The Climate and Best Time to Visit
Costa Rica's climate is described as mild and subtropical year-round. Rainy season is approximately May through November, with more showers and lower water visibility, but this is also the time when there is most action underwater around Cocos Island. Dry season occurs between December and April. The temperature does not vary a great deal, with the average range being between low 70s to low 80s°F (23 to 28°C) although a few degrees either side would not be a rare occurrence, especially in the higher altitude locations such as San José.
Truly there is no best time to go to Cocos as the island offers great diving all year round and the weather is very changeable. June through December sees more rains and rougher seas, carrying more plankton, attracting the big fish but also reducing visibility. There are more hammerheads, whale sharks and manta rays at this time. December through May is drier and the seas calmer while still having great pelagic sightings. As always, open ocean conditions can vary so these Cocos liveaboards are not recommended for those who suffer badly from motion sickness.
The water temperature ranges between 75-86°F (24-30°C). We recommend you take a 5 mm full length wet suit, hood, globes and boots on your Cocos liveaboard safari to be comfortable at all times, depending on the presence of thermoclines. These can cause a drastic 43°F (6°C) drop in the water temperature. Visit our Cocos dive sites page for more details on the seasons.
If you are visiting during January through early June you may want to consider a dive cruise to Caño Island. This is a destination visited by some of the Costa Rican liveaboards at this time of year.
Ports of Departure and How to Get There
Costa Rica, is one of a number of small nations that comprise the isthmus of Central America. Its eastern shore is lapped by the Caribbean, and its western shore by the Pacific. The land border to the north is Nicaragua and to the south is Panama.
Major airlines with regular direct flights to Costa Rica from North America are: Air Canada, American Airlines, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Grupo Taca, Mexicana, Spirit Air, and US Airways. From Europe: Iberia, Condor Air, Martin Air, American Airlines and British Airways have established routes to San José, some direct and others with one connection. Most routes pass through the US, meaning non-US passengers have to comply with US entry requirements for transiting the country. It takes between 3 and 7 hours to fly there from most U.S. cities.
International flights land either in San José's Juan Santamaría International Airport or in the city of Liberia's Daniel Oduber International Airport. Cocos liveaboard charters pick up from San Jose hotels and transfer guests to the departure port of Puntarenas (a 2 hour ride), so we recommend you fly into Juan Santamaria. The cruise from Punteranas to Cocos Island takes roughly 35 hours.
Protect yourself with insurance for health, diving, and travel (including trip cancellation). Our insurance program offers competitive rates.
Places to Stay
Extending your stay in Costa Rica before or after your liveaboard diving trip? Explore accommodation options through our trusted partner, HotelsCombined.com. Browse their selection, chat online for assistance, or book instantly with your credit card - all backed by their Low Price Guarantee for the best value:
