In the past few years, Costa Rica has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Thanks to its beaches, volcanic sites, and high levels of biodiversity and fascinating natural beauty, many tourists, especially those from North America, visit this Central American nation frequently. However, having gained an immense popularity among different countries, Costa Rica has started to lose its tranquility and remoteness. Late night parties and clubs have managed to set up their essence and many people who visited Costa Rica for its peaceful harmony have started to look for other options.
Cocos island is one such option that can take you away from the chaotic life of the bust Costa Rican town and give you an opportunity to connect with nature. But, we are not here to talk about different tourist attractions you’ll find in Cocos island. Instead, we’re here to discuss something that makes this small island the perfect getaway for scuba divers and diving enthusiasts. We are talking about Cocos Island liveaboards that’ll allow you to explore some of the deepest and remotest diving locations while soaking in a mesmerizing view of the underwater world.
So, if you have been looking for an unknown diving location, keep reading. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information to plan the perfect itinerary to go on an adventure of a lifetime.
Why Choose Cocos Island as Your Liveaboard Destination?
Cocos island is an outpost located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean that’s still almost untouched by mankind. Since the island doesn’t attract too many tourists, nature is still the primary ruler in this remote island. In fact, apart from liveaboard cruises, hardly any tourists visit Cocos island, which makes it the perfect destination for divers who want to explore the hidden gems of the underwater world.
And, if you are a sucker for marine life, Cocos island is nothing short of an oasis for oceanic megafauna. The island is surrounded by some rare marine creatures including scalloped hammerhead sharks, silky, tiger, blacktip, silvertip and Galapagos sharks. In addition, the island is an annual migration spot for whale sharks and giant manta rays.Th eisland is so remote that very few fishing ships visit, and the area is patrolled by park officials too.
There are nearly 20 dive spots near the Cocos and each one of them offers something different. It means you’ll enjoy unique diving experiences every day.
How to Reach Cocos Island?
So, here comes the best part – it’s the remotest commercial liveaboard destination in the world and the only way to reach Cocos is via a cruise yacht from the port town of Punteranas in Costa Rica.
The nearest airport to Cocos island is 342 miles away, located in Costa Rica itself. It means you’ll have to depart the plane in San Jose and then board the liveaboard that’ll take anywhere between 36 to 48 hours to reach the destination. So, you’ll have plenty of time to familiarize yourself with the fellow divers and spend quality time while soaking in the view of the Pacific Ocean.
Usually, a regular liveaboard cruise trip in Cocos island lasts for 7-10 days, giving divers enough time to explore all the 20 diving spots without rushing through the sites. At the end of the day, you’ll cherish the golden sunset of the Pacific and enjoy some of the most delicious meals to close off the day.
What’s the Best Time to Plan a Liveaboard Getaway to Cocos Island?
Cocos also has 2 different seasons:
- The Dry Season (December-May)
- The Wet Season (June to November)
During the dry season, the sea surface is much calmer, the waves are normal, and visibility is at its best (30-100 ft / 10-30m). The water temperature is highest at around 26-29C (79-84F).
The wet season attracts manta rays and whale sharks. However, you must be prepared for the possibility of ocean swells on the long crossings and, of course, rain. The water temperature is slightly lower and a 3-5 mm full length wetsuit is recommended.
Year round creatures include vast numbers of hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, silkies, tiger sharks, whitetip reef sharks, manta rays, eagle and marble rays, tuna, schools of jacks, creole fish, snapper, rainbow runners, and red-lipped batfish.
Conclusion
So, that concludes our brief guide on how to plan the perfect itinerary for a liveaboard trip at Cocos Island. Being one of the remotest places in the world, Cocos island is the perfect destination for a liveaboard adventure where you can experience the underwater world as nature intended it.
