A True Nature Wonderland
Osa Peninsula was once an island before it merged with the Central American mainland nearly two million years ago. The result was a combination of plants, animals, and ecosystems unlike any other. The Osa Peninsula is truly a natural wonderland, and is home to many of the country’s rare and endangered animal and bird species including the puma, jaguar, Harpy Eagle and Scarlet Macaw. A big part of the Osa Peninsula is dedicated to the Corcovado National Park, which has the largest expanse of a lowland tropical rainforest in Central America. Per unit area, the Osa Peninsula holds possibly the highest natural diversity on earth. Climatically, the Osa is the wettest place on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, receiving up to 7 meters of rain annually.
Diversity like no other spot in the World
The peninsula protects the Golfo Dulce from the mighty Pacific, which attracts groups of whales and dolphins. Therefore, it’s possible to go whale and dolphin watching, especially during their mating seasons. Additionally, the forests of the Osa are home to the richest collection of plants and animals anywhere in Central America. There are over 700 species of trees and Osa hosts almost half of Costa Rica’s 860 species of birds, 140 species of mammals, and 117 species of reptiles and amphibians.
The main Towns in OSA
There are several small towns in Osa. One is Puerto Jiménez, which is a laidback town and one of the main gateways to the beautiful Corcovado National Park. The town is situated on the Golfo Dulce and has a wonderful beach where one can relax. Sport fishing is also very popular as well as hiking, rappelling, mountain biking and kayaking. Carate is another town, which is sometimes called Osa’s best kept secret since it’s not very touristic. Carate also offers the opportunity to watch Pacific Ridley sea turtles, Leatherback sea turtles, Green sea turtles, and Hawksbill sea turtles, come ashore to nest and lay their eggs on the beach. Drake Bay is located in the north of the peninsula and boasts miles of pristine beaches, spectacular lagoons and coves ideal for scuba diving.
Activities to do in OSA
This region is different than the rest of the country and offers visitors everything from hiking, to whale and dolphin watching tours. Of course, you could always just take advantage of the beautiful beaches and relax in the sun or take a jog down the shoreline. If you’re interested in history, you can take a short boat ride to Caño Island, and view the mysterious stone spheres on the site of an ancient indigenous burial ground. The waters of Caño Island are also clear, beautiful and perfect for diving or snorkeling.
The Osa Peninsula – A True Nature Wonderland
If you want wilderness, adventure, and untouched beauty like you’ve never seen before amidst an amazing climate, the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica is for you. The Osa Peninsula is a small peninsula in the southern region of Costa Rica, known for its biodiversity of flora and fauna. It is here where one can find the world famous Corcovado National Park, and Cano Island is a short boat ride off its shore. The Corcovado Tent Camp is located in Drake Bay, one of the more prominent of the small towns on the Peninsula and is the perfect place to situate yourself for a vacation of your dreams!
The Spectacular Diversity of Species
Saying the Osa Peninsula is ecologically diverse is an understatement. The fact is that this area contains half of all the species located in all of Costa Rica and the forests of the Osa are home to the richest collection of plants and animals anywhere in Central America. For example, the Peninsula hosts over 700 species of trees, almost half of Costa Rica’s 860 species of birds, 140 species of mammals, and 117 species of reptiles and amphibians. Additionally, many of the country’s rare and endangered animal and bird species including the puma, jaguar, Harpy Eagle and Scarlet Macaw reside here.
Activities on the Peninsula and the Major Towns
Due to the Osa Peninsula being just that, a peninsula, the Golfo Dulce which encases it is calmer than its source, the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, one of the most popular activities is whale and dolphin watching, as these awesome animals use the area for mating. Puerto Jimenez, the largest town in Osa, is also set on the Golfo Dulce and host’s one of Costa Rica’s best beaches. Sport fishing is also very popular as well as hiking, rappelling, mountain biking and kayaking. Carate is another town, which is sometimes called Osa’s best kept secret since it’s not very touristic and offers the opportunity to watch sea turtles (Pacific Ridley, Leatherback, and Hawksbill) come ashore to nest and lay their eggs on the beach. Drake Bay is located in the north of the peninsula and boasts miles of pristine beaches, spectacular lagoons and coves ideal for scuba diving.
A Spot for Adventure or Relaxation
This region is different than the rest of the country and offers visitors everything from hiking, to whale and dolphin watching tours. However, you could always just take advantage of the beautiful beaches and relax in the sun or take a jog down the shoreline. If you’re interested in history, you can take a short boat ride to Caño Island, and view the mysterious stone spheres on the site of an ancient indigenous burial ground. Also take advantage of the snorkeling and scuba diving tour in Caño Island, where the waters are clear, beautiful and packed with beautiful marine animals.
