On the far side of the Osa Peninsula, you'll find one of the planet's most biologically intense places along the secluded and sandy curve of Drake Bay. In these unspoiled waters, enjoy a boat trip as your captain searches for several species of whales and dolphins. The bay is infamous as one of the ports used by the pirate Sir Francis Drake during his notorious raids along the Central American coast, but its wildlife-rich landscapes and seascapes are what draw visitors today.
Dolphin-viewing is possible year-round in Drake Bay, thanks to large resident pods of dolphins, including spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, common dolphins, and rough tooth dolphins. From mid-July to October, you can spot southern migration whales, including the distinctive humpbacks, whereas northern migration whales make their journeys from mid-November through April. While you glide through the bay, one of the other highlights is the area's lush, secluded backdrop, as the wilderness of Corcovado National Park meets the Pacific Ocean.
Depending on the weather, you may also have the opportunity to go snorkeling to see turtles, manta rays, and other marine life!
Discover more wildlife excursions in Costa Rica and other unique experiences on the Osa Peninsula.
In this eight-day luxury itinerary, you'll travel in style to southwest Costa Rica and the Osa Peninsula. Here you'll embark on excursions in Corcovado National Park, a veritable Lost World preserving one of the country's few lowland rainforests. You'll then fly to Arenal Volcano National Park, where even more active adventures await.
This itinerary is designed for those who want a classic tropical excursion into Costa Rica's rainforests. Start with the remote Osa Peninsula, where you'll visit beaches and hike through the rainforest. Then, drive north along the Pacific coast to the white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park before heading northwest into the Monteverde region. Finally, pay a visit to Arenal, an active volcano and one of Costa Rica's most famous landmarks.
This itinerary is specifically tuned for wildlife lovers. Expect to get up early and stay out late to see monkeys, lizards, birds, insects and other spectacular fauna that inhabit the virgin rainforest, cloud forest and swampy estuaries covered here. The trip begins with a southwest journey from San José to Parque Nacional Corcovado (Corcovado National Park) before continuing northwest along the Pacific coast. Next head inland to Monteverde for birdwatching and spotting wildlife in the unique eco-system of the cloud forest.
Take in the best of Costa Rica's wildlife and nature on this two-week trip into the rainforest. Start in Arenal to hike around the Arenal Volcano and soothe your muscles in the regenerative hot springs, then head to Monteverde for a treetops adventure in the cloud forest. You'll zip line through the canopy and hike through the nighttime forest before ending your trip in Manual Antonio, where crystal clear water and endless beaches await.
