| |
|
Cocos Island
Costa Rica's Cocos Island Marine Park, located approximately
500 km (300 miles) off the west coast of Costa Rica,
is covered by an evergreen forest, of the type typically
found in South America, with clouds covering the tallest
peaks. The landscape is very rugged, thus forming
many waterfalls, some of which are spectacular as
they plummet from great heights to the sea. As you
the landscape in the surrounding waters is as dramatic
as that above. Steep dropoffs and caves, in conjuction
with the seas dark, cobalt color provide for a magnificent
underwater environment.
On
Cocos Island, 235 species of plants have been identified
of which 70 are endemic. There are also 57 crustacean,
118 shellfish, 200 fish, 351 insect and 18 coral species.
The marine life is exceptionally abundant, particularly
with sharks, notably the hammerhead, which can reach
4 meters in length, and the white-tipped shark. Throughout
the year, schooling hammerhead sharks are known to
inhabit the nearby islands, sometimes in grougs of
50 or more. Also, widely found are parrotfish, several
species of rays, moray eels, tuna and mantas. The
most numerous plant species are the cupey, the endemic
palm and huriki. Ferns, bromeliads and selaginellas
are also very abundant. The three endemic bird species
are the Cocos Island finch, Cocos Island flycatcher
and Cocos Island cuckoo. Sea birds are particularly
abundant, especially on the nearby islets, as they
provide ideal resting grounds.
How
To Get There
Cocos Island, one of the world's larger uninhabited
islands, is unavailable for overnight occupancy. There
are no accommodations available on the island and
camping is not permitted. All visitors must arrive
by boat, complete with all necessary items. There
are several liveaboard dive boats which regularly
visit this famous dive spot; most depart from the
port of Puntarenas. Aside from independently owned
cruise ships/sailboats, dive boats are the only vessels
which visit this island park regularly. Daily tours
to the islands, from registered vessels, is all that
is permitted. These trips are quite expensive, as
the minimum stay is one week, usually costing close
to $1,500.00 US dollars. |
| |
|
|
|
|
Surfing
Snorkeling
