cano island snorkeling tour from manuel antonio

• [email protected]
• +1 800 280 2597

Biological Reserve & Environmental Education Center

Caño Island Snorkeling (CR Dive and Surf)

For this tour you will need to drive to Uvita

• Min. Pax 4 - Max. Pax 15
• Min. Age 4yo

Person $157

Deposit $20

Deposit $15

* This tour requires MULTIPLE payments

Have a question?

• Visit our FAQ

This tour is at CAÑO ISLAND National Park.

The Caño Island Biological Reserve is a wonderland of marine life, replete with vibrant coral and stunning aquatic creatures.

Caño Island Snorkeling Tour is your ticket to spectacular snorkel sites widely praised as some of the best snorkels in the world, not just the best in Costa Rica .

Just 32 miles offshore of Uvita Beach and positioned squarely within a massive current of the Pacific Ocean , Isla del Caño draws a diverse population of migratory creatures, such as whales and turtles, to its adjacent environments as well as hosting over 70 indigenous species within its borders. The colorful and majestic living-reef system surrounding the island is replete with marine organisms, including multiple types of Shellfish, Sponges, Mollusks, Arthropods, Fish, Marine Reptiles and Sea Mammals. Common, Bottlenose, and Spotted Dolphins are regularly seen, as well as White Tip and Reef Sharks. Eagle Rays, Giant Manta Rays and Moray Eels are also regular sights on many of our snorkels. If you’re really lucky you might see a Whale Shark or a Humpback Whale, which—while rare—have been spotted during some of our Caño Island Snorkel Tours during whale-watching season.

You will need to arrive at the Uvita dive shop at 7am for check in. The tour departs from Punta Uvita at 7:30 AM and arrives at Caño Island approximately 1 ½ hours later.

The boat will head back to Uvita beach at 2.00-2.30 pm surrounding the coast where you will be able to see from the boat the largest Mangrove forest under protection in Central America; Terraba Mangrove Forest. The boat will arrive back in Uvita around 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm

NEW PRICE After December 1st, 2023, the price for snorkeling will be of $157 + tax per person.

• *This tour requires MULTIPLE payments. You will receive a link for a 2nd payment soon and the last payment will be done on the tour date.
• This tour DOES NOT include transportation from Manuel Antonio or Quepos; if you have a car we can provide directions to arrive in Uvita (1 hour) or you can purchase private transportation separately (around $150 round trip for 1-4 people).
• If one person of your group wishes to come as a visitor (just stay on the boat) then there is a fee of $90. (The price will be of $100 after December 1st, 2023)
• Entrance Fees to the Protected Areas
• Bilingual Guide
• Water & Juice
• Picnic Lunch
• Snorkeling Equipment

Recommendations

• Bring Shorts
• Bathing suit and Towel
• Sandals or Flip Flops
• Change of Clothes
• Small Bags to Safeguard Personal Belongings
• Sea sickness pills (if you tend to get sea sick)
• Rain jacket (May-Dec only)

Amazing tour

Incredible activity!! It was a 3 in 1 for us. First snorkeling, then on the way back we saw dolphins and even a whale and third we did a tour in the mangrove! It was magical and breathtaking. The only negative point is that the corals were mostly white, and therefore dead… which makes a less diverse and lively marine fauna. Still, we were lucky enough to see: sea turtles, some beautiful fishes and a reef shark. I highly recommend this trip!

Great Experience

Josue was a superb tour guide and made our experience wonderful and memorable.

It is easy to see why he was so very proud to be in his position and to speak on Costa Rica’s beautiful culture and environment.

Of course you have to understand that one cannot guarantee that you’ll see any one specific anim al. Still, we saw a bunch of cool ones: turtles, fish, rays, crabs, mollusks, small shark (not interested in us at all), sloths et al. The mangroves were a sight to see, too. We were in awe of how important and vital they are to life on this planet. My advice would be to not have any expectations on what you’ll see. Just enjoy it.

Also a big shout out to his boat captain, John. That guy could spot a brown, unmoving caterpillar on a brown tree 500 meters away. He spotted us a couple of sloths or “oso perezoso” all while piloting the boat however fast we were going. We could hardly see it once we were even aware of where they were!

Tip: Wear sunscreen and reapply often!

We had a fantastic time! Our guide pointed out all kinds of marine life and lunch+fruit on the boat was delicious. We highly recommend this tour.

Beautiful place and very professional tour

I could not be more impressed with how organized, professional, friendly and knowledgeable this crew was. Very impressed, highly recommended.

The staff is exceptional

Please, give them your money! You will not regret it.

This was my 4th tour and this was by far the most organized and friendliest staff of the lot. I want to mention Henry, who took me to the store and ended up paying for my anti-sea sickness pill.

The ride to the island is a bit long, 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you have a way to listen to music or to distract yourself do it. It’s a bit rough at first but heh.

There are two snorkeling sessions, about 45 min. each. On the first one, I heard a whale singing when I dove in. I saw 2 sea turtles and countless fish.

In between, you get fresh fruit and a trip to the beach.

The second session did not disappoint either. I saw pufferfish in several development stages and more sea turtles.

The water is very warm, but I recommend wearing a shirt.

The staff gives you food, explains the biology of the reserve, gives you visual fish guides and then it’s back to the point of departure. The ride back takes 45 minutes.

Awesome excursion!

We loved our snorkeling adventure! Between my dad and I, we saw an octopus, sea turtles, a sea cucumber and a variety of tropical fish. Our lunch and the drinks provided were DELICIOUS! Our tour guide was informative, and the entire boat crew was friendly. We had to pass through some garbage patches on our way to and from the island. It was a sad sight, very eye-opening! We were able to take about three bags of trash out and a whole lawn chair! We went in June and the weather was beautiful and the water was warm! As great as the snorkeling was, if you are of the more adventurous type I would highly recommend you take one of their diving tours instead! Two people on our boat were beginner divers and they were being shown how to dive. They got to go thirty feet deep and see the marine life closer than we did snorkeling! I highly recommend the snorkeling excursion. My dad and I wish we would have dived instead though!

A great day on the water

We had a group of 8 and I believe everyone had an amazing experience. The service was exceptional. It takes a lot of work from guides, boat crew, food prep, etc and the entire team seemed upbeat and professional. The scenery was great as was the food and information provided by our guides.

AWESOME Snorkeling Trip!

We had very organized equipment set up, check-in, and meet and greet with our guide. A beautiful trip out to the island. And lots of help spotting sharks, turtles, and beautiful fish. Would highly recommend it. (And the lunch was great, too)

Awesome experience

Leo is such a nice person with a lot of knowledge, the crew was super helpful and everything was smooth… Totally recommended.

Great snorkeling trip!

The crew was super helpful and friendly. They made a great lunch for the boat and the local knowledge was exceptional

An incredible experience!

