Description

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.

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. 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.

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;

You will find as well the world's largest fish, whale sharks often reaching a length of 50ft, these massive 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 Wreck of the Prince Albert is possibly one of the finest wrecks you will dive directly from the shore. The wreck itself is not too interesting, though you may see some silversides nearby and, of course, the residential black grouper who owns the place. So do not stay there for too long. Do not go to the airplane wreck cause there is almost nothing left of it. Instead, from the PA wreck go across the sandy bottom toward the Coco Island, and very soon you will hit the coral wall which is very much worth exploring. On its left, the waters are shallow, and there are some isolated coral reefs there with angelfish, filefish etc. Go right along the wall, and you may encounter some huge crabs in caves there. Overall, highly recommended, especially if you start early.

WDR.