Essential Guide to Drake Bay Costa Rica: Things to Do & Where to Stay

Looking for a new eco destination in Central America off the tourist path? Drake Bay Costa Rica might be just the place for you!

Costa Rica is one of the most popular eco-tourism destinations in the world, and with good reason — not many places in the world still exist in their most primitive form.

Here, nature-loving adventure travelers will find everything from diverse wildlife and friendly people, to good food and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

But Costa Rica has become mainstream in recent years.

Tourism to hotspots like Tamarindo spurred construction of the new(ish) international airport in Liberia, and the coastal villages of Jaco and Manuel Antonio have become havens for expats and retirees.

Even Puerto Viejo and the Caribbean coast is seeing more tourists looking for lite adventure than ever before.

What if you’re looking for less-visitedplaces to go in Costa Rica?

If you’re up for rustic adventure in Costa Rica, Drake Bay onthe Osa peninsulais still well under the radar.

The small fishing town in the less-traveled southern Pacific coast may not be your typical holiday destination, but it’s sure to be one you won’t soon forget.

WithCosta Rica’s unparalleled wildlife无处不在,伴随着挑战健行步道,excellent diving, and unspoiled natural beaches, Drake Bay is the perfect off-the-grid escape we dream of!

Drake Bay in Costa Rica is a perfect place for travelers who want to go remote for a while, and explore the Osa peninsula and Costa Rica at its most natural and beautiful.

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What’s In The Essential Guide to Drake Bay?

Where is Drake Bay, Costa Rica

Getting to Drake Bay

4 ways to get from San Jose to Drake Bay

关于庄严赞歌e Bay and the Osa Peninsula

Where to Stay in Drake Bay

Things To Do In Drake Bay, Costa Rica

Where is Drake Bay, Costa Rica

Drake Bay, orBahia Drake, is nestled in the northern part of the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica not far from Panama.

The Osa is a rather rural and remote area of the country, with a few small towns and communities interspersed between rich rainforest. Drake Bay sits just south of the town of Sierpe and the massive Sierpe River system that is so vital to the region.

It’s also home to the planet's most biologically diverse region, Corcovado National Park, which draws visitors from around the world.

Bahía Drake Costa Rica offers travelers a rustic, small beach town feel that is far from the typical tourist hub. The town itself is far from manicured and feels more like a backpacker’s secret spot.

But you’ll also find honeymooners, luxury travelers, birders, divers, and sports fishermen mingling with locals at the same ceviche bars, on the same tours, and at the same eco-lodges as the backpackers.

Getting to Drake Bay

Here’s where the fun begins!

They say “anyplace worth going ain’t easy to get to”, and Drake Bay epitomizes that. Thebig plane/small plane/van/boat ridetransportation you have to endure when you visit Drake Bay is so worth it when you arrive.

For the sake of brevity, we’ll skip to the part where we recommend flying to Drake Bay — it’s the fastest and easiest way to get to Drake Bay from San Jose — but read on for other options.

If this is yourfirst trip to Costa Ricaor the Osa peninsula and you’re up for an adventurous journey — and you have a 4WD vehicle — we also recommend driving to Drake Bay, or at least to the town of Sierpe.

Over the course of several visits to the Osa, we have flown twice and driven twice (down the Bumpy Road when it still was bumpy and full of crater-sized potholes, though it has since been paved). It was a fun adventure driving the first time, but flying is now our preferred way to get to the Osa.

So here’s how you get to Drake Bay Costa Rica:

4 ways to get from San Jose to Drake Bay

FLY

Several in-country airlines offer flights to Drake Bay from San Jose. The flight takes about 40 minutes from San Jose and costs roughly $160 one way in high season.

We’ve flown with the domesticSANSAregional airlinemany times to the Osa, Nicoya, and theCaribbean side of Costa Ricaand Panama, and have had (mostly) good experiences.

If you’re a nervous flyer, keep a few things in mind: these planes are small seating only 10-14 passengers, the pilots look like teenagers on a joy ride and they sit literally inches away from you leafing through flight manuals as if they’re winging it.

They are not.

We’ve flown through some pretty intense lightning storms over the Osa and their flying skills have earned our respect.

NOTE:Most flights to Drake Bay are on small 14-seat planes usually Cessna Grand Caravans. You’ll be seated directly behind the two pilots and will have to hunch over forward to get inside the plane and to your seat. If you are immobile, have back issues, or require wheelchair accessibility, this may not be the best means of transportation for you.

