• The latest episode of the podcast “The Island and Its Voices” takes us on a journey with renowned marine biologist Dr. Jorge Cortés.
  • Now available on major platforms: Spotify, YouTube o Apple Podcast.

Dive into the hidden natural treasures beneath the waters of Cocos Island National Park, guided by one of Costa Rica’s most respected voices: Dr. Jorge Cortés, marine biologist, professor emeritus, and researcher with over 45 years of experience.

The fourth episode of the podcast “The Island and Its Voices: Discovering Cocos Island National Park” reveals why Cocos Island is considered a jewel of marine biodiversity — from its coral reefs and endemic species to the phenomenon of deep-water bioluminescence.

During the interview, Dr. Cortés shared a story about a European tourist who had visited Cocos Island 17 times: “This is the best dive site I’ve ever been to anywhere in the world,” the visitor told him.

“It’s such a special place that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. It’s a site that’s not just important for Costa Ricans, but for all of humanity,” added Dr. Cortés.

The expert also explained that a seamount is a volcano that begins growing from the ocean floor but doesn’t reach the surface — sometimes missing it by just a few meters. “If it breaks the surface, it becomes an island, like Cocos Island,” he said.

“Around Cocos Island, we have a series of seamounts about 2 to 2.5 km high. There are currents down there that, when they hit the seamounts, push nutrients up to shallower waters where you find species like sharks, commercially important fish such as tuna, and many others,” he detailed.

The episode reminds us that Costa Rica’s deep ocean remains a living laboratory full of secrets waiting to be uncovered, and that ocean protection is key to the future of our planet.

“The Island and Its Voices” is a podcast by the Cocos Marine Conservation Area (ACMC) and the Friends of Cocos Island Foundation (FAICO), produced with the support of Blue Action Fund.

Tune in to this episode on  Spotify, YouTube o Apple Podcast.