Isla del Caño Biological Reserve
Isla del Caño – situated 20 km offshore from Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula – is an important island for Costa Rica , both archeologically and environmentally. The waters surrounding this biological reserve are swarming with marine creatures, while the island itself protects several artifacts that date back to pre-Columbian times.
Scientists theorize that this 741-acre (300-hectare) island was formed over 50 million years ago during a shift in the Earth’s tectonic plates. Since then, it has seen a good deal of activity. A series of hand-carved, perfectly spherical stones are found on the island, suggested by archeologists to be the grave markers of an indigenous tribe that lived here during pre-Columbian times. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries Isla del Caño was used as a refuge for pirates along the Pacific coast, while today, it is best known for its spectacular offshore diving and unique historical past.
Turquoise water rings Isla del Caño, as do a great number of coral reefs. In fact, the waters that surrounded the island contain the largest amount of coral-building organisms along the Pacific side of Costa Rica—there is brain coral, head coral and sea fans, to name just a few. Add to this excellent visibility and an enormous amount of marine species, and you’ve got the makings for magnificent snorkeling and scuba diving. Beneath the water you may be able to spot manta rays, tuna, needlefish, barracuda, snapper, white-tipped reef sharks, olive ridley sea turtles, moray eels, dolphins, and both humpback and pilot whales. Considering all of this, it’s not surprising that many people regard Isla del Caño as the best scuba diving spot in the entire country. However, because it is a biological reserve, diving numbers are strictly regulated – there are 5 dive sites, and only 10 divers are allowed to be in the water at one time.
Unfortunately, the island itself doesn’t harbor as much biodiversity as does the ocean. There is an intact evergreen forest, as well as a sampling of rubber and cocoa trees. Boa constrictors, pacas, bats, tree frogs and a variety of insects can be spotted, in addition to several species of birds that use the island as a stopping point during their migration south. A number of white-sand beaches dot the island, and hiking trails extend across much of the terrain. Camping areas have been constructed, as well as a ranger station.
Isla del Caño Biological Reserve itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Isla del Caño Biological Reserve itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Wandering Among Nature Together
If you’re a couple that loves nature, wildlife, and less crowded areas, then this Signature Trip is perfect of you! Surround yourself with trees, sparkling water, and fresh air.
Costa Rica
Our Endless Summer Days
Anywhere.com allowed us to truly enjoy our experience vs. worrying that things weren’t arranged properly. Our 11-day adventure through Costa Rica yielded rich experiences and fond memories.
Costa Rica
South Pacific & Highlands Explorer
We had a wonderful time and have already recommended Costa Rica and Anywhere Costa Rica to many of our friends.
Costa Rica
Experiences in Isla del Caño Biological Reserve
Explore hand-picked Isla del Caño Biological Reserve tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Drake Bay
Cano Island Tour
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Drake Bay
Cano Island Scuba Diving
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Drake Bay
Cano Island Snorkeling Tour
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Where to stay in Isla del Caño Biological Reserve
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Isla del Caño Biological Reserve accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Marenco Lodge
Marenco Lodge is located 2 miles south of Drake Bay in the heart of the Punta Río Claro National Wildlife Refuge, part of Costa Rica's gorgeous Osa Peninsula. Situated in the southern reaches of Puntarenas province, the Osa Peninsula is one of the most important natural areas in all of the neo-tropics. With its immense biodiversity and intact primary rainforest, the peninsula is a magnet for bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers.
Copa de Arbol
The Copa De Arbol Beach and Rainforest Resort is nestled amongst 70 acres (28 ha) of pristine rainforest reserve along the South Pacific coastline. Between Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park, this luxurious beachfront eco-resort caters to those travelers seeking an “off-the-beaten-path” rainforest and ocean experience.
Las Caletas Lodge
Las Caletas Lodge is located in Drake Bay on the northern end of the Osa Peninsula, part of Costa Rica’s Puntarenas province. Drake Bay is one of the most inaccessible places in Costa Rica, and for many, it is this remoteness which makes it so special. Lacking the hustle and bustle of any city life, it is one of Costa Rica’s premier nature destinations, a true get-away-from-it-all kind of place.
Casa Drake Lodge
Built and run by a Costa Rican family as part of Los Planes’ sustainable development, Casa Drake Lodge is centrally located on a large, forest filled land at the edge of Corcovado National Park in the South Pacific region.
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Drake Bay Wilderness Resort
Drake Bay Wilderness Resort runs along the beachfront as a single-level hotel in Costa Rica, where a saltwater pool looks directly over the ocean. The property operates its front desk during limited daily hours, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and includes elevated balconies and terraces that are unsuitable for small children.
Hotel Jinetes de Osa
Hotel Jinetes de Osa opens directly onto the shore at Drake Bay Beach, placing wilderness trails within a short walk of its 15 guestrooms. This small hotel in Costa Rica maintains front desk hours from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Guests receive check-in instructions by email within two weeks prior to arrival, and photo identification alongside a deposit is required at check-in. The property is not wheelchair accessible.
Casa Horizontes Corcovado
Situated on the rugged Osa Peninsula, Casa Horizontes B&B is only a ten-minute walk from the town of Drake Bay. The Osa Peninsula is Costa Rica’s most southerly extension, and has a multitude of outdoor adventures for visitors to enjoy. One of the major draws to the area is Corcovado National Park, a natural reserve that is home to the largest expanse of lowland tropical rainforest in Central America. The wildlife and biodiversity that has made Costa Rica famous abound in Drake Bay, and visitors come here to experience the exotic tropical ecosystem that dominates the area.
Jade Mar Cabins
Located in the South Pacific, Jade Mar Cabins overlooks Drake Bay on the north end of Osa Peninsula. World renowned for its biodiversity, Drake Bay is a hub for excursions to the local reserves where visitors can enjoy the rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Pirate Cove Hotel
Pirate Cove Hotel lies along the Osa Peninsula in one of Costa Rica's most biologically diverse locations - Drake Bay. For the avid nature lover or the outdoor adventurer, a visit to Drake Bay is the trip of a lifetime, promising encounters with some of the world's most fascinating plant and animal species.
Cabinas El Mirador
Cabinas El Mirador Lodge is situated on a hill overlooking Drake's Bay on the Osa Peninsula of the Pacific Coast of Southern Costa Rica. The El Mirador location is one of the untouched, raw beauty of jungles and beaches alongside exotic and endangered wildlife. Corcovado is a complete ecological treasure and an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventures.
Aguila de Osa Rainforest and Marine Adventure Lodge
Aguila de Osa Rainforest and Marine Adventure Lodge looks out over the Aguitas River from the Drake Bay riverwalk on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. This 13-room hotel connects coastal rainforest trails directly to the Pacific. Paid shuttles handle pick-ups from the local airport.
