For divers, Cocos is undoubtedly one of the world’s marine life highlights. This verdant tropical island is one of just a few places where you can dive with large schools of hammerhead sharks, along with large numbers of other sharks such as silky sharks, Galapagos sharks and whale sharks.  Giant mantas and other rays are often seen on dives, as well as a whole host of coral reef species attracted to this tropical haven situated far out in the eastern Pacific.

Cocos is the world’s largest uninhabited island, covered in tropical rainforest and waterfalls, some of which plunge directly into the sea. This is an inspiring backdrop to a liveaboard dive trip. Every angle on the island provides a different perspective, whilst beneath the water its ocean isolation provides a rich focal point for pelagic life.  Hammerhead sharks reach up to 4 metres here.

The island’s isolation has led to the evolution of numerous endemic species, both within its forests and its reefs.  Beneath the water the Red-lipped Batfish exists here and nowhere else, amongst about 200 other species of fish. Of 235 species of plant, 70 are unique to this island, and of 74 bird species 3 are endemic.

Cocos is part of Costa Rica whose mainland we sail from to reach the island. This country is itself one of the best in Latin America for seeing rainforest wildlife and marine life on both its Pacific and Caribbean coasts.

Whilst this trip to Cocos is ideal for those who only have time for the diving and San Jose, for those who have the time and inclination, Aqua-Firma Director, Ralph Pannell will be leading optional extensions to the Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, the Corcovado N.P. and Caño Island Biological Reserve. Whilst Aqua-Firma maintains strong links to rainforest and turtle conservation in Costa Rica, Ralph used to work for one of the UK’s leading ngo’s active in the country: Rainforest Concern and its partner organization, the Endangered Wildlife Trust.

Tortuguero ‘Place of Turtles’ and Rainforests

The Tortuguero National Park is the most important nesting grounds in the Western Hemisphere for Green Turtles. This trip has been timed to coincide with the traditional early landings of pregnant females.

Tortuguero also has some stunning lowland Caribbean rainforests which, like a river delta, are penetrated by channels. These provide ideal routes for us to explore by boat in search of monkeys, birds and other wildlife.

Click Here for 14 day & 17 day itinerary incorporating Cocos and Tortuguero.

Volcanoes, Rainforests and the Pacific Coast

If you have more time still, Ralph will be leading further extensions to Arenal Volcano, its surrounding cloud forests and then the Corcovado National Park described by National Geographic magazine as '… the most wildlife intense place on Earth'.  For opportunities to see volcanic lava flows, rainforest and cloud forest wildlife and birdlife, and to dive at Caño Island Biological Reserve, Click Here for a complete 3 week itinerary.

Dates Cocos & San Jose only: 20th Jun – 3rd July 17 Day version: 20th Jun – 6th July Price Cocos & San Jose only:- 14 days US$4,275 pp sharing in deluxe double or twin cabin Ultimate Wildlife & Marine Life of Cocos & Costa Rica:- 17 days US$4,665 pp sharing Call us if you are interested to extend further to Arenal Volcano, the Corcovado N.P. and Caño Island Biological Reserve Prices include All transfers from arrival in San Jose to delivery back to San Jose airport All boat based, hotel and lodge accommodation All meals onboard and at jungle lodge. Breakfasts in San Jose Beer onboard Non-alcoholic drinks Dive master service 3 - 4 dives per day with Nitrox fills, tanks and weights Tortuguero N.P. entry fees A year’s free membership of Rainforest Concern with funds committed to purchasing for permanent protection rainforest land to buffer the Pacuare turtle reserve. Prices exclude International flights Wine Dive kit rental Visas Tips Items of a personal nature Cocos National Park entry fee of US$245 (paid locally) International departure tax (US$20 at latest check) Night time turtle watching fee ($20 per night – up to 2 opportunities) Aqua-Firma is a specialist at tailor made travel in Latin America and Antarctica, so please contact us to discuss if you would like to extend you visit to Latin America further or to different locations. International flights Aqua-Firma is fully bonded to arrange international flights if you wish.

Photographs kindly provided by Ralph Pannell, Charlotte Caffrey, Andy Davies, Natalia Lizano, Endangered Wildlife Trust, Rainforest Concern, Okeanos crew, Scott Johnson and Wayne Hasson

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