Two scuba divers waving in the blue water of Caño Island

Caño Island Biological Reserve · from Uvita

Scuba diving in Costa Rica from Uvita

Guided dives at Caño Island, one of the clearest marine reserves on Costa Rica's Pacific coast: reef sharks, schools of jacks, rays and sea turtles.

What you can see underwater

Caño Island is a protected biological reserve off the Osa Peninsula. Its rocky reefs attract big schools of fish and the animals that follow them.

Whitetip reef shark resting on the sandy bottom at Caño Island

Whitetip reef sharks

Large school of jacks swimming at Caño Island

Schools of jacks

Pufferfish on the coral reef at Caño Island

Pufferfish and reef fish

Green sea turtle swimming among tropical fish at Caño Island

Sea turtles

Scuba diver taking an underwater selfie at Caño Island

Why dive with Osa Travels

Guides who know the island

Certified dive guides with local knowledge of Caño Island's currents and marine life choose the sites for the day's conditions.

Small groups

Personal attention underwater, and time to enjoy each dive instead of following a crowd.

Full gear included

Dive equipment, snorkel kit and safety gear, with dive computers, a first-aid kit and oxygen on board.

More than the dive

On the boat ride we stop for whales, dolphins and anything else that shows up, and lunch and drinks are on board.

What travelers say

“The dives at Caño Island were spectacular: great visibility and so many species, turtles, reef sharks, moray eels, tropical fish, corals. Dive Master Allen was top. 100% recommended.”

Sandra Rodríguez · Google review, translated

“The trip to Caño Island was absolutely fantastic! While snorkeling we saw turtles and lots of fish. Our guide, Lisa María, was amazing. The food was delicious.”

Valérie Vaes · Google review

“It is not only the diving: on the way they also stop for whales and any animal that shows up. 100% recommended!”

Eduard Planas · Google review, translated

Read all reviews on Google

Practical information

What's included

  • Boat transfers, round trip from Uvita
  • Guided dives or snorkel sessions with certified professionals
  • All equipment: dive gear, snorkel kit and safety gear
  • Park entry fees and marine reserve permits
  • Lunch, snacks and bottled water on board
  • First-aid kit, dive computers and oxygen kit

What to bring

  • Open Water Diver card (for scuba tours)
  • Light long-sleeve rash guard or wetsuit (rental available)
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Hat, sunglasses and towel
  • Motion-sickness medication (optional)
  • Underwater camera or GoPro (optional)

Health recommendations

  • Be in reasonable physical health; do not dive with a cold or congestion
  • Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol for 24 hours before diving
  • If you are pregnant or have a medical condition, consult a physician before booking

Cancellation policy

Cancel at least 24 hours before your tour and you receive a 50% refund. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice are not refundable, because park fees, crew and organization costs are already committed. If we have to cancel because of weather or a park closure, you get a full refund or a new date. Read the full policy.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a scuba certification?

Yes. Scuba tours require at least a PADI Open Water Diver certification; we offer guided dives only. Snorkeling needs no certification.

What is the minimum age?

Scuba: 18 years (16 and 17 with written parental consent). Snorkeling: 8 years, accompanied by an adult.

How are sea conditions?

At Caño Island visibility is usually best from July to November and from January to April (15 to 30 m). Marino Ballena is generally calm, with 8 to 15 m of visibility.

What if I get seasick?

Take seasickness medication 30 minutes before departure. If you are prone to it, tell us when you book.

How do I book and pay?

Book with the button on this website, or write to us on WhatsApp or by phone and we will send you a secure payment link. You can also pay at our office.