DRIVE to Drake Bay

You can drive to Drake Bay, but you’ll need a 4x4 vehicle to do it. Also, we don’t recommend driving to Drake Bay on your own in the rainy season! What appear to be muddy puddles in the road are sometimes a few feet deep. We’ve actually seen cows standing in puddles in the road with the water up past their bellies.

• From San José, take route 37, 2 or 237 to Palmar Norte and continue south along the Pan American highway towards Panama. At Chacarita, turn west on Route 245 toward the Osa.

• At Rincón de Osa, turn west onto the unpaved mountain road and follow the signs to Drake Bay.

• This road takes you high up over the mountain which you’ll never make, if 1) you don’t really know how to drive a 4WD; 2) it’s the rainy season; 3) you’re driving too fast; or 4) all of the above.

DRIVE to Sierpe and Take the Boat

If you don’t want to drive all the way to Drake Bay, we suggest the more fun and adventurous route — drive to Sierpe, park your car, and take a boat!

There are several enclosed parking lots where you can leave your car for about $5 per night. Don Jorge Restaurant and Las Vegas restaurant in the center of town are two reputable places.

From there, the boat taxi to Drake Bay is only an hour long, and a gorgeous journey in and of itself.

BOAT

Boats depart from Sierpe River Ferry Terminal twice daily and take an hour to reach Drake Bay. The 11:30 a.m. ride costs about $15, while the 4:00 p.m. journey will cost you roughly $20.

There are buses from San Jose, too, with a bus ride taking roughly 6-8 hours (depending on traffic). While this is the cheapest option, it’s not the most efficient by any means.

There are limited boat runs from Sierpe to Drake Bay, and you run the risk of missing your boat due to the long bus ride. Save yourself a lot of time and take the boat.

关于庄严赞歌e Bay and the Osa Peninsula

Geologically, the Osa peninsula was formed by the same fault system that extends from California, so the area is lush and mountainous.National Geographiccalled the Osa peninsula “the most biologically diverse place on Earth” and it’s easy to see why — the Osa is home to at least half of all species living in Costa Rica.

有几个在阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合症,但小城镇still a very rural place to travel.

• Puerto Jimenezis the main town on the eastern part of the peninsula. It has its own airport (conveniently locatedright next tothe town cemetery — like10 feet away,which always begs for a joke).

  From Puerto Jimenez you can take flights to Drake Bay and Golfito just across the Golfo Dulce. This is also where you’ll find transport to Corcovado National Park and the coastal villages of Cabo Matapalo and Carate.

• Drake Bayis on the northwestern part of the Osa peninsula, and is a bit more difficult to get to than Puerto Jimenez on the other side of the peninsula.

  Located closer to the town of Sierpe just off the peninsula, the “town” of Drake Bay sits to the south of the Terraba-Sierpe National Wetlands, an incredibly important mangrove system that’s vital to the Osa’s agricultural economy.

  当你飞过it on your way to the Osa, you’ll be amazed at the incredible view!

  The reserve is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers, and several tours can show you this important habitat for numerousspecies of monkeys, birds, fish, shellfish, mammals and reptiles.
  

When it comes down to it,Drake Bayis more of a place than an actual town, although around 1,000 residents call it home.

Named for the serene and beautiful bay it sits on, the area is prone to flooding, which is one reason the “town” of Drake Bay sits atop a little hill and not right on the water. For that reason, there’s not much along the water except a beat-up old van selling sweets.

There is a road to the town and several footpaths that connect it with surrounding hostels and eco-lodges, and several good ones are located just around the bend, which is why you have to take a boat to get there.

Don’t worry, it’s all part of the fun!

Where to Stay in Drake Bay Costa Rica

La Paloma Lodge

If you’re looking for a Drake Bay eco-lodge where everything is included in the price (notice I didn’t sayall-inclusive),La Paloma Lodgeis the place for you.

It’s a 10-minute boat ride away from Playa Colorada, the main beach in Drake Bay, but it’s also walkable from town via a short and beautiful hike along the coast (probably about a half mile).

Located on 14 acres high on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific and a short walk from the cool waters of the Agujitas River, La Paloma offers 7 private bungalows and 4 spacious rooms that are air-conditioned and surrounded by lush jungle and monkeys, monkeys, monkeys!!!

They offer an all-inclusive package (they’re not a typical all-inclusive resort!) which includes 3 delicious meals, and 2 half day tours (snorkeling to Caño Island, and hiking to Corcovado and the San Pedrillo waterfall). A really good value!

