Cocos Island (Isla del Coco), Costa Rica

Costa Rica's Cocos Island, 300 nautical miles from the Pacific Coast, is world-famous for close encounters with sharks, giant rays and dolphins. Setting off from live-aboard ships, divers can observe swirling schools of hammerheads. The pristine island was the inspiration for Michael Crichton's Isla Nublar in "Jurassic Park" and is also home to some 200 spectacular waterfalls, many of which drop right into the sea. Jacques Cousteau visited the island several times and claimed it was "the most beautiful island in the world." Don't pass up a visit to Costa Rica's lush Osa Peninsula or Drake Bay before or after your dives.

For more information: Cocos Island