 Location
The Isla del Caño Biological Reserve is 311 kms away from San
Jose and some 20 kilometers off the Osa peninsula. The place enjoys
immense archaeological significance, since pre-Columbian settlers
used it as a cemetery and a permanent settlement. Certain
footprints in time still remain engraved in the form of remains of
pottery from that era and the rounded stone spheres made by the
settlers.
Landscape
The Isla del Caño Biological Reserve is composed of Eocene
basalts, which are said to be dating back to some 60-65 million
years in time. The refuge is made up of cliffs and beaches. The
cliffs rise to the height of 110 meters .The beaches are small and
beautiful, covered with white sands. The beaches at times even get
washed away during the high tides.
Animal Species
The wildlife in general is scant here, comprising mainly small
insects, butterflies, reptiles like lizards and certain
vertebrates. There are certain species of rats and mice that have
been identified over here. The other animal includes four eyed
possums, boa, transparent tree frog. The birds that one can find
here are osprey, brown booby. The refuge also protects along the
beach, creatures of the sea like whales, dolphins, sea stars,
porcupines, lobsters, cambutes and fishes.
Floral Species
The Isla del Caño Biological Reserve is covered with a tall
evergreen forest. The vegetation in this forest is mostly trees
like cow trees, more commonly referred to as milk trees because of
the latex that it generates which could be drunk. The island houses
some 158 species of plants. The trees found here are really long,
some going above 50 meters in height .The other trees one can find
here are the guapinol, higuerón, the wild cacao , the rubber
and garumo. The vegetation on the island includes plants and trees
like ferns, bejucos, heliconias. Certain fruit trees growing on the
island are mango, oranges and bananas.
Total Area
The Isla del Caño Biological Reserve spreads over an expanse
of 300 hectares on land and covers a whopping 5,800 hectares of
sea.
Chief Attractions
This place has gained popularity due to its white sands and coral
reefs. The coral walls range from the height of 15 inches to 80
inches. Suddenly this island has captured many a scuba diver's
attention due to the beauty it is home to. Due to its status of a
reserve, the diving is regulated. But the adventurers sure are
going to find a new paradise to head for with its beautiful
line-ups of the coral walls and equally exotic sea creatures.
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