About this spot
Bajo Alcyone sits within the Área Marina de Manejo Montes Submarinos, a managed marine protected area surrounding Cocos Island. This advanced-only dive reaches depths of 15 to 40 meters and demands solid current-handling skills and deep-diving experience. The site's underwater topology creates dynamic conditions typical of offshore pinnacles and seamounts in the Eastern Pacific. Cocos Island itself sits roughly 500 kilometers southwest of mainland Costa Rica, making it a remote destination accessible only by liveaboard dive operators. The island and its surrounding waters fall under strict marine protection, which means all diving is regulated. Bajo Alcyone draws divers seeking the technical challenge and the open-ocean environment. Conditions here shift seasonally, but the site remains diveable year-round for experienced teams. Current can be strong, visibility varies with the season, and water temperature reflects tropical Pacific conditions. The protected status means the reefs here support robust marine ecosystems, though specific species data is not cataloged in standard references. Divers report encountering pelagic species typical of deep oceanic reefs.
📖 Guide: Diving in Costa Rica: 10 Sites Where Sharks Meet Turtles
Dive types
Trip essentials
Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.
Trip checklist
- 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
- 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
- 📔 Dive logbook
- 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
- 🔌 Plug type A/B · 120V adapter
- 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
- 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact
Quick facts
- 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
- GPS
› Sustainability disclosures
From your departure country
- Visa: Visa-free · 90 days max
- Flight: 12h · direct
- Jet-lag: 1h east · 1 day recovery
FAQ
›When is the best time to dive Bajo Alcyone?
Cocos Island is diveable year-round. Weather and sea state vary by season, but the protected marine area remains open to liveaboard operations throughout the year. Plan around your tolerance for travel distance and your schedule rather than strict seasonal closures.
›What depth and experience level is required?
Bajo Alcyone is an advanced-only site. Dives reach 15 to 40 meters, and currents can be strong. You'll need solid buoyancy control, deep-diving certification or equivalent experience, and comfort navigating offshore pinnacles. Deep diver training is highly recommended.
›What marine life can I expect to see?
Cocos Island's protected waters support abundant pelagic life. Specific species logs for Bajo Alcyone are limited, but the site's deep-reef environment typically hosts sharks, large fish schools, and other oceanic species. Conditions vary per dive.
›How do I access Cocos Island and get permits?
Cocos Island is only accessible by liveaboard dive vessel. It sits within a protected marine area managed by Costa Rican authorities. All diving is governed by permit requirements and liveaboard regulations. Book through an operator licensed for Cocos Island operations.
