Bajo Alcyone Liveaboard Diving

Liveaboard Diving in Bajo Alcyone

What To Expect On a Bajo Alcyone Liveaboard

Liveaboards to Bajo Alcyone will normally be as part of a dive trip incorporating all the sites of the Cocos Islands. Virtually every liveaboard itinerary will stop here for some time, allowing divers to experience some of the best shark diving in the world. Once you jump into the pleasantly warm waters of this famous site, you'll soon realize why divers consistently sail for nearly 2 days to get here. Superb visibility, incredible biodiversity, and the sight of circling groups of over 100 Scalloped Hammerheads give this unbelievable site its well-deserved status among the world's finest scuba diving spots.

What You Can See

Liveaboard dive boats come here for one main reason: Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks. There's no better place to view these incredible creatures than this isolated spot off the Costa Rican Pacific coast. Their distinct body shape forms some stunning silhouettes as they swim in the sunlight above groups of divers, allowing fantastic opportunities for underwater photography enthusiasts.

The sheer number of Hammerheads on show will mesmerize even those who are expecting it, and even after a few dives over several days, we've yet to hear of anyone tiring of the view! They are often found in groups of over 100, a site very rarely seen across the entire globe. Liveaboard dive cruises to this region last at least 10 days, giving guests ample time to dive with these beautiful animals and relax on board in style.

The Hammerheads are present all year round, although they are in their highest numbers during the wet season, which runs from June to December. The dry season, however, offers the best visibility and calm seas, so, in truth, there is no bad time to be underwater here.

Although the main draw is the Hammerheads (rightly so), there's no shortage of other marine life to be seen at Bajo Alcyone besides the premier attraction. Manta and Mobula Rays are normally present, attracted by cleaning stations in the area. There are also several different shark species to complement what you will have already encountered - including Whitetips, Blacktips, Silvertips, and Silkys. It is a world-class site and a true pleasure to dive at, which will undoubtedly be one of the main highlights of any liveaboard trip to Costa Rica.

Getting to Bajo Alcyone

It is within Cocos Islands, some 550 kilometers from the Costa Rican mainland, so diving at Bajo Alcyone is only possible on a dive liveaboard cruise. These normally depart from the port of Puntarenas, a 90-minute drive from the country's capital, San Jose. Guests can arrange their accommodation in the city and transfer to Puntarenas, although liveaboard operators commonly include these as part of the itinerary.

Getting to San Jose is straightforward as it has a well-served international airport, flying to and from many destinations across the Americas. If you come from elsewhere, your route often involves changing in the United States.

Some longer-term travelers will also arrive in Costa Rica overland, as it is well connected to its neighboring Central American countries.