Isla del Caño (or Cane Island) is a biological reserve located about 12NM northwest of Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula. This is a day anchorage only, you are not allowed to stay overnight in the land and marine area of the reserve. Anchorage is possible on either side of the island, depending upon the weather and swell conditions. Neither site offers much protection from the wind.

The island is a breeding site for humpback whales from both the northern and southern hemispheres, as well as a resident species of dolphins. The crystal clear waters  are home to turtles, dolphins, stingrays, manta rays, moray eels as well as a variety sharks and humpback or pilot whales and some gorgeous coral reefs.

In Pre-Columbian times Isla del Caño was a burial ground for the Chiriqui people and it is possible to find strange stone spheres in the jungle which are hand carved and perfectly rounded and were related to their rituals.

Approaches

No info

Anchorage

You will not be allowed to visit Isla del Caño without a permit which must be procured in advance and will be requested by the rangers. Anchoring is not permitted. Moorings are located off the main beach at the NW side of the island in front of the park headquarters but they may be full of tour boats. Take care taking the dinghy ashore if the swell is breaking on the reef.

Facilities

None. Snorkeling and scuba diving are allowed only in the areas designated for diving which are marked by buoys. A maximum of ten people including divers from tour boats can be in the designated diving area at the same time.

There are two walking trails on Caño Island departing from behind the ranger station. The path splits leading to either an archaeological site in the centre of the island or a view point on the south coast. Hike only on the trails designated for public use and be accompanied by a certified guide.

On the west side of Golfo de Nicoya Isla San Lucas lies opposite the large town of Puntarenas on the mainland. Crossing the 3.8NM to the town can be hazardous in a dinghy as the strong northerly winds can kick up a stiff choppy sea. The large bay on the east side of the island is shoal close to the beach but is a very calm anchorage.

The island had been a penal colony from the time of the conquistadors in the 16th century and served as Costa Rica’s Alcatraz until it was finally abandoned in 1991. The prison is deserted and the buildings are open to look around. Around seven hundred inmates were incarcerated for life in seven cell blocks ringed a semicircular courtyard underlain by a huge cistern with two holes in the roof. The graffiti on the cell blocks features religious images or naked women as well as a host of other things that the prisoners were longing for.

Tourist boats arrive from the mainland for a tour of the prison, otherwise you will have the bay to yourself. The haunting calls of the howler monkeys, the eerie buildings and the accumulation of human anguish make this a memorable anchorage.

Approaches

On entering the bay favour the southern side and head towards the dock in the southeast corner. A wreck lying in the centre of the bay is visible at low tide.

Anchorage

Anchor off the dock in 2.5m on a sandy clay bottom with good holding. Dinghy in to the steps on the side of the dock or land on the beach where there is a rubbly path up to a track which leads to the dock and prison.

Facilities

None. Visiting the prison is a fascinating experience. There are also several tracks on the island for hiking.

The jungle covered island of Isla Muertos lies just south of Punta Gigante on the east coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Swell rarely wraps around to the western side of the island and the southern anchorage is protected from all but a southerly wind. The remains of the Fantasy Island Yacht Club are located on the western point of the island between the two anchorages.

Approaches

No info

Anchorage

Anchor on the west side of the hook at the southern end of the island in 3.8m on muddy sand. There are several small deserted beaches dotted around the island for exploring by dinghy and a spot of beach combing.

Facilities

None

First European Settlement in America - Nueva Cadiz - Walking distance