This national park was established on June 22, 1978, through Executive Decree No.8.748A, and was declared World Heritage Site (by UNESCO) on December 4, 1997, and Ramsar Site on May of 1.998. The World Heritage Site includes the entire Isla del Coco and the marine ecosystems up to a distance of 15km around the island.
Site description and main attractions
Coco's island is considered a natural laboratory for the study of the evolution of species. The island, which receives an inordinate amount of rainfall and is covered by a evergreen forest type, that covers the rugged terrain of the island, which is frequently cloudy and lashed by heavy rains. Scientists have identified 235 species of plants and 90 fungus species.
Also known are 362 species of insects; 5 species of reptiles; 97 species of birds; 10 species of mammals (marine and land ones); 60 species of arthropods; 510 species of sea mollusks; 32 species of corals; and more than 250 species of fishes. Of the fishes, there is an abundance of white-tipped sharks, the gigantic hammerheads, yellow fin tuna, parrot fish, manta-rays, and horse mackerel, among others.
A volcanic ridge, the area surrounding the island has a series of cliffs up to 183 meters high, countless underwater caves and cascades which fall down onto the beach.The turquoise-blue sea is of an extraordinary transparency.
Geographical location
Isla del Coco is located 555 km south-west off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, and belongs to the Province of Puntarenas. The central point of Isla del Coco Marine and Terrestrial Conservation Area (CIMTCA) lies at 5�32'N, 86�59'W
Services and facilities
- Information provided by the personnel
- Trails
- Showers
- Potable water
- Places that afford a superb view of the area
- Diving sites
- Radio communication system
- Satellite telephone
Protected Areas 
