Snorkeling Caño Island

Caño Island is a spectacular Biological Reserve of Costa Rica and, although wildlife is scarce in terms of fauna, the real beauty of the island is not found on the surface but underwater. The island has one of the largest and best-maintained coral reef formations on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, making it one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the country.

The island protects very important marine environments, which stand out for its extension and richness of species, the coral reefs. There are five coral platforms (or low reefs) with extensions ranging from 0.8 to 4.2 hectares. It is an extremely important area for the breeding of many species.

The tour includes:

  • Tickets to the park
  • Bilingual Guide (Spanish-English)
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Safety equipment
  • Lunch
  • Water and fruit
  • First aid kit
  • Civil liability policies

From $150

Description

Caño Island is a spectacular Biological Reserve of Costa Rica and, although wildlife is scarce in terms of fauna, the real beauty of the island is not found on the surface but underwater. The island has one of the largest and best-maintained coral reef formations on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, making it one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the country. The island protects very important marine environments, which stand out for its extension and richness of species, the coral reefs. There are five coral platforms (or low reefs) with extensions ranging from 0.8 to 4.2 hectares. It is an extremely important area for the breeding of many species. Associated with the reefs, there is a diversity of species of fish, turtles, rays, invertebrates, algae, white-fin sharks, and some species of mammals such as dolphins and whales (season from July to November and from January to April). In addition, other marine species are present in different environments of the island such as rocky beaches and cliffs where countless starfish, sea urchins, lobsters, and cambutes (Strombus Galeatus) a type of giant snail, among others. Join us for this unique and spectacular adventure that you can experience in one of the best spots all over the country for this activity. You should not miss it! The meeting point is at our office located 350 meters before the main entrance to the Marino Ballena National Park. Our visitors are requested to be present at the tour office at 6:45 am for the check-in process. This tour departs by boat from two different places (check the notes below to know about the departure from the Terraba-Sierpe National Wetland). The first starting point is from Punta Uvita located in the Marino Ballena National Park at 7:30 AM and arrives approximately 1.5 hours after at the ranger station of the Isla del Caño Biological Reserve. Our certified tour guide will provide information on safety and instructions to follow during snorkeling. There will be a snorkeling time of approximately 2.5 hours. After lunch, the boat begins to return to Uvita beach at 1:00 p.m. and is expected to arrive around 2:30 p.m. During the transit by boat from Playa Uvita to the reserve and vice versa you can observe whales (if it is the season from July to November, also from January to April), dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and fantastic views of the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Minimum number of people: 6 people (check availability in case of fewer people) The tour includes:
  • Tickets to the park
  • Bilingual Guide (Spanish-English)
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Safety equipment
  • Lunch
  • Water and fruit
  • First aid kit
  • Civil liability policies
Recommendations
  • Bring sun cream
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Extra water
  • Bath suit
  • Sandals
  • Snacks
  • Extra clothing to change at the end of the tour
  • Towel
If you get sick on the boat is better to buy a pill in the pharmacy and take it 30 minutes before the departure. Departure time:
  • 7:30 a.m.
Notes: The departure by boat through the Terraba-Sierpe National Wetland is at 7:30 am, we offer this option in case of not having a minimum of 6 people to leave from Marino Ballena National Park. Itinerary details: must arrive at our office at 6:30 am in order to complete the check-in process. Then, we will provide transportation to take you to the starting point in Sierpe, making a short tour of the wetlands. The Térraba-Sierpe Wetland is the habitat of numerous species of birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles. This has become a haven for wildlife. Its resident and migratory birds are the most frequent species. The aquatic fauna is made up of fish, mollusks, oysters, and crustaceans. Mammals and crustaceans exist in less abundance and variety. Some prominent species include crocodiles and alligators, blue egret, white ibis, and osprey, among others. After that, we will lead to the island. Once there, we start with the main activity which is snorkeling in one of the best spots for that activity all over the country due to its fantastic underwater visibility that makes it possible to enjoy the exploration of life in this miracle living oasis. Finally, we would take you through an amazing walk into Caño Island forest. Besides the evergreen forests found on the island, mainly formed by the rubber tree, the wild cocoa tree and several shrubs species, you could spot the huge variety of resident and migratory birds before mentioned. ​​​After the tour, the same transportation will take you back to our office, so you don’t have to worry about driving.

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