News
Five reasons to take a liveaboard trip to Cocos Island
By: Sandro Lonardi
Cocos Island in Costa Rica is a scuba diving wonderland. In addition to being one of the best shark diving destinations in the world, it’s also a haven for all sorts of pelagic species. But this remote island has even more to offer.
This paradise is located 342 miles (550 km) from the Costa Rican mainland. The island itself is only 10 square miles, so diving at Cocos is only possible from a liveaboard. Cocos Island live aboards depart from Puntarenas and take approximately 36 hours to reach their destination. Generally, itineraries range from 8 to 10 nights.
Scuba diving in Cocos Island is a far cry from most tropical destinations. You won’t find bountiful coral reefs in the region. In fact, the underwater landscape of this remote island is mostly made up of dramatic pinnacles with arches and drop-offs. These seem to descend to the bottom of the Earth, but in essence you’re floating atop a submerged mountain range complete with peaks and valleys.
The best time to dive at Cocos Island is from June to December. During this season, large plankton blooms attract a number of pelagic predators. On the other hand, the weather isn’t great during these months. Surface conditions are often rocky and visibility is less than ideal.
It’s also important to note that diving conditions at Cocos Island can be challenging. Surge and current are often present, and emergency, life-saving procedures are a lot different 350 miles from the mainland. Therefore, this scuba diving destination is for experienced divers only.
Still not convinced that you should head to Cocos Island for your next scuba diving holiday? Here are 5 reasons you should definitely add this liveaboard-only destination to your bucket list.
1. Hammerheads!!!
Cocos Island is famous for its hammerhead sharks. This remote island sits at a convergence of nutrient-rich currents. This precise positioning makes the island the perfect place to swim amongst shoals of Scalloped Hammerheads. The most sharks are present from June to December, and some divers report swimming with several dozen during a single dive.
In addition to hammerhead sharks, divers might also spot whitetip reef, Galapagos, silky, tiger, blacktip, silvertip, and guitar sharks.
2. Mantas and Whale Sharks
While hammerheads may be the main attraction, divers still love to see manta rays and whale sharks. Thanks to heavy plankton blooms during the rainy season, the chance of seeing these two pelagic species around Cocos Island is quite high. Eagle rays and mobula rays show up from time to time, too.
Can you imagine a dive that starts with dozens of hammerheads gliding overhead followed by interaction with a playful whale shark and ending with a manta fly by? That’s Cocos Island.
3. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cocos Island National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. This is partly because the island represents the only island with a tropical rain-forest in the eastern Pacific. It’s also the first point of contact with the northern equatorial counter-current resulting in unique interactions between land and the marine ecosystem. This creates a natural laboratory for biological studies and a major population center for threatened sharks. In addition, Eco-tourism has added value to this World Heritage Site. Scuba divers come from all over the world to view the Cocos Island sharks, rays, dolphins, and tuna.
4. Explore an Uninhabited, Tropical Island
Only a handful of national park rangers live on Cocos Island. Otherwise, it is uninhabited. However, if your live aboard has the proper permits, you will be able to enjoy shore excursions. For many, this is as close to an untouched environment as they will ever visit. Trek through the rain-forest to gorgeous waterfalls for a refreshing dip. Or walk along pristine beaches. There’s just as much adventure to be had on land as there is under the water.
5. Cross Riding in a Submarine off Your Bucket List
One liveaboard in Cocos Island boasts a unique excursion – the opportunity to ride to extreme depths in the DeepSee Submersible. This will allow you to go beyond recreational limits to become a true aquanaut.
The small submarine can dive down to 1,000 feet (305 meters), allowing you to explore the mammoth seamount called Everest. Here you’ll see marine life and landscapes that recreational divers and landlubbers will never lay their eyes on. This is a rare opportunity to go beyond normal adventure into the extreme.
Diving at Cocos Island can be the highlight of any scuba diving career. Whether you love hammerhead sharks or are just up for an adventure, dive into this remote, tropical paradise on your next liveaboard holiday.
To find out more about International Training, visit www.tdisdi.com.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
-
News2 months ago
Iconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months ago
Book Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months ago
DYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months ago
Exploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months ago
Try BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months ago
Book Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months ago
Dive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago
2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced