December 8 – 16, 2018 | 8 nights
Part of the Osa Conservation Area, Isla del Cano lies 10 miles (17 km) from the western shoreline of the southern Osa peninsula in Costa Rica. This scenically stunning, biologically intense part of the country hosts what has been called the crown jewel of the national park system – Corcovado National Park – with some of the last remaining primary forests in Central America. Not surprisingly, due to its protected status and lack of human settlement, it also makes up one of the best hidden diving destinations on the continent. Allow the land and sea to overtake your senses with its grand display of pure life. You will practically be guaranteed sightings of white tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and dolphins, as well as several species of pelagic fish, barracuda, trevallys, and rays. Occasional visitors also include several species of whales, including the longest Humpback whale season in the world, and whale sharks. With white sand beaches (rare for the area), lush surroundings, and intense biological richness, it is a must-do for any nature lover and adventure enthusiast.
Isla del Caño from 5yong Vince on Vimeo
This itinerary is intended for participants with full physical mobility and active, healthful lifestyles.
We request that dive participants have advanced dive certifications.
*”SIRENA LLC (dba Sirena Adventures) is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration No. ST41086.”
Itinerary
Day 1 | SAT. | 8 DEC
You will arrive into Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose, sitting at an elevation of 1,172 meters above sea level. After settling into our hotel set into one of the more peaceful hillsides of the city, we will enjoy the panoramic vista and have a moment to rest, acclimate, and get to know other participants during our first evening’s Welcome Dinner.
Day 2 | SUN. | 9 DEC
The next morning, we will rise early for the adventure filled drive from San Jose to Sierpe, located in the southern zone of the country. This four-hour drive runs across the western portion of the Central Valley, traversing the famed Tarcoles river packed with crocodiles, and continuing past surf meccas and beach towns which dot the Pacific coast. The further south we travel, the more undeveloped our surroundings will be, with lush green mountains lining one side of the highway and the ocean lining the other. Once arrived at the small township of Sierpe on the banks of the Sierpe river, we will stop for lunch and transfer our belongings to a motorboat which will transport us down the river. An adventure in it of itself, the boat ride will take us down the towering mangrove-lined banks, over the dramatic river mouth meeting with the Pacific Ocean and arriving with a “wet landing” directly to our hotel with sweeping views of Drake Bay and the sea.
Day 3 | MON. | 10 DEC
We will be picked up early in the morning by boat from our hotel dock to head out for our first day of diving (two air dives) in the waters surrounding Isla del Cano. Located 15 km from the mainland, approximately a forty-minute boat ride away, this island is surrounded by fringing reefs, as well as sandy and rocky bottoms. It has enjoyed protection terrestrially as a Biological Reserve since 1976 and since 1984 for marine habitats. Hosting one of the most abundant coral reefs in the Eastern Pacific, the dive sites as varied as the species we have the potential to see. This ecologically rich and pristine coastline is waiting for you to explore its beauty. The average visibility can change daily due to currents, tides, and environmental factors, but averages 20 meters (60 ft). Common sightings include dolphins, sea turtles, white tip reef sharks, and several species of schooling pelagic and reef fish appearing as silver clouds within the water column. It is also famed as having the longest Humpback Whale season in the world, receiving both north Pacific and south Pacific pods at their respective migration times during the year. A homemade lunch will be enjoyed during our surface interval on the beach. *Please note that Nitrox (Enriched Air) is not available in any dive centers in this area.
Day 4 | TUE. | 11 DEC
The adventure is just beginning as we depart early morning for San Pedrillo Ranger Station, located within Corcovado National Park on the edge of the Osa peninsula. Having been named one of the most biologically intense places on Earth by National Geographic, the park is home to all four species of monkeys, as well as jaguars, tapirs, toucans, macaws, and more than 150 butterfly and 5,000 plant species. After another daring wet landing, led by our naturalist guide, we will trek from the beach through primary and secondary forest teeming with enough life to hold 2.5% of the world’s total biodiversity. We will stop for lunch at the ranger station after our first two-hour walkabout, continuing afterward down a second trail head taking us to a waterfall with a crystalline bathing pond. We will be back to the hotel in the late afternoon for dinner and to enjoy the grounds of our hotel.
Day 5 | WED. | 12 DEC
We will be picked up from our hotel dock once more for another two-tank dive surrounding Isla del Cano. What will the ocean hold for us today? Keep your eyes peeled for resident dolphin pods, false orcas, and devil rays jumping out of the sea into the air as the boat makes its way to our dive sites. A homemade lunch will be enjoyed during our surface interval on the beach. *Please note that Nitrox (Enriched Air) is not available in any dive centers in this area.
Day 6 | THU. | 13 DEC
After our last day of diving, we will come in for dinner before departing again for a two-hour, slow-paced night hike into the forests in the outskirts of town. Become acquainted with the amazing nocturnal fauna of the area in this popular night tour where you will be able to learn about and spot different species of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals that are active at night. *Please note that Nitrox (Enriched Air) is not available in any dive centers in this area.
Day 7 | FRI. | 14 DEC
Our last day will be taken at leisure! Take part in a half-day horseback riding tour along the beach, with a ride up towards the hills into a small traditional Costa Rican farm. We may have the chance depending on conditions to take a refreshing dip in a natural pool located in a small river quietly hidden in the jungle. After relaxing along the river, we will ride back to the hotel. The remainder of the day can be spent leisurely in the comfort of one of many campus hammocks, taking a swim in the pool overlooking the bay, or a short hike into town.
Day 8 | SAT. | 15 DEC
We will rise early for our hotel check-out and return to San Jose via the Sierpe River. Along the way, expect to make a stop for lunch at a small black sand beach town lining the Pacific Ocean before heading into the city. The town hosts various surf competitions and is home to some of the most consistent surf breaks in the country. Once we have arrived in the city and checked into the hotel, we will have our last farewell dinner – with the opportunity to participate in some salsa dancing and live music before calling it an evening!
Day 9 | SUN. | 16 DEC
Check-out and arrival to airport. Thank you for trusting Sirena Adventures for an epic experience overseas!
Included in this Adventure
● 8 nights of lodging in clean & scenic accommodations
– 2 nights in San Jose city
– 6 nights in Drake Bay
● Round-trip ground transfer from San Jose Airport to hotel
● Round-trip ground transfer from San Jose to Sierpe
● 3 days of two-tank boat dives (6 dives total)
● All tours, park entry fees, and naturalist guides:
– 6-hour Corcovado National Park (San Pedrillo Station)
– 4-hour Horseback tour
– 2-hour Night Hike
● Dedicated Divemaster for group
● 3 healthful meals a day in-between
● Welcome and Farewell dinner first and last days
● All gratuities (tips) and taxes included
● Bilingual on-site coordinator
Not Included:
Airfare, Nitrox tanks (not available in area), SCUBA gear, alcoholic beverages
Questions?
Please e-mail us directly at info@sirenaadventures.com.
Requirements & Policies
● Participants asked to be Advanced Open Water Certified or higher ● Must have two dives logged within last 6 months
Payment & Cancellation
An initial non-refundable 15% deposit due to confirm spot on the trip. Final payment for full trip cost is due (61) days prior to departure date. Cancellations received by (61) days to departure are 100% refundable less 15% deposit. Failure to pay your balance prior to such due date will be considered as cancellation. Booking requests received within (61) days to departure date, must be paid in full (100% due) at time of booking and are non-refundable. Any participant who wishes to withdraw or cancel from our trip inside (61) days from departure is permitted to transfer their payment into someone else’s name within (7) days prior to departure date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
Change Policy
Sirena Adventures is the acting agent and logistics supervisor for this program. In the event of any changes or delays caused by unforeseen circumstances with a vendor (i.e. – transportation strike, weather delay, mechanical malfunctions, etc.) Sirena Adventures may deviate or change the itinerary to best accommodate the group. When possible, these deviations will be made in collaboration with group participants. Sirena Adventures cannot be held responsible for any costs associated these unforeseen circumstances. To mitigate the risk associated with these unforeseen circumstances, Sirena Adventures recommends its participants to purchase trip insurance for the duration of the program. If circumstances arise during your trip, such as bad weather which causes the diving to be cancelled on 1 or more days, this is not cause for a refund. You pay for the trip or package, not the number of dives. For daytrips, it may be that the dives can be re-arranged, depending on the circumstances. Sirena Adventures will offer assistance where possible.
Packing List
● Teva type sandals or rubber soled shoes that can get wet
● Tennis shoes for day hike and camp
● Sunglasses with strap (if you wear prescription glasses bring an extra pair)
● Hat
● Sunscreen
● Insect repellent
● Day pack for day hikes
● Flashlight
● Camera, film and spare camera batteries
● Binoculars
● Poncho
● Sweater (for evening in San Jose)
● Long pants (for sun protection and evening in San Jose)
● Bathing suit
● Dive equipment
– Travel-size BCD
– Travel-size regulator
– Dive computer
– Fins
– Boots
– Mask and snorkel
– 3MM/5MM Full wetsuit recommended
– Save a dive kit (spare O-rings, zip ties, small tools, etc.)
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