Drake Bay

No roads. No noise. Just nature.

Drake Bay

No roads. No noise. Just nature.

Search For Tour

Drake Bay in Costa Rica

Where the rainforest meets raw adventure

Edge of the Wild

Drake Bay sits on the edge of the Osa Peninsula, surrounded by thick jungle and the crashing Pacific. It’s remote, untamed, and packed with wildlife – from scarlet macaws overhead to tapirs and jaguars deep in the forest.

Gateway to Corcovado & Cano Island

Whether you’re hiking through the jungle trails of Corcovado National Park or snorkeling with turtles at Cano Island, almost every great adventure on the Osa starts right here. Boat rides from Drake Bay are scenic, wild, and unforgettable.

Off-the-Grid, Close to Nature

Drake Bay isn’t about all-inclusive resorts. It’s about ocean-view cabinas, candlelit dinners, and falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle. With no paved roads and no crowds, it’s the kind of place that makes you forget what time it is – in the best way.

Drake Bay in Costa Rica

Where the rainforest meets raw adventure

Edge of the Wild

Drake Bay sits on the edge of the Osa Peninsula, surrounded by thick jungle and the crashing Pacific. It’s remote, untamed, and packed with wildlife – from scarlet macaws overhead to tapirs and jaguars deep in the forest.

Gateway to Corcovado & Cano Island

Whether you’re hiking through the jungle trails of Corcovado National Park or snorkeling with turtles at Cano Island, almost every great adventure on the Osa starts right here. Boat rides from Drake Bay are scenic, wild, and unforgettable.

Off-the-Grid, Close to Nature

Drake Bay isn’t about all-inclusive resorts. It’s about ocean-view cabinas, candlelit dinners, and falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle. With no paved roads and no crowds, it’s the kind of place that makes you forget what time it is – in the best way.

Why Visit Drake Bay? Because Wild Starts Here

  • Rainforest Wildlife Like Nowhere ElseWake up to the call of howler monkeys and fall asleep to the rhythm of tree frogs. Drake Bay is a biodiversity hotspot where scarlet macaws, tapirs, anteaters—and even jaguars—still roam freely in the jungle just behind your lodge.
  • Epic Launch Point for CorcovadoDrake Bay is one of the most direct (and scenic) access points to Corcovado National Park. Expect boat rides through open ocean and jungle-lined rivers, followed by hikes into raw, untouched rainforest that feels worlds away from anything else.
  • Snorkeling & Diving at Cano IslandJust offshore, Cano Island Biological Reserve offers crystal-clear water, colorful coral reefs, and marine life galore—think sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, and dolphins. It’s one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in all of Costa Rica.

Check available tours in Drake bay

    Where to Stay in Drake Bay? Sleep Deep in the Jungle

    • Rainforest Lodges with a Wild ViewIn Drake Bay, most places to stay are tucked right into the jungle. Expect open-air cabinas, sweeping ocean views, and the kind of quiet only the rainforest can offer. Wake to the chatter of monkeys and drift off to the rustle of palm leaves.
    • Rustic Comfort & Off-Grid CharmForget resorts—this is eco-living at its finest. Solar power, candlelight dinners, hammocks with a view… and no traffic noise, ever. Perfect for travelers who love nature, simplicity, and something truly unplugged.
    • Seaside Stays & Boat-Only GetawaysSome of Drake Bay’s most magical lodges can only be reached by boat. Whether it’s a romantic bungalow on the coast or a family-run guesthouse by the river, getting there is part of the adventure—and the reward is total immersion.

    Check Our Vacation Rentals in Drake Bay

    Green Villa in Uvita – Luxury in the Heart of Nature

    Green Villa in Uvita – Luxury in the Heart of Nature

    Experience luxury glamping in Uvita with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and views of the rainforest, just steps away from the national park.
    Luxury Jungle Glamping in Uvita – Nature & Comfort

    Luxury Jungle Glamping in Uvita – Nature & Comfort

    Experience luxury glamping in Uvita with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and views of the rainforest, just steps away from the national park.
    uvita vacation rental pet friendly

    Million-Dollar View and a Spot for Your Pup

    Escape to a peaceful mountain retreat with stunning ocean views, a refreshing pool, and pet-friendly cabins surrounded by nature. One of the few places near Marino Ballena National Park where your dog is as welcome as you are.

    Frequently asked questions

    Where is Drake Bay in Costa Rica?

    Drake Bay is located on the remote northern edge of the Osa Peninsula, on Costa Rica’s southwestern Pacific coast. It’s part of the Puntarenas province and borders the edge of Corcovado National Park.

    How do I get to Drake Bay?

    You can reach Drake Bay by domestic flight (to Drake Bay Airport), by boat from Sierpe (around 1 hour), or via a long and bumpy 4×4 drive from Palmar Norte. Most visitors choose the scenic boat ride.

    Is Drake Bay worth visiting?

    Absolutely. Drake Bay is one of the wildest, most untouched places in Costa Rica. It’s perfect for wildlife lovers, hikers, snorkelers, divers, and anyone who wants to get off the beaten path.

    Can I visit Corcovado from Drake Bay?

    Yes, Drake Bay is one of the main entry points to Corcovado. You can join a guided day hike or multi-day trekking tour that includes boat transport and park permits.

    What animals can I see in Drake Bay?

    You might spot howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, scarlet macaws, toucans, sloths, tapirs, and even pumas or jaguars (though rare). The waters are home to dolphins, whales (in season), and sea turtles.

    Is Drake Bay safe for travelers?

    Yes, Drake Bay is safe and friendly, with a small community vibe. Just be mindful of jungle terrain, changing weather, and wildlife (no swimming in rivers—crocodiles!).

    Can I snorkel or dive in Drake Bay?

