Cocos Island National Park
Puntarenas
Cocos Island National Park, located approximately 550 km southwest of mainland Costa Rica, is a volcanic island renowned for its rich biodiversity and pristine natural environment. The entire island, covering about 23.85 square kilometers, is protected as a national park since 1978 and is inhabited only by Costa Rican park rangers. Its unique wet climate and oceanic conditions foster an ecological character distinct from other eastern Pacific islands like the Galápagos. The island is a magnet for scuba divers who come to witness large marine species including hammerhead sharks, rays, and dolphins. Due to its ecological significance and pristine environment, UNESCO designated Cocos Island as a World Heritage Site in 1997. The island’s remote location, accessible only by sea after a 36 to 48-hour journey, adds to its allure as a wild and untouched natural sanctuary.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their trip carefully as Cocos Island is accessible only by boat, typically requiring a 36 to 48-hour sea journey. Booking tours and permits in advance is highly recommended due to limited access and park regulations. The best time to visit is during the dry season when weather conditions are more favorable for diving and exploration. Visitors can benefit from discounts for students, seniors, and organized groups. Bringing appropriate gear for humid, wet conditions and marine activities is essential.
Zajímavosti
- •Cocos Island is the only landmass above water on the Cocos tectonic plate.
- •It is considered the southernmost point of geopolitical North America when including non-continental islands.
- •The island hosts large populations of hammerhead sharks, making it a world-renowned scuba diving destination.
- •Despite popular claims, it is not the largest uninhabited tropical island; Fernandina Island in the Galápagos is larger and uninhabited.
- •The island has no permanent human inhabitants except for park rangers.
- •It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 due to its unique ecology.
Historie
Cocos Island was discovered by Spanish navigator Juan de Cabezas in 1526 and has remained largely uninhabited throughout history, except for occasional visits by explorers and whalers.
Early cartographic records from the 16th and 17th centuries show the island’s presence on European maps under various names.
In the late 18th century, explorers such as James Colnett and George Vancouver visited the island, leaving inscriptions and introducing some animal species like goats and pigs.
The island was declared a Costa Rican National Park in 1978 to protect its unique ecosystem and has since become a critical site for marine conservation and scientific research.
Průvodce po místě
Chatham Bay1795
A historic bay where Captain George Vancouver anchored in 1795, notable for inscriptions left by early explorers. It serves as a common landing point for visitors and offers access to hiking trails into the island's interior.
Marine Reserve and Dive Sites
Surrounding waters are protected as a marine reserve, famous for abundant marine life including schools of hammerhead sharks, rays, dolphins, and other large pelagic species, attracting divers worldwide.
Park Ranger Stations
Facilities staffed by Costa Rican park rangers who monitor and protect the island’s ecosystem. Rangers provide guidance to visitors and help enforce environmental regulations.
Kontakt
Telefon: 2291 1215