We did this trip for my daughter’s 13th birthday and were not disappointed! What an incredible day! The check-in process was very easy and laid back. The food in the lobby was delicious, and the instructions given were very clear. The boat ride was amazing, as we also took the time to wander over to some whales who were entertaining us in another area. The snorkeling was fantastic, and our guides were very helpful showing us where to look, how to dive, etc. The lunch was delicious and the overall boat rides were very smooth. Thank you so much for such an incredible day. We are very grateful!

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Bahia Aventuras

Uvita boat and nature tour operator

Snorkeling at Caño Island

Costa rica’s best snorkeling.

Caño Island is an amazing marine biological reserve located at 53 km from the shore  with virgin blue waters making it the perfect tropical paradise for snorkelers and divers. It is home to and spectacular variety of stunning marine flora and fauna and is famous for having Costa Rica’s largest concentration of coral-building organisms along the Pacific Ocean. Visitors have rated Caño Island as having the best snorkeling and diving in Costa Rica! With fantastic underwater visibility, you have opportunity to observe and swim alongside sea turtles, stingrays, manta rays, moray eels, barracudas, tuna, snapper, parrot fish, puffers, and more. This forever-changing panorama is a powerful experience for those who venture below the surface to investigate the variety of marine life found near the coral reefs. Marine life is also abundant in the general outliers of the island and you can see white tipped reef sharks, and occasionally whale sharks and humpback whales.

Snorkeling Caño Island Day Tour details :

The meeting point for this trip is our main office where there is free coffee and snacks for our clients . ( arrival time suggested at 6.40 am). Then  you have to try the snorkeling equipment and our guide will perform a safety briefing , review of the itinerary and make sure the safety vest fit to every one.   The boat departs at 7:30 AM from Uvita beach and  has a duration of approximately  1,5 hours .During the boat transit to Cano Island  there is a chance to spot Dolphins,sea turtles or Whales depending on the season of the year. 

Once we arrive to Cano Island two snorkeling sessions will be performed in different locations that are chosen by our captain and guides depending on the conditions of the day .The average time we spend for snorkeling is about 2.5 hours or more depending on the visibility and on the ability of the participants. After finishing the snorkeling sessions, the guide will do an informative review of the marine species observed during the activity and a short break to eat some snacks and fruits on the boat  and then there will be a time  to relax on the beach( 30-40 minutes beach time  ) .Then the boat will return to Uvita beach and on the way back our captain will be searching for more marine wildlife as Dolphins, sea turtles and whales when its the season .

​IMPORTANT NOTES : Lunch will consist on wraps, chips , fruits and natural drinks ,all served on board or when the boat get back to Uvita beach . There will be access to a toilet in the Island  during the beach time .Due to strict government policies on the number of daily visitors to the island as well as the number of boats which are allowed to anchor with snorkelers, making reservations as far in advance as possible is strongly recommended.

CURRENT RATE   : $150.00 per person ($95 children under 10 years old)

DEPART : 7.30 am/ RETURN : 01.30/2.00 pm  / Minimum people for the operation : 6 people  

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Snorkeling at Caño Island – The 2nd Best Snorkel/Scuba Dive in Costa Rica

January 22, 2023 By Sammi 42 Comments

**If you’re ready to book the Caño Island snorkeling tour, scroll to the bottom of the post to fill out your booking request!*

I peered over the side of the boat to check out the water, as the rest of the group started getting their snorkel gear ready. From first glance, I could already see schools of fish swimming around in the brilliant blue waters.

Flashes of bright yellow from the stripes on large Sergeant majors winked at me from below the water, while streaks of dazzling silver from jacks glimmered deeper down.

Excitement came over me, erasing any sign of sleepiness I had on the 1 and a half hour boat ride. I quickly donned my mask and snorkel to dive into the warm welcoming waters and I have to be honest, I had high hopes for snorkeling at Cano Island.

It didn’t disappoint.

Snorkeling at Caño Island

Designated as the 2nd best snorkel and scuba diving site in Costa Rica, Caño Island, or Isla de Caño sits in the Pacific Ocean about 52 kilometers (32 miles) from Marino Ballena National Park . This biological reserve is home to a copious amount of marine wildlife such as sharks, eagle rays, fish and turtles.

On any given day, visibility is fairly good and visitors have the chance to see all sorts of wildlife. On the boat ride over, we saw dolphins and turtles. Sometimes you can see humpback whales if it’s the right time of year!

Best Snorkeling in Uvita

Scuba diving and snorkeling at Caño Island is one of the top activities to do in Uvita and the Osa Peninsula and it was one of our favorite experiences in Costa Rica so far. From the moment we jumped into the water, we were surrounded by all of those who call the ocean home.

It was like snorkeling in an aquarium.

Our guide called us to follow him, and no less than a minute later we were swimming with a juvenile Hawksbill turtle, grazing on the reef.

He didn’t mind us at all, focusing only on finishing his lunch. He swam with us for a bit, even coming all the way to the surface to take a breath and dive back down.

I could have watched him all day and been very happy.

But after 10 minutes or so, our guide signaled for us to follow him. He opened his hands to show us the size of the fish swimming ahead.

They were huge.

And there were so many of them.

All the Fish!

A large school of Bigeye Jacks were swimming around underneath us, with so many dashes of silver my eyes couldn’t quite focus just on how many there were.

The only way to find out was to dive down and swim with them, so I did just that.

Going deeper into the water makes everything so much clearer and more vivid. I love snorkeling, but only when you dive as far down as you can to get a much better view of all the wildlife.

The Jacks quickly sprinted out of my way as I approached, but there were so many they ended up surrounding me. I could also see my favorite angel fish and purple parrot fish slyly swimming around with the jacks, taking advantage of the big school to hide.

As I was happily floating alongside a very long trumpet fish, I bumped into Yeison. We had lost each other when we were swimming with the Jacks, as he was taking the pictures and videos. As we surfaced the water at the same time, I pulled the tube out of our mouths and exclaimed, “It’s so clear!”

We couldn’t believe that it took us 3 years to finally go snorkeling at Caño Island! Especially considering how much we love snorkeling and the ocean.

Our guide then waved us over to our next spot to look for whitetip reef sharks but to no avail. As we were snorkeling, we couldn’t see all the way down in the crevices of the reefs. However, the group next to us happened upon a large group of eagle rays.

Either way, the snorkeling at Caño Island was beyond anything what we had expected.

The Second Best Snorkeling in Costa Rica

I can definitely see now why the snorkeling at Cano Island is one of the best in Costa Rica. The clarity of the water was absolutely insane, even though it looked cloudy and dark above water! Underneath was as clear as day.

Watch our video to see what snorkeling at Cano Island is like!

Tips for Snorkeling at Cano Island

• Wear a rash guard . I forgot mine and got stung a bunch of times by those annoying jellyfish!
• Put on sunscreen ! And please use reef safe sunscreen .
• Take anti-nausea medicine if you get sea sick easily. Even though the waves were calm the day we went, they go fast and it is still a bit bumpy.
• The boat ride from Uvita is around 1 hour and a little more one way.
• Bring a waterproof camera or GoPro . You’ll want to take lots of pictures and videos!

