COCOS ISLAND

HAMMERHEADS, MANTAS, BIG SHARKS

Year Round $3445 10-days

Cocos Island, Costa Rica offers probably the finest big animal diving on the planet. This, the largest uninhabited island in the world located 375 miles southwest of the mainland acts as a magnet for the marine life. For decades it was the hideout for pirates and adventurers. Rumor has it that Morgan the pirates booty is buried somewhere on the island. Cocos today is recognized as among the last truly wild places in nature. Less than 300 people a year visit this lush island which is home to numerous bird species, thick tropical vegetation and over 200 cascading waterfalls. It was declared a national park by the Costa Rican government in 1978

Cocos is definitely not for the inexperienced diver, open ocean diving is the norm and strong currents are common. The 70-75° F water supports a tremendous variety of marine life. The reefs here are not covered with lush coral growth, they are of volcanic origin. Large congregations of schooling Hammerhead Sharks are routinely sighted here as well as Silky, Dusky, Manta Galapagos, and even Oceanic White Tip Sharks! It's not uncommon to see Mantas and Morbula Rays cruising in the currents. Whale Sharks frequent the plankton rich waters. Bottlenose Dolphins and Whales often visit the island. The area has been famous among tuna fisherman for its Volkswagen sized Yellowfin Tuna. Don't be surprised if you see a Sailfish or a big Marlin sunning themselves near the surface as you do your safety stop at the end of the dive. Visibility often is over 100 ft., but can be restricted due to the plankton blooms that support the tremendous food chain.

The 90ft Undersea Hunter and the 112ft Sea Hunter are well suited for working the dive sites around Cocos Island. Both have a well thought out deck plan offering 14 & 18 lucky manta diving adventurers air conditioned comfort in double and triple cabins. Each cabin with a head/ hot shower and plenty of fresh water. The vessels carry plenty of water and can make hundreds of gals of desalinated water per day. They also feature personal dive gear lockers, stabilized surge protected 110v charging outlets for batteries and strobes. In between dives you can relax on the large. sundeck. The crew is well experienced and offers you attentive service while aboard the vessel.

Due to airline flight scheduling you should plan on spending at least one night in San José prior to the trip aboard the liveaboard. Costa Rica is a fabulous country and it would be a shame to miss out on many of the features of the country. You can white water raft on some of the best rivers in Central America, go fishing on either the Pacific or Caribbean coast or visit the rain forest a short drive from San José.

Price does not include air, airport transfers to & from San José, hotel, entry fees, or crew gratuities. Air with add-on fares from your home city can be arranged as well as hotel accommodations and optional excursions in Costa Rica.

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