Weather in Drake Bay

Drake Bay is the main gateway to Corcovado National Park, often called the most biologically intense place on Earth, and the remoteness shows — many lodges here are only reachable by boat, and the small village has no bank and limited paved road. What you get in return is access to tapirs, scarlet macaws, and four species of monkey on day hikes into Corcovado, plus excellent diving and snorkelling around Caño Island.

Best areas to stay in Drake Bay

Drake village

The small main settlement, with basic services, a few restaurants, and the boat dock used for park and island trips.

Corcovado National Park (Sirena)

The main ranger station and trail network reached by boat or hike from Drake Bay, the heart of the park's wildlife viewing.

Caño Island

A biological reserve offshore, reached by boat, known for snorkelling and diving among rays, reef sharks, and turtles.

Marenco / Agujitas coastline

A stretch of jungle-backed coast south of the village dotted with remote eco-lodges, several accessible only by boat or trail.

Getting to Drake Bay

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Flights

Fly into San José (SJO) and take a short domestic flight to Drake Bay, or drive to Sierpe and take a boat transfer.

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From London

~12-13 hours from London via a US connection, plus a domestic flight or several hours of road-and-boat travel.

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Getting around

Boats are essential for reaching Corcovado, Caño Island, and many lodges; some trails connect village accommodation on foot.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Drake Bay?

December to April is the dry season and easiest for travel, though the boat crossing and trails are usable year-round with more rain expected May-November.

How do I get to Drake Bay?

Fly to Drake Bay's small airstrip from San José, or drive to Sierpe and take a boat down the river and along the coast, around 1.5-2 hours.

What is Corcovado National Park?

A vast, remote rainforest reserve on the Osa Peninsula, home to tapirs, jaguars, scarlet macaws, and all four of Costa Rica's monkey species, accessible via guided day hikes from Drake Bay.

Do I need a guide for Corcovado?

Yes — a certified guide is required to enter the national park, and most Drake Bay lodges can arrange day trips with transport included.

Is Caño Island worth visiting?

Yes — it's a protected biological reserve with some of the best visibility and marine life on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, popular for snorkelling and diving day trips.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The hike into Corcovado was the wildlife experience of a lifetime, saw tapirs and scarlet macaws within the first hour. Getting there by boat from Sierpe was an adventure in itself.

Felix R. · February 2024

★★★★★

Snorkelled around Caño Island and the visibility was incredible, white-tip reef sharks and huge schools of fish. Drake Bay itself feels wonderfully remote.

Naomi C. · March 2023

★★★★☆

Lodge had no wifi and limited power, which took adjusting to, but that's part of the appeal. The guided Corcovado day trip was worth every cent.

Tom W. · January 2024