Cocos Island – Because reaching Cocos Island National Marine Park requires a lengthy boat trip, most divers visit on a liveaboard dive vessel. Besides the pelagic
species – marlin, sailfish, rays and sharks – that are drawn to the area, you’ll find more than 25 endemic fish species, including the red-lipped batfish. Whales also use the Cocos Island
seamount as a place to congregate and calve.
Caño Island – Expect to find a large number of reef fish species on the pinnacles and coral reef that surround the island. You’ll also likely see bigger creatures such
as manta rays, free-swimming moray eels and sharks. Mammals, such as orcas, dolphins, humpback and pilot whales are known to cruise through.
Catalina Islands – The unique underwater structure is what draws divers to these islands. Look for arches and caves, plus vibrant coral growing on the volcanic rock
formations. You may see several different kinds of rays and sharks as well as sea turtles.
Big Scare, Bat Island – What better way to get your heart racing then by diving with bull sharks? You’ll also have the chance to spot other large pelagics like manta
rays, sailfish and the occasional whale or dolphin. This dive site drops to more than 30 metres/100 feet and can have a strong current. It is best suited for advanced divers.
Virador – This volcanic island acts like a magnet to sea life. There’s a shark cave at 10 metres/33 feet and frequently there are large stingrays and white-tipped reef
sharks at 22 metres/70 feet. You’ll also see huge schools of grunts, snapper, king angelfish and sergeant majors.
Tortuga Islands – There are three shipwrecks to visit off the Tortuga Islands. The Franklin Chang Diaz and Coronel Alfonso
Monge were both Coast Guard ships that now lie comfortably below the surface within scuba diving depths. Nearby, the Caroline Star, sits a little deeper at 30
metres/100 feet and is home to white-tip reef sharks and a variety of tropical fish.
