Where's the best liveaboard diving in Cocos Island?
Cocos Island Liveaboards depart from mainland Costa Rica and explore all the best dive sites around Cocos itself, typically on ten night itineraries. Due to its location, the only way to visit the island for diving is by liveaboard, with departures operating year-round.
There are only two bays with safe anchorages and sandy beaches: Chatham is located on the northeast side and Wafer Bay is on the northwest. Nearby there are a series of smaller basaltic rocks and islets. The water temperature varies between 22 - 28°C with cooler thermoclines, and on land the island is humid and tropical with an average annual temperature of just under 27°C.
Due to the amount and diversity of marine life in its waters Cocos Island was named one of the best 10 scuba diving spots in the world by PADI and should be on any serious divers ‘to do’ list. There are at least 16 dive sites to explore, with highlights including Bajo Alcyone, the most likely spot to encounter vast numbers of hammerhead sharks and Dirty Rock, another consistent provider of thrilling pelagic encounters. Dos Amigos, Everest and Manuelita Deep are further sites that promise unforgettable experiences.
What to see when
Schooling whitetips in great numbers can be seen year-round, and there is a chance of seeing dolphins, marble rays, mantas, sailfish, whale sharks and other marine mammals throughout the year as well. The tiger shark is a year round resident at Cocos.
Considering that it is such a nutrient-rich environment, and since it is the only island for many miles around, Cocos acts as a magnet for the large pelagics that are always to be found there. Divers are likely to be impressed by the marine life in this area, no matter what time of year they visit.
It is important to remember that Cocos weather is classically unpredictable, and so it is hard to predict exactly what mixture of marine life you will get on any one trip at any time of year.
Itineraries
Regaldive operate a number of liveaboard itineraries, so you can choose your ideal Cocos Island diving experience. Cocos liveaboards usually run 10 night itineraries, but some 11-14 night trips operate.
Please note that liveaboard itineraries can change without notice. The itinerary will depend on several factors including, but not limited to, weather, diving ability of guests and the number of other boats already present at the various dive sites. All dive sites visited are subject to weather conditions and are at the discretion of your dive guides and vessel captain.
Please be aware that the Cocos Island National Park Department has temporarily suspended night dives at the island for safety reasons.
Tailormade liveaboard & island combinations
We can also arrange tailor-made extensions as required for your holiday plans. Many guests enjoy a twin centre combination of a Cocos Island liveaboard and an island based holiday in Costa Rica exploring the amazing volcanoes and wonderful wildlife. Highlights include the Arenal Volcano and hot springs, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Please enquire with the friendly Regaldive team to discuss the options.
