Isla del Caño sits about 32 miles off the coast of Uvita, and getting there is half the adventure. We leave early in the morning from our dive center, just 200 meters from Marino Ballena National Park. The boat ride takes roughly 80 minutes, and you will want to stay awake for it. Dolphins often race alongside the boat, and during whale season you might spot humpbacks breaching in the distance.
This biological reserve is one of the best-protected marine areas in Costa Rica. The government limits how many divers can visit each day, which keeps the reefs healthy and the fish populations thriving. Some people call it “Mini Cocos Island” because the underwater scenery rivals that famous destination, but without the 36-hour boat journey to get there.
Our two-tank dive trip includes everything you need: full scuba equipment, a bilingual divemaster, snacks, lunch, and all park entrance fees. We keep groups small, usually no more than 6-8 divers per guide, so you get personal attention throughout the day. If your last dive was a while ago, we offer pool refresher sessions at our dive center the day before.
Your trip covers boat transportation from Uvita, two guided dives at different sites, complete dive gear rental, a light breakfast and lunch on board, drinking water, and national park fees. We also carry safety equipment including oxygen and a radio base station that keeps us connected throughout the 26-nautical-mile journey.
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The visibility at Caño Island regularly reaches 60 to 80 feet, sometimes even better during the dry season from December to May. Water temperatures hover between 75°F and 82°F, comfortable enough that a 3mm wetsuit works perfectly for most divers.
White-tip reef sharks are the stars here. They rest in underwater caves and swim lazily around the rocky formations. You will also encounter schools of jacks numbering in the hundreds, eagle rays gliding past, giant moray eels poking out of crevices, and sea turtles munching on the reef.
Spotted dolphins and bottlenose dolphins patrol these waters year-round. If you visit during whale season (July through November or December through April), you might hear humpback whales singing underwater. Seeing one during a dive is rare but absolutely unforgettable when it happens.
Our captain and divemaster choose sites based on current conditions and your experience level. Popular spots include Coral Garden with its hard coral formations, Shark Cave where white-tips congregate, and Bajo del Diablo (Devil’s Rock), which features pinnacles and stronger currents suited for experienced divers. Most dives range from 40 to 65 feet deep, though some sites go deeper. We match the dive plan to your certification level and comfort in the water.
Uvita offers the most convenient departure point for divers who want to explore Caño Island without traveling all the way to Drake Bay. The 50-minute boat ride from Uvita beach passes through some of the most scenic coastline in Costa Rica, with regular dolphin sightings and occasional whale encounters during migration season.
The dive sites around Isla del Caño deliver exactly what divers come to Costa Rica hoping to find. Crystal-clear visibility reaching 60 to 80 feet, healthy coral formations, and marine life that ranges from white-tip reef sharks resting in caves to massive schools of jacks swirling in the blue. Few places on the Pacific coast offer this combination of accessibility and underwater diversity.
Choosing Uvita as your base makes logistical sense for travelers exploring the South Pacific region. The town sits close to Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Marino Ballena National Park, making it easy to combine a Caño Island dive trip with other Costa Rica adventures. After a morning underwater, divers return to Uvita with the whole afternoon free to explore waterfalls, walk the famous whale tail sandbar, or simply relax on the beach.
The small group sizes on boats departing from Uvita create a more personal experience compared to larger operations. Divemasters have time to point out hidden creatures, adjust the dive plan to match skill levels, and ensure everyone surfaces with stories worth telling. For certified divers seeking world-class diving without the hassle of remote locations, the Caño Island trip from Uvita hits the perfect balance between adventure and convenience.
