A Visitor's Guide to Drake Bay & Corcovado National Park

A Journey into Costa Rica's Last Untamed Wilderness

Deep in the southwestern corner of Costa Rica lies the Osa Peninsula, a place National Geographic famously called "the most biologically intense place on Earth." This remote paradise is a world away from bustling cities, a land of dense rainforests, pristine beaches, and an astonishing concentration of wildlife. At its heart are two legendary names for any nature lover: the vibrant village of Drake Bay and the magnificent Corcovado National Park.

Planning a trip here can feel like preparing for a true expedition. How do you get there? What are the rules for visiting the park? And what is the best way to experience the incredible wildlife? This guide is your answer. We'll walk you through everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable adventure in Costa Rica's wild heart.

Your Home Base: A Guide to Drake Bay

Before you venture into the wild heart of Corcovado, you'll need a home base. For most visitors, that is the vibrant, remote village of Agujitas, more commonly known as Drake Bay (Bahía Drake). This small, bustling outpost on the northern coast of the Osa Peninsula is the primary gateway for adventures into the national park.

Where is Drake Bay, Costa Rica?

Drake Bay is located in a remote corner of southwestern Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula. It is not a place you can simply drive to in a regular car. Its isolation is a key part of its charm and what keeps the surrounding nature so pristine.

How do you get to Drake Bay?

Getting to Drake Bay is an adventure in itself! As you can't easily drive there, you have two main options:

1. By Boat (Most Common): The most popular route is to drive or take a bus to the riverside town of Sierpe. From there, you'll take a thrilling one-hour "colectivo" boat taxi that speeds down the Sierpe River, through the incredible mangrove forests, and out onto the Pacific Ocean to the shores of Drake Bay.

2. By Plane: For a faster journey, small domestic flights operate from San José directly to a small airstrip in Drake Bay, offering breathtaking aerial views of the coastline and rainforest.

Is Drake Bay, Costa Rica, safe?

Yes, Drake Bay is considered a very safe destination for tourists. It is a small, tight-knit community where tourism is the main industry. The local operators, like our partners Nativos Corcovado, are experts in navigating the environment safely. As with any travel, standard precautions are recommended, but the town itself is known for being peaceful and welcoming.

The Crown Jewel: A Guide to Corcovado National Park

Welcome to one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Corcovado National Park is the main reason travelers venture to this remote part of Costa Rica, and for good reason. It’s an unspoiled wilderness sanctuary, a place of raw, natural beauty teeming with wildlife.

Can you visit Corcovado National Park without a guide?

No, since 2014, it has been mandatory for all visitors to be accompanied by a certified professional guide within Corcovado National Park. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of both visitors and the park's precious and sensitive ecosystem. Booking a tour is the only way to enter the park.

What is Sirena Ranger Station (and why should I go there)?

Sirena Ranger Station is the most famous and popular destination deep within Corcovado. Unlike other stations, it is located in the park's coastal lowlands, and its flat trails and diverse habitats make it the absolute best place in the park for spotting a wide variety of wildlife. It is the primary destination for most day trips and overnight tours from Drake Bay.

What wildlife can I see in Corcovado?

Corcovado is home to an astonishing array of animals. While sightings are never guaranteed, visitors to the Sirena Station area frequently see all four of Costa Rica's monkey species (spider, howler, capuchin, and squirrel), sloths, tapirs, coatis, crocodiles, and a huge number of exotic birds like scarlet macaws and toucans.

The Best Way to Experience Corcovado

The best way to explore the park is with a local, experienced guide who knows the trails and where to find the animals. Our partners at Nativos Corcovado specialize in these excursions.

Corcovado Day Trip - Sirena Station

Embark on a full-day adventure to the heart of the park, the Sirena Ranger Station, renowned for its incredible concentration of Costa Rican wildlife.

Corcovado Overnight Tour at Sirena Station

For the ultimate immersive experience, spend the night at the Sirena Ranger Station, allowing for evening and early morning wildlife hikes

Experience the magic of the rainforest after dark! Discover a hidden world of nocturnal creatures on this thrilling guided night walk.

Nativos Corcovado Night Hike

Beyond the Park: Marine Adventures at Caño Island

While the rainforest is the star of the show, the Pacific Ocean offers a completely different world of adventure. Just a short boat ride from Drake Bay lies the Caño Island Biological Reserve, a protected paradise renowned for having some of the clearest waters and most vibrant marine life in Costa Rica.

Snorkeling Tour at Caño Island

Discover the vibrant underwater world of the Caño Island Biological Reserve, a premier snorkeling and diving spot teeming with marine life.

Is snorkeling at Caño Island worth it?

Absolutely. The island is surrounded by a thriving coral reef system, making it a premier destination for snorkeling and diving. You can expect to swim alongside schools of colorful tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and even spot gentle reef sharks and rays in the pristine, protected waters. It's an essential experience for any ocean lover visiting the Osa Peninsula.

The Magic of a Guided Night Hike

When the sun sets over the Osa Peninsula, the rainforest doesn't go to sleep—it awakens. A guided night hike is a thrilling and completely different way to experience the jungle. The air cools, the sounds of the day creatures fade, and a new cast of characters emerges. With an expert guide leading the way with a flashlight, you'll venture into a world that most visitors never get to see.

What Nocturnal Creatures Can You See?

A night hike is a sensory experience focused on finding the smaller, more elusive inhabitants of the rainforest. Your guide will help you spot incredible creatures like the famous red-eyed tree frogs, colorful snakes, sleeping birds, bizarre-looking insects, and maybe even nocturnal mammals like kinkajous or opossums rustling in the canopy above.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time of year to visit Drake Bay?

The best time to visit is during the dry season, which typically runs from late December to April. This period offers the sunniest weather, the calmest seas for boat travel, and the best conditions for hiking the trails in Corcovado National Park.

Is Corcovado National Park worth it?

Absolutely. Corcovado is consistently ranked as one of the best national parks in the world for a reason. Its remote location has preserved an incredible density and diversity of wildlife that is hard to find anywhere else. For nature and wildlife lovers, it is a truly unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

How far is Corcovado National Park from San José?

Corcovado is in a very remote part of Costa Rica. The journey from the capital, San José, can take a full day of travel, typically involving a bus or shuttle ride to the town of Sierpe, followed by an hour-long boat ride to Drake Bay. This is why most visitors plan to stay in the Drake Bay area for several days.

What animals are in the Osa Peninsula?

The Osa Peninsula is a wildlife paradise. It is home to all four of Costa Rica's monkey species, sloths, tapirs, coatis, crocodiles, and countless exotic birds like scarlet macaws and toucans. It is also one of the last strongholds for elusive big cats like pumas and jaguars, though sightings are extremely rare.

Is snorkeling at Caño Island good for beginners?

Yes, the snorkeling at Caño Island is excellent for beginners. The waters are typically calm and clear, and the tour operators provide all the necessary equipment and guidance. You can float comfortably while observing a huge variety of colorful fish, sea turtles, and rays in the protected reserve.

Do I need to book my Corcovado tour in advance?

Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tours, especially for Corcovado National Park and overnight stays, well in advance. Park permits are limited and can sell out, particularly during the high season. Booking ahead ensures you won't be disappointed.