Pura Osa
The short answer
- Not certified? Snorkel. You will still see turtles, rays and reef sharks.
- Certified? Dive for the deeper sites and, in season, mantas.
- Closest departure: Drake Bay, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Best season: December to April.
For the fees, rules and general information about the reserve, see our Caño Island guide.
Where to depart from
| Departure | Boat ride | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drake Bay | 45 min – 1 h | About US$95–151 for the snorkel tour | Closest and cheapest; many dive centers |
| Sierpe | About 1 h | From about US$182 | Mangrove river first, then open sea |
| Uvita | 1 – 2 h | About US$130–240 | Longer day; some tours add whales |
| Dominical | No data | No data | Ask local operators |
Prices are the ranges we found in public listings in October 2026 and change by season and operator. The boat time depends on the sea and the boat.
Snorkeling or diving
| Snorkeling | Diving | |
|---|---|---|
| Requirement | None; life vest and mask provided | Open Water certificate or higher |
| Depth | Surface to a few meters | From about 5 m to more than 40 m, by site |
| Typical price | Included in the day tour, about US$95–240 by departure | About US$155–230 for two dives, by operator |
| What you see | Turtles, rays, reef sharks, schools of fish, coral | Sharks, large schools, mantas in season, caves and walls |
| Best for | Families, beginners, a first visit | Certified divers who want the deeper sites |
Dive sites, as the operators describe them
| Site | Level and depth |
|---|---|
| Bajo del Diablo | Advanced; about 6–45 m |
| Cueva del Tiburón | Down to about 15 m; sharks resting |
| Paraíso | About 18–22 m |
| Coral Gardens / Jardín | About 5–18 m; the easiest |
| La Esfera | About 8–12 m; near the stone spheres |
Depths and levels vary between operators; ask your dive center which sites are open that day.
What you see, by season
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Whitetip reef sharks and turtles | All year |
| Mantas | Late December to early March |
| Bull sharks | Occasional, May to November |
| Humpback whales | July to October, and again from December |
| Visibility | About 15–25 m in the dry season; lower in the green season |
Rules reported by operators
- No alcohol, picnics, fishing or overnight stays; bring only water.
- Life vest required; boats may not anchor within 200 m of the island, and diving is limited to 10 divers per zone.
- Drones need a permit.
If you live in Costa Rica
Costa Ricans pay the national entrance rate, and a day trip from Drake or Sierpe fits a long weekend. See how to plan it from San José. Weekend trips →
Where to stay in Drake Bay
The island has no lodging, so most visitors sleep in Drake Bay. Book early from December to April.
Live map: places to stay in Drake Bay
Hotels, cabins, lodges and vacation rentals in and around Drake Bay, with current prices. Move the map or set your dates to compare.
See the full list of places to stay in Drake Bay →
Caño Island on the map of OsaOpen map →Frequently asked questions
Is Caño Island better for snorkeling or diving?
Snorkeling is enough to see turtles, rays, reef sharks and schools of fish in the shallow coral. Diving adds the deeper sites, sharks and, in the dry season, mantas, but it requires certification.
Can I dive at Caño Island without a certification?
Usually not. The operators we checked ask for at least an Open Water certificate; one told us it does not offer discover scuba dives at the island. Confirm with your operator.
Which departure point is best for Caño Island?
Drake Bay is the closest, about 45 minutes to 1 hour by boat, and the cheapest. Sierpe takes about an hour, and Uvita between 1 and 2 hours depending on the sea and the boat.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season, December to April, usually has the calmest sea and the best visibility, roughly 15–25 m. In the green season visibility drops and rain can cancel departures, but there are fewer people.
Can I visit Caño Island on my own?
No. Only boats with a licensed operator or registered guide may enter, and the island has no lodging: it is open for day visits only.
Can I bring a drone or food?
Drones need a permit, and the rules reported by operators prohibit alcohol, picnics, fishing and overnight stays on the island. Bring only water.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, Pura Osa may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Recommendations are not paid. Prices, hours and schedules change; always confirm locally.