the planet. Here you will find colorful coral reefs and huge schools of fish. Cross paths with sea turtles, sharks, and dolphins.

What sets Isla del Coco apart is its protected status as a Costa Rican National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This designation guarantees that the island remains unspoiled and beautiful, letting us enjoy the beauty of untouched nature in all its splendor.

Diving in Isla del Coco is the perfect way to check out legendary sites such as the famous Bajo Alcyone, a cleaning station for the awesome hammerhead sharks, and Manuelita Garden, where you will end up swimming with huge manta rays every time you sink in the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Looking for other ecotourism National parks to visit in your next Costa Rica vacation all-inclusive? Check out our article about Santa Elena Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, different ecosystem, new adventure.

Discover the Underwater Eden

When it comes to get a chance to enjoy the wonders of this isle, there’s nothing quite like Diving in Isla del Coco. With its clear waters and plenty of marine life, this place will give you an awesome diving experience that will leave you amazed.

Diving in Isla del Coco allows you to meet a huge range of marine wildlife, like sharks, rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. The coral reefs surrounded by colorful fish is a spectacular backdrop for your underwater vacation.

Whether you are an experience diver or a newbie looking to take your first plunge, Isla del Coco offers dive sites for every level of experience.

Try to swim alongside experienced local guides who will lead you to the best spots to check out the beauty of marine life in this irreplaceable underwater ecosystem.

If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, Diving in Isla del Coco also gives you the chance to find pelagic species like the hammerhead sharks and whale sharks. The joy of diving in the deep blue waters surrounding the island is unmatched, this is simply a bucket-list destination for diving enthusiasts.

The Best Areas for Diving in Isla del Coco

When it comes to diving in Isla del Coco this isolated island in the Pacific offers some of the most spectacular dive sites in the world.

Diving in Isla del Coco is an experience like no other, and one of the top areas not to be missed is the world-renowned Bajo Alcyone. This seamount is famous for its large gatherings of hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, and other pelagic species. The strong sea currents here deliver an exciting drift dive experience that will get your adrenaline pumping.

Another must-visit spot for Diving in Isla del Coco is Manuelita Garden, a bubbly coral reef home of colorful marine wildlife. Here, you will find schools of tropical fish, whitetip reef sharks, and even the occasional whale shark cruising by. The crystal-clear waters and diversity of this ecosystem make this site a favorite among underwater photographers.

If you are looking for a more challenging dive, Dos Amigos Grande offers an amazing underwater time. This place features dramatic rock formations, steep drop-offs, and caves that are home to moray eels, turtles, and octopuses. The strong currents make diving here demanding, but the rewards are well worth it for experienced divers.

On Shore Activities in Isla del Coco

Diving in Isla del Coco is an experience like no other. The clear waters surrounding the island offer lots of marine life waiting to be discovered. But what about activities on land? Fear not, Isla del Coco has plenty to offer if you are one of those who prefer to keep their feet dry.

Take Your Time at the Beautiful Beach

After diving in Isla del Coco and checking out the underwater wonders, take some time to walk along the gorgeous beaches of the isle. The soft sands and turquoise waters create the perfect setting for a leisure walk or a soothing sunbathing session.

Keep an eye out for marine life trying to catch a glimpse of dolphins frolicking in the distance while enjoying the peace and quiet of the isolated beaches.

Maybe you just want to sit by the beach with a book and a nice cocktail and call it a day.

Just Go for a Hike in the Jungle

Tire of spending the whole day at the beach? Not feeling like diving in Isla del Coco? Well, the island has many hiking trails that lead to astonishing viewpoints and hidden places waiting to be discovered. Grab your hiking boots and set off on a hike tour through the forests, where you will find unique plants and wildlife endemic only to this isle.

The views from the island’s highest peaks are simply breathtaking and give a different perspective of this natural wonder. Don’t forget your camera, you really don’t want to miss it.

Be Amazed by Wildlife Encounters

While diving in Isla del Coco gives you a glimpse into the underwater realm, travelling the island’s land habitat allows you to witness the diversity of wildlife up close. From playful monkeys swinging through the trees to colorful birds soaring overhead, Isla del Coco is a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts.

Be sure to have your camera ready to snap these unforgettable moments and create lasting memories when you find this isle inhabitants.

Looking for other places to get wildlife encounters? Check out our article on Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.

Diving in Isla del Coco: Try Some Cultural Immersion

Dig into the history and culture of Isla del Coco by visiting the island’s research station and learning about conservation efforts directed at preserving this ecosystem. Talk with local guides and researchers to gain some insights into the island’s significance and the challenges it faces in today’s world, with global warming and ocean pollution.

