Drake Bay

Highlights

Corcovado National Park

Hiking 

Corcovado is one of the best national parks in Costa Rica for seeing wildlife. There several adventurous hiking trails to choose from and you’re guaranteed to up close and personal with monkeys, tapirs, iguanas, hundreds of bird species and peccaries. You MUST have a guide to hike in Corcovado National Park. 

Camping 

Camping is very popular in Corcovado and an eco-tourist’s dream. You can make arrangements at the park’s headquarters and research center, La Sirena. There are multiple camping spots available and each has it’s own unique set of hiking trails. 

Wildlife

Corcovado has all 13 major ecosystems making it a perfect host to a myriad of exotic wildlife. Get ready to see thousands of insect species, hundreds of bird species, all four monkey and sea turtle species and over 40 frog species. You might also see crocodiles, tapirs, peccaries, snakes and butterflies! 

Caño Island

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

Dive into the crystal blue waters around Caño Island for a scuba diving adventure of a lifetime. The coral reef is a great place to spot marine life. Lucky divers will see manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles, puffer fish, whale sharks and more! 

Water Activities

Between dozens of hidden beaches and lagoons, Drake Bay is the perfect place for water activities. Go swimming, kayaking, sport fishing and horseback riding on the beach! 

Tips

Visit between December-April 

December-April is the dry season in Drake Bay and a great time to see the area without getting to wet. However you’ll find less crowds and cheaper hotel rates during the rainy season (May-November). 

Be prepared for poor cell service: 

Because of its remote location, the communication in Drake Bay is very limited, and you must take this into account; the signal for cell phones is often poor, and many people communicate via radiophones or shortwave.

Stay hydrated: 

The sun is strong in Drake Bay. Make sure to bring a water bottle and a lot of sunscreen! 

Pay attention to beach safety: 

Watch for riptides on the beach. Ask your hotel staff or local guides about safe places for swimming in the area. 

Getting There

Closest International Airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport

As a destination, Drake Bay is off the beaten path where naturalist explorers and marine life lovers find their ideals as they indulge into Costa Rica’s finest natural wonders. Getting to this remote corner of Costa Rica to reach Corcovado and the Osa Peninsula is an adventure in itself. The most practical way of reaching this area is by domestic flight. Although many visitors catch a boat in Sierpe that will drift down some impressive coastal wetlands and spill into the ocean neighboring Drake Bay. 

Dining

You will find a wide variety of food that everyone in your family can enjoy in Drake Bay. For a traditional Costa Rica casado, try Soda Mar y Bosque Restaurant. If you want great seafood, eat at Drake’s Kitchen, Casa el Tortugo. For a mix of Mexican, Costa Rican and seafood, eat at Margarita’s Marisqueria! 

Where to Stay

There are a wide variety of picturesque Hotels in Drake Bay Costa Rica to choose from, most of which offer “all-inclusive packages” since accommodations, tours, meals and some transportation included.   They offer packages with pick up services by boat from one of the neighboring towns. All magnificently located with views over the ocean, surrounded by lush vegetation and wild animals and brightly colored birds. For an eco-friendly luxury accommodations, stay at the Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge. For a secluded, rancho-style hotel stay at La Paloma Lodge.