Discover Caño Island Biological Reserve on a full-day snorkeling tour from Uvita, Costa Rica. Depart from Uvita Beach by boat, explore coral reefs and tropical fish with a guide, and enjoy lunch and a beach break. Round-trip boat transportation aboard Coral I, snorkeling equipment, and the reserve entrance fee are included.
Your Caño Island Snorkeling Itinerary
The adventure begins with a scenic boat ride of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Uvita Beach. Along the way, our crew will watch for dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds, and seasonal humpback whales. Wildlife sightings vary naturally and cannot be guaranteed.
At Caño Island Biological Reserve, our crew assesses ocean conditions and chooses snorkeling locations according to visibility and safety. Enjoy approximately two hours of guided snorkeling, exploring coral reefs and watching tropical fish in their natural habitat. Marine life commonly encountered on our Caño Island snorkeling tours includes parrotfish, pufferfish, angelfish, surgeonfish, and schools of jacks. You may also spot green sea turtles, hawksbill sea turtles, rays, and whitetip reef sharks, along with many other marine species. From colorful reef fish to sea turtles swimming through the water, each encounter offers a different perspective on this protected marine environment. Your guide helps you discover the wildlife of Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast and encourages respectful observation without touching or disturbing marine animals. Visibility and wildlife encounters vary with conditions.
Lunch and Beach Break
Lunch is normally served on the boat after the second snorkeling session, when sea conditions allow. If conditions are not suitable, we enjoy lunch at Uvita Beach upon returning. The itinerary may also include a 30–40-minute beach break on Caño Island, subject to weather, ocean conditions, and reserve access.
Rates Per Person
Adults $150
Children $100
- Check-in: 7:00 AM
- Departure: 7:30 AM
- Duration: 6–7 hours
- Return: Around 1:30 PM
- Destination: Caño Island
What’s Included
- Round-trip boat transportation from Uvita
- ICT-certified naturalist tour guide
- Experienced captain and crew
- Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and safety gear
- Coffee station before departure
- Lunch, snacks, and drinking water
- Caño Island Biological Reserve entrance fee
- Civil liability insurance
What to Bring
- Swimsuit and towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat or cap and sunglasses
- Comfortable, quick-drying clothing
- Reusable water bottle
- Waterproof camera or phone case
Important Information
For health and safety reasons, this tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers. Restroom facilities are available on the island during the beach break. The itinerary and snorkeling locations may change depending on weather and ocean conditions.
Caño Island Snorkeling from Uvita: FAQs
Who operates this Caño Island snorkeling tour?
Coral Expeditions Costa Rica is a local, family-run tour company based in Uvita, Bahía Ballena. This excursion includes an ICT-certified naturalist guide, captain and crew, round-trip boat transportation, snorkeling equipment, reserve entry, lunch, snacks and drinking water. Meet our Uvita team and learn about Coral I and its equipment.
Is Caño Island snorkeling suitable for my family or a first snorkeling trip?
Tell our team the ages of your children, your swimming ability and your experience in open water before booking. The tour involves an offshore boat crossing and snorkeling in conditions that vary with currents, visibility and weather. A guide and life jackets are included; our team can discuss whether the experience suits your group. Contact us with your travel date and group details.
Should I choose Caño Island snorkeling or a Corcovado day tour from Uvita?
Choose Caño Island if your priority is guided snorkeling and marine life such as reef fish, sea turtles and rays. Choose our Corcovado day tour to San Pedrillo if you prefer guided rainforest walks and terrestrial wildlife. Both depart by boat from Uvita, with different activities and physical demands. Read our Caño Island snorkeling guide to prepare. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Where does the tour depart, and how long does it take?
The boat departs from Uvita Beach at 7:30 AM, with check-in at 7:00 AM. The journey to Caño Island takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes each way. Plan for a 6–7-hour tour, with return around 1:30 PM. Times may vary with ocean conditions.
How much snorkeling is included?
The itinerary includes approximately two hours of guided snorkeling. Our crew selects snorkeling locations according to visibility and safety conditions. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and safety gear are included. Read our Caño Island snorkeling guide to help plan your visit.
Are the reserve entrance fee and lunch included?
Yes. The tour includes the Caño Island Biological Reserve entrance fee, round-trip boat transportation from Uvita, an ICT-certified naturalist guide, snorkeling equipment, lunch, snacks, and drinking water. Lunch is normally served on the boat after the second snorkeling session if sea conditions allow, or at Uvita Beach upon returning. A 30–40-minute beach break on Caño Island may be included, subject to conditions and reserve access.
What marine wildlife might we see?
Caño Island offers opportunities to see tropical fish and other reef wildlife. Dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds, and seasonal humpback whales may also be encountered during the boat ride. Wildlife sightings and water visibility cannot be guaranteed; snorkeling locations and the itinerary may change with weather and ocean conditions.
Book Your Caño Island Adventure
Planning a stay in Uvita or Bahía Ballena? Request availability for your Caño Island snorkeling tour and explore Costa Rica’s South Pacific marine life with Coral Expeditions Costa Rica.
Private Tour Available. This experience is also offered privately. Please select Private Tour in the Request Availability form to inquire about availability and pricing.