An Ancient Burial Ground and Mystifying Speheres
The interior of Isla de Cano features evergreen trees that reach heights of up to 164 feet, which watch over the remains of the island’s Indigenous, Pre-Columbian inhabitants, the Diquis tribe. Not only have archeologist found remains, which concludes that the site was used as a burying ground, but there are perfectly spherical stones that adorn the land. Take a walk through history on these trails and ponder the formation of the spheres, which mystify even the scientific community.
Discover an Underwater Playground and some of the best Scuba Diving in Costa Rica
The diving and snorkeling communicated will be infatuated amidst the underwater playground of caves, cliffs and reefs that surround the island. The reefs are can be up to 15 feet in some areas with 80 foot drop offs! Isla de Cano is famous for having Costa Rica’s largest concentration of coral-building organisms in the Pacific Ocean. Swim along the reef in the company of white-tipped sharks, barracudas, red snappers, dog-toothed snappers, and several varieties of rays. There are also schools of colorful tropical fish to capture your attention. Cano Island is rated as one being the best underwater adventure diving spots in the world, due to the fact that its waters are some of the bluest in Costa Rica.
A Biodiversity Wonderland
Designated a Biological Reserve in 1978, Cano Island Biological Reserve is ripe with marine biodiversity. In fact, the island is surrounded by five platforms of Coral Reefs comprised of 15 species! These reefs are the host to a heap of marine life including: schools of jacks, parrotfish, damsels ,eels, lobsters, sea urchins, giant conchs and even manta rays, sea turtles and white-tipped reef sharks. The visitor will be in awe during the migrations of the whale sharks and humpback whales, seen from July and October, and again in December through March. Whale watching is truly an amazing and wonderful experince!
A Beatiful Island Full of Activities
In order to protect the biodiversity of the site, tourist activity is only permitted on the north face of the island. Yet, it too, is virtually undeveloped and full of natural beauty. Sit and enjoy a picnic of the beach while watching birds, such as the egret or osprey fly overhead, or take a hike along the trails and discover some of the over 158 species of plants such as locust, fig, and wild cacao. The main hiking trail also splits off and allows the visitor a view of the island via a grand look-out station. If relaxing more your style, sit under an almond tree and enjoy sun-warmed sand.