    Definitely. The nearby Cano Island is one of Costa Rica’s best snorkeling and diving spots, with coral reefs, reef sharks, rays, and more. Tours depart daily, weather permitting.

    Are there restaurants and shops in Drake Bay?

    There are a few small restaurants (called sodas), local seafood spots, and mini-markets, but don’t expect a busy town center. Most lodges also serve meals.

    What’s the best time to visit Drake Bay?

    The dry season (December to April) is ideal for outdoor activities and boat travel. Whale watching season runs from July to October and January to March. May to November is rainier but lush and less crowded.

    Do I need to book tours in advance in Drake Bay?

    Yes. Because access to Corcovado and Cano Island requires permits and licensed guides, it’s best to book tours in advance—especially in high season.

    Frequently asked questions

    Where is Drake Bay in Costa Rica?

    Drake Bay is located on the remote northern edge of the Osa Peninsula, on Costa Rica’s southwestern Pacific coast. It’s part of the Puntarenas province and borders the edge of Corcovado National Park.

    How do I get to Drake Bay?

    You can reach Drake Bay by domestic flight (to Drake Bay Airport), by boat from Sierpe (around 1 hour), or via a long and bumpy 4×4 drive from Palmar Norte. Most visitors choose the scenic boat ride.

    Is Drake Bay worth visiting?

    Absolutely. Drake Bay is one of the wildest, most untouched places in Costa Rica. It’s perfect for wildlife lovers, hikers, snorkelers, divers, and anyone who wants to get off the beaten path.

    Can I visit Corcovado from Drake Bay?

    Yes, Drake Bay is one of the main entry points to Corcovado. You can join a guided day hike or multi-day trekking tour that includes boat transport and park permits.

    What animals can I see in Drake Bay?

    You might spot howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, scarlet macaws, toucans, sloths, tapirs, and even pumas or jaguars (though rare). The waters are home to dolphins, whales (in season), and sea turtles.

    Is Drake Bay safe for travelers?

    Yes, Drake Bay is safe and friendly, with a small community vibe. Just be mindful of jungle terrain, changing weather, and wildlife (no swimming in rivers—crocodiles!).

    Can I snorkel or dive in Drake Bay?

    Definitely. The nearby Cano Island is one of Costa Rica’s best snorkeling and diving spots, with coral reefs, reef sharks, rays, and more. Tours depart daily, weather permitting.

    Are there restaurants and shops in Drake Bay?

    There are a few small restaurants (called sodas), local seafood spots, and mini-markets, but don’t expect a busy town center. Most lodges also serve meals.

    What’s the best time to visit Drake Bay?

    The dry season (December to April) is ideal for outdoor activities and boat travel. Whale watching season runs from July to October and January to March. May to November is rainier but lush and less crowded.

    Do I need to book tours in advance in Drake Bay?

    Yes. Because access to Corcovado and Cano Island requires permits and licensed guides, it’s best to book tours in advance—especially in high season.

    Explore Drake Bay, Costa Rica – Your Gateway to Untouched Adventure

    Drake Bay (Bahía Drake) is off-the-beaten-path, untouched, and full of nature on the Osa Peninsula, home to some of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Located on the border of Corcovado National Park, it’s the best destination for excursions, trekking, and getting back to nature in Costa Rica. With no large-scale hotels, resorts, or all-inclusive offerings, Drake Bay is precisely the rustic setting you need to get out and explore the lush jungles of Costa Rica.

    Drake Bay guides immerse you in this protected rainforest with tapirs, monkeys, toucans, scarlet macaws, and even jaguars roaming free. Expect to hike, cross streams, and educate yourself about this most biologically intense place on earth with expert guides who are naturalists on the paths and river crossings. They offer full-day hikes or shorter guided walks, and this is more than sightseeing; this is an educational experience of the wildest of places.

    Drake Bay Jungle Tours – Explore the Edge of Corcovado

    This once-fishing village has maintained its charm yet transformed into a paradise for outdoor lovers, digital nomads, yogis, surfers, and anyone with a case of wanderlust. The best way to experience it? Let us show you with local guided tours that help you uncover the true hidden gems of the destination.

    Whether you go for a full-day hike or a shorter guided walk, this isn’t just sightseeing — it’s a deep dive into Costa Rica’s wildest places.

    Snorkeling & Scuba Diving at Isla del Caño – The Underwater Gem

    Drake Bay is short ride from Isla del Caño, where some of the best snorkeling and diving in all of Costa Rica can be found. The Drake Bay Tours bring you there by boat to this marine biological reserve, which boasts clear waters with colorful coral, sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, and large schools of tropical fish.

    Visibility is often excellent, and active underwater life makes this one of the best places in the country to dive, whether you are a novice or advanced. If you’d prefer to not plunge too far but merely feel the experience, we provide snorkeling excursions that offer a magical view of the underwater experience—and you might spot some dolphins or whales on the way to the site.

    Why Book with Us?

    No tourist traps – Authentic, local-led experiences
    Custom itineraries – Tailored to your travel style and pace
    Expert local guides – Local, passionate guides
    Seamless planning – So you can actually relax on your vacation

    Let’s Explore Drake Bay Together

    At Go Explore With Me, we specialize in small group, locally guided experiences. Our adventures are what connect you to the real Costa Rican experience. Our guides know the area, are nature-loving fanatics, and are professionally trained to keep you in safe, educational, and truly unforgettable experiences. Whether you want to relax or explore or both—we’ll ensure you do it the best way possible.

    Drake Bay is for those who want more than a mere vacation. Drake Bay is wild, raw, and enchanting. We’ll be your facilitator and you will be up close and personal with everything—safely and with nuances and a flair only locals can offer. If you want it done while exploring the wilds of Costa Rica, we’ll do it.