Cano Island
Cano Island
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Cano Island
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
1 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
1,063 reviews
Excellent
607
Very good
275
Average
139
Poor
30
Terrible
12
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
BostonNix
Cape Cod, MA364 contributions
Mar 2022
The reefs were a bit disappointing- not sure how healthy they are. But a nice selection of reef fish, turtles, sting rays, etc. We were on a tour of about a dozen people and the snorkeling was a bit crowded. The leader kept trying to get us to follow her and also was trying to show us interesting things under water. But it was so crowded that we just banged into each other. If you go, I recommend that you try to get a small tour. If you have snorkeled at some of the major sites in the world, you may be disappointed here. But it is pleasant nonetheless.
A rash shirt is recommended. Tours usually supply gear, but if you have your own mask and snorkel, it might be more up-to-date. Also note that you may be entering and exiting the water from the boat. Good upper body strength is useful even with the tour guides helping you.
You may also have a chance to swim at the best beach in the area after you snorkel. Take advantage of this since the water at other beaches in the area can be rough and muddy.
A rash shirt is recommended. Tours usually supply gear, but if you have your own mask and snorkel, it might be more up-to-date. Also note that you may be entering and exiting the water from the boat. Good upper body strength is useful even with the tour guides helping you.
You may also have a chance to swim at the best beach in the area after you snorkel. Take advantage of this since the water at other beaches in the area can be rough and muddy.
Written 12 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather O
Broomfield, CO27 contributions
Dec 2022
I'm sure everyone's mileage may vary, but if you've ever snorkeled anywhere known for snorkeling, or been to any of the more remote amazing beaches in Costa Rica, we didn't think this trip offered anything special, especially for the cost. Felt very overcrowded (lots of boats and groups of orange life jackets bobbing in the water, which had low visibility the day we went). The boat ride was bumpy and chaotic, and the guides didn't offer anything special (booked through our hotel in Drake Bay, so not sure of the actual names of the guides or company). It was fine, but don't feel like you HAVE to fit it in your schedule or budget. We would have preferred to have saved the money and had an extra "down" day.
Written 1 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingFool88005
Las Cruces, NM1,569 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
The boat ride out here is fun. We saw a ton of dolphins. The water was a little rough. Dramamine helped me out. The visibility was not good, but we saw some bright fish. Due to Covid restrictions, the tour groups can not go on the island. So lunch is back at drake bay. FYI: You have to wear a life jacket in Costa Rica np when snorkeling.
Written 4 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CoJonesUK
London, UK162 contributions
Jan 2020
A perfectly pleasant location, but neither the beach nor the surrounding reef provide anything that Costa Rica doesn’t do better elsewhere. Strong tides result in challenging visibility, and you need your boat to chase you to avoid exhaustion. The lookout point is a waste of effort, but at least there are toilets above the resident ranger station.
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grace
Buenos Aires, Argentina525 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
I recommend Costa Rica adventure diving, a company that takes you diving or snorkeling on Caño Island. Very serious and responsible, to enjoy the Island and its marine charms without worrying about your safety in the water. They take care of everything.
Written 30 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cha72
London, UK373 contributions
Apr 2021
An amazing array of wildlife. We have visited the island often and every time we see something amazing and worth a David Attenborough documentary - false killer whales, humpback whales, feeding frenzies, huge schools of barracudas, hawksbill turtles, manta, sharks, enormous sting rays. Just amazing and shows what a healthy ocean should look like when protected. #30x30
Written 8 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Planner4life
107 contributions
Feb 2020
A 45 minute small boat ride from Drake Bay - dolphins en-route. Wet landing at ranger station which has water, bathrooms, picnic tables, etc. Water quite clear- especially for more open ocean exposure. Wide range of fish, great guide through our hotel Paloma Eco Lodge. Go early to avoid "crowds". Take water shoes/Keens, water shirt, lots of sun screen.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken R
Clermont, FL37 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Great visit. We actually visited Cano Island twice, once for Snorkeling and once for Scuba Diving. The island is small with a beach on the north side. There's a trail which leads you to the restrooms, if you continue there's a lookout platform which provides a great view of the beach. We started to follow the trail across the island but after 30 minutes, decided to turn around since there were no markers which indicted where the trail ended. Lots of birds, hermit crabs and a nice ocean breeze.
Written 7 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole
Iowa59 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
I tried to go into this with low expectations as this was only the second time I was snorkeling. The first time was at the Great Barrier Reef so it didn't feel fair to use that as a standard to rate this place. The snorkeling was good and I enjoying swimming with the fish and turtles.
Written 2 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul A.
Toronto, Canada15 contributions
Feb 2022
I did a snorkelling tour here and cannot remember the name of the tour operator. We saw sharks, turtles, a huge school of fish and many different species of fish. I highly recommend this spot for snorkelling. The island itself isn't explorable.
