Bay · Osa Peninsula
Drake Bay
The way in to Corcovado National Park and Caño Island, reached by boat down the Sierpe River or a short flight. Most of our clients stay 3 nights.
Osa Peninsula and Southern Pacific Beaches
Seven beaches at the far south of the Pacific coast, on one map. Drake Bay for Corcovado, Uvita and Bahía Ballena for the whales, Pavones for the surf.
The short answer
Where should you go on the Southern Pacific?
The Southern Pacific runs from Uvita and Bahía Ballena down to the Osa Peninsula and Golfo Dulce. Drake Bay is where we book the most hotels, and most of our clients give it 3 nights: it is the way in to Corcovado National Park, home to 13 major ecosystems, and to the snorkelling at Caño Island. Getting there is part of the trip, a boat down the Sierpe River or a short flight from San José. Uvita and Bahía Ballena, on the coast road, are the places for whale watching. December to April is the driest time to come.
The map
Osa Peninsula and Southern Pacific beach map
Seven beaches, numbered from where we book the most hotels to the fewest.
Seven Southern Pacific beaches
Each one links to our full guide: what it is like, what to do and where to stay.
Beach · Costa Ballena
Uvita
A small beach town beside Marino Ballena National Park, known for whale and dolphin watching and boats out to Caño Island. Most of our clients stay 4 nights.
Gulf · Southern Pacific
Golfo Dulce
The gulf between the Osa Peninsula and the mainland, over 600 feet deep in the middle, with humpback whales and quiet beaches backed by rainforest.
Beach · Osa Peninsula
Playa Carate
A secluded beach next to the La Leona ranger station of Corcovado National Park, about 50 km south of Drake Bay.
Beach · Osa Peninsula
Cabo Matapalo
The tip of the Osa Peninsula, about an hour south of Puerto Jiménez, where most lodges run on solar power and the beaches carry the Blue Flag.
Beach · Costa Ballena
Bahía Ballena
The beach in Marino Ballena National Park whose sand makes the shape of a whale's tail at low tide, and one of the best places in Costa Rica to see whales and dolphins.
Surf beach · Golfo Dulce
Pavones
Some of the longest waves in the world, on Golfo Dulce, for experienced surfers only.
Good to know
Osa and Southern Pacific questions we answer every week
What are the best beaches on the Osa Peninsula?
Drake Bay, for Corcovado and Caño Island; Playa Carate, next to Corcovado's La Leona ranger station; and Cabo Matapalo at the tip, with Blue Flag beaches. Across Golfo Dulce, Pavones has some of the longest waves in the world.
How do I get to the Osa Peninsula?
Most of our clients go by road to Sierpe, then by boat down the Sierpe River to Drake Bay, 1.25 to 1.5 hours. The fastest way is a domestic flight from San José, about 1 hour. From Manuel Antonio it is about 2 hours to the boat dock in Sierpe.
When is the best time to visit the Osa Peninsula?
December to April is the driest. May to November brings more rain and fewer visitors.
Where can I see whales in southern Costa Rica?
Bahía Ballena and Uvita, at Marino Ballena National Park, are among the best places in Costa Rica to see whales and dolphins. Humpback whales also come into Golfo Dulce and Drake Bay.
How many nights do I need?
3 nights in Drake Bay is what most of our clients choose: a day at Caño Island, a day in Corcovado and time at the lodge. In Uvita, most stay 4.
Do I need a guide in Corcovado?
Yes. Corcovado National Park can only be hiked with a guide, and every Corcovado tour we book includes one.
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