Cocos Island, located 300 miles off of the west coast of Costa Rica, is the world's largest uninhabited island. The 10 square mile formation is the tip of an ancient volcano, with precipitous cliffs and a craggy shoreline. The 2,000 foot summit of Mount Iglesias towers amidst a luxurious jungle rainforest, the only one in the eastern Pacific.
Jacques Cousteau, after visiting several times, deemed it "the most beautifulul island in the world". One of the most famous dive sites, "Bajo Alcyone", was discovered by Cousteau. It is a seamount that rises from the ocean floor to a depth of 80 fsw below the surface. Many documentaries have featured the schools of hammerheads,whale sharks, whitetips, and schooling pelagics that are almost always present.
Cocos Island is also home to at least 27 endemic fish species including the exotic red-lipped batfish. The terrestrial life at Cocos also exhibits a high number of endemic species. Here are found some 70 of the 235 identified vascular plant species in the world, some 25 species of moss, 27 species of liverwort and 85 species of fungus. There are upwards of 87 bird species, including the famous Cocos Island cuckoo, finch and flycatcher. There are 362 species of insects, of which 64 are endemic. Two native reptiles are found only on the Island.
Beneath the waterfalls and in the rivers, are freshwater fish that mystify scientists by their very existence. Because of its remote location and abundance of fresh water, Cocos has, throughout history, been a favorite re-supply station for pirates, whalers and sailors.
Early visitors left pigs on the island as a self-perpetuating source of fresh meat. To this day feral pigs and deer abound, much to the detriment of the island’s indigenous ground-nesting birds. These animals, introduced by man, are also responsible for hastening soil erosion by their digging, which undermines and degrades the native vegetation.
There are virtually unlimed diving opportunities around the island, including premiere sites like:
Argo is a very intentional blend of work ship and luxury yacht. She was totally redesigned and refitted in 2008, to pamper up to 16 discriminating passengers in 8 spacious, well-appointed staterooms. A 130-foot vessel (40 meters) with full global reach, the Argo was also conceived to serve as the ultimate platform for a deep-diving submersible as well as for remote operating vehicle deployment (R.O.V.).
Have you ever wondered what lies within the dark Abyss? Since the first deep ocean explorations, venturing to these depths was reserved for a very few privileged scientists and military personnel.
The DeepSee is a custom-build one-atmosphere submarine, capable of carrying a pilot and two passengers to a depth of 1,500 feet (450 meters).
The view from DeepSee’s acrylic sphere is unparalleled, with a 360-degree field of vision. The 4-inch thick acrylic sphere actually disappears when immersed, giving the astonishing sensation of total freedom.
This the ultimate marine exploration adventure; a journey deep into the submerged realm where few have gone before.
Cocos Island is also home to at least 27 endemic fish species including the exotic red-lipped batfish. The terrestrial life at Cocos also exhibits a high number of endemic species. Here are found some 70 of the 235 identified vascular plant species in the world, some 25 species of moss, 27 species of liverwort and 85 species of fungus. There are upwards of 87 bird species, including the famous Cocos Island cuckoo, finch and flycatcher. There are 362 species of insects, of which 64 are endemic. Two native reptiles are found only on the Island.
Beneath the waterfalls and in the rivers, are freshwater fish that mystify scientists by their very existence. Because of its remote location and abundance of fresh water, Cocos has, throughout history, been a favorite re-supply station for pirates, whalers and sailors.
There are virtually unlimed diving opportunities around the island, including premiere sites like:
