Pura Osa
The five things people forget
- Cash. Drake Bay, Zancudo and Pavones have few or no ATMs, and power or signal cuts can stop card payments.
- Shoes that can get wet. Boats land on the beach and you step into the waves.
- A dry bag. For your phone, passport and camera on every boat ride.
- A headlamp. Night walks are one of the best things to do here.
- A light bag. Domestic flights allow only 4.5 kg of carry-on.
The full checklist
Tick the boxes as you pack. Print this page (or save it as PDF) to take it with you.
👕 Clothes
🥾 Shoes
🦟 Health and sun
🔦 Gear
📱 Money, phone and documents
Stay connected and covered
Wi-Fi in lodges is often slow and mobile signal disappears in Corcovado and on the Golfo Dulce. An eSIM, installed before you fly, gives you maps and WhatsApp as soon as you land, without hunting for a SIM shop in San José. And because the nearest hospital can be hours away by boat, choose travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Gear we recommend
Things that make a real difference in Osa’s rain, boats and forest. The links open an Amazon search, so you can compare brands and prices.
Rain and boats
Feet and clothes
Health and sun
As an Amazon Associate, Pura Osa earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Packing by season
| Season | Add |
|---|---|
| Dry season (Dec–Apr) | More sunscreen, a sun shirt, electrolytes for hot hikes |
| Green season (May–Nov) | A better rain jacket, extra quick-dry socks, zip bags, a small towel |
| Whale season | Motion-sickness tablets and a camera with zoom |
Not sure when to go? Month-by-month guide →
What to leave at home
- Heavy jeans, cotton hoodies and anything that takes days to dry.
- Big hard suitcases if you will fly or take boats; a soft duffel is easier.
- A drone, unless you have the permits.
- Single-use plastic bottles and bags: bring reusable ones.
Travel light, travel kind: see our regenerative travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need rubber boots for Corcovado?
Not necessarily. Good closed shoes that can get wet work for most trails, and many lodges and guides in Drake Bay and Puerto Jiménez lend rubber boots. In the rainy season, when trails are muddy, boots are the most comfortable choice.
How much luggage can I take on a domestic flight?
Very little. SANSA, the domestic airline, allows a carry-on of up to 4.5 kg (10 lb) and 50 × 30 × 20 cm plus one personal item; the checked allowance depends on your fare, and excess bags may travel on a later flight. Pack light or leave a bag at your hotel in San José.
Can I fly a drone in Osa?
Drones must be registered with Costa Rica’s civil aviation authority, and flying them inside national parks such as Corcovado and Marino Ballena is not allowed without a special permit. Leave it at home unless you have arranged permits in advance.
Is the water safe to drink?
Tap water is generally safe in towns such as Uvita and Puerto Jiménez, but ask at your lodge in remote areas. Bring a refillable bottle; many lodges have filtered water stations.
Baggage limits: SANSA (flysansa.com), October 2026. 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.