Drake Bay – Your Gateway to Corcovado National Park

Drake Bay, a true paradise nestled in Costa Rica’s pristine wilderness! Surrounded by lush rainforests and sparkling waters, this coastal haven offers an abundance of captivating experiences. Dive into the azure depths to explore vibrant coral reefs or trek through dense jungles to discover hidden waterfalls. Despite its popularity among travelers seeking adventure, such as snorkeling at Caño Island and hiking in Corcovado National Park, Drake Bay retains its serene charm.

How to get to Drake Bay

Getting to Drake Bay is a bit more adventurous due to its remote location, but there are still several ways to reach this breathtaking destination:

✈️ By plane: Travelers can fly directly to Drake Bay Airport from San José or other major airports in Costa Rica. Upon arrival at Drake Bay Airport, you can easily access the town and its surrounding attractions. This option offers a convenient and efficient way to reach Drake Bay, especially for those seeking to minimize travel time and maximize their time exploring this beautiful coastal destination.

🚗 By car: Renting a car allows you the freedom to explore Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes at your own pace. From San José, you can embark on a picturesque 7 to 8-hour drive to Drake Bay, traversing through lush rainforests and winding mountain roads. Keep in mind that some parts of the journey may require a 4×4 vehicle due to rugged terrain. Consider renting a car through Sunny Cars for a hassle-free experience.

If you don’t have a 4×4 vehicle, drive to Sierpe instead. From there, catch a boat departing twice daily to Drake Bay. Parking around La Perla del Sur costs about $6 per day. Locals manage parking lots in the area, assisting you in finding a spot. Boat tickets can be secured in advance through your accommodation or purchased directly onboard for $25 one-way (2024 prices).

🚌 By bus: For a more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus from various cities in Costa Rica to Drake Bay. While there isn’t a direct route, you can catch a bus from San José to Palmar Norte or Sierpe, and then transfer to another bus or boat to reach Drake Bay. This journey offers scenic views of the countryside and coastal areas. From Sierpe, you can take the boat as described above. Some buses can be booked in advance on 12GO.

What to do in Drake Bay

Dive or Snorkel on Caño Island

Dive or snorkel at Caño Island and discover an amazing underwater world just off Costa Rica’s coast. You’ll find colorful fish, graceful rays, and sea turtles gliding around. Keep your eyes peeled for the magnificent manta rays. The water is clear, offering a glimpse into an underwater paradise. A half-day or day trip usually includes a stop at the island to enjoy its beautiful viewpoints, rounding off your experience. Recommended dive operators include Costa Rica Adventure Divers and Drake Divers.

Visit Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park, a biodiverse paradise, beckons adventurers into the heart of Costa Rica’s wilderness. This remarkable park encompasses lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and rugged terrain, offering an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in nature’s embrace. The park’s vast expanse is divided into multiple ranger stations, each presenting unique trails and ecosystems to explore. Due to its ecological sensitivity, Corcovado limits the number of visitors allowed each day, ensuring a more intimate and sustainable experience for those who venture into this wild haven.

• San Pedrillo: Access stunning beaches and dense rainforests at San Pedrillo. Trails lead through jungle terrain teeming with life. As you hike, you may encounter playful monkeys swinging through the trees, colorful birds darting among the foliage, and if you’re extremely lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a jaguar. This station offers a perfect blend of coastal and forest ecosystems, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
• Sirena: Sirena is renowned for its rich biodiversity, offering trails through primary rainforest where the wonders of wildlife abound. As you trek through this vibrant environment, keep an eye out for scarlet macaws flying overhead, sloths lounging in the treetops, and tapirs foraging on the forest floor. The sheer variety of animal life in Sirena makes it a prime destination for wildlife watchers and photographers alike.
• La Leona: La Leona provides access to rugged coastal landscapes and pristine rainforests. Trails wind through the dense jungle, leading to secluded beaches where you can relax and enjoy the untouched beauty of the coast. The diverse habitats here, from mangrove swamps to towering trees, create a dynamic environment where you can experience the full spectrum of Corcovado’s natural splendor.

Whether you pick one station or trek through them all on a multi-day trek, Corcovado’s wild beauty and rich wildlife promise an unforgettable adventure in Costa Rica’s heartland. We opted for La Sirena, which is known for its wildlife and it is not too far of a boat ride from Drake Bay. We were lucky to spot the four type of monkeys, a sloth, ánd we saw a tapir! Book your daytour to La Sirena here!

