© 1996-2021 costarica.com, Inc. All rights reserved. Cocos Island was an important base for sailors and cartographers since the early 1500’s, and legendary pirate kings like William Davis (1684) and Benito Bonito (1819) are rumored to have buried their treasure here. Getty Images offers exclusive rights-ready and premium royalty-free analog, HD, and 4K video of the highest quality. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Beach. Volunteer Work: Volunteers are invited to the island to complete tasks from cooking and cleaning to clearing brush and trailblazing. Show Prices. Liveaboard trips usually last for at least 8 to 10 days and it takes up to 36 hours to reach Cocos Island from Puntarenas. Cocos Island is the only Pacific Island to receive enough rainfall to support a tropical rainforest. The quality and quantity of marine animal sightings is unprecedented, creating a diver’s paradise – particularly for shark divers. The trip was a blast - water was … The island was declared a National Park by means of Executive Decree in 1978. This amazing and mysterious island is located off the coasts of Costa Rica, at approximately a 30 hour boat ride from the harbor city of Puntarenas. Remote Cocos Island is said to have inspired the adventure-filled settings of Treasure Island and Jurassic Park.Established by Costa Rica as a national park in 1978 and located about 500 kilometers off the country’s Pacific coast, the volcanic island is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located 550 kilometers (340 miles) off the Pacific coast of mainland Costa Rica with no hotels or any form of accommodation on land, your only way to go and live in Cocos island is by signing up with a liveaboard cruise. It is home to what is probably the largest scalloped hammerhead cleaning station in the world, which attracts these prehistoric creatures by the hundreds. The beauty of Cocos Island has inspired man for centuries. Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by colour family {{familyColorButtonText(colorFamily.name)}} There is a short “drier” season from January through March. In 1898, naturalists Anastasio Alfaro and Henri Pittier visited the island and suggested it be treated as a protected area. In 1982 it was designated Cocos Island National Park, and it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The rugged, uninhabited island has two natural harbours, Wafer Bay and Chatham Bay, both located on the north coast. Cocos gained notoriety during the colonial era as a haven for pirates and as an alleged site of their buried treasures, which have never been found despite the attempts of hundreds of expeditions. The Cocos Island is not for everybody. Contact by satellite phone on the island: 0087-468712-0010. It is a district of Puntarenas Canton of the province of Puntarenas, where the dive boats depart from. Corrections? Cocos Island is an island in the Pacific Ocean administered by Costa Rica, approximately 550 km southwest of the Costa Rican mainland. Updates? Geologically, it is part of the Cocos Ridge and is related to the Galapagos Islands to the south. The only way to see Cocos Island is on a diving liveaboard vessel which you can board from the port city of Puntarenas in Costa Rica. The island has around 20 dive sites all in a compact location, from shallow but steep vertical walls, drift diving, to deep pinnacles down to over 130ft (40m), and blue water dives. There is also a greenhouse, cafeteria and outdoor gym. Though there are many varieties of coral, there is not a large quantity at Cocos Island, so divers will not see as many colorful reef fish. There are no overnight facilities for the general public. Show Prices. One hundred bird species have been recorded; 13 are resident, seven of which are land birds, and one – the yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia) – is endemic to Cocos Island and the Galapagos. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Brimming with vast seascapes and copious amounts of wildlife, Cocos Island National Park is considered one of the world's top ten scuba diving destinations. Cocos Seaview Apartments. It is one of the National Parks of Costa Rica. Children under ten are free. Cocos Island (Spanish: Isla del Coco) is an island located off the shore of Costa Rica. Most species are neotropical and at least 11% are endemic. Stays range from one to two months. It is Costa Rica’s most secluded and least visited national park and can only be reached by a 36-hour boat ride. Find professional Cocos Island Costa Rica videos and stock footage available for license in film, television, advertising and corporate uses. Trips usually include three dives per day, but night dives are available for those who seek extreme underwater adventures. There are only five terrestrial mammals present on Cocos Island, and all were introduced: pigs, white-tailed deer, goats, cats, and rats. