Isla del Caño lies about 32 miles offshore from Uvita, and the journey there is already part of the experience. We depart early morning from our dive center, located just 200 meters from Marino Ballena National Park. The boat ride takes around 80 minutes, and trust me, you will not want to sleep through it. Dolphins regularly appear alongside the boat, and if you visit during whale season, humpback whales often breach right before your eyes.
This biological reserve ranks among the best-protected marine areas in Costa Rica. The government strictly limits daily visitor numbers, which keeps the coral reefs vibrant and fish populations abundant. Many travelers compare it to the famous Cocos Island, but you can reach Caño on a comfortable day trip instead of a 36-hour liveaboard voyage.
Our snorkeling tour includes two guided sessions at different locations around the island. Each session lasts 45-60 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore the underwater world at a relaxed pace. Between snorkels, we take a break for fresh fruit and snacks while the boat moves to the second spot. After both sessions, we head to a nearby beach for a picnic-style lunch before returning to Uvita.
Your tour covers boat transportation from Uvita, two guided snorkeling sessions at different sites, complete snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, and life vest), a light breakfast before departure, fresh fruit and snacks between sessions, a full lunch, drinking water, and all national park entrance fees. We also carry safety equipment including oxygen and maintain radio contact with our base station throughout the 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 stay between 75°F and 82°F year-round, warm enough that most snorkelers feel comfortable without a wetsuit. If you tend to get cold easily, we can provide a rash guard for extra warmth and sun protection.
The snorkeling areas sit in shallow waters, typically between 10 and 25 feet deep. You float on the surface while looking down at vibrant coral formations and marine life passing beneath you. Our guides know exactly where to position the group for the best views, and they dive down to point out creatures hiding in the reef.
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.
Sea turtles steal the show for most snorkelers. Hawksbill and green turtles feed on the reef and often swim right past you without a care. White-tip reef sharks rest in the shallows near rocky outcrops, and while they look intimidating, they completely ignore snorkelers floating above.
Dolphins patrol these waters year-round, and you might spot them during the boat ride or even while snorkeling. During whale season (July through November or December through April), humpback whales migrate through this area. Hearing their songs while floating on the surface is something you will never forget.
Our captain and guide select sites based on current conditions, visibility, and group experience. The island has several protected bays where calm waters make snorkeling safe and enjoyable. Coral Garden features impressive hard coral formations teeming with tropical fish. The shallower areas near the beach offer easy access for beginners, while spots with rocky outcrops attract larger marine life.
Uvita offers the most convenient departure point for snorkelers 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 snorkeling sites around Isla del Caño deliver exactly what visitors come to Costa Rica hoping to find. Crystal-clear visibility reaching 60 to 80 feet, vibrant coral formations, and marine life that ranges from sea turtles grazing on the reef to white-tip reef sharks resting in the shallows. Few places on the Pacific coast offer this combination of accessibility and underwater diversity without requiring scuba certification.
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 snorkeling trip with other Costa Rica adventures. After a morning in the water, snorkelers 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. Our guides have time to point out hidden creatures, adjust the pace to match comfort levels, and ensure everyone surfaces with stories worth telling. For families and ocean lovers seeking world-class snorkeling without the hassle of remote locations, the Caño Island trip from Uvita hits the perfect balance between adventure and convenience.
