Most visitors arrive in Drake Bay by boat — it’s the scenic and most practical route. Boats leave daily from Sierpe, navigating the winding river out to the Pacific before pulling up to the open beach landing at Drake. There’s no dock here, so be ready to get your feet wet! Mornings at the beach are a busy scene, with boats coming and going, tourists gathering for day trips, and guides calling out names over the surf.
For the more adventurous, Drake is also accessible by road — a rough, slow, and often muddy drive, especially during the rainy season. Even in dry months, it’s a bumpy trip, and after heavy rains, the road can be completely impassable. But if you like off-road journeys, it adds to the experience. The town itself is small and relaxed, with a few restaurants, shops, and tour operators catering to travelers. It’s not a place for nightlife or crowds — more a quiet basecamp to explore the Osa’s wild surroundings.
Lodging in Drake runs the full range. There are rustic hostels and cabinas perfect for young adventure travelers, as well as more upscale eco-lodges with ocean views and swimming pools, where older couples and families can enjoy a bit of comfort between jungle hikes and boat tours. Many visitors will spend two or three nights here: one full day for Corcovado, another for Caño Island, and some well-earned downtime by the pool or beach. Group tours are the most economical way to explore the area. Prices (as of 2025/2026) generally run around $100–120 USD per person for Corcovado National Park, including guide, park entry, and boat transport. A snorkeling trip to Caño Island is about $85–100 USD, with snorkeling gear and lunch usually included. Both are fantastic day trips and well worth it.
For anglers, Drake offers access to inshore and offshore waters. Half-day trips to the reefs near Caño target snapper, grouper, jacks, and roosterfish. Full-day offshore trips chase big game like sailfish, dorado, tuna, and even marlin. Rates depend on the boat and captain, but expect around $500–1,500 USD fdepending on how long and how far you want to venture out.
Whale and dolphin watching is also popular, especially during peak migration seasons from July to October and again in December to March. Humpback whales are the stars of the show, but it’s common to see dolphins year-round playing alongside the boats. Group and private tours are also available for whale watching, with pricing similar to other tours.
Drake Bay also has a small regional airport, making it a quick hop from San José for travelers short on time or looking to skip the bumpy roads. Sansa Airlines flies here daily, with flights typically in the morning or early afternoon. Flight time is about 50 minutes from San José. Skyway Costa Rica has also operated flights here seasonally, so it’s worth checking for schedules.
Drake Bay is the perfect balance: just enough comfort to relax, with adventure always within arm’s reach. Whether you’re heading out to the rainforest of Corcovado, snorkeling over vibrant reefs at Caño Island, spotting dolphins in the surf, or just enjoying a cold beer with your toes in the sand, Drake delivers. It’s the kind of place where you fall asleep to the sound of the ocean and wake up to the calls of howler monkeys.
For Casa Roja guests, there’s even an easy way to explore Drake. When you book a nearshore fishing trip with us, we stop in Drake and offer the chance to walk the dirt road along the beach, visit the pulpería, and grab a cold drink before heading out on the water again. It’s a fun bonus stop that lets you soak in the town’s laid-back vibe, even if you’re just passing through.
Ask us about adding a stop in Drake Bay to your Casa Roja adventure — it’s the perfect way to experience this charming corner of the Osa Peninsula!
