Caño Island Biological Reserve

Reserva Biológica Isla del Caño

An uninhabited island reserve with some of Costa Rica's best snorkeling and scuba diving among coral reefs. Divers encounter sharks, rays, sea turtles and abundant tropical fish in crystal-clear waters.

Things to do

• Scuba diving at Bajo del Diablo — Dive this famous rocky pinnacle where schools of jacks, snapper, sharks and rays congregate in crystal-clear water.
• Snorkeling the coral reefs — Explore the shallow reefs off the island's beaches teeming with parrotfish, angelfish and green sea turtles.
• Diving with white-tip reef sharks — Encounter resident white-tip reef sharks resting on the sandy bottom during guided dives around the island.
• Spot manta rays and mobula rays — During plankton-rich seasons large rays glide through the deeper waters surrounding Caño Island.
• Beach landing and guided walk — Land on the reserve's beach and take a ranger-led walk to learn about pre-Columbian stone spheres and native forest.
• Humpback whale and dolphin watching — Watch for humpback whales and pods of spinner dolphins during the boat crossing from the mainland.

Food to try

• Ceviche de pescado — Fresh local fish cured in lime juice with cilantro, onion and sweet pepper, served on tour boats or in Drake Bay.
• Casado with grilled fish — A hearty plate of rice, beans, plantains, salad and freshly caught fish, the staple lunch of nearby coastal towns.
• Arroz con mariscos — A flavorful seafood rice loaded with shrimp, mussels and fish common along the Osa Peninsula coast.
• Agua de pipa — Chilled coconut water sipped straight from a green coconut, a refreshing drink after a day of diving.
• Patacones with fresh fish — Twice-fried green plantain rounds served crisp alongside seafood, a popular Costa Rican snack.

Local customs & good to know

• No food or drink allowed on the island — To protect the reserve, visitors cannot bring food ashore and must eat only on the boat or before landing.
• Access requires a licensed tour operator — You can only visit with authorized guides departing from Drake Bay, Sierpe or Uvita, and daily visitor numbers are limited.
• Do not touch coral or marine life — Reef ecosystems here are strictly protected, so refrain from touching or standing on coral while snorkeling or diving.
• Respect the reserve's sacred history — The island holds pre-Columbian burial sites and stone spheres, so treat archaeological areas with care and follow ranger guidance.

Nearby

• Drake Bay — 24 km
• Corcovado National Park — 42 km
• Uvita and Marino Ballena — 53 km
• Nauyaca Waterfalls — 58 km