DRAKE BAY OSA PENINSULA
COSTA RICA
DESTINATION FOR ECO-TOURIST AND NATURE LOVERS
DRAKE BAY
Drake Bay is a small, remote village located on the Osa Peninsula in the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica. It is named after Sir Francis Drake, who is believed to have anchored in the bay during his explorations of the area in the late 16th century.
ACCOMMODATION
TOUR COMPANIES
ACTIVITIES
The village is surrounded by pristine rainforests, secluded beaches, and coral reefs, making it a popular destination for eco-tourism and outdoor adventure activities. Visitors can take a boat into the Corcovado National Park, which is home to an abundance of wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, monkeys, and a wide variety of bird species. There are also opportunities for whale watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and fishing in the waters surrounding the bay.
Drake Bay is a relatively undeveloped area, with limited infrastructure and accommodations. However, there are a handful of small lodges, guesthouses, and hotels that offer comfortable and eco-friendly accommodations, as well as local restaurants that serve traditional Costa Rican cuisine. The village is accessible by boat, car and air.
Overall, Drake Bay is a beautiful and peaceful destination that offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica.
DRAKE BAY ACCOMMODATION
Drake Bay is a relatively remote and natural area and there are plenty of accommodation options for visitors. Most accommodations are eco-friendly lodges and guesthouses that blend in with the natural surroundings and offer a more rustic experience.
Some of the popular types of accommodations in Drake Bay include:
Eco-lodges: These are often small, family-run lodges that offer comfortable accommodations in a natural setting. They typically use sustainable practices such as solar power, rainwater collection, and composting toilets.
Guesthouses: There are a number of guesthouses in Drake Bay that offer private rooms and shared facilities. These are a good option for budget-conscious travelers who don’t need luxury amenities.
Glamping tents: A few lodges in Drake Bay offer luxurious glamping tents with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and outdoor decks. This is a great option for those who want to experience the natural surroundings without sacrificing comfort.
Vacation rentals: There are a handful of vacation rental homes and villas in the area that can accommodate larger groups or families.
POPULAR ACCOMMODATIONS
IN THE AREA
Most accommodations in Drake Bay offer a range of amenities, including on-site restaurants, swimming pools, and tours and activities. Some also offer transportation services to and from the local airports or ferry docks. It’s always a good idea to check with the specific accommodations to see what is included in your stay.
DRAKE BAY TOURS
Drake Bay is known for its remote and untouched natural environment, which makes it a popular destination for ecotourism. Many of the tours in Drake Bay focus on exploring the surrounding rainforest, including hikes to waterfalls, birdwatching, and wildlife tours. Drake Bay is also known for its excellent scuba diving and snorkeling, with the opportunity to explore coral reefs and encounter marine life such as dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful tropical fish. Additionally, visitors to Drake Bay can take a boat tour to Corcovado National Park, which is known for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.
There are several tour companies that operate in and around Drake Bay, offering a wide range of tours and activities for visitors.
Tourists go to Drake Bay, Costa Rica for a variety of reasons, but many come to experience Cano Island Biological Reserve.
Drake Bay has several beautiful beaches, including Playa Colorada and Playa San Josecito, which offer secluded spots to relax and swim in the warm waters.
Scuba diving and snorkeling: Cano Island, located off the coast of Drake Bay, is known for its coral reefs and marine life, making it a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Outdoor activities: Drake Bay offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, sportfishing, hiking, and waterfall rappelling.
Sustainable tourism: Many visitors come to Drake Bay to support eco-tourism and sustainable tourism practices, which are important to preserving the area’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
Culture and history: The area around Drake Bay is home to indigenous communities, such as the Boruca people, who have a rich culture and history that visitors can learn about through cultural tours and visits to local communities.
Overall, tourists visit Drake Bay for its stunning natural beauty, unique wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor activities and sustainable tourism.
DRAKE BAY TOUR COMPANIES
Visit Corcovado National Park: Take a boat into Sirena Research Station in the middle of the park for a day-tour or stay overnight in the park’s accommodations.
Go whale watching: From July to November, humpback whales migrate to the area to mate and give birth. You can take a boat tour to see these magnificent creatures up close.
Snorkel at Caño Island: This marine reserve offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the country. Swim with colorful fish, sea turtles, and even sharks.
Visit the Sierpe Mangrove Forest: Take a boat tour to explore this unique ecosystem and spot crocodiles, monkeys, and a variety of bird species.
Relax on Drake Bay Beach: This secluded beach is a great spot to relax, sunbathe, and swim in the warm waters.
Take a chocolate tour: Learn about the history and production of chocolate in the region and sample some delicious treats.
Go sportfishing: Drake Bay is a popular destination for sportfishing, with opportunities to catch marlin, sailfish, and tuna.
Take a night hike: Explore the rainforest at night and see a different side of the ecosystem, including nocturnal creatures such as frogs, insects, and bats.
Visit the indigenous Boruca community: Take a cultural tour to learn about the traditional lifestyle and customs of the Boruca people, including their weaving and mask-making.
Go kayaking: Rent a kayak and explore the mangroves and secluded beaches on your own, or take a guided tour for a more in-depth experience.
DRAKE BAY’S CANO ISLAND
Cano Island is a small, uninhabited island located about 20 kilometers off the coast of Drake Bay in the Osa Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It is part of the Cano Island Biological Reserve, which was established in 1978 to protect the island’s rich marine life and rainforest.
The island is surrounded by clear turquoise waters, coral reefs, and a variety of marine species, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can take a boat tour from Drake Bay or other nearby towns to explore the island and its surrounding waters. The boat ride takes about an hour and offers beautiful views of the coast and surrounding forests.
Once at Cano Island, visitors can snorkel or dive in the waters to explore the coral reefs and spot a variety of marine species, including sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, and rays. It is also possible to see humpback whales, depending on the season. For those who prefer to stay on land, there are hiking trails through the rainforest that offer views of the surrounding area and opportunities to spot wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and a variety of bird species.
Cano Island is a protected area, so visitors must follow certain rules and regulations to help preserve the environment. For example, visitors are not allowed to collect or remove anything from the island, and there are designated areas for swimming and snorkeling to prevent damage to the coral reefs.
Overall, Cano Island is a beautiful and unique destination in Costa Rica that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the country’s natural beauty and biodiversity both on land and underwater.
If you happen to be unable to find what you seek on the OsaTourism website, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help, and we'll go the extra mile to provide you with the assistance you need! Feel free to get in touch, and we'll do our utmost to assist you in any way possible.
THE OSA TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER
Up-To-Date Tourist Information from the Osa Peninsula
Stay updated with the latest specials from the mesmerizing Osa Peninsula by following Osa Tourism on Instagram!
