Caño Island Snorkeling Tour from Uvita, Costa Rica

Tour Highlights

  • Explore one of Costa Rica’s largest coral reef formations
  • Spot diverse marine life including tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles
  • Chance to see dolphins and whales (seasonal)
  • Expert bilingual guides ensure a safe and educational experience
  • Scenic boat ride with breathtaking coastal views

What’s Included

  • Park entrance fees
  • Bilingual guide (Spanish-English)
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Safety gear
  • Lunch and refreshments
  • First aid kit
  • Insurance coverage

Price

$145 per person

Description

Caño Island is a spectacular Biological Reserve of Costa Rica. While terrestrial wildlife is scarce, the true beauty of the island lies beneath the surface. The island boasts one of the largest and best-maintained coral reef formations on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, making it one of the country’s premier destinations for diving and snorkeling.

Marine Environment

The island protects crucial marine environments, notable for their expanse and species richness. The coral reefs are particularly significant, with five coral platforms (or low reefs) ranging from 0.8 to 4.2 hectares in size. This area is extremely important for the breeding of many species.

Diverse Marine Life

The reefs support a diverse array of marine life, including:

  • Various fish species
  • Sea turtles
  • Rays
  • Invertebrates
  • Algae
  • White-fin sharks
  • Mammals such as dolphins and whales (seasonal from July to November and January to April)

Other marine species inhabit different environments around the island, such as rocky beaches and cliffs. Here, you can find countless starfish, sea urchins, lobsters, and cambutes (Strombus Galeatus) – a type of giant snail, among others.

A Unique Adventure

Join us for this unique and spectacular adventure in one of Costa Rica’s best snorkeling spots. This is an experience you shouldn’t miss!

Tour Logistics

  • Meeting point: Our office, 350 meters before the main entrance to Marino Ballena National Park
  • Check-in time: 6:45 AM
  • Boat departure: 7:30 AM from Punta Uvita, Marino Ballena National Park
  • Travel time to Caño Island: Approximately 1.5 hours
  • Snorkeling time: About 2.5 hours
  • Return departure: 1:00 PM
  • Estimated arrival back in Uvita: 2:30 PM

During the boat journey, you may observe whales (in season), dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and enjoy fantastic views of Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast.

Tour Includes

  • Park entrance fees
  • Bilingual Guide (Spanish-English)
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Safety equipment
  • Lunch
  • Water and fruit
  • First aid kit
  • Civil liability insurance

Recommendations

  • Bring sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Extra water
  • Swimsuit
  • Sandals
  • Snacks
  • Extra clothing to change at the end of the tour
  • Towel

If you’re prone to seasickness, we recommend purchasing and taking motion sickness medication 30 minutes before departure.

Alternative Departure Option

We also offer departure by boat through the Terraba-Sierpe National Wetland at 7:30 AM. This option is available if we don’t have a minimum of 6 people departing from Marino Ballena National Park. The wetland tour includes transportation to Sierpe, a short tour of the wetlands, and the opportunity to spot various bird species, fish, mammals, and reptiles in their natural habitat.

Join us for an unforgettable adventure exploring the underwater wonders of Caño Island!

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