Drake Bay Beach

Drake Bay or Bahia Drake lies on the northern end of the Osa Peninsula in Puntarenas province. Probably one of the most well known destinations in the region, this tiny town by the bay is actually one of the most inaccessible places in the entire country. With a rich history of first being discovered by Sir Francis Drake in 1579 during his circumnavigation of the globe, Drake Bay is the gateway to visiting the Corcovado National Park as well as enjoying a plethora of other activities and tours in the region.

Simply known as Drake by the Ticos, Drake Bay is exclusively accessible by boat with only a limited number of lodges and cabinas in the area. Most of the lodges here offer all inclusive vacation packages and run on solar power generators making them ‘eco-lodges’ in the truest sense of the term. Due to the remoteness of this region, many of the lodges and hotels here offer their own pick up services from towns like Sierpe by boat.

When visiting Drake Bay, it is key that you keep in mind that communication links to this small town are quite limited. Cell phones may not always work properly here and the best way to get communications through is via a shortwave radio or radio phones.

Once in Drake Bay, you will find that there is much to do including a visit to the ‘biologically intense’ Parque Nacional Corcovado. With the tallest primary rainforest on the planet, this national park is home to many endangered animal and bird species as well as a huge number of indigenous wildlife and flora.

From Drake Bay you can also visit the biological reserve of the Isla del Caño which offers some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Costa Rica. This tiny island has a wealth of underwater beauty, and gives tourists the opportunity to swim amidst beautiful brightly colored tropical fish and dolphins. Horseback rides are available in the area as well as some excellent sport fishing off the coast. Canoeing and kayaking trips can also be arranged. However, if you enjoy nature there are some fantastic bird watching opportunities, in addition to some excellent hiking trials to a number of beautiful remote beaches.