Caño Island: Small Group Snorkeling Tour & Lunch

Summary

Small group snorkeling from Drake Bay to Caño Island with local guides lunch and cold drinks

You’ll start your Caño Island snorkeling adventure with a scenic boat ride from Drake Bay alongside local guides who know every hidden cove. Expect two different snorkeling sessions surrounded by marine life, fresh fruit breaks on the sand, cold drinks at San Josecito beach, and lunch back in town—all included so you can just show up and enjoy.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost bailed when I saw the size of the waves that morning at Drake Bay. But our guide—Diego, I think?—just grinned and said it was “a good day for turtles.” The boat ride out to Caño Island took about 45 minutes, salt spray everywhere (my hair still hasn’t forgiven me), but the sun kept poking through the clouds and the coastline looked wild and green. There were only eight of us plus Diego and another guide, so it never felt crowded or rushed. That’s something I didn’t realize would matter so much until we got out there.

First snorkeling session was like dropping into an aquarium—schools of fish flickering past volcanic rocks, and this weird underwater silence except for my own bubbles. Diego pointed out a white-tipped reef shark gliding by; I tried not to squeak through my snorkel. It’s funny how you can smell the sea even with a mask on. Afterward we sprawled on the beach near the ranger station eating fresh pineapple and watermelon. Someone tried to get a group photo but half of us had fogged-up goggles still on. Classic.

The second swim spot was different—more coral, more color, and someone spotted a turtle (I missed it because I was busy chasing a parrotfish). By noon we were back on San Josecito beach with cold beers in hand, just letting our wetsuits dry in the sun while swapping stories about what we’d seen. I remember thinking how easy it felt—gear sorted for us, snacks when we needed them, no one herding us around like cattle. And then lunch at a little place back in Drake Bay, rice and beans and grilled fish that tasted like someone’s grandma made it.

I still think about that view from the boat heading home—the island fading behind us, everyone quiet for once except for Diego humming something under his breath. If you’re looking for some big production or fancy yacht thing, this isn’t it. But if you want small group snorkeling at Caño Island with actual locals who know their stuff (and bring cold beer), well…you’ll probably like it as much as I did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Caño Island snorkeling and beach day

• 7:30 a.m. depart from Drake Bay beach
• 8:30 a.m. first snorkeling session
• 10:00 a.m. rest and snack on island
• 11:00 a.m. second snorkeling session
• 12:30 p.m. relax at San Josecito beach
• 1:30 p.m. lunch at local restaurant

Top questions

How many people are in each snorkeling group?

Each boat has a maximum of 12 snorkelers and each guide takes care of up to 10 people.

Is all equipment provided for Caño Island snorkeling?

Yes, full gear including mask, fins, snorkel, and life jacket is included.

Are meals or drinks included during the tour?

You get snacks during the activity, a cold beer or soda at San Josecito beach, and lunch at a local restaurant afterward.

Does this tour use reef-safe sunscreen?

Yes, reef-safe sunscreen is provided as part of their eco-responsible approach.

Where does the tour depart from?

The boat leaves from the main beach of Drake Bay around 7:30 am.

How long is each snorkeling session?

Each session lasts about 45 minutes at different spots around Caño Island.

Is there support for vegetarians or vegans at lunch?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available at lunch in one of the best local restaurants.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed according to their policy.

What’s included

Your day includes entrance fees to Caño Island Biological Reserve; full snorkeling gear like mask, fins, snorkel and life jacket; reef-safe sunscreen; snacks plus fresh tropical fruit during breaks; a cold beer or soda at San Josecito beach; vegetarian or vegan-friendly lunch in town—all handled by certified local guides before returning to Drake Bay in early afternoon.