cocos island
states: [costa rica]
category: natural
year: 1997
location: Province of Puntarenas, South Eastern Tropical Pacific
region: Latin America and the Caribbean
latitude/longitude: 5.5333333330, -87.0666666700
unesco id: 820
world heritage site: 820
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Cocos Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Costa Rica, is a pristine marine and terrestrial ecosystem renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it hosts a variety of endemic species, vibrant coral reefs, and large populations of marine life, including sharks, rays, and dolphins. The island’s rugged, uninhabited terrain and surrounding waters make it a critical conservation area and a top destination for scientific research and eco-tourism. Its isolation has preserved its natural beauty, earning it global recognition as a biodiversity hotspot.