A majestic manta ray glides through the clear blue ocean alongside divers and a school of fish.

Manta Rays in Costa Rica

Diving the Cocos Island in Costa Rica

A large manta ray gracefully glides through the deep blue ocean, surrounded by bubbles and a serene underwater environment.

A PACIFIC GEM

Located some 550 miles off the country’s west coast Cocos Island can be hard to get to – it’s a 36-hour cruise from the mainland - but for those who make the journey, it offers marine life in abundance that is rarely seen anywhere else on the planet. The island itself was deemed the most beautiful island on earth by Jacques Costeau and it’s easy to see why - mountainous tropical rainforest, filled with ferns, mosses and fungi, grow in a landscape abundant in rivers, streams, waterfalls, valleys and cliffs that plunge into the sea.

Pelagic Magic

Cocos Island is well-known for the amazing opportunity it provides to observe one of the friendliest pelagic species – the giant Manta Ray. Despite their intimidating wingspan of up to 9 metres, these graceful oceanic acrobats take great interest in passing divers and are known to enjoy rolling and swimming overhead, seeming to enjoy the gentle tickling sensation of the air bubbling up from the scuba equipment. Giant oceanic manta sightings are common between January and July, and the very best sites – like Bajo Alcyone – also double as manta cleaning stations.

Divers prepare to explore the vibrant turquoise waters off a tropical island paradise from the deck of a luxury yacht.
A diver explores a vibrant coral reef alongside a large, patterned fish in the clear blue ocean.

Vibrant with Life

In the surrounding marine ecosystem there is rich coral reef, volcanic tunnels, caves and deeper waters, making it home to a breathtaking array of species including giant oceanic manta rays, resident pods of bottlenose dolphins, and the occasional mammoth-sized whale shark. There’s a reason this Unesco Marine reserve is known as “the little Galapagos.” The island is a mountain top, and beneath the surface, its protected waters are alive with a thriving ecosystem, offering divers the chance to observe how the oceans might have been 200 years ago.

Aquatic Acrobats

The diversity of marine life is the result of climate, exposure to diverse ocean currents, and geology—the region’s caves, tunnels, and reefs. The climate is tropical and wet, and the island receives more than 6 meters (20 feet) of rainfall every year. Manta Rays aren’t the only species that divers can observe here. Pods of dolphins are often spotted eagerly greeting yachts as they approach, and divers are often accompanied by the friendly clicks and squeaks of these playful creatures as they explore. It’s a Pacific playground for schooling hammerheads, manta rays, whale sharks, endangered sea turtles and humpback whales.

A lush, verdant coastline with towering cliffs and palm trees overlooking a serene, turquoise ocean under a partly cloudy sky.
Swirling turquoise waters create mesmerizing patterns around a lush green island coastline.

Underwater Pleasure

This marine reserve now protects over 809 square miles of underwater species. Restrictions on staying on the island reserve its pleasures solely for those with a boat, and excursions ashore are only possible with approval from park rangers, something that can be sought in advance of your yacht charter. By choosing to dive here, you will be helping keep this marine ecosystem alive and flourishing for future generations of divers.

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Yachts for Charter

A sleek white superyacht cruises through the deep blue ocean, accompanied by two smaller boats.

Firebird

  • 69 M

  • 12 Guests

  • 2007

Please enquire
A sanctuary of modern luxury with fresh interiors, tranquil wellness rooms, and staterooms that unfold across two elegant levels.
The Hanse Explorer yacht cruises through the crystal-clear blue waters of a tropical paradise.
A blue and white expedition ship sails serenely on calm turquoise waters near lush green mountains.

Hanse Explorer

  • 48 M

  • 12 Guests

  • 2006

From $245,000  p/w
Robust 48m expedition yacht with Jacuzzi, 8,000nm range, convertible cabins and exceptional diving and exploration gear.
A majestic white yacht glides through the deep blue sea under a clear sky, with rugged hills in the background.

Sherakhan

  • 70 M

  • 26 Guests

  • 2005

From €595,000  p/w
Made for multi-generational escapades, the huge dining atrium and cabins for up to 26 guests make Sherakhan the ultimate charter yacht.
A majestic schooner with full sails glides through the choppy blue sea under a clear sky.
A majestic white schooner cuts through the deep blue waves under a bright, cloudy sky.

Eros

  • 35 M

  • 12 Guests

  • Brooke Marine Ltd.

  • 1939

From $46,000  p/w
Sleek explorer blending expansive decks with a tranquil jacuzzi, gym, and luxurious lounges where ocean views captivate every moment.
A sleek blue and white yacht cruises through turquoise waters, leaving a foamy wake as two people enjoy a jet ski ride nearby.
The luxurious yacht Pisces cuts through the deep blue ocean under a clear sky.

Pisces

  • 46 M

  • 11 Guests

  • 2011

From $200,000  p/w
Spacious sun terraces offer warm social spaces, a bubbling jacuzzi, and a versatile collection of water toys for endless exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Cocos Island considered one of the world's best diving destinations?

Its remote location and protected status have helped preserve an extraordinary marine ecosystem. Rich in pelagic life, coral reefs, caves and volcanic formations, it offers encounters that are increasingly rare elsewhere in the world.

When is the best time to see manta rays at Cocos Island?

Giant oceanic manta rays can be encountered throughout much of the year, with sightings particularly common between January and July when conditions are often ideal for observing these graceful animals.

What makes the manta ray encounters here so special?

Manta rays at Cocos Island are known for their curiosity around divers. It is not uncommon to see them glide effortlessly overhead or circle nearby, creating unforgettable close-up encounters.

What other marine life might I see while diving?

The waters around Cocos Island are home to an incredible variety of species, including hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles and humpback whales, alongside countless tropical fish.

Is Cocos Island suitable for all divers?

Cocos Island is best suited to certified divers who are comfortable in open-water conditions. Some dive sites can experience strong currents, which contribute to the abundance of marine life found in the area.

Why is Cocos Island known as the 'Little Galápagos'?

Like the Galápagos Islands, Cocos Island supports an exceptionally diverse ecosystem shaped by its isolation and protected environment. Its waters offer a rare glimpse into what the Pacific Ocean may have looked like before large-scale human impact.

Can I go ashore on Cocos Island?

Access to the island is strictly regulated to protect its unique environment. Visits ashore may be possible with prior approval from park authorities, depending on local regulations and conditions.

Why is arriving by yacht such an advantage?

The island's remote location makes it difficult to access, while a yacht allows guests to spend more time exploring its waters and enjoying multiple dives without the constraints of land-based travel.

How does diving here support conservation?

Cocos Island is a protected marine reserve, and carefully managed tourism helps support conservation efforts and the long-term protection of one of the Pacific's most important marine ecosystems.

What will I remember most about diving at Cocos Island?

For many guests, it's the sheer amount of life beneath the surface. Whether it's a manta ray gliding overhead, a school of hammerheads appearing from the blue or dolphins accompanying the yacht, the experience offers wildlife encounters on a scale few places in the world can match.

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