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Where to Stay in Uvita

Hotel Cuna del Angel : Charming hotel off Costanera Sur close to Uvita. Spacious rooms with resident sloths!

Los Laureles Cabinas : Budget friendly cabinas on a beautiful property with a river and nature trail. Excellent restaurant.

Manoas: Villas and glamping resort up in the mountains. The glamping tents are awesome and is located by a river.

Book Your Tour!

Use the form below to book your Caño Island snorkeling tour from Uvita!

Cano Island Snorkeling Tour Information

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Description

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Minimum Age: 4 y/o

You may encounter various marine species such as turtles or cetaceans (dolphins and whales) by Snorkeling in Caño Island.

Once on the island, you will stop at two different snorkel sites, depending on the prevailing conditions on the island.

Between dives, drinks and snacks are offered on the boat. After some swimming, a good typical lunch is provided.

Interested in a private tour?

Price for 1-8 people:

Contact us now!

• Professional bilingual guides
• Snorkeling equipment

We recommend:

Approx. 8-hour tour.

• Start: 7:00 am – End: 3:00 pm

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Caño Island Snorkeling

Explore gorgeous coral reefs and virgin blue waters at Cano Island Full Day Boat Tour. With turquoise blue waters and colorful coral reefs, Cano Island, located near the Osa Peninsula is one of the best Costa Rican snorkeling and scuba diving destinations. Join this magical boat tour and explore with detail the mysteries of the underwater world . (The island is a biological reserve, snorkel and scuba diving numbers are regulated, and reservations fill up quickly.)

from   $140   per person

Includes transport and guide..

Take a look at this list of tips we create that will save you time, money and hassle caused by lack of knowledge and planning:

• Be realistic with your budget This is #1 because it’s the most common, and understandably so. Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America because of its popularity with tourists, quality of life for the locals and overall safety. But these things come with a high sticker price. Visitors also forget to include things like food, transport, tours and unforeseen costs such as park entrance fees. When decided your budget make sure to leave some wiggle room for extra expenses, especially if you don’t plan on staying in hostels with cold showers. Like they say, you get what you pay for!
• Don’t forget your documents! Your documents are the single most important things not to forget. Without a passport and credit/debit card you won’t be going anywhere. Make sure that your passport doesn’t expire within 3 months of the dates you are traveling. We also recommend printing airline ticket and hotel confirmations because WiFi in the country is not always reliable and roaming/overage charges by cell phone providers can be very costly. Make sure to have your return ticket handy as you will not be able to enter the country without it. Before you leave your country make sure to notify your bank of your travel dates so they don’t block your cards for suspicious activity. Also, be sure to bring your driver’s license if you plan on operating a vehicle.  **Tip** You can scan all your documents and/or take photos of them with you phone and save them (the cloud, your email or Google Drive) just in case you lose something you will have it available.
• Carefully plan your carry-on If you’ve traveled much you will know that the possibility of an airline losing your bag is real. Be sure you have the essentials in your carry-on so you are prepared just in case this happens to you. We recommend you pack your documents and important papers, a change of clothes, prescription medicines, valuables and eyewear if applicable.
• Leave some stuff at home! How many times have you returned from a vacation with items you didn’t use the entire time you were gone? Many people (myself included) tend to overpack for holidays. This will only slow you down and leave you with too much stuff to keep track of. Remember you are coming to a tropical climate. No matter where you go, you are not likely to be cold and could do without that oversized jacket.
• Beware of overeager itineraries Many people overextend by jamming more into their itinerary than is realistic. Even though Costa Rica is a small country, the terrain and traffic make travel times much longer than one would imagine by looking at a map. Also, plan to be at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Traveling to San José from another destination can take longer than you might imagine. There are more cars than there are people in the city and therefore traffic can be horrible (a 10-mile drive can take more than an hour with traffic). Never cut your arrival time to less than 2 hours from your flight time. We recommend staying in San José the night before your flight unless it is late in the day or evening. Also, be aware that while day trips from San José to places like Manuel Antonio, Arenal Volcano and Monteverde are possible, they are not recommended. You’ll end up with a full day of traveling and not much time to enjoy the destinations. Consult with travel agents to get a realistic idea of what is possible and help with planning.
• Don’t let your guard down Even in the land of “tranquilo” and “pura vida” one must keep their eyes open and be aware of their surroundings. Violent crime is uncommon in Costa Rica, but petty theft is commonplace, as is in almost all tourist destinations. Never leave your valuables unattended in restaurants, beaches, your rental car or anywhere else. You should even lock them in the safe of your hotel room. Also, by preventing these incidents you are actually reducing the likelihood for future crime in an area. It’s always a good idea to check in with your accommodation to ask if there are any known security issues that you should be aware of. We know you are excited about being on vacation, but remember that you are not at home. Always practice good judgment whether it be swimming in ocean, where riptides are a real concern, on a high-adrenaline rafting tour or interacting with wildlife. By simply following the instructions of your guides and heeding warnings you can save you and your loved ones a lot of heartache.
• Plan ahead Nowadays many travelers like the idea of not being tied down to reservations and not committing to a set itinerary. This is fine if you’re under no time or budget constraints, but otherwise you may want to think ahead. Many hotels and transportation services in high season will not have availability and you may be forced to stay somewhere you don’t like. A little research will help save you time and make sure you stay at the right place for you. Besides, who wants to spend their vacation worrying about that kind of thing??
• The myths of Booking.com and Expedia It can be tempting to book hotel rooms with these internet giants. They are easy to use and tout things like “best price guarantee” and “free cancellations”. The truth is that you are not really getting the whole picture. These travel sites are only concerned about selling rooms, not which hotel is the best fit for you. They often omit details of properties in order to make them look more appealing. Often time guests arrive not knowing that the room they booked didn’t have air conditioning or even a window! We recommend booking directly with hotel, which will always match the best price, for the most accurate descriptions and best service. Trust us, hotels give preference to their direct customers.
• There’s only one SJO The San José airport is where the majority of visitors enter Costa Rica. Although it doesn’t happen often, some people have gotten mixed up and booked tickets to San José, California or even San Juan, Puerto Rico. If you use the airport code SJO you’ll be good to go!
• Put down that mobile device In this age of technology, we’d like to suggest you try to disconnect a little while you’re on vacation. Memories are even more special than photos, and it’ll be one less thing for you to worry about while you’re getting your tan on.

Responsible Whale & Dolphin Tours

The Eco Experience of a Lifetime in Costa Rica

Caño Island Day Tour

A trip to the South Pacific region just isn’t complete without a visit to Isla de Caño, one of Costa Rica’s best snorkeling and diving locations.

We offer both PRIVATE and SHARED tour options.

We are excited to share with you the abundance of nature and wildlife found in our pristine rivers, mangroves, untouched jungle forests, and national parks. We hope you see tons of wildlife!!!

