Drake Bay

Bahía Drake

A secluded jungle-fringed bay on the Osa Peninsula that serves as a gateway to Corcovado and Caño Island. It offers world-class diving, dolphin and whale watching, and remote eco-lodge stays.

Things to do

• Corcovado National Park Trek — Take a guided hike from the San Pedrillo or Sirena ranger stations to spot tapirs, scarlet macaws, and spider monkeys in one of the planet's most biodiverse rainforests.
• Caño Island Snorkeling and Diving — Boat out to this protected biological reserve for world-class diving among reef sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays in crystalline waters.
• Dolphin and Whale Watching — Cruise the Pacific waters off the bay where spotted dolphins and migrating humpback whales are frequently seen between July and October.
• Rio Claro Waterfall Hike — Follow the coastal jungle trail from Drake Bay to a freshwater waterfall and swimming hole tucked into the forest.
• Night Rainforest Tour — Join a guided walk after dark to find glowing fungi, red-eyed tree frogs, kinkajous, and tarantulas around the bay's fringes.
• Sportfishing Charter — Head offshore for sailfish, marlin, dorado, and roosterfish in the rich waters of the Osa Peninsula.
• Kayaking the Agujitas River Mangroves — Paddle through the mangrove estuary where the Agujitas River meets the bay to see herons, crabs, and crocodiles.

Food to try

• Casado — The everyday Costa Rican plate of rice, black beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of fresh-caught fish or chicken.
• Fresh Ceviche — Locally landed corvina or shrimp cured in lime juice with cilantro, onion, and peppers, served at beachside sodas.
• Gallo Pinto — The classic breakfast of stir-fried rice and beans seasoned with Salsa Lizano, usually served with eggs and fried plantain.
• Pescado Entero Frito — A whole fried snapper caught by local fishermen, served simply with lime, rice, and patacones.
• Agua de Pipa — Chilled coconut water sipped straight from a machete-opened green coconut sold along the beach.
• Patacones — Twice-fried green plantain slices served crisp with black bean dip or as a side to seafood.

Local customs & good to know

• Arrive by boat or small plane — There is no paved road access, so most visitors fly into Drake Bay's airstrip or take a boat from Sierpe down the mangrove river.
• Book Corcovado with a certified guide — Entry to the national park is only permitted with a licensed local guide, so arrange tours in advance through your lodge.
• Bring cash and expect limited power — ATMs and reliable internet are scarce, and many eco-lodges run on solar power with limited hours, so carry colones and plan accordingly.
• Embrace pura vida and slow pace — Locals value the relaxed pura vida lifestyle, so greet people warmly and don't rush your interactions or meals.

Nearby

• Caño Island Biological Reserve — 24 km
• Corcovado National Park — 25 km
• Uvita and Marino Ballena — 53 km
• Nauyaca Waterfalls — 61 km