Caño Island is an exquisite gift for everyone. It's 13 miles off the coast of the Osa Peninsula and is paradise for nature lovers. Those who prefer hiking have many trails to explored, and the virgin white sand beaches and crystal clear water is ideal for diving and snorkeling. It's also a great observation point for dolphins, turtles, sailfish and coral reef.
Caño's island is a biological and archaeological jewel set on the Pacific Ocean, just 9 miles (15 km) off Drake Bay. Glittering white sand and clear sapphire waters surround the island, but its greatest assets lay under the waves and deep in the forest.
It's a vast area of mangrove forest, of vital importance to the country, has developed along these canals and estuaries, it is home to more than 285 species of birds, 139 mammals and 116 amphibians and reptiles, also Caño Island Biological Reserve, it has a great archaeological history of great importance for the country.
The island was used as a sacred burial ground, leaving behind in the carved spheres and different carved artifacts with an area of some 6.877 acres of land reserve and 6.210 of marine reserve, it has several fresh water rivers.
Perhaps the most interesting of the attractions are the archaeological sites found throughout the island. As you walk through the primary forest, there's a good chance that you'll see some ancient pieces on the ground, which shouldn't be moved or touched. Artifacts for preparing corn and for making certain instruments have been uncovered.
Some of the most interesting, however, are the solid stone spheres, measuring up to 6.5 feet in diameter. The spheres, tombs with statues and gold and ceramic offerings led to believe that the island might have been an indigenous burial ground before the Spanish conquest. However, remains of ceramics for domestic use and artifacts believed to have been used in agriculture suggest otherwise.
Dolphins in Caño Island
Volcanic rock formations support the base of the island making room for 5 coral reef platforms. The underwater world teems with mollusks, crustaceans, 10 ft. (3 m) sharks, turtles, manta rays, eels, dolphins and an endless assortment of rainbow-colored fish. Superb scuba diving and snorkeling are available but closely regulated in order to protect the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Only 10 divers at a time are allowed in the water and touching anything, whether dead or alive, is strictly prohibited.
Above the surface, the intricate forest hides more than 150 species of plants, 13 varieties of land birds and several water birds. However, Caño's island is best known for its indigenous heritage. During pre-Columbian times the site was used as a sacred burial place. Excavations throughout the forest reveal domestic artifacts, gold work and giant stone balls whose perfection boggles the minds of archaeologists and tourists alike.
Geographical Division 
