Departure between 7:15 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. depending on the guest's hotel. The tour includes a bilingual guide, Caño Island entrance fees, proper snorkeling equipment, snacks, a picnic-style lunch at San Josecito Beach depending on weather conditions, boat transportation, and plenty of fun.
Experience one of Costa Rica's most impressive aquatic adventures with our Caño Island tour, a destination recognized worldwide for extraordinary marine biodiversity and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. This tour is designed for nature lovers, adventurers, and anyone who wants to disconnect from routine while enjoying the Pacific Ocean at its best. The experience starts early, with departure between 7:15 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. depending on the guest's hotel. From the first moment, guests enjoy spectacular scenery on an exciting 45-minute boat ride to Caño Island. Dolphins, sea turtles, and pelagic birds are commonly seen during the trip. Once on the island, guests check in with park rangers and guides select the best snorkeling zones based on sea conditions. The tour includes two snorkeling sessions of about one hour each, where guests can admire coral reefs, tropical fish, and a wide variety of marine species. Caño Island is considered one of the best snorkeling destinations in Costa Rica thanks to its visibility and natural richness. Guests also relax at beautiful San Josecito Beach with a picnic-style lunch, swimming, or simply enjoying the scenery. Caño Island also has significant historical and cultural value due to ancestral indigenous influence, making it a place full of history and nature. This tour offers adventure, relaxation, direct contact with wildlife, and unforgettable memories in one of the country's most impressive destinations.
What to bring
Pack light
Small bag for the boat and the trail. We keep the rest onboard.
Your bag
Good to know
Local notes
Practical details so the day runs the way it should.
Before you go
The boat ride to Caño Island takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on sea conditions. Stops are often made along the way to observe ocean wildlife such as dolphins, turtles, and pelagic birds. Once at Caño Island, guests check in with park rangers. The island has authorized snorkeling zones, and guides choose the best spots based on conditions. There are two one-hour snorkeling sessions with a break on Caño Island beach. Marine currents and wind can change visibility and weather quickly, especially during the rainy season. The island has restrooms, showers, and drinking water. Lunch is usually served at San Josecito Beach, about 45 minutes from Caño Island. San Josecito is one of the best beaches in the area for swimming and walking, and dietary needs including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are accommodated. Caño Island covers roughly 320 hectares on land, with a 3-kilometer circular marine protection zone and 20 freshwater springs. It has strong ancestral influence and history from Costa Rica's indigenous peoples and is considered one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations in Costa Rica because of its rich marine biodiversity, coral reefs, sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, manta rays, and tropical fish.
Caño Island is located in the Pacific Ocean off Costa Rica, facing the Osa Peninsula in Puntarenas province. Tours usually depart from areas such as Drake Bay or Sierpe, near Corcovado National Park.
The island is approximately 16 km from the Osa Peninsula coast and 45 minutes to 1 hour by boat, depending on the departure point and sea conditions.
On the map
Protected island sanctuary ~45–60 min by boat — snorkeling, reefs and marine life.
Boat transportation to Caño Island is included. Departure is from the main beach, and some hotels coordinate nearby pickup.