Cabuya Island Cemetery Costa Rica
A unique cemetery island accessible only by foot at low tide, offering a spooky historical experience and snorkeling.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Island access is tide-dependent
Cabuya Island Cemetery Costa Rica
Best Time
Island access is tide-dependent
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique cemetery island accessible only by foot at low tide, offering a spooky historical experience and snorkeling.
"An interesting and spooky island worth checking out, but make sure you time the tides correctly!"
Check Tide Charts First! ⏰
Crucial for access! You have about 1.5-2 hours on either side of low tide. Don't get stranded!
Wear Water-Friendly Shoes 👟
The path can be wet and uneven. Closed-toe shoes are best to avoid sharp objects.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cemetery Island
Cabuya Island
A unique cemetery accessible only at low tide, offering a spooky yet fascinating glimpse into local history.
Low Tide Causeway
Path to Cabuya Island
Walk across a natural causeway that appears only during low tide, a truly unique travel experience.
Snorkeling Opportunities
Waters around Cabuya Island
The calm waters surrounding the island offer surprisingly good snorkeling, especially when the tide is out.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything: Tide Dependent Access
Respectful Exploration & Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Charts First! ⏰
Crucial for access! You have about 1.5-2 hours on either side of low tide. Don't get stranded!
Wear Water-Friendly Shoes 👟
The path can be wet and uneven. Closed-toe shoes are best to avoid sharp objects.
Respect the Cemetery 🙏
This is an active burial ground. Be mindful and respectful of the resting places.
Drone Views are Epic 👰
Capture stunning aerial shots of the island and causeway, especially at low tide.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Charts First! ⏰
Crucial for access! You have about 1.5-2 hours on either side of low tide. Don't get stranded!
Wear Water-Friendly Shoes 👟
The path can be wet and uneven. Closed-toe shoes are best to avoid sharp objects.
Respect the Cemetery 🙏
This is an active burial ground. Be mindful and respectful of the resting places.
Drone Views are Epic 👰
Capture stunning aerial shots of the island and causeway, especially at low tide.
Look for Vultures & Lizards 🦎
Keep an eye out for the local wildlife that inhabits the island.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Cabuya Island Cemetery a unique and spooky destination, with the tide-dependent access being a highlight. The experience of walking the causeway and the historical atmosphere are frequently praised, though some caution about the terrain and the need for careful timing. It's a memorable spot for those seeking something out of the ordinary.
"Interesting and spooky island 🏝️ worth checking out. Make sure you time the tides correctly. You have about 1.5-2 hours on either side of low tide. There are a few really interesting gravestones, and some as new as 2023. The water is calm around the island and good for snorkelling 🤿 ."
Travis Mackenzie
"Great experience visiting this place. Having to time the trip so that you get there at low tide and leave before the ocean comes back is not something I've done before, and I don't think I'll forget it. The cemetery itself was full of vultures, which seemed very appropriate."
Romans Bajevs
"We lucked out that it was low tide when we visited last month. This is an amazing place to visit where you can only go to the island at low tide."
Catherine Hunt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cabuya Island Cemetery is located near the town of Cabuya, a short distance from Montezuma. You can reach Cabuya by walking, biking, renting an ATV, or taking a local bus from Montezuma. The island itself is only accessible by foot via a natural causeway that appears during low tide.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the island's access point, you can usually find parking in the small town of Cabuya if you arrive by car or ATV. Be sure to secure your vehicle properly.
Yes, it's possible to walk from Montezuma to Cabuya, which is about 6 kilometers. However, it's a significant walk, and you'll need to time your arrival at the island with the low tide.
Many travelers opt for ATVs for flexibility and ease of travel between Montezuma and Cabuya. Local buses are also an option, but check their schedules carefully.
The island is quite distinctive and easily recognizable once you are in the Cabuya area. The main challenge is timing your visit with the low tide to access it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees or tickets required to visit Cabuya Island Cemetery. Access is free, but it is entirely dependent on the tide.
