The world's largest uninhabited island lies 300 miles off the Pacific coast of the Latin American country of Costa Rica. Famed as the resting place of 3 large pirate treasures, as yet to be discovered, Cocos Island is only 20 square miles in area, but is blessed with lush rain forest, tumbling waterfalls and many rare and indigenous species of plant and animal; towering cliffs add to the feeling of mystery that surrounds this isolated speck of land.

Stunning as the island is, it is what lurks beneath the dark and clear waters around Cocos Island that has made it one of the most talked about dive destinations in the world. Diving on rock pinnacles you will encounter huge schools of snapper, bigeye and jacks, often numbering in their thousands. Feeding on the abundant plankton that wells up on ocean currents, this seemingly endless supply of fish attracts many predators, in particular white-tip sharks. Large schools of hammerhead sharks can be seen cruising in the cold thermoclines that are often encountered at 100ft. Various theories exist as to why hammerheads socialise in large groups at certain times of year, but the most plausible is that they gather during the breeding season to protect their young; an obvious feeling of security can be felt from being surrounded by numerous friends!

Also feeding on the rich supply of plankton can be found huge manta rays, graceful and majestic behemoths whose alternative name of devil ray belies the fact that these creatures pose no threat to man. While the lager mantas are usually seen in solitary, small schools of the diminutive mobula manta can also be sighted. In addition, whale sharks are frequently seen; the world's largest fish, whale sharks are also plankton eaters, and are likewise of no danger to humans. Often reaching a length of 50ft, these masssive animals, with broad, flat heads and mottled brown markings, cruise the world's oceans with mouth agape, accompanied by a small entourage of remoras and pilot fish. Below, on the sea bed, large marbled rays rummage for shells and other food through the sand, while moray eels share the numerous caves with thousands of spiny lobsters and schools of smaller reef fish, seeking refuge from the relentless predation outside.

The reefs of Cocos Island sustain incredible stocks of fish. Nowhere else on this planet can be seen such massive concentrations of pelagic fish in such a relatively small area. There is no greater thrill than to swim with a school of 200 hammerhead sharks, or observe leaping manta rays while enjoying a glorious sunset over the Pacific.

With it's National Park status Cocos Island and its surrounding waters give an idea of what the world's oceans may have looked like before the advent of modern fishing methods depleted the oceans' fish stocks. We offer four dive vessels for Cocos Island. Argo, a luxury liveaboard sleeping just 16 guests; Sea Hunter, sistership to Argo, is a 115ft dive vessel sleeping 16 guests; Okeanos Aggressor is 120ft in length and can accommodate 22 divers in 10 cabins; Wind Dancer used to be based in Tobago and has now moved to Costa Rica, and can sleep 22. Based at Puntarenas, they take divers on 10+ day adventures to Cocos Island and its amazing aquatic world. All four vessels are stable and powerful, negotiating the passage in 36 hours, and passengers are looked after by a highly professional staff. Diving is done "mothership" style, passengers being ferried to and from dive sites by tenders. Visits to the island to climb its rugged hills, admire the waterfalls and perhaps have a quick look for that elusive treasure all add to the excitement of what must surely be one of the world's most thrilling diving adventures.

LAND TOURS IN COSTA RICA

If you have time to spare, we heartily recommend that you consider spending a few days on the Costa Rican mainland, whihc has much to offer the wildlife enthusiast. Arenal, to the north-west of San Jose, is worth a visit for the spectacular views of Arenal Volcano, that often puts on a splendid display of fiery lava. On the Caribbean coast, Tortugeuro has intricate waterways running through verdant rainforest, and has turtles, caymans and a host of birdlife. Canas, north of Puerto Jesus is also a twitcher's dream, with toucans, egrets and a host of other birds. For the adventurous, white water rafting along the Revantazon River is a must; we recommend at least a 2 day/1 night trip, so you can camp under the stars!

Please contact us for a range of options.