Isolated as it is, few species of plants and animals have managed to colonize its shores over the ages, and of those that have, many of evolved into distinct forms from those that originally reached the island. As on islands everywhere, this process has resulted in the creation of endemics -- species found nowhere else in the world.

Among the endemic creatures of Cocos Island are 2 species of small lizards, 65 insects, various types of freshwater fishes, and three birds, the Cocos Cuckoo, Cocos Flycatcher, and Cocos Finch. This last species is related to the famous Darwin's finches of the Galapagos Islands, several hundred kilometers to the south.

Unfortunately, one way that some species reach remote islands is through introductions by man. In the case of Cocos, humans have been responsible for bringing pigs, cats, goats, and white-tailed deer to the island, as well as plants such as coffee and guava. These non-native species can often cause great damage to the existing flora and fauna, which has happened on Cocos, especially with the pigs and cats.

What draws most visitors to Cocos, however, is the incredible diving experience it offers to those willing to venture the voyage. The visibility in the waters around the island is exceptional and the quantity and variety of marine life is simply astounding. The greatest thrill for most divers is witnessing the huge schools of Hammerhead Sharks that are notoriously famous in these waters, although fortunately not known to be aggressive towards humans.