Every diver knows about Cocos Island. It is the “Jurassic Park” of diving. It is famous for hundreds of hammerheads and pristine marine life. But it is also famous for being expensive (over $6,000) and requiring a 30-hour boat ride just to get there.
But what if I told you that you can get a taste of that same wild, prehistoric ocean in just a single day trip?
Welcome to Isla del Caño. Located about 45 minutes by boat from Uvita, this biological reserve is often called the “Mini Cocos.” And for good reason.
I have dived all over the world. From the Red Sea to the Maldives. But the energy at Caño Island is different. It is raw. It is wild. And here are the three main reasons why it should be your next diving destination.
Why Isla del Caño is a Great Diving Destination
Most dive sites around the world are about small stuff. Colorful corals. Macro critters. Nudibranchs. That is beautiful, but sometimes you want adrenaline.
The “Mini Cocos” Experience (Big Pelagics on a Budget)
Isla del Caño is all about the big stuff. We call it “Mini Cocos” because of the sheer amount of pelagic life compressed into a small area. On a standard Tuesday morning dive, it is normal to see:
- White-tip Reef Sharks: Not just one or two. I am talking about 5, 10, or sometimes 15 sharks resting on the sand or patrolling the reef.
- Rays: Huge Southern Stingrays, Spotted Eagle Rays, and majestic Manta Rays (especially during the season from December to April).
- Sea Turtles: Hawksbill and Black Sea Turtles are residents here. They are so used to divers that they often ignore us completely.
You get the “big animal” experience without the 10-day liveaboard commitment. You leave Uvita in the morning, dive with sharks, and you are back on the beach in time for a sunset beer. That is hard to beat.
Did you know? Isla del Caño has some of the healthiest coral colonies on the Pacific coast. While the focus is on the sharks, the hard coral structures here are vibrant and provide a home for huge schools of snapper and barracuda.
Guaranteed Encounters (No “Blue Water” Disappointments)
We have all been on those dives. The guide promises big fish. You jump in. You swim in the blue for 45 minutes. You see nothing. You come up disappointed.
That rarely happens at Caño Island. Because it is a strictly protected Biological Reserve (no fishing allowed for miles), the marine life is dense. The animals know they are safe here. They congregate around the volcanic rock formations.
Sites like the Devil’s Pinnacle (Bajo del Diablo) or the Shark Cave are consistent. As an scuba instructor, I love guiding here because I don’t have to “hunt” for cool things to show my students. The ocean delivers. You drop down, and the action is right there.
Accessibility for All Levels (The Safe Adventure)
This is the biggest difference between Caño Island and other famous shark spots like Cocos or the Bat Islands (Islas Murciélago).
To dive Cocos, you need to be an advanced diver comfortable with deep water and strong currents. It is hostile territory. But Isla del Caño is surprisingly accessible.
Caño Island is accessible to everyone
Most dive sites here are between 12 and 20 meters (40 to 65 feet) deep. The visibility is usually good (15-25 meters). While we do have currents, they are generally manageable.
This means you can have a world-class shark dive even if you have just finished your Open Water Diver course. In fact, we often take Discover Scuba Diving students to the shallower parts of the island. Imagine seeing a shark on your very first dive ever! It sets a high bar for the rest of your life.
Why Isla del Caño is a Great Diving Destination?
Isla del Caño is not just “another dive site.” It is a sanctuary. It is a place where you can look a shark in the eye and realize that the ocean is still wild.
If you are in Costa Rica, skipping this island is a mistake. Whether you are a pro photographer or a total beginner, let us take you there. Book your trip to Caño Island with Costa Rica Divers and see why we call it the jewel of the Pacific.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to dive with sharks at Caño Island?
Yes, absolutely. The white-tip reef sharks we see here are generally very docile. During the day, they are mostly sleeping on the sand or cruising slowly. They are not aggressive toward divers. In fact, they are often shy. As long as you respect their space and do not touch them, it is a very safe and magical experience.
Do I need an Advanced certification to dive here?
No. Unlike Cocos Island, which is for experts only, Isla del Caño is suitable for all levels. Most dive sites are between 12 and 18 meters deep. We take Open Water Divers and even uncertified students (Discover Scuba Diving) to specific, calmer spots around the island. However, having your Advanced certification allows you to explore deeper sites like the Devil’s Pinnacle.
What is the best time of year to dive at Isla del Caño?
You can dive here year-round, but it depends on what you want to see. The dry season (January to April) offers the best visibility, often exceeding 20 meters. This is also the best time for Manta Rays. The rainy season (August to October) can have lower visibility, but it is the peak season for Humpback Whales, so the boat ride itself becomes a whale-watching tour.
How long is the boat ride from Uvita?
It is a fast and scenic ride. From the beach in Uvita (Marino Ballena National Park), it takes about 45 to 50 minutes to reach the island. We use fast boats with roofs, so the trip is comfortable. Keep your eyes open on the way; we often see dolphins and turtles during the crossing.
Can my non-diving family come with me?
Yes! Isla del Caño is also the best snorkeling spot in Costa Rica. If your partner or kids do not dive, they can join the same boat and snorkel in the shallow coral gardens while you dive deeper. We meet up during the surface interval for snacks on the beach (or just off the beach, as landing is regulated).
Sources and References
- SINAC (National System of Conservation Areas) – Official information on Caño Island
- MarViva Foundation – Research on marine protected areas in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.
- The Tico Times – “Costa Rica’s Caño Island: A Diver’s Paradise”
