21 Jan 2021
No CommentsOne cannot talk about the beautiful Caño Island without mentioning its extraordinary archaeological value.
At the Osa peninsula there are many pre-Columbian stone spheres. These stones have caught the attention of scientists, archaeologists, astrologers and esoterists, among others.
There are several theories about the arrival of these pre-Columbian spheres, in the area. which gives them a supernatural or mythical-religious significance. It is believed that they were perfectly hand-built and have been geographically located between the Osa Peninsula and the Gulf of Papagayo about 300 kms towards the North. They were discovered around 1,939, when the United Fruit Company deforested the area to sow bananas. In fact, some of them were dynamited because it was believed that they could have gold inside.
According to researchers and historians between 700 and 1,500 a.c. Caño Island was inhabited and supposedly, used as a cemetery. There have been found a few spheres and other items carved in stone, in this place.
One question that to this day intrigues scholars of the subject, is how indigenous people did to move the pre-Columbian spheres from the peninsula to the island. One possible answer is that they had developed a good maritime transport system, but many handle the theory that they were transported by aliens.
Located 16 kms. Northwest of the Osa peninsula in the Central Pacific area of Costa Rica, this island of only 320 hectares of land and 5,800 maritime hectares has an immense diversity to offer us. It was founded as a biological reserve in 1978.
There are several ways to get to it: Along the South coast you reach the town called Uvita and from there you take a boat that will take you to the island in about an hour.
The other road is driving South until you reach Palmar Norte, cross the bridge over the Térraba River, turn right and reach Sierpe. In this option you cross the canals of the Sierpe River for half an hour and once in the sea, you sail for about another half hour to the island.
On land there is not much fauna but still, 158 species of plants have been identified. Its upper area is made of virgin humid tropical forest and the underwater has one of the largest coral reef formations in the Costa Rican Pacific. The island is surrounded by five coral reef platforms.
In fact, this is one of the most well-kept aquatic areas of CR. For many Costa Rican divers it is the best national dive site after Coco Island.
On or around the island we can find turtles, sharks, blankets, eels, barracudas, dolphins, a wide variety of fish and even whales. This area is very much liked by humpback whales, from both hemispheres. In July and October, humpback whales arrive from the Southern hemisphere, traveling more than 8,000 kms. Those coming from the North are on our shores around December. They all come to our warm waters to mate or to give birth of their young.
Isla del Caño is a National Park and protected area, so whenever you visit you can see the rangers on the island.
At some point visitors could stay on the island, hike the trails and it even had wooden tables so people could eat their food. However, in recent years, and to continue protecting the island, it has been forbidden to stay, nor is it allowed to camp.
Being a biological reserve, Caño Island also has strict rules regarding the number of tourists it receives; in addition, nothing can be taken from the bottom of the sea, dead or alive. Diving sites are marked and require a maximum number of people who can dive into each place at the same time. Underwater guides are very jealous of verifying the diver‘s neutral flotation and ask them not wear gloves to prevent them from touching corals or stones. Also, they ask the diver to use ecological anti-fog solution. Night diving is not allowed.
Too strict? No way… When the diver can visit the bottom of Caño Island, he will stand in solidarity with the authorities responsible for ensuring such a paradise.
One last and especially important point is that any diver certified as Open Water is welcome on the island. Tourist diving spots do not exceed sixty feet and there is, in general, particularly good visibility and good conditions to immerse yourself.
Learn about our tour to Isla del Caño and get ready to visit this natural paradise!
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