Costa Rica Guide
The Zona Sur
Isla del Caño
The tiny RESERVA BIOLÓGICA ISLA DEL CAÑO sits placidly in the ocean some 20km due west of Bahía Drake. Just 3km long by 2km wide, the uninhabited island is the exposed part of an underwater mountain, thrown up by an ancient collision of the two tectonic plates on either side of Costa Rica. It's a pretty sight in the distance, and going there is even better – if you can afford it. You can't get there on your own, but a tour is usually included in the package price of the Bahía Drake lodges. Alternatively, tours are run by many operators in the Manuel Antonio area and, increasingly, from Dominical.
The island is thought to have been a burial ground of the Diquis, who brought their famed lithic spheres here from the mainland in large, ocean-going canoes. Your guide can take you hiking into the thick rainforest interior to look for examples near the top of the 110-metre high crest, and you'll certainly come across some as you wander around – they're lying about all over the place. Caño is also a prime snorkelling and diving destination. Underwater you'll see coral beds and a variety of marine life, including spiny lobsters and sea cucumber, snapper, sea urchins, manta rays, octopusus and the occasional barracuda. On the surface, porpoises and Olive Ridley turtles are often spotted, along with less frequent sightings of humpback and even sperm whales.