We are a locally owned and operated company. Each one of our naturalist guides have been certified by the ICT and have numerous years of experience specifically guiding in the Osa Peninsula.  Our goal is to give you an unmatched safe, fun and personal experience that can only be provided in an intimate group setting.

Just 12 miles off-shore from Drake Bay, Caño Island is both a biological and archaeological preserve.  The waters are usually clear and warm and there is a plethora of marine life to be seen while snorkeling including: sea turtles, large schools of fish, reef sharks, manta rays, star fish, and numerous tropical fish including king angel, moorish idol, puffers, surgeonfish, snapper, barracuda, barberfish, parrotfish, damsels and more. Plus a variety of eels can be found hiding around the coral lined rock formations.

There is a trail on the island that leads to a pre-Colombian archaeological site where artifacts such as perfectly spherical stones and ancient burial and ceremonial sites from the indigenous Diquis tribe who inhabited the Golfo Dulce area until the arrival of the Spanish can be seen. There is also a lookout point located a few minutes off the trail. It is a 30 minute walk to the lookout and about 45 minutes to the archaeological site.

The ranger station at the park offers shaded resting areas, public bathrooms and a cool, freshwater outdoor shower.

Along the way, it is likely that we will encounter playful spotted, spinner, or bottlenose dolphins swimming along side or in front of the boat, and we might see some whales too.

Brilliant tropical fish shimmer about the rock formations as you near the island, as if to welcome your arrival to this sacred area. We will stop for our first snorkeling adventure once we arrive at the island where calm, crystalline waters harbor a variety of marine life including large schools of fish, white-tipped reef sharks and more.

We will then make our way to the sandy shores of Caño Island where we will enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the beach and have a delicious picnic lunch. You may choose to take a short hike up to the archaeological site.

We will depart Caño Island in the afternoon and make one more stop at a different snorkeling location for another 30-45 minutes and then return to Sierpe or Drake Bay between 2:30 and 4pm.

*This Cano Island day tour is available from Quepos & Manuel Antonio*, Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal, Sierpe and Drake Bay.

A  few tips for safe and enjoyable tours:

* We try to be single use plastic free!!!! Please bring REUSABLE water bottles!

* Please respect nature! We do NOT promote feeding of wildlife or touching. Please maintain a safe distance when photographing.

*  Snakes : There are venomous snakes in Costa Rica, but most lead reclusive lives.  A observant eye while hiking can help eliminate unintended encounters. Wear covered shoes when hiking in the forest. Please do not pick up logs and rocks as snakes like to hide under these things.

*  Plants : Several trees and palms have very sharp spines on their trunks and leaf undersides.  Always look before you grab a hold of a plant and do not walk barefoot.

*  Insects : Mosquitoes and small biting flies and sand flies can occasionally can be annoying.  Bug repellent might make your stay a bit more comfortable, but  please always apply it away from others and use ECO friendly  products .

*  Sun : remember you are in the tropics and the sun is strong, even on cloudy days.  Sunscreen should be applied before going out in the sun and up to an hour before snorkeling so that it is well absorbed into your skin. It is preferable to wear a long sleeve shirt instead since the chemicals in sunscreen are  toxic to delicate coral and marine life. If using a spray or aerosol sun block, please always apply it away from others.

*  Ocean Safety : Please always ASK if its safe to swim in the ocean. Ocean currents are strong. Learn what to do if caught in a rip tide BEFORE swimming in the ocean.  Swimming should be done with caution to  hidden  rocks and currents. Always treat the ocean with respect, it is very very powerful.

* Look UP before situating yourself at the beach. Don’t sit or park under  coconuts  that could fall… they kill a few people every year!

A Note about  TRAVEL INSURANCE :  **Please note we STRONGLY encourage ALL travelers to have travel insurance! It may cover items that are lost or stolen, missed flights or hotel nights if delayed by weather or traffic, and it may offer health insurance for emergencies. We sell travel insurance if you are interested. You assume all risk if you do not have insurance.

This tour will include lunch but you should bring your own snacks and water  for while you are outside of lunch time.

Our arrival at the beach is a wet landing, so bring your sandals in addition to sturdier footwear to use on the trails.   Please make sure to eat a good breakfast (or order breakfast from our menu for an extra cost) before the tour or on the way AND bring your cell phone for taking pictures through the telescope.

It is likely you will see dolphins and maybe whales and sea turtles, plus lots of other marine life.  Full day tour (7 or 8 till 3 or 4pm), will vary based on pick up times. You may see whales if it’s the right time of year…

• Tours & Activities

ONE DAY TOUR TO CANO ISLAND FROM MANUEL ANTONIO

• Picnic Lunch
• Snorkel tour
• Transport Manuel Antonio - Sierpe - Manuel Antonio
• Transport by boat
• Tourist Guide
• Entry/Admission - Reserva Biologica Isla del Cano
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Infants must sit on laps
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Stroller accessible
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Wheelchair accessible
• Minimum Two Travelers
• Special Tour for nature observers, and adventurers.
• What to bring on the tour: swimming suit, towel, sunscreen, hat, water
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers

• Information & Tips

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Caño island from manuel antonio.

The second best place in Costa Rica to practice snorkeling or diving only behind the mythical Cocos Island.

Islands , Aquatic Departure from Manuel Antonio Exploring Costa Rica , Caño Island Reserve One-day tours

Full day tour to Caño Island, we leave by boat from the Sierpe dock 2 hours from Manuel Antonio to the Island with a duration of 1.15 hours, this island is one of the best places to practice this activity. You will be able to get off the island and see its viewpoint and then do some dives at different points around the Island. You will be back in Sierpe at approximately 4pm.

Proceed with an online booking Price available from 2024-04-22 to 2024-04-22 per person when booking two adults.

Travel Packing Checklist

Plastic bag to protect cameras

Refillable water bottle

Sun glasses

Small backpack

Do not carry valuables or cash

Swimming clothes

Spare clothing

Water sandals

Conditions and cancelation policy

1- You can reschedule the trip at no additional cost as long as there are no price increases in services, otherwise the additional will be paid, applies to flight cancellations or illness due to pandemic theme, only assume the cost of the transfer for the return of the money. 2- Any change or cancellation of reservation can be made by phone or email. 3- If you cancel more than 5 days before the date of the tour you will pay a penalty of 5% of the price of the package for management costs. 4- If you cancel between 4 and 5 days before the date of arrival there is a 10% cancellation fee of the tour price. 5- If cancelled 3 days before the date of arrival there is a penalty of 100% of the total reservation. 6- If the client does not show up on time for the booked tour, 100% of the prepaid price will be charged.

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Home » Destinations » 11 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Caño Island, Costa Rica

11 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Caño Island, Costa Rica

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Published: September 25, 2022  - Last updated: March 17, 2024

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Caño Island is one of the top places to snorkel and dive in Costa Rica and is home to fantastic underwater adventures and diverse marine life. This protected area is one of the best nature reserves in Costa Rica !

