Very early to get there which I understand. Had to walk to the ocean from the tour place in Uvita and back when we returned when it was very hot. I'm sure they would have given me a ride if I wanted. Our young guide tried to very helpful and was the only really English speaking one of the bunch. The others did not speak any English or very little.
Getting into the boat was a challenge for me as I am overweight, but others without that problem found it difficult due to the shortness of the ladder. I was hurt by the coral while trying to snorkel and coupled with the getting into the boat, I decided not to snorkel.
The area is wonderful for snorkeling as my husband and friend saw a lot of sea life but it would have been better with more than one guide in the water as it was difficult to keep the group together.
The staff provided us with a snack of cookies, half a sandwich, and juices. When we returned we were also provided a lovely lunch which was very flavourful! Our ride was there waiting for us.
And there is NO bathroom on the boat.
Costa Rica · Your next adventure
Cano Island Biological Reserve & Snorkeling Experience
Your experience
Good to Know
The Cano Island Biological Reserve offers an exceptional snorkeling experience, inviting travelers to explore its pristine marine environment. This day tour provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Costa Rica's rich biodiversity. For comprehensive travel planning, resources for tours and accommodations in nearby Uvita, Dominical, and Manuel Antonio are also available.
About the tour
Cano Island Biological Reserve is a totally protected island found offshore in the southern Pacific side of Costa Rica. Home to a variety of fish and underwater creatures, you will likely be amazed by this colorful underwater world and have an experience of a lifetime. On this tour, you will explore the area by boat and have an opportunity to snorkel in two of the captain’s favorite spots.
The tour starts at Punta Uvita Beach, where you will meet your friendly bilingual guides and experienced captain. They will provide life jackets and safety instructions in order to ensure the safest and most peaceful trip to the island. You’ll be at sea for about an hour and a half with a chance to see stunning nature and wildlife on the way. While this tour is not focused on whale and dolphin watching, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a Humpback whale or Bottlenose dolphin. Bring your camera to take some gorgeous shots of your adventure on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.
The clear turquoise waters and abundant coral reefs make this an excellent spot to go snorkeling. In fact, this area was named one of the best places to go snorkeling in the world. These reefs are home to thousands of colorful fish like the Blue Spotted Jack, Cortez Garden Eel, Bicolor Parrotfish, and the Moorish Idol. You will have a chance to stop at two different spots and be provided with high-quality, clean snorkeling gear in order to enhance your experience viewing the diverse underwater terrain.
This is a full-day tour, so make sure to dress for being out in the sun. Don’t forget your swimsuit, hat, and towel! Included in this tour are life jackets, all equipment, a delicious buffet lunch, and bottled water. Transportation from your hotel to Punta Uvita beach may take up to one hour, depending on your lodging location. An extra cost would apply if you are staying in the Dominical and Manuel Antonio areas.
Important Note on Sea Conditions: Please be aware that this tour requires traveling on a small boat in open waters, where the vessel is in constant motion. For your own comfort, we do not recommend this activity if you are sensitive to dizziness or motion sickness. Please understand that ocean conditions can be unpredictable, and over-the-counter medication may not be sufficient to prevent sickness; therefore, participation is entirely at your own discretion.
What to Bring
Insect repellent, binoculars, camera, sturdy shoes, swim suit, towel, sun block, rain gear.
Please indicate if any are vegetarian or have allergies or dietary restrictions.
Includes
Bilingual guide, entrance to national park, safety equipment, snorkeling equipment, snack, and buffet style lunch.
Please indicate if any are vegetarian or have allergies or dietary restrictions.
Location and Availability
Available in: Uvita, Dominical, Manuel Antonio, Uvita 4x4
Tour space is generally available when requested more than two days in advance and remains subject to confirmation.
Tour Times
07:00
Tour Type
- Adventure
- Nature
- Archaeology
- Beach
Explore the location on the map
Location
Latitude: N 8° 42' 49.44" (8.713734)
Longitude: W 83° 52' 44.04" (-83.878899)
Recent Reviews
Overall
88%
Expectations
88%
Experience
87%
Guides
90%
Logistics
86%
Value
88%
This tour was so much fun and the guides were great. We had a fantastic time.
Not the best snorkeling place in the world. Beautifull beachs at cano island and ballena park.
Did see some wales and dolphins.
Great day!!
Really fun. We had a great time.
Really great guide (Anner Cordero). Just a great guy who really looked out for us. Quite a lot of travel involved but fun experience.
The boat ride is fun, but its a long time to be bracing from the bouncing off the waves. Some of the time the boat came down on the waves hard enough to actually hurt. The boat was not full, so the roughness may be because there wasn't enough weight, but its a long trip to be jounced so much. The snorkeling was great, and the food was pretty good (homemade by a relative). Overall, we'd probably do it again, but the best part for me is the snorkeling, and we did not do that for very long compared to the rest of the day, and the rough ride was a bit long. The Reserve is beautiful and I'm glad I saw it...
Good tour!
would have been nice if there were restrooms on the boat, would like to have spent more time snokeling.
Before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary activity offered at Cano Island Biological Reserve?
The Cano Island Biological Reserve is primarily known for its snorkeling experience, allowing visitors to explore its vibrant underwater ecosystem.
Are there specific tours available for Cano Island?
Yes, a dedicated day tour for the Cano Island Biological Reserve and Snorkeling experience is available.
Where can I find additional Costa Rica travel planning resources?
You can explore established tour and hotel guides for Uvita, Dominical, and Manuel Antonio to assist with your broader Costa Rica travel plans.
The people behind your vacation
Personal service from Pacific Trade Winds
- Highly trained Costa Rica vacation specialists
- Personal customer service and concierge services at the highest level
- TripAdvisor Hall of Fame recognition for service
- Ranked #1 in its TripAdvisor category
Make this tour part of your Costa Rica vacation
Request a vacation package including Cano Island Biological Reserve & Snorkeling Experience.
Related Costa Rica Travel Planning
- Explore Uvita ToursBrowse the established tour guide for Uvita.
- Explore Uvita HotelsBrowse the established hotel guide for Uvita.
- Explore Dominical ToursBrowse the established tour guide for Dominical.
- Explore Dominical HotelsBrowse the established hotel guide for Dominical.
- Explore Manuel Antonio ToursBrowse the established tour guide for Manuel Antonio.
- Explore Costa Rica vacation packagesExplore vacation styles and itineraries for your Costa Rica trip.
- Plan a custom Costa Rica vacationTell Pacific Trade Winds what you would like to include in your vacation.