Las Caletas Lodge

If you’d like to be right on the beach, the eco-friendlyLas Caletas Lodgeis that spot! Located just 1,300 feet from Drake Bay and a few miles from Corcovado, Las Caletas is easy walking distance from town with the feel of a hidden oasis along with an onsite restaurant that serves amazing food

The 2-story Honeymoon bungalow has views of the forest, garden AND ocean, and has one full and one twin room. Other rooms and bungalows are brightly-colored and simple with the magnificent views taking center stage. A perfect Costa Rican eco-lodge!

Check availability and more details.

Glamping Eco Lodge

For thrill-seekers, nothing says adventure better than camping in the wilderness surrounded by the sounds of the jungle or the lull of the waves on the beach. Campers who still want the benefits of a clean 5-star hotel can opt for one of Drake Bay’s many glamping options.

The accommodations atGlamping Eco Lodgeare perfect for a romantic getaway or a cozy family staycation with the kids. There’s a beautiful terrace, along with a fully equipped private bathroom with shower and an à la carte or American breakfast.

Check more details and availability.

Corcovado Adventures Tent Camp

If you are looking for something more rustic yet comfortable and aren’t bothered by the occasionalbugs Costa Rica is famous for,Corcovado Adventures Tent Campis your best bet. You will be provided with all the necessary amenities to enjoy a relaxing stay near the beach or close to popular hiking trails.

Check availability and details.

Things To Do In Drake Bay Costa Rica

Hike Corcovado National Park

The lush forests of Corcovado National Park are arguably the most significant attraction in Drake Bay, Costa Rica.

Home to more than 400 species of birds, the largest population of Scarlet Macaws, and several big cats like pumas, ocelots, and margays, this place is a true wildlife lover’s paradise.

Spend a day in these untouched forests, and if you are lucky, you may spot the rare tapir, the elusive jaguar, or even the Harpy eagle.

The Park itself has four ranger stations (Los Patos, La Sirena, San Pedrillo, and La Llorona) but you can enter Corcovado National Park from Drake Bay at theLaSirenaorSan Pedrillo Ranger Station.

>>> Thisfull-day tour to both San Pedrillo and La Sirenaand is a great value. <<<

San Pedrillo Ranger Station

A short boat ride of 30-45 minutes from Drake Bay brings you to the San Pedrillo Ranger Station located at the northern entrance of the Corcovado National Park.

Prepare yourself for a wet landing.

A typical tour consists of two hikes usually with a picnic lunch in between. The morning hike is usually a 3 1/2 hour slow hike in search of birds and animals. In the afternoon, the hike is shorter but includes a gradual ascent to a waterfall where you may take a refreshing swim in the cold water.

Follow the direction of your guide and be aware of your surroundings. Most importantly, stay on the trails. Going behind the waterfall is not recommended.

Sirena Ranger Station

Sirena Ranger Station is the largest interior ranger station in Cocovado National Park. It is also the most rustic. Because of its history and location, La Sirena biological station in Corcovado is a keystone for science education and ecotourism in the region.

Sirena is over a one hour boat ride from Drake Bay in a skiff boat that skirts the coast line. The ride is bumpy but scenic beyond belief.

Once you arrive at the beach near La Sirena Ranger Station you will need reef walkers or water sandals to walk to shore. The beach here is rocky and the beach landing can be wild, so be quick in getting into the water, and listen to your guide.

Tours to San Pedrillo and La Sirena will range between $90-$110 for the day and include a picnic lunch with cold beverages and water bottles. While the entrance to the park itself is only $15, having a knowledgable guide and the rare sightings you experience make it well worth the price tag!

If you're up for a more immersive experience,La Sirena Ranger Station offers overnight tripswhere you wake up amid flora and fauna.

>>> If you stay at La Paloma Lodge in Drake Bay, there are two half-day tours included in the cost of your room! <<<

Walk and Eat Drake Bay

德雷克湾镇确实很小,但它是福n to see and walk around. You’ll find a small bodega and a couple souvenir shops to spend some money in. And there are several good restaurants in town and around the bay.

Without a doubt, or favorite of these wasKalaluna Bistro, an open-air eatery with the most amazing view of the bay. By all means, please order their ceviche — it’s one of the things they’re known for. Not only is it super-fresh but it feels like exactly what you should be eating when you’re there.

Order one of their cocktails or an aqua fresca. My favorite was their watermelon juice topped with a matching hibiscus flower. Beautiful!

