3Cocos Island, Costa Rica

Cocos Island, located 550 kilometers (340 miles) off the coast of Costa Rica, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a top destination for adventurous divers seeking shark encounters. The waters around Cocos Island are teeming with marine life, including large schools of hammerhead sharks. Divers can also encounter white-tip reef sharks, Galapagos sharks, and the occasional whale shark. The remote location of Cocos Island means that diving here is a true adventure, with strong currents and challenging conditions that attract experienced divers. The rewards, however, are well worth it, with some of the most impressive shark sightings in the world.