Drake Bay
Nestled along the Pacific coast of Oso Peninsula, Drake Bay is the gateway to both Corcovado National Park and the Caño Island Biological Reserve. Both offer a unique traveling adventure from forest trails, waterfalls, spring-fed rivers, astonishing scuba diving and snorkeling along protecting coral reefs of Costa Rica.
Discovered by Sir Francis Drake during his travels in the 16th century, the hotels and lodges sprinkled along the coast will only enhance your adventure, waking up to dolphins and humpback whales in the distance, and the sounds of birds of the hundreds of different birds that make Corcovado National Park home.
The region offers a wide range of activities that are family-friendly from kayaking, swimming, horse back riding, sports fishing, bird watching and hiking. Enjoy a relaxing day on the variety of clandestine beaches nearby, or venture off to explore the spectacular lagoons, and coves. Drake Bay is an ideal vacation destination for the travelers wanting to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life back home. Visitors exploring the shoreline will often catch glimpses of exotic birds like tucans, parrots, as well as monkeys. Get the feeling of being on a deserted island, or discovering a shoreline all your own!
Travelers may choose several ways to arrive in Drake Bay, either by catching a boat ride down the Sierpe River, one of the most common ways to arrive. Otherwise, a small airport near the town of Drake Bay offers daily 40-minute flights to and from San Jose, the main hub for international travelers arriving in Costa Rica. Driving to Drake Bay is another option thought roads are often flooded from the many rains that befall the area. The region sees an average of close to 200 inches of rain a year!
Drake Bay is one of the best spots in the world to see humpback whales. Both Northern and Southern humpback whales pass by the bay. The area is also used as a nursing ground for the whales, making for a magical experience witnessing the circle of life. Deep see fishing from Drake Bay is also available; try your hand at catching marlin, sailfish, or wahoo. Go snorkeling and spot abundant marine life from turtles, rays, dolphins, and a huge variety of colorful tropical fish, making their way around the coral reefs.
The surrounding town of Drake Bay is growing, with a handful of restaurants available. There are no ATMs or banks in the area so make sure to bring plenty of cash since some businesses take cash only.
Declared by National Geographic as ‘one of the most biologically intense places on earth,’ the pristine rainforest and natural beauty of the cost lines make Drake Bay make the region one of the most beautiful in all of Costa Rica. Drake Bay has become the premier eco-tourism destination in the region.
