Hammerhead Shark Costa Rica June – Encounter Guide & Best Sites

Cocos Island season peak. Schooling hammerheads at Alcyone and Manuelita. 8-day liveaboard the only access.

Encounter overview

Diving or snorkelling with hammerhead sharks in Costa Rica during June is high season, with an encounter probability of approximately 80% under normal conditions. Schooling hammerhead sharks are one of diving’s most prized spectacles – dozens to hundreds of animals wheeling in slow formation, their alien silhouettes unmistakeable from any depth.

Best sites

• Cocos Island
• Manuelita
• Alcyone

What to expect

Scalloped hammerheads school by day at seamounts and pinnacles, dispersing at night to hunt. Cold, nutrient-rich upwellings are the trigger – the sharks aggregate where baitfish are thick. Schools are shy; approach slowly and avoid bubbles.

Water conditions in June

Water temperature in Costa Rica typically ranges 22-29°C. Visibility at Cocos Island in June is generally good; check local liveaboard or dive operator reports the week of your trip for specific conditions. Pelagic liveaboard, cocos island is the primary dive style in Costa Rica.

Practical tips

Stay below the school – looking up into blue water keeps you less visible. Avoid flash photography. Cold thermoclines signal you are in the right zone. Early morning dives yield the most sharks before recreational traffic starts.

Getting there

Fly into San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR). Cocos island hammerheads, whale sharks, humpback whales, bull sharks. Visa-free for most Western nationalities (90 days). Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC); USD widely accepted.

Is June a good time to visit Costa Rica for hammerhead shark?

Yes – June is high season for hammerhead sharks in Costa Rica. Encounter probability is around 80% on a dedicated trip. Best sites include Cocos Island, Manuelita, Alcyone. Check availability at Cocos Island as spaces fill quickly in peak months.