Scuba and Snorkelling in Cano Island Biological Reserve

Make no mistake, Corcovado National Park isn’t the only natural wonder that Drake Bay is famous for. Cano Island, located around 10 miles above the shores of Drake Bay, is a protected biological reserve that is popular for its stunning coral reefs and vibrant marine life.

Whether you are an amateur or experienced diver, you won’t want to miss out on exploring the beautiful, clear waters of this island. It’s widely regarded as one of the best spots in Costa Rica for snorkeling and scuba diving.

You’ll dive in and spot sting rays, sea turtles, manta rays, reef sharks, and so much more. Certified divers can also sign up for tours that take you deeper into the ocean for a dive with dolphins!

Several tour operators in Drake Bay offer snorkeling and diving tours that include snacks, lunch, and transport between Drake Bay and Cano Island.

>>>This full-day tour with Yemanyá Expeditionstakes just 8 people to Isla del Caño Biological Reserve

and is a really great value! <<<

River Tubing and Kayaking

Drake Bay, Costa Rica is all about the incredible nature and water activities it has to offer, and we don’t mean just on the Pacific. Drake Bay has excellent river tubing and kayaking activities that are great for the entire family.

So let loose the adrenaline junkie in you and navigate the river current with a fun kayaking tour. If you are looking for something more relaxed, river tubing is also really popular. Just lay back on the tube, cruise down the Sierpe river at a gentle pace, and watch as the birds and wildlife flit on by.

>>> This4-hour river tubing tourcame highly recommended by our new friends we met at La Paloma. They couldn’t stop talking about it over dinner and had a great time! <<<

Birding

For bird-watching enthusiasts, there's no better place to explore your passion than this tropical paradise! With its rich biodiversity, Drake Bay is an ideal location for busting out your binoculars.

Catch a glimpse of Red Macaws, Toucans, Tanagers, Woodpeckers, hummingbirds, manakins, euphonias, and many more feathered beauties!

There are plenty of birdwatching tours available that will not only guide you around the area but also talk you through the natural history of the land.

>>> Check outthis tour by Osa Great Adventurethat includes a two-hour bird walk with a professional guide. <<<

Tapir Trail Tour

This local tour promotes conservation outside of the Corcovado Park. The tour is led by expert local bilingual guides in a private reserve with a conservation easement. Hiking in this forest offers giant ancient tropical rainforest trees, abundant wildlife, birdwatching, and learning about natural history.

After walking in the forest you can even swim in a pristine river. A meal is provided at a local farmers home at the end of the tour. Rubber boots and walking sticks are provided.

Horseback Riding

Believe it or not, horses are a staple means of transportation in some parts of Costa Rica, and they are essential to the livelihood of the locals at Drake Bay.

In more recent years, they have also become a great way to explore the remote rainforest or trod along the deserted shorelines of the town and surrounding trails. Trails tend to be very steep and can be very muddy, especially in the green season.

From a slow travel perspective, horseback riding in the Osa is a great way to get in touch with the lifestyle of the Osa and interact with the locals.

Most half-day tours take you to beautiful Rio Claro where you can relax in the cool clear water or even rent a canoe. Some tours include idyllic trips to nearby farms or even through rushing waterfalls.

If this magical ride on your own noble steed catches your fancy, check out these tours organized byDrake Bay GetawayorGringo Curt.

Visit San Josecito and Rio Claro on the Drake Trail

Another must-do when in Drake Bay Costa Rica is theBahia Drake Public Trail, a free, easy 12-mile trail with very few slopes. It takes roughly 3.5 hours to complete.

You can embark on foot from the south end of Drake Bay and hike through small towns, past sandy beaches and jungle lodges all the way to San Josecito beach.

It is recommended to start early in the morning, around 7 am, to reach the beach by 11. This will ensure you have ample time to soak up the sun at San Josecito before taking a boat or walking the trail back to town.

Since some parts of the trail run through thePunta Rio Claro National Park, your journey could be filled with sights of scarlet macaws and capuchin monkeys. Don’t forget to plan a short stop at some beaches along the way for a dip, a click, or even just to sit and relax.

If you feel more comfortable, you can also visit San Josecito and Rio Claro on the same tour from Drake Bay. San Josecito is 2 1/2 hours walk or a 20 minute boat ride from Drake Bay.

The waters of San Josecito Beach are unspoiled and protected by a bay making it ideal for snorkeling. Rio Claro is a 30-minute walk from the San Josecito Beach and you can canoe, walk, or swim upstream to a few small waterfalls.

