Drake Bay & Caño Island
Drake Bay & Caño Island are premier diving destinations on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, celebrated for the Caño Island Biological Reserve. This protected marine sanctuary prohibits any removal of marine life, resulting in an incredibly pristine and vibrant ecosystem. The underwater topography is defined by volcanic rock formations, creating dramatic pinnacles, arches, and swim-throughs that teem with life. The sheer abundance of large schools of fish and the high probability of encountering sharks and rays make it a truly special location for underwater exploration.
Diving conditions here are generally excellent, with warm waters and visibility that can exceed 30 meters (100 feet). Divers should visit for the unparalleled biodiversity and the chance to see significant pelagic species in their natural habitat. From massive schools of jacks and snappers to resident whitetip reef sharks and seasonal visits from humpback whales and manta rays, every dive offers the potential for a breathtaking encounter. The raw, untouched nature of the area provides a genuine adventure for divers of all experience levels.
Top Sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dive site in Drake Bay & Caño Island, Costa Rica?
Bajo del Diablo, or 'Devil's Pinnacle,' is the most famous dive site. It features a series of submerged volcanic rock pinnacles rising from the depths, creating intricate canyons and swim-throughs. Its popularity stems from the incredible congregations of marine life, including massive schools of snapper and jacks, whitetip reef sharks, and frequent sightings of giant manta rays passing through. The dramatic topography and sheer volume of fish make it an unforgettable dive.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Drake Bay & Caño Island, Costa Rica?
Well-known sites include the dramatic 'Los Arcos' (The Arches) with its swim-through formations and 'El Barco Hundido' (The Sunken Ship), known for sheltering whitetip sharks and rays. A less-crowded but rewarding site is 'Cueva del Tiburon' (Shark Cave), a small cavern where whitetip reef sharks are often found resting. Exploring the smaller, unnamed pinnacles around the island with your divemaster can also lead to more intimate and unique wildlife encounters away from the main groups.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Drake Bay & Caño Island, Costa Rica?
Water temperatures in Drake Bay & Caño Island, Costa Rica, are warm year-round, typically ranging from 26-30°C (79-86°F). However, be prepared for thermoclines, especially between December and March. During this period, upwellings can bring cooler, nutrient-rich water, causing temperatures to occasionally drop to as low as 21°C (70°F) at depth. These thermoclines are what attract larger marine life like manta rays.
When is the best time to visit Drake Bay & Caño Island, Costa Rica?
The prime diving season is the dry season, from December to April, offering the calmest seas and consistently good visibility. However, the green season (May to November) is also excellent, attracting more pelagic species like bull sharks and manta rays due to increased nutrients in the water. This period also coincides with the southern humpback whale migration (July to November), offering incredible surface interval sightings.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Drake Bay & Caño Island, Costa Rica?
Underwater visibility is generally very good, averaging 15-30 meters (50-100 feet). Conditions are typically best during the dry season (December to April). In the green season (May to November), visibility can occasionally be lower due to river runoff and plankton blooms. However, this plankton-rich water is what attracts larger filter feeders like manta rays and whale sharks, making it a worthwhile trade-off for many divers.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Drake Bay & Caño Island, Costa Rica?
Yes, the area is famous for seasonal migrations. Humpback whales visit twice a year to breed and calve: from December to March (northern migration) and July to November (southern migration). Giant manta rays are more frequently seen during the dry season (December-April) when upwellings occur. Bull sharks are sometimes spotted, with sightings more common in the cooler, nutrient-rich waters of the green season. Whale shark encounters are rare but possible.
What marine life can I expect to see in Drake Bay & Caño Island, Costa Rica?
You can expect to see abundant whitetip reef sharks, often resting in groups on the sandy bottom. Large schools of jacks, barracuda, snappers, and grunts are common on every dive. Other frequent sightings include turtles, mobula rays, eagle rays, and moray eels. Lucky divers may encounter larger pelagics such as manta rays, bull sharks, and occasionally dolphins or whale sharks. The sheer biomass of fish is a key highlight.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Drake Bay & Caño Island, Costa Rica?
A 3mm wetsuit, either full or shorty, is sufficient for most of the year due to the warm water temperatures. However, if you are diving between December and March or are prone to getting cold, a 5mm wetsuit is highly recommended. This will provide extra comfort when encountering the significant thermoclines that are common during this period, where water temperature can drop several degrees at depth.
How do I get to Drake Bay & Caño Island, Costa Rica?
First, fly into San José's international airport (SJO). From there, the quickest option is a 45-minute domestic flight to Drake Bay airstrip (DRK). The more adventurous route is to take a bus or drive to the town of Sierpe, then take a scenic 60-minute boat taxi through the mangroves and along the coast to Drake Bay. Most lodges and dive operators are accessible only by boat and will arrange pickups from the airstrip or Sierpe dock.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Drake Bay & Caño Island, Costa Rica?
Staying on shore is the standard and most practical way to experience this destination. The area is dotted with eco-lodges and hotels that operate daily dive trips to the Caño Island Biological Reserve, which is a short boat ride away. While some liveaboards focusing on Cocos Island may occasionally visit, a land-based stay in Drake Bay provides a more immersive experience of the region's incredible terrestrial and marine biodiversity.