This island near Drake Bay and off the coast of Uvita serves as a marine biological reserve and is home to bright blue waters, unique landscapes, and incredible flora and fauna as far as the eye can see. 

Generally, the eye can see pretty far as this area has good visibility and allows visitors to soak in everything that Isla del Caño, or Caño Island, has to offer.  

Whether you’re planning to spend a week in Costa Rica or longer, adding this little island to your itinerary is a great choice. But, if you’re planning a trip here, you probably have some questions. So, let me help!

After spending some time on this beautiful island I’ll share my top things to know before visiting Caño Island, so you’re prepared for your own trip here. 

1. About Caño Island 

Having been called the second-best place to snorkel and dive in all of Costa Rica, Caño Island holds its own among the brilliant landscapes and biodiversity of this beautiful country.  

Caño Island is also a popular spot for ecotourism, such as viewing protected coral beds, whale watching, and encountering lots of other sea life.  

This island is a protected area managed under the Osa Convention Area known as the Caño Island Biological Reserve, which covers 2,900 hectares (7,166 acres). It has its own permanent ranger station on the island and maintains a role in keeping both wildlife and nature safe.

However, don’t expect to set foot on the island! Recent controversy has led to the island being completely off-limits. Thankfully, it’s what’s in the water that most come to see!

There are 19 species of coral around Caño Island, and the coral beds in the water surrounding the island are used to research coral death and its factors. That means that the area is not only protected but actively being used to come up with solutions to environmental issues. You can see a huge variety of marine life, including sharks, turtles, pufferfish, and more! 

For anyone interested in biology, the environment, or seeing incredible nature at work, Caño Island, Costa Rica, is the place for you. 

2. Where is Caño Island?  

Caño Island, Costa Rica, is located about 16 km (10 miles) west of the mainland and, on a clear day, can be seen from Drake Bay.

You’ll find this biological reserve near the northwest corner of the Osa Peninsula , which is home to the beautiful Corcovado National Park .

The closest towns to Caño Island are Drake Bay, Sierpe, Dominical , and Uvita .

This area of Costa Rica is about 6 hours south of the capital, San José , so you’ll want a game plan before expecting to just hop on a bus and head to wherever you’ll catch a boat from. 

3. Where can you visit Caño Island from, and what are the best tours? 

When it comes to leaving for Caño Island, the best place to depart from is Drake Bay due to the town’s close proximity to the island. This is in the Puntarenas province of the country, in the southwestern region.  

However, you can also leave from Sierpe, a small village located on a river with the same name, or Uvita, a small town located a bit further north. There are also tours from Dominical, but most link up in Uvita anyway. 

Regardless of how you choose to visit the island, the only way to access it is by boat.  

So, if you get seasick often, this might not be the best place for you, unfortunately. However, for those lucky enough to go, here are the best tours from each town! 

Tours from Drake Bay

There are plenty of things to do and places to stay in Drake Bay . Its amenities make it a good home base for your trip to Caño Island. Drake Bay is also one of the best places to stay in Costa Rica with a variety of hotels to choose from.

If you are departing from the Drake Bay area, there is a great  6-hour snorkeling tour  that leaves from there. You’ll have the chance to go out on not one but two snorkeling adventures to make sure that you see all of the incredible marine life you can.  

One of my favorite things about this is that the group caps at 8 people, so you have a more personalized experience. Snorkeling equipment is provided, of course, and a beginner instruction session will take place for everyone to feel prepared.  

You’ll get to finish up on the mainland with a group lunch to wrap up a busy day of snorkeling and exploring. Grab your spot on the tour for $107 USD.

If you’re an experienced scuba diver, go deeper into the waters around the island with this scuba diving tour  that leaves from Drake Bay. The group for this is also small and caps at 6 people so that you have plenty of attention and support from your divemaster if needed.  

Expect to see amazing rock formations, coral, turtles, seahorses, and maybe even some sharks. Don’t worry, this tour is run by professionals, and you’ll be in good hands even around the sea animals! 

There is plenty of time in between dives, but you do get to go on a few. I really loved how this tour includes everything but tips for the $184 USD pricetag, because it has an all-inclusive feel that makes the day that much more enjoyable. 

Once you’re all dived out, head back to the mainland for a group lunch before saying your goodbyes. 

Tours from Sierpe

Staying in Sierpe? There are tours for that, too! 

If your goal is snorkeling, this  2-day tour combines snorkeling near Caño Island and exploring a National Forest Reserve.  

On day one, you’ll first go to the Terraba-Sierpe Mangrove on your way to the coast. After exploring the forest reserve area, you’ll have some time to rest as you’re transported to the island. If you’re good with a little bit of choppy water, that is.  

Snorkeling near the island is a must, and it was so rejuvenating to get in the water after a long morning of exploring the forest. This is a tour that allows you to get off at the island, where you can enjoy an included group lunch on the beach. 

You get back around 4 in the afternoon and can stay at any accommodation you like. So, this tour is great when you already have a hotel in Sierpe but are interested in both tour days.  

Day two will be a shorter day, where you go back to Caño Island just to snorkel this time.  This is a great way to see more of the area and set foot on the island itself.  

Speaking of multi-day tours , there is another one that includes everything but your transportation to Sierpe. This  4-day tour of Caño Island and Corcovado National Park is unreal!

You’ll likely fly from San José for this tour unless you’re already driving around Costa Rica on your trip, so plan accordingly. If you have the time and the $815 USD is within your budget, this tour is too cool to pass up! 

Everything I’ve mentioned so far makes its way into the tour- from Drake Bay and its mainland jungles to the Sierpe River, Corcovado, and Caño Island. Not only do you get to snorkel, but you also get to go on nighttime jungle hikes, treks, boat rides, see wildlife, and so much more! 

The local guides are incredibly knowledgeable and have so much to share about the ecosystem you’ll be adventuring in. One really great thing is that the tour includes all accommodation and most meals so that you can focus on learning and soaking in all the beautiful sights.  

There are some more intensive physical activities involved since this tour takes you through so much of the south of Costa Rica and its landscape. It’s not recommended for those under 12 or over 60, but that is at your discretion.  

Groups are kept small so you can experience the trip without being overwhelmed by a large group. I think that this helps to keep the experience fun and personal, which makes it all the more enticing. 

So, if you’re staying in Sierpe and want a good way to spend a few days, I highly recommend checking it out. 

Tours from Uvita

Even if you are staying a bit further away from the island, there is a tour that will get you right there, so you don’t have to miss out.  

Similar to the other day tours, this snorkeling tour  leaves from Uvita and allows you to see whales, turtles, and other marine life as you make your way to the island.  

With two guided snorkeling sessions at 1.5 hours each, you’ll have time to rest in between and soak up some sun.  

Depending on the weather, you might get to stop at a different island along the way back to the mainland to enjoy lunch. If the weather does not permit, you’ll still get to have a group lunch back at the port in Uvita.  

