Located 10 miles (16 km) offshore from the Osa Peninsula, Caño Island is a tropical paradise filled with white-sand, palm-lined beaches and a wonderful network of hiking trails. Tour guides lead visitors along trails lined with carved stone artifacts, the vestiges of a pre-Columbian civilization that lived on the island some 500 years ago. The trails weave through a lush abundance of flora and fauna, and lead to some of the island's beaches, which occasionally are frequented by olive ridley sea turtles who come ashore to lay their eggs.

After exploring the island, a trip into the temperate ocean is a must. With a visibility of 20 ft. or more and a protected inshore reef, the snorkeling here is excellent. Snorkelers have the chance to spot parrot fish, surgeon fish, barber fish, eels, snapper, puffers, barracudas, turtles, and manta rays. Further offshore, humpback whales and bottle-nosed dolphins can occasionally be seen as well.

This is an all day tour.

What to bring: camera, sunscreen, hat, towel, swimming suit, and sunglasses

Tour includes: transportation from all hotels in the Dominical, Uvita and Ojochal areas, park entrance fees, snorkel equipment, and picnic lunch

Destination Snapshot:   Off the Beaten Path   Beach