These remote islands which are around 300 miles off the coast of Costa Rica and Colombia respectively are only dived by liveaboard boats. The long (and sometimes rough) voyage is made worthwhile by the incredible populations of large fish, sharks and whales that are often schooling in the area. Malpelo island was recognised as a Colombian Fauna and Fauna Sanctuary in 1996 and has a six mile protected area around its shores. It has a slightly sinister air maybe because it is the peak of a huge submarine ridge that rises from depths of 4000 metres. You can expect to see huge concentrations of Eagle Rays, Silky sharks and other large pelagics. Because of the topography, there are sheer granite cliffs that plunge into deep water. One of these, known as the Altar of the Virgin, can have hundreds of free-swimming moray eels, huge snappers and groupers, dolphin and mantas. Another site, a group of pinnacles off the northern end of Malpelo, is called the Three Musketeers. Here, divers enter a series of tunnels and caverns and cathedrals, filled with countless thousands of silvery bait fish, dozens of lobsters, white-tipped reef sharks and large numbers of goat fish, grunts, jacks and groupers. La Gringa, is where divers go for real shark action and hundreds of female hammerhead sharks line up in strong currents just off the granite wall right in front of you. Water Temperatures around the Malpelo Islands are 27°C (80°F) with sharp thermoclines from 9-30m (30 - 100ft). A 5mm full wetsuit up to 7mm for multiple diving is recommended insulation (with boots, gloves).
Cocos Island is possibly the world's largest uninhabited island (several contenders!) and is the centre of a marine park, a World Heritage Site and the main jewel of Costa Rica's many national parks. It is commonly held to be one of the most incredible dive destinations on the planet and offers one of the best places in the world to dive with Hammerhead, Silky, White and Silver tip sharks, Manta Rays, dolphins and even Humpback whales and Whale Sharks. Most divers are completely blown away by the sheer numbers of these creatures on every dive. When you want a break from the water you can go looking for the pirate treasure which is believed to still be on the island. It is told, that the richest treasure in the world is buried on Cocos Island, not only one, but two major loads. The first belonged to a pirate named Benito Bonito who sailed the "Relampago," raiding every city along the pacific coast line. The second and biggest treasure was brought to Cocos by Captain Thompson in 1821. An attempt by the Spaniards to hide the wealth of Lima from Simon Bolivar and his troops. Limas Governor and the clergy entrusted the treasure to Thompson and his ship "Mary Dear" who in return killed the guards and sailed off to Cocos Island. There is even a third load, belonging to Edward Davis, Captain of John Cook's ship, the "Bachelor Delight" who left behind some loot in the late 1600's.
