The Government of Costa Rica took official possession of Isla del Coco in 1869. After two unsuccessful attempts to colonize it, the island has remained free of permanent human intervention, although sailors, fishermen, whalers, and naturalists have been visiting it regularly. At present, apart from a handful of park rangers who live on the island, Isla del Coco remains largely uninhabited. Currently, the nominated site is under the influence of the tourist and fishing industries. Concerning the former, there are no records quantifying its actual importance.
Tourism is the major economic activity and is largely concentrated in the marine ecosystem.
It has been estimated that the nominated site receives an annual visitation of about 1,100 people, mainly concentrated in the period between March and May. Isla del Coco can be reached by launch or small boats from the port of Puntarenas, a journey that takes approximately 36 hours. Easy anchorage can be found in Bah a Wafer and Bah a Chatham, where there are also dining huts and rest areas, and sanitary services and showers. Otherwise, there are no facilities for visitors. There are no facilities for researchers other than the lodges for rangers. The nominated site contains the most extensive and rich coral reef in the South East Pacific.