Understanding the complexities of Isla del Coco, will develop a deeper appreciation for this far-off land and make you aware of way to contribute to the protection of this island for future generations.

Diving in Isla del Coco surely steals the spotlight as a must-do activity here, but the on-shore experiences offered on the island are also amazing and rewarding.

How to Get to Isla del Coco in Costa Rica

To reach Isla del Coco, you must first Travel to Costa Rica as the island itself is uninhabited. The most common way to get to Isla del Coco is by joining a liveaboard diving expedition leaving from the mainland.

These tours typically depart from Puntarenas or Golfito and can take around 36 hours to reach the island.  So, you’ll get plenty of time to sunbathe relax, in the deck of the ship or catch on some readings while you get there.

Not sure how to travel around the country? Check out our article on Costa Rica Public Transportation, were you will find the most common ways to move around during your vacations.

Ways to Spend the Night at Isla del Coco

When night falls on Isla del Coco, the magic of this remote isle in the Pacific Ocean comes alive in a whole new light. From stargazing on the beach to camping under the stars, the possibilities are as endless as the ocean that surrounds it.

Diving in Isla del Coco not only offers breathtaking underwater trips during the day but also sets the stage for unforgettable night dives. Imagine descending into the depths of the ocean as darkness covers you, showing a whole new world of nighttime marine life. Night diving at Isla del Coco is a surreal experience that promises to leave you in awe of the ocean’s mysteries.

If you prefer to stay on land, you can set up a camp on the beach. Spend the night with a sky full of stars and listen the waves crashing in the shore. Don’t forget to take in consideration the preservation guidelines of the island in order to maintain the ecosystem.

If you want a comfy retreat, there are options for staying in nice accommodations that provide a cozy shelter after a long day of diving in Isla del Coco. You will find a seaside bungalow or a charming eco-lodge. Book on advance to avoid nasty surprises.

It’s been a long way getting here so try to make the most of your time the island, you won’t regret it.

Don’t forget to read our article on What to Pack for Costa Rica Dry Season where you will find the basic stuff you need for a comfortable time on your diving in Isla del Coco trip.

Diving in Isla del Coco: Food You Must Try 

Before diving in Isla del Coco, it’s important to fuel up with the delicious local food. Here you can get fresh seafood delicacies and tropical fruit delights, Isla del Coco offers a culinary experience that mixes with the island’s natural wonders.

One of the must-try dishes when visiting Isla del Coco is the flavorful Gallo Pinto, a traditional Costa Rican dish made with rice and beans, often served with eggs and plantains. This hearty and delicious meal will give you the energy you need for a day of Diving in Isla del Coco.

Seafood lovers will enjoy ceviche and grilled fish, prepared with a mix of local spices and flavors that will take your taste buds to somewhere close to heaven, and leave you asking for a second or third dish.

After a day of Diving in Isla del Coco, you will probably crave for something sweet, well the island got you covered.

For dessert, don’t miss out the tres Leches Cake, a fluffy cake soaked in three types of milk. This rich and creamy treat is the perfect way to reward yourself after a day of Diving in Isla del Coco and exploring the wonders of the underwater world.

Remember to try not just the joy of Diving in Isla del Coco, but also the delicious flavors that this isle has to offer, you won’t regret it.

Why You Will Fall in Love With Isla del Coco in Costa Rica

One of the main reasons why visitors instantly fall in love with this remote island is the one-of-a-kind experience of diving in Isla del Coco.

Diving in Isla del Coco is the unique chance to visit one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet. The clear waters surrounding the island home of a kaleidoscope of marine life, will take your breath away.

For experience scuba divers, diving in Isla del Coco is a quest like no other. The underwater landscapes covered with dramatic rock formations, coral reefs, and mysterious caves waiting to be explored.

Every time you sink is a new discovery, where you will find schools of tropical fish and other fascinating creatures.

What truly sets diving in Isla del Coco apart is the calm underwater realm, is the best place to disconnect from the outside world and sink deep in the amazements of nature.

Whether you are a veteran diver or a newbie looking to take the plunge, diving in Isla del Coco will leave you inspired and longing for more.

Visiting Isla del Coco is one of those things you don’t want to miss during your vacation to Costa Rica. Is possible that you will never set foot in a place so raw has this one in the whole world.

Feeling excited about your next Costa Rica vacation all-inclusive? Here is a link to the official web site of Isla del Coco, so you can start planning activities when start looking for Trips to Costa Rica 2024.