The PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience at Caño Island lets you breathe underwater for the first time inside Costa Rica’s most protected marine reserve – with a instructor beside you throughout both dives.
4,5 / 5 on Google & Tripadvisor 
A PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) is a one-day introductory experience: just a full day structured around your first open-ocean dives.
The day starts with a short theory session: how the equipment works, how to equalise, hand signals, and what to expect underwater.
Before the boat reaches Caño Island, you practise breathing underwater in shallow water beside the vessel.
Once inside the Caño Island Biological Reserve you do two guided dives at two separate reef sites. Most sites are between 5 and 12 metres.
Visibility averages 20–25 metres. Conditions are calm.
The Caño Island Biological Reserve has twelve documented snorkel and dive sites around the island. The snorkel sites are shallow enough to see the bottom clearly from the surface – and rich enough that you don’t need to dive down to find the marine life. It comes to you.
Caño Island is a no-fishing, no-extraction marine reserve. That means the wildlife is abundant, calm and completely different from what you find in unprotected tourist areas.
Green and hawksbill turtles feed on the reef and surface to breathe – often within metres of the group.
Resting on the sandy bottom, 3 to 8 metres below your fins. Seen on approximately 9 out of 10 snorkel tours.
Up to 3 metres across, gliding in formation directly beneath the surface.
The encounter that surprises everyone.
Wingspan up to 2 metres, crossing mid-water in pairs directly below the snorkel group. Common at both reef sites.
No fishing since 1978 – no fear of humans. Dense schools of parrotfish, snapper and barracuda move through you.
July to October only. The boat crossing to Caño Island passes directly through active humpback whale nursery grounds.
PRICE: $210
No hidden costs. Everything you need for your first dive – covered.
Limited spots, Book NOW! Only 20 spaces available per day to ensure a personalized experience.
Times are approximate and may adjust to sea conditions. Safety takes priority over schedule.
Two discover scuba dives at two different reef sites inside Caño Island Biological Reserve: 90 minutes in the water.
Departure from Drake Bay at 7:30 AM. Back by 2:00 PM, afternoon free.
Every operator in Drake Bay goes to the same reserve. What changes is who takes you, and how well they know it.
Limited spots, Book NOW! Only 20 spaces available per day to ensure a personalized experience.
In our Google reviews, we are one of the highest-rated dive centers in Costa Rica.
Our community highlights our organization, professionalism and the personal touch that makes us unique. connection to this corner of Costa Rica — that’s what makes Drake Divers different.
None at all. The PADI Discover Scuba Diving is built specifically for people who have never dived. Before entering the water, your instructor covers equipment use, how to equalise, hand signals and what to expect underwater.
Yes. The dive sites used are 5 to 12 metres deep, with calm conditions. A PADI-certified instructor is with you underwater at all times during both dives.
Caño Island is a no-fishing reserve. You can expect to see whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays, and large schools of tropical fish.
The maximum depth is 12 metres. Most of the dive takes place between 5 and 10 metres, allowing for a relaxed and safe experience.
The DSD is a one-day experience. The Open Water course is a 3–4 day certification. DSD dives count as credit if you decide to continue.
The minimum age is 10 years old. Participants under 18 require written consent from a parent or guardian.
All participants complete a PADI medical questionnaire. If you have certain conditions, a doctor's medical clearance is required.
Yes. The DSD dives count towards the PADI Open Water Diver certification. You can continue your training right here in Drake Bay.
Contact us!
Your Discover Scuba Diving at Caño Island!
Call or message us directly. Talk to one of our local instructors. We’ll listen to you and help you choose the best diving or snorkeling experience for your level.
