The vast majority of divers who have been to Cocos, agree that it is among the world’s most spectacular diving spots. The statistics also lend support to this theory with some 250 fish species and over 32 coral species. As a speck in the ocean, Cocos’ shores enjoy a concentration of nutrients drawing in various life forms in the food chain, culminating in scalloped hammerheads, dolphins, tiger and Galapagos sharks.

The island is a long way from shore. It takes up to 35 hours to get there from the Costa Rican mainland. Cocos Island liveaboards are the only option since there are no facilities on the island.

Cocos is not big. There are over 20 dive sites all around the island. The top spots are around Cocos Island itself! Some of the best known and loved dive sites have names like Bajo Alcyone, Manuelita Deep, Dirty Rock and Dos Amigos Pequeña.

Water Temperature varies depending on the time of year, generally ranging as follows: 78-82°F (25-28°C) between November and May, and 76-80°F (24-27°C) from June through December. Temperatures can also vary from site to site and thermoclines can mean any given dive has quite a wide temperature range.

The island experiences rain on most days. December through April is considered the dry season, although even then brief showers are likely. In fact rainy spells plus sunny equatorial skies are normal throughout the year

The dry season is when underwater visibility is at its best, up to 82 ft (25m), and currents generally at their mildest. At this time of the year you can expect a lot of silky sharks and rays although hammerhead numbers are not as huge. Most scuba divers favor rainy season, from May through November, when, despite lower visibility, rougher seas and potentially stronger currents, you are more likely to see hundreds of hammerhead sharks and some whale sharks.

Generally speaking a 3 to 5 mm full length wetsuit plus a hood and booties are sufficient for most divers. However an extra mm or two plus gloves might be needed if you feel the cold more than the average scuba diver. We recommend you bring sufficient equipment to cover the full range of temperatures.

If you have a choice of fins, bring those which generate the greatest power since current and fast-moving creatures mean you might want more thrust. Drift dives mean a safety sausage is another "must have" and reef hooks are optional, and clearly each diver should have their own computer.

You might also want to consider bringing a spare mask, whistle, torch and signaling mirror. Cocos Island is not the kind of place you want to be where you break equipment and don't have a spare, or where you run into difficulties, made worse by the lack of suitable equipment.

No it is not. Cocos Island is a destination for experienced divers with a degree of confidence and fitness. There may be considerable current and surge in some areas. Drift dives are common. The marine creatures can be big, plentiful and in-your-face. For these reasons, divers need to have a reasonable level of experience.

There are other factors that suggest scuba divers ought to have earned their stripes before any Cocos Island liveaboard trip. Thermoclines, heavy rain on the surface and a 30+ hour boat crossing from the Costa Rican mainland are not elements that an Open Water student would expect to be part of their early scuba training.

Yes. Cocos is not the only place worth diving in Costa Rica. Caño Island is recognized as another top dive spot. You can visit Caño Island via liveaboard during the months of January and June. The diving here is characterized by coral reefs with lots of schools of fish as well as meatier subjects including sharks, rays, dolphins and even whales. Find out more about diving there in our Caño Island diving section.

It is located in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, 340 miles (550 km) southwest of Cabo Blanco on the Costa Rican mainland. It lies just over 5° north of the Equator and directly on route of the Pacific's Equatorial Counter Current. This currently flows constantly in an easterly direction, bringing nutrition and life-bearing coral replenishment from the central and Western Pacific.

The cruise to the island and back can be uncomfortable for some. It usually takes between 30 and 32 hours. We recommend taking precautions for motion sickness. You might also want to load up your MP3 player, bring some DVDs and a good book.

While visiting Cocos Island, most of your time will be spent aboard your liveaboard, with only a few opportunities to explore the island's bays and limited coastline. The island has no inhabitants or shelters, so for additional sightseeing and activities, the focus shifts to mainland Costa Rica. Traditional pastimes like surfing, rafting, and fishing remain highly popular and can even be the primary reason for visiting the country. More modern adventures, such as canopy tours, are also gaining popularity—imagine soaring over lush rainforests on exhilarating zip lines that span great distances at thrilling speeds.

Costa Rica's volcanic landscape offers incredible trekking opportunities, particularly around Arenal Volcano, known for its daily eruptions, and Poás Volcano, famous for its massive crater and towering geyser. The geothermal activity also fuels relaxing hot spring spas, perfect for a day of pampering. Nature enthusiasts will find exploring the rainforests a top priority, with Monteverde Cloud Forest being a favorite. Birdwatchers, in particular, shouldn’t miss the chance to spot the resplendent quetzal in its natural habitat. The Beaches

With over 800 miles of coastline along both the Caribbean and Pacific, Costa Rica is a paradise for beach lovers.

