Cocos Island National Park is located 550 kilometers off the Costa Rican Pacific Coast and is what the romantics refer to as a 'place of ethereal beauty’. The national park is an embodiment of natural undisturbed beauty that can only thrive where humans have little or no access to.
Cocos Island National Park is located 550 kilometers off the Costa Rican Pacific Coast and is what the romantics refer to as the ‘a place of ethereal beauty’. The national park is an embodiment of natural undisturbed beauty that can only thrive where humans have little or no access to. The park comprises of the entire Isla del Coco Island and the marine eco-regions that surround the island.
The park is positioned in such a way that it is the first place you will come in contact with the northern equatorial counter current. This current coupled with the interactions it gets with the marine ecosystems makes the region a classic case study of biological processes. If like me you are not a fan of science, you will be fascinated by the underwater national park that features all the things you dream about seeing below the waterline and much more. It is one of the best places in the world to view the sharks, tuna, dolphins and rays.
The island was formed as a result of volcanic activity if its consistent basaltic rock as well as irregular coastline that is characterized with towering cliffs is anything to go by. The island is home to two bays namely; the Bahia Wafer and the Bahia Chatham. It also has some scenic sandy beaches as well as a hinterland with rivers, streams and waterfalls.
The Isla del Coco is a rather enthralling place. It is home to over 70 species of vascular plants and some other lush green vegetation. Unfortunately, the fauna diversity is not as elaborate as the vegetation. It is home to 87 bird species, of which Cocos Island cuckoo, Cocos Island Finch, and Cocos Island flycatcher are endemic. You are also likely to encounter the two species of reptiles that are found on the island including the anolis lizard and the gecko.
You would be interested to know that the park is home to over 300 species of fish among other marine mammals such as dolphins and California Sea Lion. The white tip shark is also an awe-inspiring animal to spot in the waters.
No evidence exists to prove that Isla del Coco was occupied in the Pre-Columbian time. It seems that the island was discovered during the 16th century and has been home to sailors, fishermen, scientific expeditions and you guessed it…pirates. Visit the most beautiful island in Central America and you will never regret.