There are tours to Caño Island from all the major areas to the east of the island, so don’t miss out just because you aren’t staying in Drake. 

4. Where is the best place to visit Caño Island from? 

When it comes to visiting Caño Island, it will be easiest to access from Drake Bay.  

Closest to the island, Drake Bay is located to the west of the mainland and has a variety of accommodations, including an airport.  

However, you can easily get to Caño Island from Sierpe and Uvita, as well. You can expect to leave from this area of Puntarenas, very far to the southwest of Costa Rica, when you make the journey to Caño Island. 

Of course, as a traveler, you are likely to fly into San José. There are flights to different smaller airports in the region, so depending on where you stay, you can decide if you want to bus, fly, or drive down to this area of Costa Rica. 

5. Is snorkeling and scuba diving good around Caño Island? 

Yes, snorkeling and scuba diving are both great around Caño Island.

As a matter of fact, the island has some of the best diving and snorkeling in all of Costa Rica! It’s considered the second-best place to snorkel in the entire country, only after the famous Cocos Island.

Cocos Island National Park holds the top spot, thanks to its status as the best site for snorkeling and scuba diving in Central America. So, when it comes to recommended places to enjoy water activities, Caño Island is up there. 

Related Read : One of my other top spots for snorkeling in Costa Rica is Tortuga Island . It was incredible!

6. Is the boat ride over to Caño Island rough?  

Something to keep in mind as you make your way over to Caño Island – the boat ride can be very rough.  

Especially in bad weather, expect a rocky ride. If the water is less choppy than you had anticipated, this is a welcome surprise.  But it’s best to come prepared for the boat ride over to be rough.

Plan to bring a rain jacket with you. This will protect you not only if it rains, but also will help keep you dry as water sprays up from the sides of the boat.  

Speaking of bringing your essentials, if you are someone that gets seasick, have some motion sickness pills on deck. 

On that note, if you get seasick, this may not be the best place to visit for you. Tours will only have you getting off the boat to snorkel or dive, so you’ll be spending a lot of time on the water itself.  

If you aren’t someone who gets seasick, the trip to Caño Island is a great way to spend a day on the water while taking in the views around you. 

7. When is the best time to visit Caño Island?  

So, now you know how to get to Caño Island, but do you know when the best time to visit is? 

I recommend visiting the island during Costa Rica’s dry season because the visibility will be so much better. The dry season is also usually the best time to visit Costa Rica .

If you’re going to Caño Island, you’ll likely want to see the marine life on your boat ride over, and it is much easier in the months of December through April.  

If you can’t get to Costa Rica at that time of year, not to worry! Visibility in the rain is not the best, but you might get lucky. Also, the dry season is much busier thanks to its favorable conditions, so you’ll have a chance to beat the crowds if you come outside of those months.  

8. Are Caño Island tours suitable for kids?  

If you are hoping to take a day tour to Caño Island, go ahead and bring the kids! 

The tours I mentioned will all be suitable for kids, though I might not recommend the multi-day options that are a bit more intensive.  

You’ll also want to make sure your kids are comfortable in the water, even though everyone is provided with a life jacket. Also, getting in and out of the boat uses a ladder in the water, which can be difficult for younger kids.

Related Read : If you’re looking for more tours for families or couples, check out our recommendations for the best tours in Costa Rica !

9. What should you bring to Caño Island?  

On top of bringing a rain jacket or poncho to keep the sea spray and rain away, you’ll want some other essentials for your visit to Caño Island.  

Since you’ll be in the water, pack some reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof camera, a dry bag, and some warm clothes for after your dive.  

Oh yeah, and don’t forget the sunglasses, snacks, water, and a hat to keep as cool and protected from the sun as you can for your day on the water.  

10. Can you see wildlife on the boat ride to Caño Island?

If you haven’t caught on just yet, seeing the wildlife here is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica !

It’s possible to spot dolphins, whales, and turtles on your boat ride to Caño Island. If you don’t get a chance to see all three, you’ll certainly see at least one of them. Seeing a sea turtle on our boat ride over was a big highlight for me!

While dolphins and turtles can be spotted year-round in Costa Rica, there are better months to see whales. The best season for whale watching in Costa Rica is from July to November. You can spot multiple whales, including babies, during this time. The second-best season runs from January to April, and while not quite as good, you still have a great chance of seeing a whale.

Along the way, you can also expect to see lots of different species of birds and once you arrive near the island, you’ll spot all the flora and fauna it’s home to. Then, when you get in the water, you’ll see a ton or fish and coral. We even saw two sea turtles!

11. Are there places to stay near Caño Island?

Yes! I absolutely recommend staying nearby so you can more easily book and join a tour.

The closest place to stay is in Drake Bay. You’ll have the shortest boat ride over, so more time to enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving. There are lots of places to stay in Drake Bay , but these are a couple of our top picks.

Corcovado Jungle Hostel – $

Right near the beach and not far from the center of town, Corcovado Jungle Hostel is great for your adventures in the area. You’re close to the water for swimming or snorkeling, and of course, the boat ride out to Caño Island, or there’s good hiking or exploring at the nearby Corcovado National Park.

There’s a wide variety of rooms so you can grab a cheap stay in a dorm room for about $17 USD per night or a private room for two for roughly $33 USD. Book your room either on Booking.com here or HostelWorld here .

Cabañas Bajo Bosque Drake – $$

I love this place because Cabañas Bajo Bosque Drake  is tucked away in the jungle just outside of town. You’ll get a front-row seat to nature with tons of monkeys and birds nearby. The double rooms here offer mountain views for about $63 USD per night. It’s a great escape into nature, but you’re still within a quick drive of beaches and the town center.

You can check availability and book a room here on Booking.com , here on Hotels.com , or here on Expedia .

Poor Man’s Paradise Lodge – $$$

Located on a beautiful secluded beach in the middle of the rainforest, Poor Man’s Paradise Lodge is a great escape. You’ll see monkeys and parrots during breakfast or just lounge around in a hammock on the balcony. The oceanview bungalows are spacious and reasonably priced for the amount of space you’re getting at around $150 USD per night.

The property is right in Corcovado National Park, so it’s easy to visit the park before or after your Caño Island trip. You can check availability and book a stay here on Booking.com , here on Hotels.com , or here on Expedia .

Getting Around Costa Rica

How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. 

Renting a Car

Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.

One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.

Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.

Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.

You can  browse cars on Discover Cars here .

Book Shuttles

If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica , or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.

Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)

To get the best price, use the website  Bookaway . They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! 

You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.

Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!  

The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!

It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.

If you’ve always pictured escaping to a tropical island, what better way to do it than to visit the beautiful Caño Island. Snorkeling and scuba diving here are among the best in the country and the surrounding area is amazing to explore while you’re here. Give this little island a top spot on your itinerary and you won’t be disappointed!

While you’re planning your getaway, make sure to check out our other blogs about the things to do in Costa Rica . We’re not only frequent visitors, but we’ve lived here too, so we have lots of ideas to share for travel inspiration.