Cocos Island: The island features 2 sheltered bays, Chatham and Wafer, where visitors can anchor and go ashore. A short stroll on land offers a chance to enjoy stunning sunsets over Manuelita Island, especially from Chatham Bay.

Pacific Coast Beaches: The Pacific side boasts both black and white sand beaches, often bordered by vibrant rainforests teeming with wildlife like sloths, iguanas, and hummingbirds. These beaches are lively, with restaurants and beach bars offering music, cocktails, and a bustling atmosphere, catering to sun-seekers.

Caribbean Coast Beaches: In contrast, the Caribbean coast receives more rainfall, resulting in lush vegetation and dense forests that extend far inland. These beaches are more secluded and natural, providing a thriving habitat for diverse plants and animals. Additionally, sea turtles frequently come ashore to nest along this coastline.

For more details on the wide range of activities available in Costa Rica, explore our Costa Rica tourist information page or visit the official Costa Rican Tourism Board website.

Everyone needs a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. At the time of writing US, Canadian, EU and Japanese citizens do not need an entry visa. However, visa regulations change and we recommend consulting your Costa Rican consulate or embassy when planning your trip. Visit the Costa Rica Embassy USA website for further details.

Costa Rica has among the highest levels of health services in Central and South America. The main concerns are Hepatitis B and C, Dengue fever (especially on the Caribbean coast) and rabies. If you behave sensibly, drink bottled water and ensure you consume well-washed vegetables and peeled fruit, you will limit any risk. If eating meat, try to ensure it is well cooked. Avoiding contact with animals frothing at the mouth might also be a wise idea. Any bites should be swiftly followed by medical attention.

There are 3 main hospitals in San José which are reasonably well-equipped. Hospital CIMA San José is generally considered to be the best hospital with the most modern technology. Others are Hospital Rafael Angel Calderon Guardia, which is generally considered the best place for serious emergencies. Hospital San Juan de Dios specializes in surgery and is the only adult burn unit it San José.

Spanish is the official language but English is widely spoken within areas related to tourism and by the dive operators who run trips to Cocos Island.

The Costa Rican currency is Colones. However, international credit cards and US Dollars are also widely accepted in tourist places and by the liveaboard operators.

Visa is the most widely accepted card in Costa Rica, and the PLUS system is best for ATM availability. Credit card fees vary greatly from an acceptable 0% to an enragingly unacceptable 18%, so always make sure when paying with a credit card, where in this range you are likely to be stung.

Standard time in Costa Rica is 6 hours behind UTC (GMT -6 hours), or -1 hr EST.

Costa Rica uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, the same as in the USA, and uses plugs having 2 flat pins. The Cocos Island liveaboard boats have the same fittings.

Safety and Security: While Costa Rica has not experienced recent terrorist activity, visitors should still exercise common sense. Opportunistic theft can occur, so avoid displaying valuables like expensive watches or jewelry, and carry only essential items. Leave passports, extra credit cards, and important documents securely stored - don’t take them on casual outings. Work stoppages and strikes are rare but can disrupt travel plans, so stay informed.

Transport and Communication: - Phone & Internet: Internet cafés are widely available in tourist areas and San José, often offering Skype and international calls. Public phones accept coins or phone cards (sold at pharmacies), and some allow SMS/email.
- Mobile Roaming: Check with your provider about international roaming, or buy a local prepaid SIM card for better rates.
- At Sea/Cocos Island: Communication is limited - liveaboards usually have a satellite phone, but calls can be expensive.

Money Matters: - Tipping: Not expected, as most restaurant bills include a 10% service charge and 13% tax. However, small tips for guides, porters, or taxi drivers are appreciated.
- Bargaining: Expected at markets and craft shops - vendors often start high, so negotiate for a fair price. Taxi fares can also be inflated, so know the expected rate beforehand.
- Currency Exchange: Use only official exchange outlets to avoid scams.

Driving & Local Laws: Avoid drink-driving - penalties are strict. Tourists who stay cautious and avoid unnecessary risks rarely encounter legal trouble.

Packing Tips: Costa Rica is hot and humid, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing. Leave formal wear at home unless traveling for business. Women may want to avoid shorts or strapless dresses in upscale restaurants or formal settings.

There are no accommodations on the island whatsoever. Your hotel stays will be on mainland Costa Rica, most probably in San José. Aggressor Fleet recommends you stay at their host hotels in San Jose; The Alta Hotel, Indigo Hotel or Marriott Courtyard Hotel are the only 3 hotels that the Okeanos Aggressor bus picks up from. Sea Hunter fleet has a range of favored San Jose hotels too and they can arrange for accommodation to be organized for you. If you do not stay in these hotels, you need to make your own way there for pick-up.