Route Description - Cocos Island Costa Rica – Island of the Sharks
Cocos—just the name elicits a knowing smile from experienced divers. Known as the ‘Island of the Sharks,’ it’s not just about the famous schooling hammerheads where the sharks come to you, but a tiny tropical rainforest oasis in the eastern Pacific. Here, you’ll encounter loads of white-tip reef sharks, marble rays, tiger sharks, and the ever-fascinating lobster and octopus. Of You are going to hear “pura vida” a lot when you join us in Costa Rica. It represents Costa Ricans’ relaxed attitude towards life, no matter the circumstance. It’s used to say hello, goodbye, to express that everything is okay, and to brush off any negativity.
Cocos is pure magic for experienced divers. Like Socorro, Cocos is a bucket-list trip and most experienced divers consider it to be among the best diving in the world. The island concentrates life from hundreds of miles around and is especially famous for hammerhead sharks in the hundreds. You should see lots of other sharks including whitetip reef and tigers, dolphins, tuna, and other pelagics species.
Day 1: The Nautilus Explorer will be berthed in Marina Bahia Golfito. It’s beautiful. Boarding will begin after 6:30 pm, and you will sail by 8 pm for the approximately 30-hour run to Cocos Island.
Day 2: Your ship is a heavy steel stabilized oceangoing ship, ensuring you the best ride possible. You are encouraged to relax, and it’s usually a good idea to take some anti-seasickness medicine just in case. It’s far better to feel 100% and enjoy the crossing than to risk feeling under the weather without medication. There will be ample time for briefings, setting up dive and camera gear, and, of course, cocktail hour at 7 pm with all other guests!
Days 3 – 9: Anchored in the lee of Cocos Island!! Enjoy some of the best diving in the world on the pinnacles surrounding cocos. The choice of dive sites is at the discretion of the park rangers and influenced by Mother Ocean, with a lot of input from your captain and dive guides. Typically, there will be an opportunity for 2 dives in the morning and 1 in the afternoon, with water temps ranging from 78 – 82°F (27 – 28°C). Plus, there’s the opportunity to go ashore several times, whale watch with the humpbacks, relax, and have a great time!!
Day 10: Voyage back to Golfito. Packing gear up, visiting with your new friends, and making plans for your next adventure with Nautilus.
Day 11: Arrival back at the Golfito marina by 5 am for those catching the early morning Sansa flight. Early breakfast and 7 am departure for guests heading back to San Jose in the courtesy shuttle (to arrive SJO by 1 pm latest). Or a more leisurely 8:30 am disembarkation for this who are staying on in Golfito or heading off for another adventure in one of the nearby national parks.