Cocos Island
Schooling hammerheads, far offshore.
- Overall rank
- #4 of 20
- Editor’s score
- 9.5 / 10
- Best months
- September — October
- Go for
- Hammerhead schools · Whale sharks
Why dive here?
The crossing takes roughly a day and a half, and the wet season can be rough. Divers come for hammerheads gathering above cleaning stations. Marble rays, whitetips and large schools of fish add plenty to the dives; whale sharks are a possible bonus.
When to go
The best time to dive here is September — October. Check the linked season guide and ask your operator about conditions for your dates.
What to look for
These are the main draws. Sightings vary by site, season and luck.
- Hammerhead schools
- Whale sharks
- Marble rays
- Large fish schools
Conditions and trip planning
Advanced; open-ocean experience. Expect rain, swell and strong current during the recommended wet-season months.
Trip format: Liveaboard only, with a long Pacific crossing.
About the score
Cocos Island scores 9.5/10 for diving at its best. The ranking favours sharks and other large animals, followed by reef health and variety across the trip. Price and travel time do not affect the score.
Underwater photos
Open a photo for its source and credits.
Dives on video
Watch for the conditions, marine life and pace of the dives. Each video shows one trip.