Lying 300 mi/485 km off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Coco Island is one of the largest uninhabited islands in the world. The island became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 as a result of its unique marine ecosystem, which is appealing to biologists and divers alike. It provides an unspoiled environment to view large aquatic species such as dolphins, rays and sharks.
One of the main attractions is the variety of sharks that populate the surrounding waters in large numbers—Isla del Coco is particularly famous for its schools of hammerhead sharks. The island was once a refuge for pirates, and supposedly still conceals buried treasure.
Visits to this remote place are strictly regulated; except for yachters arriving under their own sails, trips must be booked through companies that specialize in exotic dive destinations and are part of extended tours (a week or more).
For more information about Coco Island, visit http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/820.
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