Pura Osa
The short answer
- Best for: travelers who want rainforest, wildlife and snorkeling without crowds.
- How long: two or three nights is the sweet spot: one day for Corcovado, one for Caño Island and one slower day.
- Getting here: boat from Sierpe (about 1 hour) or a flight from San José. Full guide →
- Pack for it: cash, a dry bag and sandals for the wet landing. What to pack →
Drake Bay at a glance
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Where | North-west coast of the Osa Peninsula, Puntarenas. Agujitas is the village; Playa Colorada is the main beach for visitors. |
| From San José | 6–8 h by road and boat, or about 1 h by plane |
| Boat from Sierpe | About 1 h with a wet landing on the beach; shared boat US$20–30 |
| Best for | Corcovado, Caño Island, birds and wildlife; 2–3 nights |
| Best season | December to April is driest; May to November is greener and quieter, with less underwater visibility at Caño |
| Money | Bring cash (dollars and colones); do not rely on ATMs |
What to do in Drake Bay
Corcovado National Park
Drake is the best base for boat day trips to the San Pedrillo and Sirena sectors. San Pedrillo admits 120 visitors a day and is open in October 2026; Sirena, the park’s wildlife heart, closes every October for maintenance and admits up to 366 people a day the rest of the year. A certified guide is mandatory. Compare the sectors → · How to book →
Caño Island
A biological reserve about an hour by boat, known for snorkeling and diving, with fewer visitors per day than most of Costa Rica’s marine sites. There is no lodging on the island, so it is always a day trip. Visibility is best in the dry season. Caño Island guide →
Birds and wildlife near town
Scarlet macaws are common along the shore, feeding on beach almond trees. Many lodges and local guides offer early-morning bird walks and evening night walks to look for frogs, insects and other nocturnal life. Ask your lodge to arrange them. Birdwatching in Osa →
Beaches and a slow day
Leave one day free. Playa Colorada is the main beach near the center, and local operators also run short boat rides to quieter coves such as San Josecito (about 15 minutes by boat). Swimming is not allowed inside Corcovado, so use the beaches outside the park.
How much does Drake Bay cost?
| What | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared boat Sierpe → Drake | US$20 Drake village · US$25 Caletas · US$30 Corcovado sector | Leaves Sierpe about 11:30 a.m.; returns about 7:30 a.m. (drakebayboat.com) |
| Flight San José → Drake (SANSA) | About US$160–170 | Around 1 h in the air; baggage limits are strict |
| Corcovado day tour from Drake | US$110–165 | Boat, certified guide, park fee and lunch (Sirena closed in October) |
| Caño Island tour from Drake | US$95–145 | Boat, guide and snorkel gear; park fee may be extra |
| Corcovado park fee | US$15 per day (foreign adults) · ₡1,600 nationals and residents | Plus tax; usually included in tours (SINAC) |
| Lodging (2023 reference) | From about US$12–15 (shared bath) to US$50–70 (private bath) in the village; lodges with meals about US$75–100 per person; all-inclusive about US$300–400 per person per night | Older reference from costarica.com; prices have risen. Confirm with the lodge |
Boat, flight and tour prices checked in October 2026 with operators and official sources; lodging is an older reference. Everything changes by season and operator, so confirm when you book. See also our price table.
Getting around and what to expect
- Wet landing. Boats from Sierpe land on the beach, so you step into the water. Pack valuables in a dry bag and wear sandals.
- Boats do the long distances. Your lodge or operator arranges boats to Corcovado, Caño and farther beaches. The center is walkable from many hotels, and taxis can be called from reception.
- Power and signal. Travel guides report that lodges farther from the center often run on solar power with generators at set hours, and that Wi-Fi is limited. Download maps and tickets before you arrive.
- Cash. Bring dollars and colones for the whole stay and ask your lodge which cards it accepts.
When to go
The dry season (December to April) brings the calmest seas and best visibility at Caño. The green season (May to November) is quieter and cheaper, with rain mostly in the afternoon, and some Corcovado sectors close in the rainiest month. Plan around the sector status before you book. Month-by-month guide →
If you are traveling from within Costa Rica
Costa Ricans and residents pay ₡1,600 for Corcovado instead of US$15. By bus, the Tracopa line from San José reaches Palmar Norte, from where a short taxi ride (travelers report about US$5) takes you to the Sierpe dock; from Puerto Jiménez there are buses toward La Palma with connections to Drake, so confirm schedules by phone. Many locals combine Drake with a weekend in Uvita.
Where to stay in Drake Bay
There are three kinds of stays. Guesthouses in Agujitas are the cheapest and let you walk to restaurants and tour offices. Cabins and eco-lodges along the coast usually include meals and are reached by boat or taxi. All-inclusive lodges bundle transport, meals and tours. Book early from December to April.
Live map: places to stay in Drake Bay
Hotels, cabins, lodges and vacation rentals in and around Drake Bay, with current prices. Move the map or set your dates to compare.
See the full list of places to stay in Drake Bay →
Drake Bay, the docks and the park entrances on the mapOpen map →Frequently asked questions
Is Drake Bay worth visiting?
Yes, if you want Corcovado and Caño Island without staying in a big resort town. Drake is small and remote, boats replace roads and the days revolve around nature. If you only have one night, go for a day tour; with two or three nights you can do both Corcovado and Caño.
How many days do I need in Drake Bay?
We recommend two or three nights: one day for Corcovado (San Pedrillo, or Sirena when it is open), one day for Caño Island and a slower day for birds, night walks or the beach. Add a day each way if you travel by road and boat from San José.
Can I visit Corcovado in one day from Drake Bay?
Yes. Day tours by boat to San Pedrillo or Sirena are the most common way to visit. In October 2026 only San Pedrillo is open; Sirena closes every October for maintenance. A certified guide is mandatory in every sector.
Is there an ATM in Drake Bay?
Do not count on one. We could not confirm a reliable ATM, so bring enough cash in dollars and colones for your whole stay, and ask your lodge in advance whether it takes cards.
Do I need a 4x4 to get to Drake Bay?
Only if you drive in by the Rancho Quemado road. Most visitors take the boat from Sierpe (about one hour, with a wet landing on the beach) or fly from San José, so no vehicle is needed. See our full guide to getting there.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, Pura Osa may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Recommendations are not paid. Prices, hours and schedules change; always confirm locally.