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EXCURSIONS & TOURS
ISLA DEL CA�O
Ca�o island is located 16.5 km west of
the Osa peninsula. Ca�o has been declared a biological
reserve, because of its unique flora and fauna and to protect
its marine life. The island is covered with tropical rain forest
consisting of approximately 158 different species of plants, among
which giant trees growing over 150 feet high. The fauna at Ca�o
is less abundant. Birds represent 10 species. Spotted mammals
are: gray four-eyed Opossum, Paca, some species of small rodents
and various bats. There are small snakes, frogs and lizards. The
island is considered important in respect of its archeological
value, as in pre-Columbian times Indians used it as a burial place.
Remnants of ceramic , grinded artifacts and a few of the famous
mysterious spherical shaped stones still remind of those times.
The islands big attraction however, is the beautiful blue pacific
ocean surrounding it, and all the species of marine life that
colorfully lives within.
The national reserve Ca�o island
protects an important marine environment
(2700 marine ha.). The clear waters are home to of species of
fish, invertebrate animals, algae and mammals like dolphins and
whales.
The island is surrounded by 5 marine platforms of low coral reef
where 15 species of stony corals have been identified. While underwater
one can encounter species of fish like the king angel, Moorish
idol, puffers, surgeon fish, snapper, barracuda, barber fish,
parrot fish, dansel fish, and a variety of eels, hiding around
the coral lined rock formations. Turtles, rays and the non aggressive
Reef Shark can also be spotted. It is one of Costa Rica�s
premier snorkeling and diving spots.
Tour: Snorkeling Ca�o Island
Departure time Villas Gaia: 6.45 am You are being picked up at
the hotel with a microbus. From the beginning of this tour you
are being taken to the world of Pura Vida. During the bus trip
you will pass the typical houses of the formal workers of the
banana plantation, the African Palm oil, the famous round stones
that are over 2000 year old (Palmar Sur) and much more. After
a one hour bus trip you will arrive in Sierpe where you can have
breakfast before you go for a boat ride of 45 minutes straight
to the Mangroves on the Rio Sierpe. With the good eyes of the
guides you will be able to see lots of animals; snakes, Caymans,
monkeys, birds etc. After the river mouth of the Rio Sierpe you
you continue another 45 minutes on the ocean where you will have
a scenic view of Isla Violine, Drake Bay and chances to spot whales
and dolphins. Around 10.00 you will arrive at Cano Island and
you will start the snorkeling. All the equipment for the snorkeling
will be supplied.
After approximately one hour of snorkeling you go to the beautiful
beach of Ca�o Island. Here you will have lunch and after
that you can choose if you want to go snorkeling again or if want
to stay on the island and make a hike or just relax on the beach.
At 15.00 you will go back by boat to Sierpe and from Sierpe by
bus to Hotel Villas Gaia. Around 6 PM you will be back at hotel
Villas Gaia.
Full day tour -
Snorkeling
Ca�o Island: U$ 110 pp
Price includes bus and boat transportation, Park entrance, bilingual
guide, lunch, snorkeling equipment. Breakfast is not included.
Leaving at 7 AM from the hotel.
Full day tour -
Diving Ca�o
Island, US$ 155 pp
Includes: Transportation hotel to playa Pi�uelas (5 km.
North of the hotel) or Sierpe (45 km South of the hotel), boat
tour to Ca�o Island vv, dive equipment (two tank dive),
professional dive instructor, park entrance, box lunch. Leaving
at 7 AM from the hotel.
(it is recommended to reserve the full day tour to Corcovado /
Ca�o 8 days before arrival)
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