Found in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 550 kilometres southwest of Costa Rica, lies a little uninhabited island called Isla del Coco – Cocos Island. Uninhabited by humans that is – because the wildlife that lives above and below the water are extraordinary to say the least.The island was designated a National Park in 1978, and a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 as it is the only island in the eastern Pacific with a tropical rainforest. It was also shortlisted as one of the seven wonders of the natural world (although sadly lost out on making the final podium). The island has garnered many fans over the years, including Jacques Cousteau who said it was his favourite place. With such a heady reputation, it is unsurprising then that the island’s flora and fauna is second to none.The island’s ornithological population is vast and diverse. Seabirds such as Brown boobies, Red-footed Boobies and Great Frigatebirds favour the island, while three endemic species (Cocos Cuckoo, Cocos flycatcher and the Cocos finch) all call it home. Underwater life is just as rich: divers consider Cocos as nirvana for its white-tip reef, whale and hammerheads sharks, rays, tuna and dolphins, as well as 300 kinds of fish. Although not quite as famous as Dawin’s neighbouring Galapagos Islands, Isla del Cocos can call many of its species both evolutionary and endemic. However, unlike the Galapagos, Isla del Cocos has predators in the shape of rats, goats and pigs, introduced here by hunters and pirates years ago.