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Cano Island Snorkeling Boat Excursion

• Dolphin Watching
• Whale Watching (Jul.-Nov)
• Glide by the largest mangrove forest of Costa Rica
• Picnic Buffet Lunch Included
• Two snorkeling locations
• Time length : 6:45 a.m. - 4 p.m. (full day)
• Hours : 6:45 a.m.
• Price : $130 per person
• What to bring : a snack, towels, sunscreen
• Location : Caño Island (pick up in Dominical)

Discover the vibrant world below the underground mountains of Caño Island, look for sea turtles and colorful fish, take pictures of pan-tropical spotted dolphins and whales with their babies (Jul.-Nov.) in the Pacific Ocean, watch birds and groups of monkeys as you float through a mangrove forest.

Come on board and glide along the Sierpe River to the Pacific Ocean with relaxing sky and forest reflections. From the coastal waters to the vast strides of the open ocean, your guide and the captain will use their eagle eyes to help you spot dolphins, turtles and whales (Jul.-Nov.) until you arrive to the shores of Cano Island.

Your guides will leave the boat to arrange for your admittance to the island while you gear up with fins and snorkel. The captain will find your designated site and anchor the boat. Plunge into the waters and start your first 30-45 minute snorkeling experience on the rock outcrops of the island – snorkeling sites vary depending on tides, weather conditions and currents, you will be visiting the sites with the best visibility.

Hop into the boat and get ready to explore the Caño Island Beach shores where you will spend about 20 minutes, please note that to keep the pristine state of the island smoking and eating are not allowed on the island.

Put your feet ashore and walk along the magnificent beach stretch looking at how the forest bends to touch the ocean and follow the trail up the mountain to a view point that offers you panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean – if you have the stamina continue to see the mysterious stone spheres located further inside the forest and guess how they were made. This trail may be open or closed at the Park Ranger’s discretion.

Boat to the farthest end of the island, the captain will drop anchor and you can enter into the water to explore another snorkeling site, which is usually deeper. Here you will search for sharks, turtles, and other tropical fish life.

Sail away from Caño Island, north to Violin Island, south to San Josecito Beach, or to any swimmable beach in between them for a picnic lunch. The captain will select the destination based on the weather conditions. Guides will unload from the boat the ingredients to prepare a buffet lunch while you play in the waves, stroll on the beach, seek for wildlife or simply relax. Lunch is usually self-serve sandwiches, fresh fruit and rice.

Glide back through the stunning mangrove forest to enjoy the natural late afternoon show as birds and animals look for food on the edge of the riverbanks and tree branches. Your guide will help you spot wildlife in the trees or anywhere else they are hiding from view as the boat traverses through the river.

Departure & Return

• Departure point : Tour departs from all major hotels and rental homes in low lands along Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal and other coastal towns along the southern Pacific
• Return details : Tour returns to original departure point between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
• Departure time : Hotel pickup is between 20 and 120 minutes before tour start time depending on hotel location.

Cano Island Snorkeling Boat Excursion in Pictures

Cano island aerial view - costa rica.

Cano Island Shores - Costa Rica

Cano Island View Point Pacific Ocean - Costa Rica

violin island aerial view - Costa Rica

cano island tour - Costa Rica

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dominical surf dive snorkel carrying tanks - Costa Rica

dominical surf dive snorkel cano island - Costa Rica

dominical surf dive snorkel cano closeup - Costa Rica

dominical surf dive snorkel boarding - Costa Rica

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Snorkeling at Isla del Caño

This spot has been added by

petit merle

2 spots added - 12 photos shared

Last updated on July 20, 2023

Widely considered the most spectacular snorkeling spot in Costa Rica, Isla del Caño boasts a rich sea life in a tropical paradise. This small and lush island is home to scarlet macaws and toucans. Isla de Caño is bordered by a hard coral reef where sea turtles, sharks, rays and colorful fish abound at a shallow depth. Located off the coast of Corcovado National Park, it takes 1 to 2 hours by boat to reach the spot, but it is really worth the trip.

How to get to the Isla del Caño snorkeling spot

Isla del Caño is located off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, west of Corcovado National Park.

The small island, which is a biological reserve, can only be visited during day trips with tour operators registered with the park. Tour prices range between $100 and $150 per person. Most of the tours include 2 snorkeling sessions around the island, lunch on the boat, and time to relax on a beach.

Isla del Caño tours depart mainly from 3 locations:

• Uvita , at the gate of the Ballena National Marine Park. This is the main departure point, and is the most easily reached. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by boat to get to Isla del Caño from there.
• Sierpe , a small village located inland, in a bend of the Sierpe River. From there, the boat trip to the island takes 2 hours. You travel 1 hour down the river and the mangrove and then 1 hour towards the ocean.
• Drake Bay , in front of the island. It is the closest departure point to the island, but it is quite difficult to access. Because of this, there are fewer tours organized. From Drake Bay, the crossing to the island takes about 1 hour.

During the boat trip between the mainland and the island, you may have the chance to spot sea turtles, dolphins, or humpback whales (from June to September and December to April).

Water entrance for snorkeling Isla del Caño

You will enter the water from your boat, a few dozen meters from the island’s shore.

Isla del Caño snorkeling exploration tips

Your guide will most probably take you to the northern coast of the island, as it is more sheltered and several coral reefs have developed.

The reef forms plateaus and ridges that slope irregularly from the surface to deeper areas. The reef is composed of hard corals, mainly from Pocillopora and Porites genus. The coral is quite bleached, especially on the shallower parts of the reef, exposed to swell and tides.

Isla del Caño has a striking density of fish, one of the highest in the Eastern Pacific. Reef fish, such as the bluebarred parrotfish , the orangeside triggerfish , the king angelfish and the Mexican hogfish are common near the coral heads, including in shallow water. Dozens of other species can be seen, such as damselfish and butterflyfish.

Isla del Caño is also famous for its larger inhabitants. Whitetip reef sharks and hawksbill sea turtles are so common here that they are spotted by snorkelers almost every time. Occasionally, stingrays, eagle rays and barracudas are also seen.

Due to its offshore location, underwater visibility at this location is generally good, including during the rainy season. Because of the water clarity, snorkeling in Isla del Caño is possible almost all year round.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

The island is completely wild and protected, and there are no facilities. Day trips usually include lunch. Please inquire when you book your tour.

• Level required Intermediate
• Protected area Reserva Biológica Isla del Caño
• Maximum depth 30ft/10m
• Water entrance From a boat
• Lifeguard No
• Visitor numbers Medium
• Access costs Cost of a snorkeling tour (from $100 pp.)
• Restaurants nearby No

These spots are accessible to anyone with basic snorkeling skills, and feeling comfortable in the water and with his snorkeling gear. You will enter the water from the shore (beach, pontoon, ladder, rocks) or from a boat. The water height in the sea entrance area is reasonable, but you will not necessarily be within your depth. Moderate currents can occur in the area, even when the sea conditions are good. The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas of the spot does not exceed 200 meters. This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.

