Jurassic Park Island!

Mary Vaughan-Jones
Mary Vaughan-Jones
Passage Blog
Friday, February 27, 2026
0146 UTC | 05 33.231’N 087 02.516’W
Chatham Bay, Isla Del Coco

I am writing this as we sit on a mooring buoy in an idyllic bay in the middle of the ocean. Roughly 5 hours ago we arrived at Isla del Coco and promptly jumped in the allegedly shark-infested water for a quick dip. Everyone will be pleased to know we were very sensible and sent Nic in as a guinea pig before committing the whole crew — even better news is that every crew member still has all their fingers and toes. In fact, no sharks have been sighted yet, but I am sure that will not be the case for much longer!

It is beautiful here. Jacques Cousteau may have been onto something. The only slight complaint we have is we would like it to be less rolly, if possible! Lee cloths may need to be up tonight, but I think everyone is looking forward to a full night’s sleep.

We haven’t had contact with the rangers yet, despite multiple radio calls. However, a friendly dive boat swung by and offered us internet for one phone, some stickers, and maybe an opportunity to dive here. Regardless, where they dive is mere meters from our boat, so some good snorkelling is definitely on the cards. The diver, Roberto, used to be a park ranger on the island for 9 years, so we’ll be taking him up on his offer to help with anything!

Hopefully the rangers pay us a visit in the morning and we can get to some real exploration. In the meantime, we’re having a lovely time star-gazing and enjoying our moonlit view of the island (see pic!).

// Mary

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