Isla del Caño, Costa Rica

Caño Island is situated 20 km off the Osa Peninsula in the Pacific Ocean and is a protected national park and marine biological reserve. Its crystal clear waters make it a perfect destination for snorkelers and divers all year around - and for our family it definitely ranks amongst our favourite snorkelling spots in Costa Rica.

Caño Island’s waters are home to a spectacular variety of stunning marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, moray eels, parrot fish and more, and are renowned for hosting Costa Rica’s largest concentration of coral-building organisms along the Pacific Ocean. The presence of large marine creatures underpins the area’s importance as a habitat for pelagic life such as humpback whales. These giants of the sea also enter the nearby Golfo Dulce and indeed the gulf is one of the very few places on Earth where you can meet migrating humpback whales from both hemispheres (click here to read our Humpback Whales infographics).

You will depart from our beach at around 5:30am and witness the spectacle of Golfo Dulce being struck by the first rays of morning sunlight as you cross the gulf and make your way to Playa Blanca . From there, a car will take you across the Osa Peninsula, driving you through jungles, on dirt roads and through small Costa Rican rainforest villages including the proud community of Rancho Quemado. You will arrive at the quaint village of Bahia Drake at around 7:15am, where your guide will be awaiting ready to board the boat to Isla del Caño. Don’t forget to look out for dolphins, turtles and even whales during the beautiful 45-minute boat ride across the open Pacific Ocean. On your arrival at the island, the waters become incredibly blue and clear and the tropical backdrop will provide perfect photo opportunities. Both the snorkelling tour and diving will consist of 2 separate guided outings, each lasting between 45 minutes and an hour followed by a relaxing and simple lunch at a nearby beach or in town at a typical Costa Rican Soda. You will then be taken back to Drake where your private transfer will be waiting for you. Expect to be back at the Retreat in time for afternoon tea and freshly-baked cakes at around 4 o’clock.