Caño Island: Snorkeling Tour with Boat & Lunch

Summary

Snorkel Caño Island’s clear waters spot turtles & relax on wild beaches

You’ll start early in Uvita with coffee before heading by boat to Caño Island for two guided snorkeling sessions among tropical fish and sea turtles. Enjoy fresh fruit snacks between swims and unwind with lunch on the sand before returning by boat. It’s a day full of color, quiet moments underwater, and real Costa Rican warmth.

What’s the experience like?

We were already sticky from the early heat when we stepped onto the sand at Uvita, coffee still warm in my hand. The guides — all sun-browned and easygoing — handed out gear with quick smiles and some gentle teasing about who’d look best in a snorkel mask (not me, apparently). The boat ride out to Caño Island was longer than I expected, maybe an hour and a bit? But I liked that time — salt spray in my hair, the green coastline slipping by. Someone spotted dolphins off the side, and everyone scrambled for their phones except for our guide, who just grinned like he saw this every day.

The first time my face hit the water near Caño Island, it was colder than I thought it would be. My heart thumped fast. There were parrotfish everywhere — flashes of blue and yellow darting between rocks — and then suddenly a turtle just drifting below us. Our guide tapped his fingers together underwater to get our attention, then pointed: “Carey,” he said later when we surfaced (I had to ask twice how to spell it). We floated there for almost an hour, drifting over coral and trying not to kick each other. I got a mouthful of saltwater laughing at someone’s fogged-up mask. Between sessions we sat on the boat eating pineapple and cookies, legs dangling over the edge. The fruit tasted like sunshine.

The second snorkeling spot felt quieter — maybe because everyone was more relaxed or just tired from swimming. I found myself hanging back from the group, letting the water muffle everything except my own breath. When we finally climbed back aboard, skin wrinkled and salty, nobody said much at first. Lunch was simple but good (rice, beans, fish) and there was this easy sense of satisfaction as we ate together on the beach. I still think about that view — green island behind us, open Pacific ahead — whenever I smell sunscreen now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling and beach at Caño Island

• Meet at office for coffee and cookies
• Boat ride to Caño Island (1h 15m)
• Receive snorkeling equipment
• First snorkeling session (45min-1h)
• Snack break with cookies and tropical fruits
• Second snorkeling session (40min)
• Relax on the beach
• Enjoy lunch
• Return boat ride to Marino Ballena Park

Top questions

How long does it take to get to Caño Island from Uvita?

The boat ride from Uvita (Marino Ballena) to Caño Island takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Is lunch included in the Caño Island snorkeling tour?

Yes, lunch is included after snorkeling; if weather is bad it may be served back at the office.

What kind of marine life can you see while snorkeling?

You might see parrotfish, pufferfish, three types of sea turtles (lora, verde, carey), and more.

Are snacks provided during the tour?

Yes—snacks like cookies and tropical fruit are provided between snorkeling sessions.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

All necessary snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Are vegan or special meal options available?

Vegan options are available; dietary needs can be requested when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; you meet at the office in Uvita where coffee is served before departure.

Are life jackets mandatory for snorkeling at Caño Island?

Yes—wearing a life jacket is required during all snorkeling activities.

How many people are needed for the tour to run?

A minimum of 8 people is required for this guided tour to operate.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting at the office in Uvita with coffee to start things off right before heading out by boat (life jackets provided) to Caño Island; entry fees are covered along with all your snorkeling equipment. Between two guided snorkel sessions you’ll have snacks like cookies and fruit onboard. Afterward enjoy a fresh lunch—vegan options available—before returning by boat in the afternoon.