Discover the Jungle by Night with Tracie the Bug Lady

Embark on a thrilling nocturnal adventure with Tracie the Bug Lady and discover the secrets of the jungle after dark. Tracie, an expert naturalist guide, leads you through the rainforest as night falls. With flashlights and keen eyes, you’ll encounter nocturnal creatures, from dazzling insects to elusive frogs and reptiles. Tracie shares her knowledge about the jungle’s inhabitants and their nighttime behaviors. This nighttime tour promises an adventure filled with discovery and excitement. Book your tour with Tracie before it sells out.

Whalewatching

Off the coast of Drake Bay, you’ll find a diversity of dolphins and whales, with over 25 species. Humpback whales migrate here for breeding, and between mid-July and October, thousands gather along the coast. You can also spot them from mid-November to April. Dolphins can be encountered in large groups year-round, including spotted, bottlenose, spinner, and rough-toothed dolphins. We spotted two whales off-season in December on our way to Corcovado National Park. For in-season sightings, we recommend the original dolphin and whale-watching tour of Drake Bay.

Drake Trail

The Drake Trail starts at Playa Colorada, the main beach in Drake Bay, and goes all the way to Playa Josecito. This path through the jungle offers views of trees, animals, and waterfalls. Walking along the trail is a great way to explore nature. The easiest way to follow this trail is to use Google Maps or follow the trail on AllTrails.

Mangrove Tour

Explore the fascinating mangroves of Drake Bay on a guided tour. Cruise along calm waterways, surrounded by tall mangrove trees, while your guide shares interesting facts about this special habitat. Keep an eye out for colorful birds and hidden reptiles along the way, and there’s even a chance of spotting crocodiles! Learn about how mangroves help protect the coast and provide homes for many animals. It’s a peaceful and educational adventure that lets you discover the beauty of Costa Rica’s shoreline up close.

Volunteer at Finca Ganadito

Volunteering at Finca Ganadito, owned by Rebe from Costa Rica and Rob from the UK, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and sustainable practices of rural Costa Rica. This working farm provides hands-on experience in organic farming, animal care, and conservation efforts. Participate in their turtle conservation project, assisting in the care and release of turtles. Even if you don’t volunteer, you can book a room through Airbnb and experience life at the farm, enjoying delicious plant-based meals and peaceful surroundings.

Where to eat in Drake Bay

Everything in the town of Drake Bay is doable by foot. We did not find bad restaurants here, but these were definitely our favorites!

• Kalaluna Bistro – A favorite restaurant by Playa Colorada offers a mix of local and Mediterranean dishes. Enjoy fancy dining with a beautiful view of the bay. It costs a bit more, but we think it’s worth it. A reservation is recommended.
• Claudio’s Grill – A short distance west of Kalaluna is Claudio’s Grill, a great restaurant known for its meat and fish dishes like ceviche, baby ribs, and chicken curry. They also offer vegetarian and vegan options such as vegan curry and veggie burritos. The bay views are fantastic, making it an ideal spot for a sunset dinner.
• DinerCraft Bar & Restaurant – This restaurant, situated at Hotel Margarita and managed by Chef Dickson, is often bustling during lunchtime, as it’s a popular spot for local operators to take a break. The menu changes frequently based on ingredient availability. We typically opted for the chef’s special and were never disappointed.
• Mar y Bosque – This restaurant is ideally located for some afternoon drinks or a sunset dinner.

Where to stay in Drake Bay

Drake Bay is a small village where most accommodations are locally owned. These establishments often offer tour booking services at reasonable prices, making it convenient for visitors to plan their adventures while supporting the community. Make sure to check the location of the accommodation, there are quite some remotely located establishments with limited access to the main town.

Hotel Margarita is a friendly and cozy place for travelers. Nestled in the beautiful Costa Rican scenery, it’s a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy. The hotel has comfortable rooms and helpful staff, making sure you have a pleasant stay. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, dining at the hotel’s restaurant, or exploring the area, Hotel Margarita is a great place to call home during your visit to Drake Bay. Double rooms start at €60 a night.

Las Cotingas Ocean View gives you stunning ocean views and a peaceful place to stay. The rooms are comfy, and the staff is friendly. Whether you’re relaxing on the terrace or exploring the area, it’s a great spot for a Costa Rican getaway. Double rooms start at €85 a night.