Luxury Cruises

Panama Canal & Costa Rica

Cocos Island was discovered in 1526, and was a popular stopover for pirates and whalers to take on fresh water, firewood and coconuts. It’s said to be the largest uninhabited island in the world at about 10 square miles, although there are a few “temporary” residents. A handful of Costa Rican Park Rangers live here to oversee the island and the twelve miles of water around it that are also protected. Tourists are only allowed ashore with the approval of the park rangers, and no one is allowed to stay overnight or collect any of the island’s flora or fauna. Just think: you will be one of just a very small number of people who have ever set foot on this pristine oasis in the Pacific. BLD

Day 03 - Explore Cocos Island
As we approach Cocos Island, you’ll notice the rugged landscape topped by four peaks often obscured in clouds. An emerald evergreen forest coats the island right down to the water line, punctuated by over 200 streaming waterfalls, some plunging great distances into the beautiful cobalt sea.

“…a very charming Place, and delightful to several of the Sense at once.” That’s what Lionel Wafer, a surgeon on the ship Bachelor’s Delight, had to say when he visited Cocos Island in the late 1600s. His name has been given to one of the two best landing beaches on the island, and we’ll spend part of our day here at Wafer Bay.

Depending on the tide, you may notice a tunnel or deep cave on the north side of the bay as we enter. It’s visible both above and below the water level, but the strong surges make it impossible to enter. Wafer Bay is home to the larger of two ranger stations on the island. We’ll go ashore here and you’ll have your choice of two activities—either a guided walk, or a Zodiac tour to the caverns with bird watching along the way.

Cocos Island is actually the top of a submerged volcanic mountain range. It’s never been linked to a continent so the flora and fauna here either developed indigenously or arrived long-distance from the Americas. Its rocky nature is apparent in the roots of the giant fig trees, which arch in the air like mangrove roots, unable to find much purchase in the rocky ground. The bird life here is prolific with some 90 species, but because the island is so “young”—just a few million years old—only three of these are endemic: the Cocos Flycatcher, Cocos Cuckoo and Cocos Finch. As we walk, we may be accompanied by curious white terns—dove-like white birds known as Espiritu Santo, or the Holy Ghost bird.

These volcanic origins also account for many of the caves found both above and below the water line. If you choose to explore the island’s caverns, keep your eyes open for glittering gold. It’s speculated that pirates hid tons of stolen Incan treasure here, although more than 300 treasure-hunting expeditions have failed to turn up the loot.

In the afternoon we’ll head to Chatan Beach. If you like, you can go kayaking or snorkeling in the waters where Jacques Cousteau once spent two months making a documentary. Butterfly and damselfish are just a few of the species that can be seen roaming the reef for food.

Due to the cold Humboldt current, the unique meeting point between deep and shallow water and the freedom from pollution, the coral reefs here are very healthy. As a result, “feeder” species have proliferated, attracting large pelagic species. Divers come from all over to dive with the world’s largest population of hammerhead sharks, as well as whale sharks, nurse sharks, white- and black-tipped sharks, manta rays and eagle rays, pilot whales, orcas, dolphins, green turtles, hawksbill turtles, olive Ridley turtles and more. The area is also home to 300 species of fish including large numbers of marlin, sailfish and yellow fin tuna. Not surprisingly, the area has been named one of the top 10 scuba diving spots in the world. BLD

Day 04 - Explore Cocos Island
This morning you have two options: go ashore for a guided walk to Chatan Bay or take a Zodiac tour in the caverns with bird watching along the way.

The smaller of the two ranger stations is located at Chatan Bay. This is also where you’ll find a rather unique “guest book”—hundreds of inscriptions chiseled in boulders dating from the late 18th to the 20th century. The oldest dates to 1846. Take a few minutes to photograph the inscriptions if you like.

Among its many claims to fame, Cocos is the only oceanic island in the eastern Pacific region that has tropical moist forests and cloud forests. Admire the native flora as we walk—the many different types of Epiphytes as orchids, tree ferns, and stunted iron trees named for their dense wood. Cocos Island is a baby by geologic standards. As such it’s only developed a handful of endemic species—two species of lizard and three birds. There are no native mammals (although pigs, feral cats, deer and rats have all been introduced). No frogs, amphibians or snakes either.

In the afternoon we’ll head over to Chatan Beach where you can go snorkeling or kayaking in the pristine waters. While snorkeling, be aware of the curious nature of the hammerhead sharks, which sometimes will follow the Exploration Leader on his or her ascent after free diving. While the hammerhead is the most sought-after prize to see on trips to Cocos, there are many other species of shark present as well. During the night the ship will reposition to Rio Genio. BLD

Day 05 - Explore Cocos Island
Early visitors thought there must be a lake on Cocos that fed all the many streams that turn into gorgeous waterfalls throughout the island, but none has been found (although parts of the island remain “uncharted” even to the rangers who live here). Wherever they come from, the rivers nourish their own little ecosystems, and this morning you’ll have a chance to explore that of Rio Genio, including possible sightings of great blue heron and great egrets. We’ll also stop by Wafer Bay House, the main park ranger station. If you prefer, you can spend the morning again exploring the caverns and birdlife of Cocos.

In the afternoon, you may choose to go snorkeling and kayaking in the small islands around Cocos. Many species of seagoing birds nest and roost here.

As we leave the island, you’ll have a chance to observe the majestic waterfalls that drop dozens of feet from the cliffs on the windward side of the island. After dinner, enjoy a Farewell Latin Party on the sundeck. BLD

Day 06 - At Sea
Today is a day of leisure as we make the transit back to the mainland. Visit with your new friends or dive into that novel you’ve been too busy to read all week. BLD

Day 07 - Los Suenos/San Jose
This morning you’ll disembark and transfer to San Jose for your return flight. If you have time, you might want to explore San Jose a bit before your departure. San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica, situated high in the Central Valley between gorgeous green volcanic and tectonic mountain ranges. Built after the colonial period, it’s always been pretty modern and forward looking. Thanks to profits from the coffee industry, this was the second city in the Americas to install electricity. It has its quirks though. Even though the city has a million people, there is no home mail delivery and there are no street addresses here, or anywhere else in Costa Rica for that matter. People navigate by landmarks. Enjoy your visit, and your flight home. B

Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252

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