Liveaboards in Cocos Island

Cocos Island Liveaboards Highlights

Hammerhead Shark Schools

Large groups of scalloped hammerheads swimming together.

Giant Manta Rays Encounters

Close interactions with graceful manta rays.

Exciting Pelagic Marine Life

Frequent sightings of dolphins, whale sharks, and tuna.

Strong Currents, Advanced Diving

Challenging conditions, perfect for experienced divers.

Cocos Island is a popular year-round liveaboard destination in Costa Rica. Known as the mecca for big animals and advanced blue water diving, Cocos Island does not have coral reefs and is not suitable for beginner divers or snorkelers. Instead, it is the perfect place for experienced divers to check off bucket list items, including scalloped hammerheads, silky sharks, wahoo, tuna, billfish, and dolphins.

There are a few excellent liveaboards catering to scuba divers looking to experience the dive trip of a lifetime to Cocos Island.

Interested in more bucket list diving? Check out Galapagos liveaboards.

Cocos Island Liveaboard Diving

Diving Season

The diving season in Cocos Island is year-round, and the best time to dive depends on what you're hoping to see. The best time for silky sharks, dolphins, and mobulas is December to May during the dry season, when you can expect calmer waters and smoother crossings. June to November is the rainy season, bringing rougher crossings but also large numbers of hammerheads.

See more information in our in-depth guide to diving in Cocos Island.

Diving Season: Divided into the dry season (December-May) and the rainy season (June-November).
International Airport: San Jose (SJO)
Water Temperature: 72-82F (22-28C) with cooler thermoclines possible.
Wetsuit: A 3-5 mm wetsuit is recommended.
Required Diving Skill Level: Cocos Island has deep dive sites with strong currents, so divers should be comfortable in open blue water.
Interested in more shark diving options? Check out our list of the Best Shark Diving in the World.