Isla del Caño snorkeling pictures Add photos

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Seabed aspect

Snorkeling spots are part of a wild environment and their aspect can be significantly altered by weather, seasons, sea conditions, human impact and climate events (storms, hurricanes, seawater-warming episodes…). The consequences can be an alteration of the seabed (coral bleaching, coral destruction, and invasive seagrass), a poor underwater visibility, or a decrease of the sea life present in the area. Snorkeling Report makes every effort to ensure that all the information displayed on this website is accurate and up-to-date, but no guarantee is given that the underwater visibility and seabed aspect will be exactly as described on this page the day you will snorkel the spot. If you recently snorkeled this area and noticed some changes compared to the information contained on this page, please contact us.

The data contained in this website is for general information purposes only, and is not legal advice. It is intended to provide snorkelers with the information that will enable them to engage in safe and enjoyable snorkeling, and it is not meant as a substitute for swim level, physical condition, experience, or local knowledge. Remember that all marine activities, including snorkeling, are potentially dangerous, and that you enter the water at your own risk. You must take an individual weather, sea conditions and hazards assessment before entering the water. If snorkeling conditions are degraded, postpone your snorkeling or select an alternate site. Know and obey local laws and regulations, including regulated areas, protected species, wildlife interaction and dive flag laws.

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LAST SPACES AVAILABLE

GALAPAGOS 2024 SNORKELING LIVEABOARD

Snorkeling at Caño Island…

• $ 150.00

Snorkeling at Caño Island from Uvita by Pacific Expeditions

If you love the ocean, this is your best choice, Cano Island is located in the South Pacific of Costa Rica, it hosts a great marine diversity, ranked by many divers as the second best place in our country for scuba diving and snorkeling.

The boat trip from Uvita to the island takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, on the way you might find dolphins, sea turtles and whales (July-October, December-March).

We offer private tours with the best tour operators for each activity. Contact us and we will gladly quote you tailored to your needs.

Can’t reserve the date you are looking for or are you a solo traveler? Contact us, we may have the date open with another tour operator.

Description

Once on the island you will have the opportunity to go snorkeling on different spots if possible, there are tons of fish some of them are really colorful such as the Bicolor Parrotfish, King Angelfish, Moorish Idol, there is also a good chance to have an encounter with the White-tipped Reef Shark and Hawksbill Sea Turtle. What are you waiting for? Join us on this amazing adventure.  

Full Day (7:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.)

• Safety gear
• Snorkeling gear
• Water and fruits
• National Park ticket
• Local tour guide

If you love the ocean, this is your best choice, Cano Island is located in the South Pacific of Costa Rica, it hosts a great marine diversity, ranked by many divers as the second best place in our country for scuba diving and snorkeling. The boat trip from Uvita to the island takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, on the way you might find dolphins, sea turtles and whales (July-October, December-March). Once on the island you will have the opportunity to go snorkeling on different spots if possible, there are tons of fish some of them are really colorful such as the Bicolor Parrotfish, King Angelfish, Moorish Idol, there is also a good chance to have an encounter with the White-tipped Reef Shark and Hawksbill Sea Turtle. What are you waiting for? Join us on this amazing adventure.  

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Snorkle trip-manual antonio to Cano Island(From Uvita Or Dra - Manuel Antonio Forum

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Snorkle trip-manual antonio to Cano Island(From Uvita Or Dra

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Mid January 2019 - mom and 2 kids ( 20 and 22) ….

- looking to do day trip to Cano Island ( unless Marino Bellena Park is better or easier to get to ? )

-Is it better to get to Uvita or Drake Bay or can we go from tour operator out of Manual Antonio ?

-We would need a private taxi person ( or shuttle if there is one) to get us from MA to boat departure dock .

-what is best way to do this ?

-which tour operators recommended?

-half day or full day tour?

- Hope to have nice day snorkeling & see some rays, turtles, sharks, fish etc. and maybe some whales and dolphins on the boat trip there …. ( I know that water conditions vary day to day) .

If you're staying in Manuel Antonio, then you'll almost certainly be taking a boat out of Uvita. Drake Bay would not really enter the conversation.

I would start with this company, and they can answer your questions. You can use that as a starting point. Yes, you can get a tour out of Manuel Antonio.

http://www.bahiaaventuras.com/

Read as many reviews as you can and you'll get a good idea of the snorkel tour. Water conditions can vary from hour to hour but January will be dry season which is a better time.

When you look at the reviews, click on "Dec-Feb" under "Time of Year" at the top of the reviews for more relevant information.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g635755-d1569844-Reviews-Bahia_Aventuras-Uvita_Province_of_Puntarenas.html

Yes, Uvita is south of there. I'm not sure about how much ground transportation is either each way, or round trip. I would check with snorkel tour operators to see how much they charge for ground transportation, and I'd also check with your hotel.

mid January :

from manual Antonio ( we will take taxi ) :

- is snorkeling better to go to Cano island or go to Marino Bellena Park ? ( and do the trips depart from Uvita or Dominical ?)

is bahia adventures the best recommended tour company for either :

- full day snorkel trip to cano island

-half day snorkel trip to Marino Bellena Park

( are humpback or other whales possible to spot that time of year out on the water ) ?

you might get lucky and see whales but I wouldn't count on it.

Boat trips typically leave out of Uvita.

Isla Cano has the better reputation as a snorkel spot. I'm not sure, but I thought some full-day packages include snorkeling at each location.

We didn't do snorkeling but were very happy with the quality of Bahia Aventuras's service.

Uvita info centre shows ways of getting there from MA, shuttles and buses (few buses go there from Quepos bus terminal): http://www.uvita.info/en/getting .

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Cano Island Snorkeling Tour

Home » Tours » Cano Island Snorkeling Tour

Early this morning, transfer by ground to Uvita beach. Here you will board a boat for a 1.5 – 2-hour journey to Cano Island, about 30 miles off the coast. The island is surrounded by five platforms of low coral reef, home to parrotfish, Crocodile Needlefish, Puffer, Cornet fish, and schools of Jack Fish. You might also spot sea turtles, stingrays, morays, and white tip sharks. You will snorkel for about 2 hours in two different locations in front of the Island. After the tour you will have a picnic lunch on a beautiful beach on Violines Island, surrounded by lush vegetation (only if ocean conditions are normal – if not you will return to the coast and set up the lunch on Uvita beach).

*The boat is not anchored at a dock, so you’ll have to wade through small waves to enter the boat.

• Minimum Age : 5 years
• Passenger Minimum: 6
• Duration: full day, departs early in the morning and returns late afternoon
• Difficulty Level: moderate, be prepared to board the boat from the beach in knee-high water
• Includes: transfers, guide, entrance, lunch
• What to Bring:   sandals or water shoes, swimwear, towel light clothing, light jacket or poncho, sunscreen, hat or bandana
• Tour Type: active, nature

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