Written 9 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there ways to stay on the island?
Written 27 March 2021
Bonjour,
Vous etes parti de Uvita ou de Drake Bay?
Avec quelle compagnie ?
Merci
Written 8 March 2019
Hola Mathilde!!!fuimos con la empresa Jinetes de Osa que te recomiendo por:seriedad,puntualidad y hermosos equipos!!y salimos de Drake,nosotros nos hospedamos en el hotel rancho corcovado que esta a 10 minutos caminando por la playa.anda y disfruta de la belleza de el buceo en Isla del Caño!!
Written 11 March 2019
Which companies run snorkelling tours on Isla De Cano?
Written 20 December 2018
They are local people when you go to the village, just at he beginig of the little hill in front of the port on your right.the company have a terrace bar on the top.
Written 6 May 2019
clembrk
Noyon, France
Bonjour Patricia,
Nous planons d'aller également faire du snorkeling sur la isla del cano,
Mais je me représente encore mal comment m'y rendre et de quoi c'est le plus près.
Où aviez-vous logé? Et comment vous étiez vous rendu sur place? Vous aviez trouvé ce guide/ tour via votre hotel?
Merci beaucoup pour votre aide,
Bonne journée à vous !
Written 2 April 2018
Bonjour, nous étions logés à l’hotel Las Caletas, vraiment extraordinaire comme endroit et prix raisonnable. Et de là nous avons pris l’excursion à Isla del Cano au pied de notre plage avec un bateau pour l’excursion et le retour c’est fait de la même façon. Le tour a été réservé sur place par le proprio et payé au proprio, aucun soucis. Cet hôtel fournit les 3 repas et la bouffe est variée et excellente. Je vous suggère d’aller consulter ma review sur Hôtel Las Caletas que j’ai écris en Janvier dernier en plus j’y ai mis des photos. Vraiment c’est un endroit fantastique on y a même vu des Aras rouges et des singes à même le terrain et la plage est petite mai d’un sable doux et l’eau est très bonne.
Written 2 April 2018
bonjour, nous partons en juillet au Costa rica. pensez vous que nous devrions tenter la journée de snorkilling à Isla Del cano à cette période ? j'ai peur que nous ne voyons s pas grand chose ... merci pour vos conseils !
Written 4 February 2018
Disculpen que no hay consteatdo antes, desconecte por completo del correo etc.
Fuimos a bucear a la Isla del caño, tramitado por La empresa
Kenneth Mora Mendoza
Owner and Reservations Manager
Corcovado Info Center and Corcovado Expeditions
Adventure Travel Experts
TripAdvisor
Pero era con Pirata Cave
Por 135$ nos llevaron a la isla, que después de la Isla de Cocos, es el lugar más bonito de buceo, la isla esta a 10 millas de la costa, de Drake, desembarcados en la isla, para mi fue una experiencia comerme Cocos recién caídos de la palmera, el guarda me enseñó como hacerlo....me sentía Robinson crusoe.....jajajaja
Tuvimos dos inmersiones, una de ellas, la del bajo del diablo con mejor visibilidad que la primera.
Vimos por el camino muchas ballenas jorobadas
Además de una tortuga verde, serpientes marinas, tiburones punta blanca y muchos peces tropicales....ah y enormes big balls de jacks y barracudas
Luego comida en el resort Pirata drake y vuelta a casa
espero haberles ayudado........auqnue me temo que con retraso
Written 29 August 2018
We went in the wet/green season (August) and never had the rain stop us from doing anything we wanted. It always rained late in the day. The best strategy is to get up early when it is cooler. (The early sunrise and howler monkeys encourage an early wake up anyway.) You can aim to be back to your accommodation and relaxing by mid-afternoon when it is at the hottest. These comments apply generally, but we found our August snorkelling experience to be superb and unforgettable.
Written 2 March 2017
zicosmom
Houston, Texas
I will be diving Cano Island off a liveaboard in early January 2017. What is the expected water temperature? Are whale sharks, humpbacks, or mantas common this time of year?
Written 8 December 2016
My understanding is that the whale sharks and humpbacks will be gone by January. You will see rays and small white tip sharks.
Written 8 December 2016
What tour company do you use from the Uvita/Ojochal area and how long is the boat ride?
Written 18 October 2016
We would like to take our 10 year old granddaughter to Cano Island to snorkel. We are going the first week of December. Just wondering if it is suitable for her.
Thank you
Written 17 October 2016
We traveled in a group of 14 people to Cano Island. There were two children, l guess 8 and 11 years old. They had much fun and did snorkeling for the first time. But they were good swimmers. This is important because we had a lot of waves. Everybody has to wear a life jacket during snorkeling, because it is a regulation of the national park.
Written 19 October 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 27
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing