6 Sharks of Isla del Caño: Which Ones Are Easy to Spot and Which Remain Elusive?

What sharks can you see at Caño Island?

Over many years of diving at Caño Island, I’ve been fortunate to encounter an impressive variety of sharks that inhabit these waters. While I’ve personally witnessed most of these fascinating creatures, others have been recorded by underwater cameras as part of a project led by the University of Costa Rica, confirming their presence around the island, even if I haven’t seen them firsthand.

Whitetip Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus)

Without a doubt, the whitetip reef shark is the most common shark at Caño Island. It can be found at virtually all dive sites, from depths of 8 meters to 40 meters. This shark is known for resting on the sandy ocean floor, making it easy to spot during dives. Seeing one is almost guaranteed when exploring these waters.

Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum)

The nurse shark used to be a common sight, especially at the dive site known as Bajo del Diablo, where it would rest between the rocks. However, over the last decade, its sightings have become less frequent. My last encounter with a nurse shark was at a secret spot on the island called Coquitos, at a depth of 35 meters, where I saw two of the largest individuals I’ve ever seen in my life.

Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas)

Bull sharks are regular inhabitants of Caño Island’s waters, though they are more challenging to spot due to their preference for deeper waters, around 30 meters. Most public dive sites don’t reach that depth, making it harder to encounter one during a typical dive.

Which Shark Species Are Hardest to Spot at Isla del Caño?

In the waters around Isla del Caño, there are shark species that we know are present but are rarely seen. These elusive sharks tend to stay in specific areas of the marine reserve that are not open for diving. While common species are frequently spotted, these remain hidden in places that few get to explore, making encounters with them a rare experience.

Great Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna mokarran)

This impressive shark, as its name suggests, can grow to an enormous size and is known to swim alone. While great hammerheads have been spotted at Caño Island on various occasions, they remain elusive and aren’t a daily sight. Each encounter with a hammerhead is a special and memorable event due to its rarity.

Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)

Although divers haven’t reported tiger shark sightings at Caño Island, their presence has been confirmed several times by cameras we set up helping the University of Costa Rica. We know these powerful predators inhabit the area, even if they rarely venture into the typical dive zones.

Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)

The whale shark, the gentle giant of the oceans, occasionally passes through Caño Island. While not a resident species, there’s a slight chance of spotting one during the summer months. These encounters are always extraordinary, given the whale shark’s massive size and majestic presence.

Conclusion

The remarkable diversity of sharks at Caño Island is a testament to the richness and health of its marine ecosystem. While the most commonly spotted sharks for divers are whitetip reef sharks and nurse sharks, the presence of other species like the great hammerhead, bull shark, and even the whale shark highlights how special this underwater world is. Each of these predators plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the oceans, keeping the food chain in harmony.

Protecting sharks is not only essential for their survival but also for preserving the health of the entire marine ecosystem that relies on them. By safeguarding these magnificent creatures, we’re ensuring the future of the oceans for generations to come.

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