9th Birdwatching, natural history and photography and science expedition to Cocos Island Costa Rica.
A rare opportunity to explore one of the most remote and biologically unique marine environments on Earth. Located over 500 kilometers off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, this UNESCO World Heritage Site harbors a fascinating assemblage of seabirds, many of which use the island as a critical nesting ground or migratory waypoint. Surrounded by deep oceanic waters and shaped by volcanic origins, Cocos Island serves as a living laboratory for studying oceanic bird ecology, endemism, and biogeographic connections across the Eastern Tropical Pacific. This expedition invites participants to engage directly with scientific research, conservation efforts, and the mysteries of avian life far beyond the continental shores.
The remote Cocos Island, a dream for naturalists, birders and divers, now accesible with us. We have already run 8 successful birding and wildlife expeditions to the remote Island, so we are ready to give you a wonderful adventure in the lush island.
This is one of the few true birding expeditions to the island and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for birders and nature lovers. Cocos Island is one of the most remote and less-visited locations on Earth, home to three endemic species, as well as a wealth of seabirds and other wildlife.
The Trip:
The expedition begins on Saturday, May 9, 2026 in the afternoon and ends on Twesday, May 19, 2026 in the morning when we return to Puntarenas. 3 pelagic days and 7 days by the island
Logistics:
Departure Point: The trip departs from a private dock in Puntarenas. We will provide a free shuttle service from downtown San José to the dock and back.
Itinerary Highlights:
Great pelagic birding in and out from Puntarenas. We will spend 7 days by the island, birding along the shores and trails of Chatham Bay, Mirador Aguacate, Wafer Bay, and Yglesias Hill (the summit of the extinct volcano). We will take short walks and spend plenty of time enjoying the views and observing the birds and landscape. Natural freshwater showers are available at the end of some walks along the shore. Birding activities will focus on Chatham Bay and Wafer Bay, with opportunities for boat-based birding. We’ll also visit the cliffs and rocky islands in the evening to observe boobies and noddies via dinghy. All three endemics are abundant along the trails. In our most recent trip, we observed most of them daily. Some early mornings we will circle the island visiting cliffs and offshore rocks for sunrise and sunset birding. Optional scuba diving with extra costs.
Landing Conditions: Landings at Chatham and Wafer Bays are wet, and depending on the tide, the water may reach knee or chest level (though some landings may be dry). Be prepared for wet landings and bring extra clothing and dry bags for your gear.
ITINERARY
Day 1: May 09— Embarkation and Departure to Cocos Island: Our journey begins toward one of the planet’s most unique ecosystems. Ground transportation from San José will be available at no additional cost. Once on board, we will begin a 32–36-hour voyage across the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean. After an early dinner, we will get accustomed to the motion of the ship and receive a comprehensive briefing on onboard life, safety protocols, and the scientific objectives of the expedition. Printed materials, species checklists, and a biogeographic overview of Cocos Island will be distributed. This marks the beginning of an expedition centered on exploration, systematic observation, and the documentation of marine and terrestrial biodiversity with an ecotourism point of view.
Day 2: May 10 — Pelagic Navigation and Marine Wildlife Observation: This full day at sea will take us through the pelagic zone of the Eastern Tropical Pacific along the Cocos Ridge seamounts, home to highly migratory marine species. From 6:00 a.m., our expedition guide will be on the upper deck leading birdwatching sessions focused on identifying oceanic seabirds, including petrels, shearwaters, boobies, and noddies. Target species may include: Red-footed Booby (Sula sula), Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus), Galapagos Shearwater (Puffinus subalaris), Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates tethys), Markham´s Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates markhami), plus marine mammals and sea turtles. The day concludes with a group dinner.
