Caño Island snorkeling in Drake Bay: Small groups, two sites

Two snorkeling sites, volcanic rock and reef fish, all gear provided

Snorkel two designated sites around Caño Island Biological Reserve from Drake Bay with a certified local guide, small groups capped at 10 snorkelers per guide, and all equipment included. The day runs six hours from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with a 45-minute boat ride each way, two 45-minute snorkeling sessions, a tropical fruit break on the island, and lunch at a local restaurant in the village afterward.

The experience

The boat leaves Drake Bay's main beach at 7:30 a.m. for a 45-minute ride to Caño Island. Once you register at the park, you drop into the first snorkeling site: a stretch of volcanic rock formations and reef where fish, turtles and coral formations occupy the water around you. You get 45 minutes in the water, then climb back to the ranger station on the beach for a tropical fruit snack and time to dry off and take pictures at the viewpoint.

The second site starts at 11 a.m., another 45 minutes in a different area of the reserve with its own concentration of marine life. By 12:30 p.m. you're at San Josecito Beach, where you sit with a cold beer or soda and talk through what you saw before the boat heads back to Drake Bay. Lunch happens at a local restaurant in the village around 1:30 p.m., with vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.

You get a full snorkeling kit (mask, fins, snorkel and life jacket) plus reef-safe sunscreen, a cold drink and a snack during the activity. The guide is a certified local professional who speaks English or Spanish. Groups stay small: no more than 10 snorkelers per guide and 12 per boat, which is the reason the reef doesn't feel crowded and the guide can actually see where everyone is.

What’s included

• Entrance fees to Caño Island Biological Reserve.
• full snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel, life jacket).
• reef-safe sunscreen.
• tropical fruit snack on the island.
• cold beer or soda at the beach.
• cold drink and snack during the activity.
• lunch at a local restaurant with vegetarian and vegan options.
• certified guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (19 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 80 years) · Youth (11 to 18 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Yemanyá Expeditions

Is this one for you?Six hours door-to-door leaves the rest of your day open. You're back in Drake Bay by early afternoon. The small group size (10 snorkelers maximum per guide) means the reef stays uncrowded and the guide can actually watch where everyone is in the water.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 18 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the boat ride like from Drake Bay to Caño Island?

The ride takes 45 minutes each way. You leave at 7:30 a.m. from the main beach of Drake Bay and return around 1:30 p.m. after lunch.

How much time do I actually spend snorkeling in the water?

You get two snorkeling sessions of 45 minutes each: one at 8:30 a.m. and another at 11 a.m., with a break on the island between them for fruit and photos.

What kind of marine life will I see around Caño Island?

The two sites are known for fish, turtles and coral formations around volcanic rock. The guide chooses the sites based on conditions and what's active that day.

Is snorkeling gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

Full gear is included: mask, fins, snorkel and life jacket. Reef-safe sunscreen is also provided.

What's included in the lunch at the end of the day?

Lunch is at a local restaurant in Drake Bay village with a varied menu that includes vegetarian and vegan options. A cold beer or soda is included on the beach earlier in the day as well.

Do I need to be an experienced snorkeler to book this?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.