cocos island costa rica

Cocos Island Costa Rica. There are no overnight facilities for the general public. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The island is home to virgin rainforest, spectacular views, and more than 200 waterfalls that beckon adventurous hikers. The fantastical atmosphere made Isla del Coco the … Corrections? Children under ten are free. The island is designated as a National Park. It is one of the National Parks of Costa Rica. Getty Images offers exclusive rights-ready and premium royalty-free analog, HD, and 4K video of the highest quality. Cocos Island is the only point above sea level in Cocos Ridge, a geological line of submerged volcanoes that runs from Costa Rica to just north of the Galapagos Islands. It has been called "the most beautiful island in the world" by Jacques Cousteau and served as inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island and Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park. Cocos Island is the only point above sea level in Cocos Ridge, a geological line of submerged volcanoes that runs from Costa Rica to just north of the Galapagos Islands. Find the travel option that best suits you. Of volcanic origin, the island’s mineral-rich soil supports tropical lowland ecosystems and a high-montane cloud forest. There is one public trail that connects Chatham Bay to Wafer Bay, and the national park provides guides free of charge. Cocos Island, Costa Rica select language: ar cs da de el en es fi fr he hu id it ja ko nl pl pt ru sv th tr vi zh. Of volcanic origin, the island’s mineral-rich soil supports tropical lowland … The only way to see Cocos Island is on a diving liveaboard vessel which you can board from the port city of Puntarenas in Costa Rica. Kelley (18) and I just got back from a fantastic 12-day trip on Aggressor 2. It constitutes the 11th of the 13 districts of Puntarenas Canton of the province of Puntarenas. It is home to what is probably the largest scalloped hammerhead cleaning station in the world, which attracts these prehistoric creatures by the hundreds. An ICE telephone tower is located here, offering wireless Internet and a payphone. Dormitory style cabins as well as double and triple cabins with electricity are offered for volunteers, normally separated by sex but sometimes co-ed. We did 24 dives over 7 days, with 36-hrs each way to and from the island. It rises to an elevation of about 2,800 feet (850 metres) above sea level, is about 5 miles (8 km) long and 3 miles (5 km) wide, and has a total area of 9 square miles (24 square km). Cocos Island is an island designated as a National Park off the shore of Costa Rica, that does not allow inhabitants other than Costa Rican Park Rangers. In 1978, it was designated a Costa Rican national park, part of the nation’s heritage and an important natural resource. The beauty of Cocos Island has inspired man for centuries. Cocos Island, Spanish Isla del Coco, island of volcanic origin lying in the Pacific Ocean, about 300 miles (480 km) south of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. The island was declared a National Park by means of Executive Decree in 1978. Show Prices. Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by colour family {{familyColorButtonText(colorFamily.name)}} Geologically, it is part of the Cocos Ridge and is related to the Galapagos Islands to the south. Cocos itself is featured in the opening scenes of the island in Jurassic Park. Find professional Cocos Island Costa Rica videos and stock footage available for license in film, television, advertising and corporate uses. It takes an hour roundtrip, and leads to a gorgeous waterfall. Cocos Island is an island in the Pacific Ocean administered by Costa Rica, approximately 550 km southwest of the Costa Rican mainland. This protected island is located amidst some of the richest waters in the world, with oceans ful of fish and endangered species. Visibility is better and currents tamer during the dry season months of January-April. Cocos Castaway. The island has around 20 dive sites all in a compact location, from shallow but steep vertical walls, drift diving, to deep pinnacles down to over 130ft (40m), and blue water dives. Cocos Island, Costa Rica holds a treasure trove, which became an inspiration for Robert Louise Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Divers live on cruise ships that anchor offshore, and the diving takes place off smaller speedboats that hold up to ten divers each. Other species include: white tip reef shark, black tip shark, silky shark, hammerhead shark, Galapagos shark, bull shark, whale shark, dolphin, bigeye jack, spotted eagle ray, manta ray, marble ray, green sea turtle, giant moray eel, Commerson’s frogfish, rosy-lipped batfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, marlin, and sailfish. Beach. © 1996-2021 costarica.com, Inc. All rights reserved. Professional filming of the national park carries a $500 fee. Select from premium Cocos Island Costa Rica images of the highest quality. Find high-quality royalty-free vector images that you won't find anywhere else. See if you agree. Cocos Island (Spanish: Isla del Coco) is approximately 550 km (342 mi) from the Pacific shore of Costa Rica. For sightseeing and things to do beyond your scuba diving vacation in Costa Rica, the focus is on the mainland. Bahia Wafer (Wafer Bay): Located to the north of the island, Wafer Bay has boat anchorage, dining huts, rest areas, showers, and sanitary facilities. Cocos Seaview Apartments. Top Six Extra Things to Pack on Your Next Trip Abroad, Ten Things to do on the beach in Manuel Antonio, High speeds, high waves, high in the air over Manuel Antonio, In-shore fishing off the coast of Manuel Antonio, Protecting the kinkajous in Manuel Antonio, The Top 5 Reasons I love living in Tamarindo, Naturalized Costa Rican Citizenship by Marriage, Day 8: Marine Conservation on Cocos Island. The Resort is operated by the Cocos Island Cooperative Society Ltd, which provides integrated accommodation, dining, bus and ferry services, airline services and a unique range of island gifts from the Resort’s Frangipani Gift Store. Browse 764 cocos island costa rica stock photos and images available or search for cornwall shipwreck or golfo dulce to find more great stock photos and pictures. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Cocos Island is a crucial habitat for other large pelagic species like dolphins, giant manta rays and at least eight types of sharks. Cocos Island was an important base for sailors and cartographers since the early 1500’s, and legendary pirate kings like William Davis (1684) and Benito Bonito (1819) are rumored to have buried their treasure here. It rises to an elevation of about 2,800 feet (850 metres) above sea level, is about 5 miles (8 km) long and 3 miles (5 km) wide, and has a total area of 9 square miles (24 square km). Surrounded by deep waters with counter-currents, it is admired by scuba divers for its populations of Hammerhead sharks, rays and dolphins. Cocos Island Costa Rica Diving 0 comments. Additionally, 362 insect species have been recorded, with 18% endemic. Show Prices. Photogallery at Times of India Cocos Island National Park encompasses the entire island, protecting its lands and waters. Free parking. The Cocos Island is not for everybody. Cocos Island is often rated one of the top 10 best places to scuba dive in the world, and was described by Jacques Couteau as “The most beautiful island in the world.”Unfortunately, it’s a very difficult place to get to because it’s so far off the coast. Trips usually include three dives per day, but night dives are available for those who seek extreme underwater adventures. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Stays range from one to two months. Today the island is known as a rich, natural resource, but it was once considered rich for another reason: pirate booty. Annual Rainfall: 250 inchesTemperature: 75º F to 85º F average Ocean Temperature: 84º F to 86º F average. Sort out the facts about islands across the globe. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... What are the islands of the Maldives made of? Of course, Cocos Island’s forte is its marine life, which attracts divers from around the world. Though the forest is dense, the island is home to relatively few plant and animal species – isolation from other forests creates a closed ecosystem. Volunteer Work: Volunteers are invited to the island to complete tasks from cooking and cleaning to clearing brush and trailblazing. Costa Rica acquired Cocos Island in 1869. Home to some of the country’s most stunning scenery and rare wildlife, Cocos Island is well worth the lengthy trek. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. There are no inhabitants or shelters on Cocos Island at all. #3 Best Value of 8 places to stay in Cocos (Keeling) Islands. It is green. Scalloped Hammerhead Shark A Scalloped hammerhead shark cruises through deep water near Cocos Island, Costa Rica. Natural beauty aside, what makes Cocos Island so special however is the incredible amount of biodiversity it hosts. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Brimming with vast seascapes and copious amounts of wildlife, Cocos Island National Park is considered one of the world's top ten scuba diving destinations. What is the world’s largest archipelago? Cocos Island Costa Rica Share Tweet Pin Mail Centuries ago Cocos Island was the hidey-hole for pirates, the hub of explorers and sailors and the much publicized inspiration for literary classics such as Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. There is a $25 fee per person and a $10 diving fee, making it $35 per day for divers and $25 for non-divers. Find the perfect Cocos Island Costa Rica stock illustrations from Getty Images. In 1898, naturalists Anastasio Alfaro and Henri Pittier visited the island and suggested it be treated as a protected area. Always check with park rangers before setting out on any Cocos Island hike. It is located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 550 km (342 mi) from… The region is also home to five reptile species, including two endemic – no amphibians reportedly inhabit the island. A rugged yet incredibly verdant island, this World Heritage Site is the spectacularly beautiful crown jewel of Costa Rica's many National Parks. None other than famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau called this 'the most beautiful island in the world.' Some small cruise ships also pass by the island, offering day trips out to its shores. Liveaboard trips usually last for at least 8 to 10 days and it takes up to 36 hours to reach Cocos Island from Puntarenas. The rugged, uninhabited island has two natural harbours, Wafer Bay and Chatham Bay, both located on the north coast. Located in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, 300 miles southwest of Cabo Blanco, Costa Rica, lies the renowned Cocos Island Marine Park. I felt like I had been transported back in time to a long lost world as my helicopter hovered over the dramatically lush Cocos Island. Coco Island was declared a National Park and conservation area in 1978 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Serpentine coastline, roaring waterfalls, lush rainforest, and sparkling beaches define picturesque Cocos Island, set 340 miles off Costa Rica's southwestern coast. Between 1872 and 1874, the Costa Rican government ran a prison on the island; it also funded its own treasure-hunting expedition, but no golden doubloons were uncovered. After a long, rough crossing, finally we got there, arriving at in the morning at about 6ish and moored in Chatham Bay. This amazing and mysterious island is located off the coasts of Costa Rica, at approximately a 30 hour boat ride from the harbor city of Puntarenas. Cocos Island is almost entirely covered in rainforest and sees rain most days. Just off the island’s shores, the Pacific Ocean teems with reefs and marine life. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Cocos-Island, The Guardian - Cocos Island's Rich Pirate History. Choose from Cocos Island Costa Rica stock illustrations from iStock. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. It is home to 235 species of vascular plants, of which 70 (about 35%) are endemic. #2 Best Value of 8 places to stay in Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Situated nearly 300 miles southwest off the coast of Costa Rica, Cocos Island is an inhabited island which has made its name among the must visit destinations of the country. One hundred bird species have been recorded; 13 are resident, seven of which are land birds, and one – the yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia) – is endemic to Cocos Island and the Galapagos. Omissions? It is located about 550 km from the Pacific Coast and takes roughly 36 hours to reach. The island was declared a National Park by means of … Visiting cruise ships are also charged an admission, depending on the size and number of occupants. It is Costa Rica’s most secluded and least visited national park and can only be reached by a 36-hour boat ride. Located 340 miles southwest of Costa Rica… There are also 362 species of insects, 64 (nearly 18%) of which are found only on the island. Plant life includes approximately 235 species of vascular plants, 75 species of fern, 55 species of moss, 85 species of fungi, 106 species of liverwort, and 99 species of lichen. Free parking. Your Costa Rica Cocos Island stock images are ready. Download all free or royalty-free photos and vectors. In 1982 it was designated Cocos Island National Park, and it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. It is much cooler than the mainland and it is often grey, overcast and can be very wet (we only had 2 totally sunny days). There are only five terrestrial mammals present on Cocos Island, and all were introduced: pigs, white-tailed deer, goats, cats, and rats. The best time to see large groups of hammerhead sharks is during the rainy season, from May through late November. Remote Cocos Island is said to have inspired the adventure-filled settings of Treasure Island and Jurassic Park.Established by Costa Rica as a national park in 1978 and located about 500 kilometers off the country’s Pacific coast, the volcanic island is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located 550 kilometers (340 miles) off the Pacific coast of mainland Costa Rica with no hotels or any form of accommodation on land, your only way to go and live in Cocos island is by signing up with a liveaboard cruise. Meals, lodging and transport from Puntarenas are completely free of charge in exchange for about 40 hours of work per week. The #1 Best Value of 8 places to stay in Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Fly into the San Jose International Airport (SJO) or Liberia International Airport (LIR). A WWII B24 airplane wreck was discovered north of Cerro Iglesias, but hiking there is prohibited without special permission. There is also a greenhouse, cafeteria and outdoor gym. The island's accolades read like a list of superlatives: it is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight, nominated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. Cocos Island is the only Pacific Island to receive enough rainfall to support a tropical rainforest. It is located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 550 km (340 mi) from the Pacific shore of Costa Rica. The boat trip from Puntarenas to Cocos Island takes approximately 32-36 hours each way. Some of these would include rich coral reefs, volcanic tunnels, underwater and above ground caves, deep and clear water. Bahia Chatham (Chatham Bay): Located to the northeast, it offers boat anchorage, dining huts, rest areas, showers, and sanitary facilities. Cocos Island in Costa Rica is surrounded by a multitude of natural treasures. Once considered a destination for hardcore divers, Cocos Island now attracts all sorts of scuba divers from all over the world to Costa Rica, lured by its remote beauty and seas teeming with life. Posted by geoff on May 1, 2017 in Costa Rica Activities, Scuba Diving | 0 comments. Compiled my dad's drone shots of Cocos island to put this video together. It is a district of Puntarenas Canton of the province of Puntarenas, where the dive boats depart from. There is a short “drier” season from January through March. Contact by satellite phone on the island: 0087-468712-0010. 'Traditional' pastimes such as surfing, rafting and fishing remain very popular and can be the main reason for visiting Costa Rica if they are your main interest. Coconut Island protrudes from the Pacific Ocean as the peak of a lone volcano, far off the Costa Rican coast. Updates? Two species of lizards are also found on the island, both of which are endemic as well. 422 reviews. It constitutes the 11th of the 13 districts of Puntarenas Canton of the Province of Puntarenas. Very green. Most species are neotropical and at least eight types of sharks common around this area off the shore of Rica! Is featured in the opening scenes of the Cocos Ridge and is related to the appropriate style manual or sources... Protected Island is a district of Puntarenas, where the dive boats depart from fantastic 12-day on... Province of Puntarenas Canton of the country ’ s mineral-rich soil supports lowland! 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