Cano Island Biological Reserve
Established in 1976, Cano Island Biological Reserve truly is a tropical paradise. It is located twelve off of the Osa Peninsula with 805 acres of beautiful scenery. To reach the island, visitors must take a tour or charter boat. The boat ride will be a memorable one as you will likely see dolphins, whales, or sea turtles. Be sure to bring your camera for this memorable trip!
The History
Cano Island was formed by the force of tectonic plates colliding into one another, causing the land to literally shoot out of the ocean. There is a great hiking trail on the island which brings you to an ancient pre-Columbian burial ground with artifacts. This short hike also provides sightings of the black hawk, the phalarope, and the osprey.
Scuba Diving
The marine life is spectacular off the shores of Cano Island. There are 15 different species of corals surrounding the island with reefs. These reefs are as high as 15 feet in some areas with 80 foot drop offs. They serve as the home to a plethora of fish and marine mammals. Divers will see white tipped sharks, barracudas, snapper, puffers, dolphins, sea turtles, and string rays among many other species.
Location
Cano Island Biological Refuge is part of the Puntarenas Province, located about 20 km northwest of the Osa Peninsula. Most visitors come from Drake Bay or Sierpe.
Park Admission Fees and Hours
Cano Island can only be reached by boat and has a 10USD admission fee. The reserve is open from 8 am to 4 pm.
Weather and Packing List
The South Pacific is a region of vast contrasts in weather. Temperatures remain the same nearly year round with average day time highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and night time lows in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies by month with the months of December through April being the driest.
Visitors should pack a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent.
Fun Fact: Cano Island has a history of being struck by lightning more than any other place in Central America. This is thought by locals to be because Cano Island was a Pre-Columbian cemetery and the land is believed to be sacred.
