Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica -Visitors Guide
The Southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica (also known as the Osa Peninsula) is home to raw beautiful beaches, lush jungle, and an abundance of wildlife.
Corcovado National Park is located in this area. It houses 3% of the world’s biodiversity.
Osa Peninsula at a Glance
Nearest International Airport
Juan Santamaria International Airport in Alajuela
Popular Things to Do
visit Manuel Antonio National Park, go surfing, take a catamaran tour
Best Way to Get Around
Rental car, day tours with transportation
Best Time of Year to Visit
Dry season is from late December until mid-April
Main Language
Spanish. Most people in tourism speak English
Currency
Costa Rica Colones, but USD is widely accepted
Outlets
110v/60 (the same as the US)
Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica
Town on the Osa Peninsula
Uvita
Uvita is everything you imagine when you think of Costa Rica.
The beaches are beautiful long stretches. The forests are dense and jungle-ish. The waterfalls are plentiful. The people are the sweetest.
Dominical
Dominical consists of a small (but lively) downtown area, beaches, and dense jungle mountains.
Even though it is a small town there are still plenty of excellent restaurants and many to do.
Ojochal
I feel like Ojochal is one of those places that needs to grow on you. It is an absolutely beautiful area, but it doesn’t have the unique vibe that some Costa Rican towns have.
I think a big part of this is the fact that there is no distinct downtown area.
Puerto Jimenez
A good place to stay if you are visiting Corcovado National Park. This town has a decent amount of infrastructure and is home to some beautiful Golfo Dulce beaches.
Drake Bay
A gateway to Corcovado National Park. This small village is the perfect place to disconnect from the world.
Pavones
This town is home to the world’s largest left hook. It is a popular destination for surfing enthusiasts,. It is a bit of a challenge to get here.
The Osa Peninsula Weather
The dry season and main tourism season in Costa Rica is from late December until late April. During this time of year you can expect crowds and higher prices in this area.
This especially applies to the more popular beach town like Uvita.
From May until August prices go down a bit, the crowds go home, and the weather turns somewhat rainy.
You can expect afternoon rainstorms to last about one to two hours.
If you plan on visiting the southernmost points of the country (Drake Bay, Golfito, Puerto Jimenez) you need to be prepared for the fact that there are many roads that require river crossings.
Sometimes it is not possible to cross these during the rainy season.
From August until December prices usually get even lower and many places close due to the lack of tourism.
At this time of year, you are more likely to experience rainy days.
The temperature year-round is usually in the upper 80°F (around 30°C) during the day and dips to about 65° F (19°C) at night.
Year-round the sun rises between 5:15 and 5:45am and sets between 5:30 and 6:00pm.
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Things to Do in The Osa Peninsula Costa Rica
- Explore Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, with guided hikes through its pristine rainforests and chances to spot rare wildlife like jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws.
- Visit Caño Island Biological Reserve and enjoy snorkeling or diving in its crystal-clear waters to discover vibrant coral reefs and a plethora of marine life.
- Take a boat tour through the mangroves of the Sierpe River to observe the incredible biodiversity and see crocodiles, monkeys, and various bird species.
- Relax on the remote and unspoiled beaches of the Osa Peninsula, such as Drake Bay, Carate, and Matapalo, and soak in the natural beauty.
- Embark on a guided night hike to experience the fascinating nocturnal creatures of the rainforest, including frogs, insects, and owls.
- Take a boat tour to see the magnificent humpback whales that visit the waters around the Osa Peninsula during their migration season (July to November).
- Explore the mangroves of the Gulfo Dulce on a kayak or paddleboard and discover the unique ecosystem and wildlife that thrives there.
- Go sport fishing in the rich fishing grounds of the Osa Peninsula and try your luck at catching marlin, sailfish, or roosterfish.
- Experience a canopy tour or zip-lining adventure through the treetops of the rainforest, getting a bird’s-eye view of the lush landscapes.
- Take a guided hike to explore the Piedras Blancas National Park, a rainforest paradise teeming with wildlife, waterfalls, and stunning views.
- Enjoy a boat tour or kayak expedition to the mangrove estuaries of the Terraba-Sierpe Wetlands, home to an array of bird species, monkeys, and caimans.
The Osa Peninsula Transportation
There are multiple transportation options to get to and around in the South Pacific area of Costa Rica.
We usually suggest renting a car because it will give you the most flexibility in getting around between locations and it will allow you to explore more on your own.
You can book your rental car with a 10% discount plus other great perks here.
However, if you are planning on staying at a resort or plan to mostly take day tours with transportation included, it is most likely not necessary to rent a car.
In this situation, you could opt for a private shuttle.
You can book your private shuttle with our favorite shuttle company here.
If you are on a tight budget, the public bus is always an option. Here is the best place for the bus schedule.
Is the Osa Peninsula Worth Visiting?
We think the Costa Rica Osa Peninsula is worth a visit. The fact that this area is known as one of the most biodiverse places on earth is a good reason on its own.
This area also boasts an incredible array of plant and animal species, including jaguars, monkeys, sloths, and scarlet macaws, and is not typically as popular destination with tourists.
I think that makes it the ideal place to experience the true Costa Rica.
You Might Also Like Visiting
The Northern Mountains: This area is home to the most popular jungle, rainforest, and cloud forest towns. Here you can see the impressive Arenal Volcano.
The Central Valley: Home to the biggest cities and the main international airport in the country. However, this area is also filled with sweeping landscapes, volcanoes, and coffee farms.
The Central Pacific Coast: The Central Pacific Coast is one of the most popular beach areas in the country. Here you can visit Manuel Antonio National Park and see tons of wildlife.
….if none of those appeal to you, check out our Destination Guide page for more ideas of places to visit.