Cocos Island
Costa Rica’s Hidden Diving Gem
Roughly 550 kilometers off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Cocos Island (Spanish: Isla del Coco) rises from the open ocean: uninhabited, rich in biodiversity, and breathtakingly beautiful. In 1997, the island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional natural beauty and rich biodiversity.
Cocos Island is only accessible by boat. There are no resorts, no beaches, no internet but it is home to one of the most spectacular dive destinations on the planet.
The waters surrounding the island are famous for their massive schools of hammerhead sharks, encounters with tiger sharks, Galapagos sharks, silky sharks, humpback whales, manta rays, eagle rays, tuna, and occasionally even whale sharks. Powerful currents and sometimes challenging conditions make Cocos Island a true adventure for experienced divers seeking something wild and unforgettable
Diving with Mālama Earthventures
With Mālama Earthventures, you’ll experience Cocos Island intensively, professionally prepared, and fully personalized. The journey is only possible by liveaboard. From Puntarenas, it takes about 36 hours at sea before you reach this remote marine sanctuary.
Liveaboard-Expeditions
Typically 10-night trips including 7 dive days
Ideal for advanced divers with experience in strong currents and depth
Focus – pelagics: hammerheads, tiger sharks, silky sharks, manta rays, whale sharks, humpback whales
Liveaboard (Dive Safari) Cocos Island
Options from CHF 5’000, for example:
Nautilus Adventures
Aggressor Adventures
Trips typically last 10 nights, including 7 dive days. Prices depend on the season, vessel, and cabin category. We’ll help you choose the best option for you.
Free & non-binding
Why Cocos Island?
Cocos Island is no ordinary dive destination. It’s a remote, open-ocean adventure: fascinating, deeply moving and sure to leave a lasting impression. Described by Jacques Cousteau as one of the best dive sites in the world, the island delivers: multiple shark species gather here in impressive numbers around rocky reefs and cleaning stations.
At the same time, the remoteness is part of the magic: no tourism, no distractions. Just you, the boat, the ocean, and the big animals. With Mālama Earthventures, you’ll be well prepared, professionally supported, and receive a custom-built itinerary.
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the Pacific Ocean.
Free & non-binding
Best time to travel
Diving is possible year-round, with two main seasons:
Dry Season (Dec–Apr):
calmer seas, better visibility, but often fewer pelagic species
Rainy Season (May–Nov):
more plankton, known for attracting larger marine life, peak season for hammerhead sharks
Note: Trips depart on fixed dates and often sell out well in advance. Early planning is strongly recommended.
Top Highlights of Cocos Island
Schools of hammerhead sharks
Schooling fish action, e.g. Barracudas
Whale sharks (seasonal: May - November)
Free & non-binding
Cocos Island - Your Adventure, Your Way
Would you like to combine your Cocos Island adventure with a journey across Costa Rica?
Visit Arenal Volcano, explore the rainforest, go surfing, or relax along the Pacific coast?
We’ll design your trip exactly the way it fits you, with add-on programs on the mainland, hand-picked accommodations, domestic flights, transfers, or trip extensions.
For memories that last a lifetime.
You’ll receive all the details and available options in your personal travel offer after our consultation.
Free & non-binding