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... What are the islands of the Maldives made of? There is one public trail that connects Chatham Bay to Wafer Bay, and the national park provides guides free of charge. The fantastical atmosphere made Isla del Coco the … It is located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 550 km (342 mi) from… Choose from Cocos Island Costa Rica stock illustrations from iStock. Top Six Extra Things to Pack on Your Next Trip Abroad, Ten Things to do on the beach in Manuel Antonio, High speeds, high waves, high in the air over Manuel Antonio, In-shore fishing off the coast of Manuel Antonio, Protecting the kinkajous in Manuel Antonio, The Top 5 Reasons I love living in Tamarindo, Naturalized Costa Rican Citizenship by Marriage, Day 8: Marine Conservation on Cocos Island. Between 1872 and 1874, the Costa Rican government ran a prison on the island; it also funded its own treasure-hunting expedition, but no golden doubloons were uncovered. Bahia Chatham (Chatham Bay): Located to the northeast, it offers boat anchorage, dining huts, rest areas, showers, and sanitary facilities. Located in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, 300 miles southwest of Cabo Blanco, Costa Rica, lies the renowned Cocos Island Marine Park. What is the world’s largest archipelago? Other species include: white tip reef shark, black tip shark, silky shark, hammerhead shark, Galapagos shark, bull shark, whale shark, dolphin, bigeye jack, spotted eagle ray, manta ray, marble ray, green sea turtle, giant moray eel, Commerson’s frogfish, rosy-lipped batfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, marlin, and sailfish. Select from premium Cocos Island Costa Rica images of the highest quality. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Dormitory style cabins as well as double and triple cabins with electricity are offered for volunteers, normally separated by sex but sometimes co-ed. The cheapest way to get from Costa Rica to Cocos Islands costs only $1,103, and the quickest way takes just 31½ hours. It is home to 235 species of vascular plants, of which 70 (about 35%) are endemic. Massive schools of fish and sharks are common around this area off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Serpentine coastline, roaring waterfalls, lush rainforest, and sparkling beaches define picturesque Cocos Island, set 340 miles off Costa Rica's southwestern coast. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Cocos-Island, The Guardian - Cocos Island's Rich Pirate History. It is green. Your Costa Rica Cocos Island stock images are ready. Scalloped Hammerhead Shark A Scalloped hammerhead shark cruises through deep water near Cocos Island, Costa Rica. A rugged yet incredibly verdant island, this World Heritage Site is the spectacularly beautiful crown jewel of Costa Rica's many National Parks. 422 reviews. Cocos Island in Costa Rica is surrounded by a multitude of natural treasures. Cocos Island is almost entirely covered in rainforest and sees rain most days. Home to some of the country’s most stunning scenery and rare wildlife, Cocos Island is well worth the lengthy trek. Cocos Island Costa Rica Share Tweet Pin Mail Centuries ago Cocos Island was the hidey-hole for pirates, the hub of explorers and sailors and the much publicized inspiration for literary classics such as Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Visibility is better and currents tamer during the dry season months of January-April. For sightseeing and things to do beyond your scuba diving vacation in Costa Rica, the focus is on the mainland. You may either arrange transportation to Puntarenas, where most dive expeditions to Cocos Island begin, or request that the dive company do so for you. It rises to an elevation of about 2,800 feet (850 metres) above sea level, is about 5 miles (8 km) long and 3 miles (5 km) wide, and has a total area of 9 square miles (24 square km). We did 24 dives over 7 days, with 36-hrs each way to and from the island. Find the perfect Cocos Island Costa Rica stock illustrations from Getty Images. Ten-day scuba safaris with private tour companies are available for experienced divers. Find high-quality royalty-free vector images that you won't find anywhere else. Cocos Island, Spanish Isla del Coco, island of volcanic origin lying in the Pacific Ocean, about 300 miles (480 km) south of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Compiled my dad's drone shots of Cocos island to put this video together. There is a $25 fee per person and a $10 diving fee, making it $35 per day for divers and $25 for non-divers. Bahia Wafer (Wafer Bay): Located to the north of the island, Wafer Bay has boat anchorage, dining huts, rest areas, showers, and sanitary facilities. Cocos Island (Spanish: Isla del Coco) is approximately 550 km (342 mi) from the Pacific shore of Costa Rica. Professional filming of the national park carries a $500 fee. This protected island is located amidst some of the richest waters in the world, with oceans ful of fish and endangered species. Though the forest is dense, the island is home to relatively few plant and animal species – isolation from other forests creates a closed ecosystem. Cocos Island is the only point above sea level in Cocos Ridge, a geological line of submerged volcanoes that runs from Costa Rica to just north of the Galapagos Islands. Free parking. It takes an hour roundtrip, and leads to a gorgeous waterfall. The best time to see large groups of hammerhead sharks is during the rainy season, from May through late November. Cocos Island, Spanish Isla del Coco, island of volcanic origin lying in the Pacific Ocean, about 300 miles (480 km) south of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. The undisturbed waters and rocky pinnacles surrounding these shores attract scores of hammerheads, white tip reef sharks, jacks, and rays as well as at least 32 types of corals, 57 crustaceans, 118 mollusks and 250 fish species. Cocos itself is featured in the opening scenes of the island in Jurassic Park. Download all free or royalty-free photos and vectors. Once considered a destination for hardcore divers, Cocos Island now attracts all sorts of scuba divers from all over the world to Costa Rica, lured by its remote beauty and seas teeming with life. cocos island costa rica stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images It is located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 550 km (340 mi) from the Pacific shore of Costa Rica. Cocos Castaway. Of volcanic origin, the island’s mineral-rich soil supports tropical lowland … Just off the island’s shores, the Pacific Ocean teems with reefs and marine life. In 1978, it was designated a Costa Rican national park, part of the nation’s heritage and an important natural resource. Cocos Island is an uninhabited island located off the shore of Costa Rica. Today the island is known as a rich, natural resource, but it was once considered rich for another reason: pirate booty. It rises to an elevation of about 2,800 feet (850 metres) above sea level, is about 5 miles (8 km) long and 3 miles (5 km) wide, and has a total area of 9 square miles (24 square km). The #1 Best Value of 8 places to stay in Cocos (Keeling) Islands. A WWII B24 airplane wreck was discovered north of Cerro Iglesias, but hiking there is prohibited without special permission. The island is home to virgin rainforest, spectacular views, and more than 200 waterfalls that beckon adventurous hikers. Cocos Island, Costa Rica holds a treasure trove, which became an inspiration for Robert Louise Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Some small cruise ships also pass by the island, offering day trips out to its shores. Always check with park rangers before setting out on any Cocos Island hike. The boat trip from Puntarenas to Cocos Island takes approximately 32-36 hours each way. Visiting cruise ships are also charged an admission, depending on the size and number of occupants. Cocos Island is the only point above sea level in Cocos Ridge, a geological line of submerged volcanoes that runs from Costa Rica to just north of the Galapagos Islands. Kelley (18) and I just got back from a fantastic 12-day trip on Aggressor 2. Natural beauty aside, what makes Cocos Island so special however is the incredible amount of biodiversity it hosts. See if you agree. 'Traditional' pastimes such as surfing, rafting and fishing remain very popular and can be the main reason for visiting Costa Rica if they are your main interest. Cocos Island National Park encompasses the entire island, protecting its lands and waters. None other than famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau called this 'the most beautiful island in the world.' Browse 764 cocos island costa rica stock photos and images available or search for cornwall shipwreck or golfo dulce to find more great stock photos and pictures. There are also 362 species of insects, 64 (nearly 18%) of which are found only on the island. We traveled to Cocos Island - Coast Rica to get on a 210’ live-aboard ship and go diving. Surrounded by deep waters with counter-currents, it is admired by scuba divers for its populations of Hammerhead sharks, rays and dolphins. The island is designated as a National Park. Meals, lodging and transport from Puntarenas are completely free of charge in exchange for about 40 hours of work per week. Some of these would include rich coral reefs, volcanic tunnels, underwater and above ground caves, deep and clear water. I felt like I had been transported back in time to a long lost world as my helicopter hovered over the dramatically lush Cocos Island. Cocos Island is a crucial habitat for other large pelagic species like dolphins, giant manta rays and at least eight types of sharks. Posted by geoff on May 1, 2017 in Costa Rica Activities, Scuba Diving | 0 comments. Of volcanic origin, the island’s mineral-rich soil supports tropical lowland ecosystems and a high-montane cloud forest. It has been called "the most beautiful island in the world" by Jacques Cousteau and served as inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island and Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park. Cocos Island is often rated one of the top 10 best places to scuba dive in the world, and was described by Jacques Couteau as “The most beautiful island in the world.”Unfortunately, it’s a very difficult place to get to because it’s so far off the coast. When it gets around to raining properly, it absolutely pisses down, as you’d expect for an island … Omissions? Sort out the facts about islands across the globe. Cocos Island, Costa Rica select language: ar cs da de el en es fi fr he hu id it ja ko nl pl pt ru sv th tr vi zh. Plant life includes approximately 235 species of vascular plants, 75 species of fern, 55 species of moss, 85 species of fungi, 106 species of liverwort, and 99 species of lichen. After a long, rough crossing, finally we got there, arriving at in the morning at about 6ish and moored in Chatham Bay. Divers live on cruise ships that anchor offshore, and the diving takes place off smaller speedboats that hold up to ten divers each. It constitutes the 11th of the 13 districts of Puntarenas Canton of the Province of Puntarenas. Annual Rainfall: 250 inchesTemperature: 75º F to 85º F average Ocean Temperature: 84º F to 86º F average. 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