Top Dive Sites

Alcyone

Description: Alcyone is an underwater mountain extending from the ocean floor of Cocos Island, creating a haven for marine life. The site is famous for its strong currents, which attract a plethora of oceanic creatures.

Marine Species: Divers can encounter large schools of hammerhead sharks, jacks, and snappers. It’s also common to see white-tip reef sharks, eagle rays, and sometimes even whale sharks.

Unique Encounters: The highlight at Alcyone is undoubtedly the mesmerizing flights of hammerhead sharks, often moving in synchrony as if part of a complex dance. Additionally, you may get lucky with sightings of enormous manta rays or the majestic whale sharks during the right season.

Photography: The site provides unparalleled opportunities for capturing hammerhead sharks in massive schools—a dream for any underwater photographer. The vibrant coral and abundant fish life also offer excellent subjects for macro photography.

Suitability: Due to strong currents, Alcyone is best suited for advanced divers who have considerable experience with current dives. Tech divers will also find the depths and complexity of the site intriguing.

Dirty Rock

Description: Dirty Rock is one of the must-visit dive sites around Cocos Island, characterized by its massive boulders and deep, clear waters. The site is renowned for its underwater topography that serves as a magnet for large pelagic species.

Marine Species: Expect to see schools of hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks. Marine life also includes barracudas, tunas, and the occasional marlin.

Unique Encounters: The prime feature of Dirty Rock is the high likelihood of encountering large hammerhead sharks, often coming close enough for an intimate view. Additionally, nighttime dives here can reveal dozens of white-tip reef sharks actively hunting.

Photography: The site offers spectacular visibility that makes for excellent wide-angle shots of sharks and large schools of fish. Early morning dives provide the best light, accentuating the underwater drama captured through the lens.

Suitability: Advanced divers will benefit most due to the strong currents and depth. However, intermediate divers with some experience in currents can also find it manageable under guided conditions.

Manuelita

Description: Manuelita consists of a small island off the northeast coast of Cocos Island, offering multiple dive spots around its circumference. The reef here is rich with corals and attracts a wide variety of marine life.

Marine Species: Discover a range of species, including hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, and hawksbill turtles. Additionally, you can spot parrotfish, moray eels, and lobsters hiding among the coral.

Unique Encounters: Manuelita is famous for close encounters with tiger sharks that patrol the area. Its shallow areas are ideal for spotting macro-life like colorful nudibranchs and crustaceans.

Photography: With its diverse marine life and varying depths, Manuelita is a playground for photographers. You can switch between macro and wide-angle photography seamlessly. The site’s relatively protected waters offer stable conditions for capturing exquisite shots.

Suitability: Suitable for divers of all levels. Beginners can explore shallower regions teeming with life, while more experienced divers can venture deeper to encounter larger pelagic species.

Considerations for Each Dive Site

Water Temperature: Cocos Island enjoys a tropical climate, with water temperatures ranging between 78°F (26°C) and 84°F (29°C) throughout the year. However, thermoclines can cause sudden drops in temperature, especially during the rainy season (June to December). Wearing a 3-5mm wetsuit is typically sufficient, though some divers may prefer a thicker suit during thermocline conditions.

Visibility: Visibility around Cocos Island can fluctuate significantly based on seasonal and weather patterns. Generally, you can expect clear waters with visibility ranging from 50 feet (15 meters) to over 100 feet (30 meters), perfect for witnessing the vibrant marine life and the impressive underwater topography.

Currents and Tides: The currents around Cocos Island are renowned for their strength, making it a destination favored by experienced divers. The currents can range from moderate to very strong, depending on the dive site and time of year. These currents bring in nutrient-rich waters, attracting large pelagic species. Divers should be competent in drift diving and ready for challenging conditions.

Safety Tips: Given the strong currents and remote location, prioritizing safety is crucial when diving at Cocos Island. Here are some vital tips:

• Dive with a local guide who has a comprehensive understanding of the sites and current conditions.
• Carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) as currents can quickly carry divers away from the dive site.
• Make sure your dive equipment is in excellent working condition, especially if you’re planning deeper dives or drift dives.
• Stay hydrated and be aware of your physical limits—diving in strong currents can be physically demanding.
• Always have an emergency plan, including a means to contact the dive boat or base if necessary.

Regulations: Cocos Island is a protected marine reserve, and several regulations are in place to preserve its pristine environment:

• Only licensed liveaboard dive boats are permitted to operate in the waters around Cocos Island.
• Divers must heed all guidelines provided by their dive operators, which typically include regulations on touching marine life and coral, and waste disposal.
• Fishing and the collection of marine life are strictly prohibited. Divers found engaging in such activities face penalties.
• Enhance your dive briefings with knowledge about the site’s specific regulations regarding marine life interactions and conservation efforts.
• Adhering to rules regarding buoyancy control and using recommended anchor points helps protect vulnerable underwater ecosystems.