Coco Island, Remote island in Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica
Coco Island is a remote island in the Pacific Ocean belonging to Costa Rica, part of Puntarenas Canton. The landmass rises steeply from the sea with cliffs that drop down to narrow bays, while several rivers flow through dense forest and end in waterfalls that tumble directly into the water.
Costa Rica took control of the island in 1832, marking the end of its use as an unregulated port for whaling ships. By the mid-19th century, ships stopped coming as kerosene replaced whale oil for lighting and commercial hunting declined.
The name refers to the coconut palms that once grew along the shore, though the dense rainforest now dominates the landscape visitors see today. Sailors used the island as a stopover for fresh water and provisions, and some of the bays still carry names given by early navigators who charted the coast.
Visitors need a permit from Costa Rican authorities before traveling, and the boat trip takes between 36 and 48 hours from the mainland coast. The area is strictly protected as a national park, so landing is limited and allowed only for scientific work or approved diving expeditions.
The island is home to 70 plant species that grow nowhere else on Earth, along with 400 insect species and several reptiles found only here. Dense rainforest covers almost the entire surface, creating habitats that evolved over millions of years without human interference.
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