Cabuya Island Cemetery does not have set opening hours. It is accessible only during low tide. Always check the tide charts for the specific day you plan to visit.
The best time to visit is during the low tide period. Visiting in the early morning can offer fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
While technically possible if the tide is out, visiting at night is not recommended due to the spooky atmosphere and potential safety concerns. It's best experienced during daylight hours.
The primary restriction is the tide. Visitors are also expected to be respectful of the cemetery grounds and the deceased.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the cemetery itself, with unique gravestones and a historical atmosphere. You can also enjoy the unique experience of walking the tide-dependent causeway and observe the surrounding marine life.
The causeway can be slippery and uneven. It's advisable to wear sturdy, water-friendly shoes as some visitors have encountered sharp objects.
Black vultures are commonly seen on the island, and lizards can also be spotted. The surrounding waters are good for observing marine life while snorkeling.
Yes, the waters around Cabuya Island are generally calm and suitable for swimming and snorkeling, especially during low tide.
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the island and the causeway, ensuring you have enough time to return before the tide comes in.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic shots are of the causeway appearing at low tide, the unique gravestones, and aerial views of the island. Time-lapses of the tide coming in or going out are also popular.
Drone photography is permitted and offers spectacular perspectives of the island and its surroundings. However, be mindful of battery life and weather conditions.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful. However, the primary factor is the tide, so plan your photography around low tide.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the landscape and causeway. A waterproof camera or protective casing is advisable due to the proximity to water.
The entrance to the causeway, the older, more ornate gravestones, and any vantage points offering a view of the entire island are excellent photo spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The opportunity to see marine life in the shallow waters around the island can also be engaging. Remember to pack plenty of water, snacks, and ensure everyone wears appropriate footwear for the potentially wet and uneven terrain. Emphasize the importance of respecting the cemetery grounds to children. It's a good opportunity to discuss history and the concept of remembrance in a unique setting. Keep the visit within the safe low-tide window to avoid any stress or danger. The island itself isn't large, making it manageable for younger explorers, but always supervise children closely, especially near the water.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Drone operators will find the aerial perspective particularly rewarding, showcasing the island's isolation and the vastness of the surrounding ocean.
Be prepared for the elements, as the coastal environment can be windy and humid. Waterproof camera gear or protective casings are highly recommended. Remember to be respectful of the site, as it is an active cemetery, and avoid disturbing any graves or structures. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystique of the Cemetery Island
The island's origins as a burial ground are steeped in local lore. Legend has it that the tradition began when a drowned body was found near the island and buried there, leading to a custom of interring the deceased on this isolated spot. This history, combined with the visual of a cemetery on an island, has led to tales of it being haunted, particularly at night. While many visitors focus on the daytime exploration and snorkeling, the spooky reputation adds another layer to its mystique.
+1For travelers seeking a truly unique experience, Cabuya Island Cemetery offers a blend of natural wonder and historical intrigue. It’s a place that prompts reflection and offers a memorable adventure, especially for those who appreciate the unusual and the slightly macabre. The visual of the island appearing and disappearing with the tides is a powerful reminder of nature's influence on human endeavors.
Navigating the Tides: Your Essential Guide
Timing is Crucial: You typically have a window of about 1.5 to 2 hours on either side of the absolute low tide. It's essential to check local tide charts for the Nicoya Peninsula before you plan your trip. Arriving too early or staying too late can leave you stranded or facing a difficult swim back. Many visitors recommend starting their walk about an hour before the predicted low tide to maximize exploration time.
Footwear for the Causeway: The path to the island can be wet, slippery, and uneven. It's highly recommended to wear sturdy, water-friendly shoes that you don't mind getting wet. Closed-toe options are preferable, as some visitors have reported stepping on sharp objects. Avoid flip-flops or going barefoot, as this can lead to injury.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit