Drake Bay travel guide
Drake Bay, Costa Rica: where to stay, eat and play
A remote, peaceful bay on the Osa Peninsula, backed by thick jungle and full of wildlife, and the main gateway to Corcovado National Park.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Best Time
Dec to Apr
From San José
About 6 hours + boat
Best Airport
SJO
Temperature
Hot and humid
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Our take
Who Drake Bay is for
Drake Bay (Bahía Drake) isn’t the easiest place to get to, which means it’s much more peaceful than other areas of the country. Only about 1,000 people live here. Expect relaxed nature vibes, thick jungle and tons of wildlife. The big draw is easy access to Corcovado National Park, one of the most biologically diverse places in the world.
One thing to keep in mind: You’re deep in the jungle here. Bring tons of bug spray, watch for creepy crawlers and stay on marked paths. We once found a scorpion in our backpack nearby!
How long to stay: At least three nights, since getting here takes most of a day. That gives you time for Corcovado and Caño Island.
Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez?
Choose Drake Bay if…
You want a remote, peaceful jungle stay and easy boat access to Corcovado’s Sirena station and Caño Island.
Choose Puerto Jiménez if…
You’d rather drive the whole way, want a bit more of a town and plan to explore Corcovado from the other side.
Our take
Both are great bases for Corcovado. Drake Bay is more remote and scenic, while Puerto Jiménez is easier to reach by car.
Getting there
Getting to Drake Bay
The short version
Most people drive or take a shuttle to the small river town of Sierpe, leave the car there and take a boat to Drake Bay. You can also fly straight in from San José. Driving all the way is possible, but it’s rough.
Step 1: Get to Sierpe
From San José it’s about 5.5 to 6 hours on the coastal road past Jacó, Manuel Antonio and Dominical, then through Palmar Norte to Sierpe. Make sure your GPS takes the coastal road, not the rough mountain route. Stop for lunch in Dominical, where Pescado Loco makes great fish tacos. From Liberia, plan on about 7 to 8 hours.
Step 2: Park or drop off your car
You won’t need a car in Drake Bay. In Sierpe, park in a secure lot (about $10 a day), or have Adobe pick up your rental car for about $20.
Step 3: Take the boat
Boats leave Sierpe for Drake Bay a couple of times a day, usually late morning and mid-afternoon, and the ride takes about an hour down the river and out along the coast. Most lodges arrange the boat for you, so ask when you book. You land right on the beach, so wear water shoes and pack light.
For more info:
Flights
The fastest (but not cheapest) option is a domestic flight from San José to the small Drake Bay airstrip. Your lodge can usually pick you up.
Bus
Take the Tracopa bus from San José to Palmar Norte, then a taxi about 30 minutes to Sierpe for the boat.
Shuttles
Shared and private shuttles run to Sierpe from San José, Manuel Antonio and Uvita. Use Bookaway with code SARAHMC5 for 5% off.
Driving all the way
It’s possible to drive all the way to Drake Bay, but the road is unpaved with river crossings. Don’t try it in the rainy season, and you’ll need a 4×4 with good clearance.
Where it is
Drake Bay is on the Osa Peninsula, about as far south as you can get on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
Good to know: Boats from Sierpe have left at 11:30 am and 3:30 pm. Times and prices change, so confirm with your hotel before you go.
Weather
Drake Bay weather and best time to visit
Temperature and rain by month
Swipe to see all months →
Average daytime highs and rainfall in Drake Bay. Bars show relative rainfall. Sunrise and sunset are for the 15th of each month.
Dry season (late Dec: Apr)
Hot and dry weather, the best time for Corcovado hikes and Caño Island trips.
Rainy season (May: Dec)
Expect afternoon storms around 2 pm for a few hours. From September to December it’s unpredictable, with some full washout days.
Daytime
Hot and humid
Sunrise / Sunset
about 5:30 AM / about 5:30 PM
Whale season
Best Aug & Sep
Our tip
Our tip: Pack breathable, lightweight, quick-dry clothes. It’s very hot here.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Drake Bay
Águila de Osa Rainforest Lodge
High-end · Eco-lodge · Ocean views
A beautiful eco-hotel with ocean views. You can upgrade to all meals included. The food is delicious and the staff is the best.
Hotel Finca Maresia
Mid-range · Amazing owners
The big draw is the owners, Johnny and his wife, who pick you up from the boat and help organize tours. The hotel is very nice too.
Sunset Lodge
Mid-range · Rustic · Waterfront
A nice rustic lodge with a waterfront view, very clean and with great staff.
Hotel Margarita
Budget · Pool
A nice hotel with a pool. Rooms are simple but clean, with everything you need. Home to DinerCraft restaurant.
Also worth considering: Hotel Jacamar (super cute, excellent staff) and Casa Gitana Corcovado (simple, with an all-meals upgrade).
See our 8 favorite Drake Bay hotels →
Our pick
Rent a house
We love Casa Nirvanita, steps from the beach, sleeps eight, with a unique open-air stone and wood design.
For something rustic, try Villa de Osa (amazing ocean views, sleeps 6) or the remote Casa Claro del Bosque.
For more options, we suggest VRBO. Browse Drake Bay rentals on VRBO →
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Things to do
Things to do in Drake Bay
Our favorite
Hike Corcovado National Park
Go with a guide and small group (or private tour) from the Sirena station. A guide is required, and worth it, since they know where to find tons of wildlife.
Go deeper
Spend a night or two inside the park with a guide to really soak in the Corcovado experience.
Spend a night in Corcovado
For the full experience, book a guided overnight trip deep into the park.
Go bird watching
Join an early morning tour with an experienced guide to spot tanagers, kingfishers, flycatchers and many more.
Ocean
Snorkel or dive at Caño Island
A protected biological reserve off Drake Bay, with coral reefs, dolphins, manta rays and more.
Good to know
Tours leave by boat from Drake Bay in the morning. Bring reef-safe sunscreen.
See dolphins and whales
Dolphins are around all year. Whales are best in August and September, but you might get lucky any time.
Take a night wildlife tour
We love night tours! Follow your guide with a headlamp as they point out animals that come out after dark.
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Where to eat
Where to eat in Drake Bay
Kalaluna Bistro
Dinner · Sunset view
This place is amazing! Our go-to spot for a nice dinner with a sunset view. Everything is excellent and beautifully presented.
DinerCraft Bar & Restaurant
Fresh fish · Seafood
The restaurant at Hotel Margarita. Everything is delicious, and it’s a good spot for fresh fish and seafood.
Drake’s Kitchen
Costa Rican · Simple
Simple, typical Costa Rican food. The menu is small, which to me is better because they know what they do well.
Your lodge
All-inclusive meals
Many lodges here offer meal plans, which is handy in such a remote spot.
Practical stuff
Good to know before you go
Good to know
Packing for Drake Bay
Hiking gear
Good shoes and quick-dry clothes for Corcovado.
Bug spray
Tons of it. You’re deep in the jungle.
Sun protection
It’s very hot, and you’ll be out on boats.
Travel insurance
Always a good idea. It’s not just for injury, but for theft, trip interruptions, and lost luggage. We use Heymondo.
Good to know
Safety
Drake Bay is very safe and relaxed. The bigger risks come from nature, so stay on marked paths, check your bags and shoes for critters, and always hike with a guide in Corcovado.
Good to know
Practical basics
Groceries
Drake Bay has a small downtown with a grocery store and a few restaurants, but options are limited, so bring any specialty items with you.
Cash
Options for getting cash out here are very limited, so bring plenty of cash for tours, tips and small restaurants.
Gas
You won’t need gas once you’re here. If you’re driving to Sierpe, fill up in Palmar Norte on the way.
Getting around
Getting around Drake Bay
Drake Bay has a small, walkable downtown with a grocery store and a few restaurants. You don’t need a car here.
Rental car
Leave your car in Sierpe (secure lot, about $10 a day), or have Adobe pick it up there for about $20.
Tours
Most tours include pickup from your hotel, by boat or on foot.
FAQ
Drake Bay FAQ: your questions
How do I get to Drake Bay?
Drive about six hours from San José to Sierpe along the coast, then take an hour-long boat ride. You can also fly from San José to the Drake Bay airport, or drive all the way in a 4×4 in the dry season.
Is Drake Bay worth visiting?
Yes, especially for nature lovers. It’s peaceful and remote, full of wildlife, and the main gateway to Corcovado National Park and Caño Island.
Do you need a guide for Corcovado?
Yes. Visiting Corcovado National Park requires a certified guide, and they know where to find the wildlife.
How many days do you need in Drake Bay?
At least three nights, since getting here takes most of a day.
When is the best time to visit Drake Bay?
The dry season (late December to April) is best for hiking and boat trips. For whales, go in August or September.
Is Drake Bay safe?
Yes, it’s very safe and relaxed. Just watch out for wildlife, stay on marked trails and check your bags for critters.
Every guide
All our Drake Bay guides
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More towns in South Pacific
Planning more of the region? See our full South Pacific guide.