Day 3: May 11 — Arrival at Cocos Island: Chatham Bay: 1:30 a.m.: Night observation of the elusive Swallow-tailed Gull (Creagrus furcatus), the world’s only nocturnal gull. 6:00 a.m.: Breakfast with the first light, unveiling the lush rainforest of Cocos Island, known for its mist, intermittent rains, and rich vegetation. Disembarkation at Chatham Bay and a scientific hike to Aguacate Viewpoint and Radar Station. Key observation targets: Cocos Finch (Pinaroloxias inornata), the only Darwin’s finch found outside the Galápagos, Cocos Cuckoo (Coccyzus ferrugineus), Cocos Tyrannulet (Nesotriccus ridgwayi), Magnificent and Great Frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens, F. minor), White Tern or Cocos Holy Spirit (Gygis alba). Afternoon: Coastal birding by boat or an additional hike. Conditions permitting, we will visit Jacques Cousteau Rock, named after the famed explorer.
Day 4: May 12 — Las Bahías Trail and Historical-Geological Legacy: Morning coastal exploration at Wafer Bay and near Río Genio in search for the endemics, seabirds and vagrant birds. Technical 3 km hike along a high-difficulty trail, originally built by inmates of the Tomás Guardia Penal Colony (1879–1881), passing through primary endemic ironwood forest and active seabird colonies. This hike serves as a preparatory assessment for the upcoming Cerro Yglesias ascent. Optional rest or freshwater swim at Río Genio in the afternoon. Return to the vessel by sunset.
Day 5: May 13 — Marine Exploration and Endemic Species Observation: Small boat navigation to Dos Amigos Islets, Roca Sucia, and Manuelita. Observation of Masked Boobies (Sula dactylatra), Nazca (Sula granti), Cocos (Sula brewesteri), and Red-footed Boobies (Sula sula). Afternoon: Hike along the Gissler Caves Trail, named after German explorer August Gissler. This area offers excellent opportunities to photograph the island’s three iconic endemic species.
Day 6: May 14 — Los Piratas Trail and Terrestrial Biodiversity: Morning hike to Los Piratas Viewpoint, part of the trail to Cerro Yglesias. Botanical and wildlife exploration: orchids, tree ferns, endemic lizards, and diverse birdlife. Possible visit to Hidden Waterfall, a geological treasure accessible depending on sea conditions. Afternoon: Exploration of Wafer Bay, visit to the Park Rangers’ Station, and a walk along Sendero Dulce.
Day 7: May 15 — Geology and Natural Archaeology of the Island: Coastal navigation through the Ulloa sector, with a return to Dos Amigos for geological observations and re-visit the Masked and Nazca Boobies colony. Visit to pirate and explorer engravings in Chatham Bay. Bath in a natural freshwater pond.
Day 8: May 16 — Ascent to Cerro Yglesias: Early departure (5:30 a.m.) with packed lunch. Advanced-level hike (~12 km round-trip) to the summit of the extinct volcano. Exploration of the lowest-elevation cloud forest on the planet, a vital habitat for Cocos Island’s endemic flora. Lunch en route. Return to the vessel in the afternoon for our final night at Cocos Island.
Day 9: May 17 — Final Observations at Aguacate Viewpoint and Farewell: Final visit to Aguacate Viewpoint, ideal for viewing frigatebird and booby colonies. Last opportunity to document endemic species before lunch. Departure for Puntarenas between 3:00–5:00 p.m.
In the night, we will continue the attempt to spot the Swallow-tailed Gull.
Day 10: May 18 — Pelagic Return and Scientific Debriefing: Full day of pelagic navigation, with ongoing seabird observation from deck. Workshop to review checklists, analyze photos and field notes. Expedition slideshow and onboard gift shop open for souvenirs.
Day 11: May 19 — Arrival at Puntarenas and Expedition Closure: Arrival at 6:00 a.m. Disembarkation after breakfast. Complimentary ground transportation back to San José or tour extensions to mainland Costa Rica.
More details, pricing and extra information contact us by email info@birdwatchingcentralamerica.com or WhatsApp +506 83589938 with Serge Arias, expedition leader and author of the Guide to the Birds of Cocos Island Book.
This is a one of its kind trip that must be booked at least 6-12 months prior departure due to vessel logistics, approaching the departure dates won’t be possible to sign.
eBird Trip reports of some past expeditions:
8th Expedition (April 17-27, 2025) https://ebird.org/tripreport/358765
7th Expedition (April 1-11 2024) https://ebird.org/tripreport/221009
#puravidabirding #flocktococos