Diving at Cocos Island, Costa Rica is considered one of the best big-animal diving experiences in the world. Often called the “little Galápagos,” it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 340 miles (550 km) off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Because of its remote location, it’s only accessible by liveaboard dive boats.

A dream destination for divers

 Schooling hammerheads, countless white-tip sharks, mantas, tuna and even whale sharks call Cocos home.

Here’s what makes diving there so special.

Escape to Cocos Island for a Costa Rican liveaboard scuba diving adventure! Cocos is a lush, green uninhabited island resting 342 miles off Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Rocky pinnacles surrounding Cocos are beacons for big animals. Schooling hammerheads, countless white-tip sharks, mantas, tuna and even whale sharks call Cocos home.

Onboard the Okeanos II Liveaboard

The Okeanos Aggressor II is a 120’ yacht, built and powered for comfort, safety, and stability. She is diesel-powered, cruises at 10 knots and has 110-volt power on board. Comfortable accommodations for 22 guests include 9 deluxe staterooms with double bed lower and twin bed upper, 1 master deluxe stateroom with a queen bed, and 2 suites of which one has two twin beds and the other a king bed. Each stateroom features a private bathroom and shower.

https://www.aggressor.com/boat/OAII

10 Nights Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - Meet in front of pickup hotel (See last page of "Know Before You Go" for pick up time). Transfer to Puntarenas for boarding and departure for Cocos Island.

Day 2-3 - Arrive to Cocos Island, diving begins.

Day 4-9 - Eat, Sleep & Dive.

Day 9-10 - Travel back to Puntarenas.

Day 11 - Check out at 7 am and transfer to San Jose Airport or host hotels.

Marine Life Highlights:

• Hammerhead sharks – Huge schools of scalloped hammerheads gather around seamounts and cleaning stations, especially at sites like Alcyone and Dirty Rock.

• Other shark species – White-tip reef sharks, silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, tiger sharks, and occasionally whale sharks.

• Rays – Giant manta rays, marble rays, eagle rays, and mobula rays.

• Other pelagics – Yellowfin tuna, jacks, wahoo, and dolphins often pass by in large schools.

• Seasonal sightings – Whale sharks and humpback whales can be seen at certain times of year.

Dive Conditions

Best time to dive:

• Rainy season (June – November): More plankton in the water, which attracts massive schools of hammerheads and other pelagics. Seas can be rough, and visibility averages 40–80 ft (12–25 m).

Water temperature:

Typically ranges from 72–82°F (22–28°C), but thermoclines can drop temps into the mid-60s°F (18–20°C).

Conservation & Protection

Cocos Island is a Costa Rican National Park and strictly protected. No fishing, no collecting, and no land-based accommodations. Diving tourism is limited and highly regulated, making it one of the last relatively pristine marine sanctuaries.

Cancelation Policy:

90 days prior to departure date: Note that final payment is due 90 days prior to departure date. Single supplement spaces have to be assigned prior to 90 days from departure date as well as diver to a non diver; any vouchers to be redeemed and any money saving discounts.

Cancellation: 

1. 91 days or more prior to departure, 20% is forfeited.

2. 90 days or less prior to departure, 100% is forfeited. 

It is hiigly recommended that you purchase travel insurance.

Recommended hotel is the Hampton Inn close to the airport. Free shuttle is available.

Pick up will be at the Hampton Inn (Time to be determind)

Crossing to Cocos Island - around 36 hours. Just relax!

Starting with a checkout dive.

Dive sites to be determind.

Arrival time will be determind by weather conditions.

At 8:00AM. You can fly home the same day, no earlier than 2:00PM