Big Animals, Big Adventure

Central America’s jewel, Costa Rica is an oasis of calm and an a haven for ecotourism. It is one of the best places in the world to experience lush tropical jungles filled with playful monkeys, crocodiles, poison dart frogs and many exotic birds.

South Pacific Island Travel recommends resorts near Playa del Coco.

Ocotol Beach Resort is two miles away, situated on a coastline speckled with beautiful beaches and very comfortable accommodations. It is one of Costa Rica's most picturesque spots.

For the ultimate diving adventure, experience the offshore islands of Cocos or Malpelos on a live-aboard.

Cocos Island, located three hundred miles southwest of Costa Rica, is an ocean oasis. It has been recognized as one of the most outstanding dive locations in the world, offering incredible opportunities to see pelagics, hammerheads, tuna, mantas and dolphins, to name a few. A distinctive and remote diving location, Cocos Island is for the serious diver.

Malpelo Island sits 240 miles off of the coast of Colombia. Malpelo provides rich rewards for the experienced diver. The rocky outpost resembles an ancient monument emerging from the sea. There are few protected anchorages and the currents that flow through the area are very strong. Here you will experience huge schools of hammerheads, rays, dolphins and whales. Dive sites include a granite cliff that plunges into deep water, known as the Altar of the Virgin, that can have hundreds of free swimming moray eels, huge snappers and groupers.

Another site, a group of pinnacles off the northern end of Malpelo, is called the Three Musketeers. Here divers enter a series of tunnels and caverns (including a huge one called the Cathedral), filled with countless thousands of silvery baitfish, dozens of lobster, white-tipped reef sharks and large numbers of goatfish, grunts and jacks.

Costa Rica Live-Aboards

The Sea Hunter - 115 feet of live-aboard comfort and convenience with eight cabins (accommodates 18 passengers). Diver facilities are extremely well designed with individual gear storage, private camera/strobe storage shelves with individual 110 volt AC power and a private dryer for clients' towels and bathing suits.

Cocos Live-Aboards

Peter Hughes Wind Dancer - The unique Wind Dancer itinerary covers the Cocos Island National Park. Limited to a very few divers at a time, this coveted drift diving destination delivers you to one of the most concentrated large animal marine encounters in the world.

Undersea Hunter - Already a capable and well-proven research vessel, the Undersea Hunter was modified to include six new cabins to accommodate 14 passengers.

Okeanos Aggressor - A 110-foot all-steel vessel offers eight and ten day charters. The Okeanos sets off from the port town of Punteranas, transfers from San Jose are provided on the day of departure. This luxurious vessel provides 22 guests the ultimate comfort and space for cruising and diving. All cabins are fully carpeted, air-conditioned and have a private bath with in-room vanity.