Located off the Southwest Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Isla Del Caño or Caño Island is a virgin land mass that was formed by volcanic activity. The Island itself is the exposed part of an underwater mountain which offers a variety of unique diving attractions from walls to coral reef slopes rapidly gaining as a popular dive destination. The island rises 90 meters above sea level to a wide plateau, which is covered with a very tall evergreen forest. It is surrounded by five platforms of low coral reefs where 15 species of stony coral have been identified.
Diving on the southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica can be simply described as spectacular. Protected as a biological reserve by the Costa Rican Government, the water surrounding the island is extremely pristine and teeming with life. Many who have visited the island have claimed that the scuba diving here is simply spectacular and second only to Cocos.
A wide variety of marine life can be discovered beneath the island waters and is renowned especially for large pelagic fish. Schools of mobula rays (devil rays), turtles, and white tip reef sharks can be seen on almost every dive site here, and schools of these fish arrive in such concentrations that they are known to blot out the sun, while diving underneath them. Other attractions commonly spotted at dive sites here include Humpback pilot, and false killer whales, over five species of dolphin, white tipped reef sharks, bull sharks, giant pacific manta rays, mobula rays, southern sting rays, spotted eagle rays and, green sea turtles. While the coral comprising of mostly sea fans and hard coral formations isn’t as spectacular as the Caribbean, the abundance of large marine life more than makes up for it.
Water visibility is good and can range from 45-90 feet. Temperatures hover in the upper seventies to low eighties throughout the year and provide for an exquisite diving experience.
Being part of a Biological Reserve the diving in Cano Island is regulated. Only 10 divers maximum are allowed out and 5 dive sites are open to the public. The island is accessible only by boat which takes 45 minutes from Drake Bay and 90 minutes from Sierpe to get there. Camping areas have been set up on the island with a ranger station on hand, for those wishing to spend the night on the island.
The Devil’s Pinnicle / Bajo del Diablo (15-100 ft + (5-33m+))
This dive site located off the northwestern tip of the Island is by far the best site in the area and one of the best in the entire country. The site comprises of towering rock pinnacles that rise from a depth of over 150ft to just under 20 ft. The terrain is an incredible maze of peaks and valleys. The site offers the best visibility, overall fish life and best place to encounter giant mantas which is the main attraction. 70lb Snappers and amberjack, swim alongside great schools of barracuda, jacks, reef sharks and a large number of tropical fishes offering a jaw dropping spectacle.
photos from flickr by ClifB & marinakvillatoro
