Cocos Island National Park

Cocos Island National Park sits roughly 530 kilometers off Costa Rica's Pacific coast as a rectangular island covered in dense rainforest. The terrain is hilly and crossed by waterfalls, which become especially visible during the rainy season.

Spanish navigator Juan Cabezas discovered the island in 1526, and it appeared on maps in 1541 under the name Coques. Over time it became known as a haven for seafarers operating in this remote area.

The island was long a refuge for pirates who sought shelter here and left behind legends of hidden treasures. These stories still shape how people view the place today and draw visitors curious about this mysterious past.

Reaching the island requires long boat trips from the mainland, as there are no regular flights available. Visitors should prepare for rough sea conditions and aim to visit between December and April, when the weather is more stable.

During heavy rainfall periods, more than 2000 waterfalls temporarily cascade down from the slopes into the ocean. This striking display reveals the enormous amount of rain the island receives.

Location: Puntarenas Province

Inception: 1978

Operator: Área de Conservación Marina Cocos (ACMC)

Phone: +IsladelCocoConservationAreaRegionalHeadquarter:22911215/22911216/22911233/22911250

Email: parquechirripo@racsa.co.cr

Website: http://sinac.go.cr

GPS coordinates: 5.53333,-87.06670

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:24