The Caño Island Biological Reserve has been protected since 1978, no fishing, no development. That’s why the marine life here is unlike anything else on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Full-day tour from Drake Bay. Two reef sites. Sea turtles, whitetip reef sharks and eagle rays. No experience required.
Caño Island has been a protected Biological Reserve since 1978: No fishing -No development. That’s why the marine density here is not comparable to anywhere else on Costa Rica’s Pacific mainland coast.
Its reefs rank among the best-preserved in the Pacific, hosting an underwater diversity you simply won’t find anywhere else on the Costa Rican coast.
You will be back in Drake Bay by 2:00 PM.
The Caño Island Biological Reserve has twelve documented snorkel sites. The snorkel spots are shallow enough to see the bottom clearly from the surface, and rich enough that the marine life comes to you. Below is what you can realistically expect to encounter.
Green and hawksbill turtles feed on the reef and surface to breathe – often within metres of the group.
Resting on the sandy bottom, 3 to 8 metres below your fins. Seen on approximately 9 out of 10 snorkel tours.
Up to 3 metres across, gliding in formation directly beneath the surface. The encounter that surprises everyone.
Wingspan up to 2 metres, crossing mid-water in pairs directly below the snorkel group. Common at both reef sites.
No fishing since 1978 – no fear of humans. Dense schools of parrotfish, snapper and barracuda move through you.
July to October only. The boat crossing to Caño Island passes directly through active humpback whale nursery grounds.
No hidden costs. Boat, gear, guide, reserve fees and lunch – all covered.
Limited spots, Book NOW! Only 20 spaces available per day to ensure a personalized experience.
Two snorkel sessions at two different reef sites inside Caño Island Biological Reserve – 90+ minutes in the water.
Departure from Drake Bay at 7:30 AM. Back by 2:00 PM, afternoon free.
Every operator in Drake Bay goes to the same reserve. What changes is who takes you, and how well they know it.
In our Google reviews, we are one of the highest-rated dive centers in Costa Rica. Our community highlights our organization, professionalism and the personal touch that makes us unique. connection to this corner of Costa Rica, that’s what makes Drake Divers different.
No experience is required to snorkel at Caño Island. The tour is designed for complete beginners. Before entering the water, your guide explains how to use the mask, snorkel and fins. The snorkel sites inside the Caño Island Biological Reserve have calm, shallow conditions, making it accessible for first-timers, families and non-swimmers as long as they are comfortable in the water.
Snorkeling at Caño Island offers encounters with whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays, moray eels, barracuda and large schools of tropical fish including parrotfish, jack and snapper. The reserve's protected status means marine life is abundant and undisturbed. Dolphin sightings are common during the boat crossing from Drake Bay, and humpback whales are frequently spotted between July and October.
No. The sharks at Caño Island are whitetip reef sharks, a species that is completely harmless to humans. They typically rest on the sandy bottom or swim slowly through the reef and show no interest in snorkelers. Whitetip reef sharks are one of the most docile shark species in the ocean and one of the most memorable sightings on any snorkel tour in Costa Rica.
Caño Island is approximately 19 kilometres (12 miles) from Drake Bay, on the Pacific coast of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. The boat crossing from Drake Bay to the Caño Island Biological Reserve takes around 40 minutes. During the crossing it is common to spot dolphins, and in season (July to October) humpback whales are regularly seen in these waters.
Caño Island can be snorkelled year-round, but the dry season (December to April) offers the best underwater visibility, which can exceed 20 metres. The rainy season (May to November) brings warmer waters, more marine activity and the highest chance of seeing humpback whales (July to October). Both seasons offer excellent snorkeling conditions inside the Biological Reserve.
Yes. Children aged 6 and above can join the snorkel tour at Caño Island, provided they are comfortable in open water and can swim independently. Life vests are provided for all participants. The tour is a popular family activity from Drake Bay, and the calm reef conditions at the Biological Reserve make it suitable for young, confident swimmers under close guide supervision.
The Caño Island snorkel tour from Drake Bay includes round-trip boat transport, full snorkel gear (mask, fins, snorkel and life vest), a certified guide in the water throughout both sessions, Biological Reserve entrance fees, fresh fruit and water during the surface interval, and a full homemade lunch with drinks at a nearby beach. There are no hidden costs.
Snorkeling at Caño Island means floating on the surface and observing marine life from above — no training or certification needed. Scuba diving involves descending with a tank and breathing underwater, allowing access to greater depths and species such as sharks resting on the sandy bottom. Both activities are available from Drake Bay, with snorkeling being the entry-level option and scuba diving requiring at least a PADI Open Water certification.
Call or message us directly. Talk to one of our local instructors. We’ll listen to you and help you choose the best diving or snorkeling experience for your level.