Whale And Dolphin Watching

Drake Bay’s aquatic wildlife makes National Geographic’s front covers pale in comparison! If you’re lucky, you might even be able to spot the star attraction of these waters, the massive humpback whales, during their migratory periods between mid-July and October.

The season sees these giant beings swim thousands of miles every year to breed in Drake Bay’s warm tropical waters. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might even catch a glimpse of a mother and calf pair swimming together or bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, and many more leaping in and out of the water.

Along with whale watching, several tours include snorkeling with equipment and lunch. Make a day out of it by diving into the open water to see other aquatic wonders like sea turtles and manta rays.

Top-Rated Whale Watching Tour

>> Sustainable eco-travelers will lovethis full-day whale watching tour led by marine biologistswho are dedicated to conservation and preservation. They even have a hydrophone onboard to listen to the whale sounds!! <<

Take a Nature Eco Tour

Experience nature beyond its vibrant visuals and learn about its captivating history, rich undergrowth, and fascinating wildlife with the eco-tours of Drake Bay.

Tours range from classic hikes in Corcovado park to清晨观鸟走through the town to spot exotic regional species. These are both visually immersive and educational, proving to be a great activity for the whole family.

TheCano Island and Drake Bay Butterfly Garden touris a fantastic way to discover Costa Rica's renowned biodiversity with your younger kids. Watch as your kids wander around the verdant garden and try to identify the different species of butterflies that call this place home.

Discover the lush jungle, mighty waterfalls, and natural caves of the Corcovado National Park on thisaction-packed full-day tour. Venture into the heart of the rainforest in a 4x4, then set out on a thrilling canyoning experience. Hike along jungle trails, rappel down waterfalls, and swim in natural pools before re-fuelling with a picnic-style lunch in a scenic natural setting. This 6 hour small group tour also includes a scrumptious lunch before heading back back to town.

Rent an ATV and Get Off-Road

Make your way around town, its muddled roads, and its jungle paths by hopping into an ATV and zooming away for a truly unique off-road experience.

Many ATV places provide you with rentals as well as safety equipment to ensure your security on these adventures. Although the ride might require a large sum as a deposit, the cost itself is guaranteed not to be too heavy on the wallet.

Surfing

Drake bay has not traditionally been a big surf spot in Costa Rica owing to its lack of easy accessibility. But, with its growing popularity, the sandy beaches and large tides have managed to lure surfers into riding the tall waves on their offshore reef.

The Rio Sierpe estuary provides an excellent surfing spot with dynamic wave patterns and high tides. Beginner surfers are not recommended to go at it alone, as the rough waves need an experienced surfer to handle the tides.

However, you can find several local tour centers offering surf camps and lessons that you can take advantage of.

While Drake Bay’s coast can be something of a surfer’s paradise, just remember that you’re never alone in the water! The warm climate is still an ideal home for crocodiles so be wary of them while paddling through the waves.

Take a Night Hike

When night falls over the rainforest and the temperature drops, the nocturnal inhabitants awaken. This is the time to channel your inner Indiana Jones and explore the jungle!

你可以做一个德雷克湾的许多夜间旅行and explore unusual creatures and insects while learning about their mythology and history.

We experienced the natural nightlife of Drake Bay on anight hike with Tracie the Bug Lady, a local biologist and super knowledgable guide.

The guide team includes Tracie and her “animal spotter extraordinaire” who will help you spot rare night creatures using echo bat detectors and spotting scopes.

Be sure and wear long pants and closed-toed shoes.

Mangrove Tour from Sierpe

Sprawling out over 85 square miles between the deltas of the Terraba and Sierpe rivers, theHumedal Nacional Terraba-Sierpeis one of the most biodiverse mangrove forests found in Costa Rica. It is also the biggest on the Pacific coast of Central America.

The rich ecosystem of the Sierpe River and surrounding Mangrove forests are home to 31 species of mammals and 163 species of birds.

You really can’t explore this massive wetlands area without a boat, so a guided tour is your best bet.This 5-hour boat safariwill take you through the mangroves, where you can spot animals like crocodiles, caimen, snakes, turtles, and the super-speedy basilisco,aka The Jesus Christ Lizard.

It's also common to see squirrels, howlers, capuchin monkeys, blue herons, and macaws. Truly an unparalleled and serene ride through the wetlands.

***

Drake Bay is the perfect Costa Rica adventure getaway that offers everything a nature lover could want — lush green jungle teeming with wildlife, canopy-clad rainforests, and an abundance of water activities. If you are looking for a fun-filled vacation with more than your run-of-the-mill activities, this cozy little beach town has everything you need and more!