Best of Drake Bay

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Drake Bay

Drake Bay is one of the two gateway towns to Corcovado National Park, one of the largest rainforests in Central America and the best place in Costa Rica for wildlife watching and hiking. Dubbed "the most biologically dense place on Earth," visitors have the opportunity to encounter a large number of animals here: sloths, endangered birds, sea turtles, and even big cats like the puma, ocelot, and endangered jaguar. Another major draw of Drake Bay is its proximity to the Isla Caño Biological Reserve. The reserve is located 33 miles (53 km) offshore and is home to Costa Rica's largest concentration of coral-building organisms. During a dive or snorkel here, you'll observe and swim alongside sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays, moray eels, barracudas, and more.

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Best Things to Do on the Osa Peninsula

Home to one of the largest rainforests in Central America (widely protected by Corcovado National Park), the Osa Peninsula is the wildlife and hiking jewel of Costa Rica. Dubbed "the most biologically dense place on Earth," you can see much of the country's famed wildlife by hiking through the jungle and watching whales and dolphins in Drake Bay. Then, take your adventures to the next level by surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving at Cape Matapalo and Isla del Caño Biological Reserve.

Enjoy your natural surroundings at a luxury eco-lodge in Costa Rica

Wildlife Luxury Adventure on the Osa Peninsula - 4 Days

Snorkel, hike, and bird-watch by day, then sleep in elegant eco-lodges at night on this luxury four-day wildlife tour around Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. A naturalist guide will point out rare avian species during an evening hike, and then you'll explore the wilderness of Corcovado National Park on day two. Plunge into the pristine waters of the Isla del Caño Biological Reserve for a snorkeling or diving adventure to finish off the itinerary.

Hermit crab on the beach of Corcovado National Park

Arenal and Osa Peninsula Luxury Getaway - 8 Days

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.

Enjoy the vistas from your luxury hotel in the Osa Peninsula (photo courtesy of Lapa Rios Lodge)

Wildlife Luxury Adventure in Arenal & the Osa Peninsula - 7 Days

Get off the beaten path on this weeklong luxury adventure around Costa Rica's beautiful landscapes. After a day exploring the capital city, you'll travel to the Osa Peninsula for a sunset bird-watching tour around Drake Bay. Explore Corcovado National Park on a guided hike, then look for whales and dolphins in the wild on a boat tour. You'll sleep in luxury hotels throughout the week and finish the trip in the Arenal region with a visit to a sloth habitat and a wildlife rehabilitation center.

Spot playful dolphins on your catamaran tour in Manuel Antonio

Costa Rica Honeymoon for Wildlife Lovers - 7 Days

Embark on the honeymoon of a lifetime as you explore the great natural menagerie that is Costa Rica. This adventure will take you up and down the country's Pacific coast, where you'll swim with exotic marine life at Isla del Caño, go on waterfall hikes, and perhaps glimpse the elusive jaguar in Corcovado National Park. Then, head up to the powdery white-sand beaches at Manuel Antonio, where in between swimming and sunset catamaran rides, there will be ample time for luxurious spa treatments.

Luxury Wildlife Adventure in the Osa Peninsula - 6 Days

Enjoy Costa Rica in style on this high-end six-day trip around the wildlife habitats of the Osa Peninsula and Arenal. After a day exploring the capital city of San José, you'll travel to Drake Bay for a colorful birdwatching tour and hiking in Corcovado National Park. Continue to La Fortuna—and check into a luxury hotel—where you'll soak in hot springs, spot nocturnal mammals on a private jungle tour, and get up close with animals at a wildlife rehabilitation center.

Agua Ardiente Pool Bar (courtesy of Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa)

Wildlife Luxury Adventure in Arenal, Monteverde & the Osa Peninsula - 10 Days

Explore Costa Rica's landscapes and wildlife habitats by day—and sleep in luxury hotels at night—on this 10-day itinerary around the country. Travel to the Osa Peninsula to hike around Corcovado National Park and snorkel the Isla del Caño Biological Reserve. Then move onto the Arenal region for waterfall hikes and hot spring relaxation. You'll finish up in Monteverde with a nighttime nature walk and a day of zip-lining through the cloud forest.

Go for a swim with view of the Costa Rican rainforest

Wildlife Luxury Adventure in Arenal, Monteverde & the Osa Peninsula - 11 Days

Discover the spectacular landscapes of Costa Rica on this luxurious 11-day trip. You'll explore the great outdoors by day and sleep in luxury lodgings at night, traveling first to the Osa Peninsula to do some world-class snorkeling in the Isla del Caño Biological Reserve. Then hike around Arenal Volcano, soak in natural hot springs, and enjoy a gourmet dinner in a beautiful natural setting. Finish the itinerary with a nighttime nature walk and zip-lining in the Monteverde cloud forest.

Relax on the romantic white-sand beaches of Costa Rica's Pacific coast

Romantic Getaway on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast - 10 Days

For romance mixed with unspoiled tropical beauty, it doesn't get better than Costa Rica's Pacific coast. This relaxed 10-day adventure starts with kayaking and snorkeling around the golden beaches of Sámara, then continues south for waterfall hikes at Manuel Antonio National Park. Then, after thrilling zipline rides and hiking in the cloud forests of Montverde, you'll visit the far south and end the journey with snorkeling at Isla del Caño and hiking the wilds of Corcovado National Park.

Costa Rica Wildlife Adventure - 11 days

This active 11-day itinerary is designed to appeal to nature lovers and adventure fiends of every stripe. It starts on the southern Pacific coast, in the remote, Corcovado National Park. Here you'll enjoy rugged hikes abounding with wildlife-spotting opportunities. Then it's off to the north where you'll explore the misty cloud forests of Monteverde and fly over the forest canopy. After a visit to the famed Arenal Volcano, it's time for another hike, this time to the Hule Lagoon, an ancient crater lake like something out of Conan Doyle's "Lost World." Enjoy waterfall rappelling before ending your Costa Rican adventure with a wild rafting trip down the Pacuare River.

Overnight in luxury accommodation in the Osa Peninsula (photo courtesy of Lapa Rios Lodge)

Wildlife Luxury Adventure in Arenal, Monteverde & the Osa Peninsula - 12 Days

Enjoy the best of Costa Rica on this adventurous 12-day itinerary featuring excursions with private guides and overnight stays in luxury hotels. Begin with a few days of birdwatching, snorkeling, and hiking on the Osa Peninsula, then transfer to La Fortuna, your base for exploring the Arenal area. Trek around Arenal Volcano and relax in hot springs before continuing to Monteverde for a coffee tour and an unforgettable trip through the cloud forest on horseback.

A baby white-faced capuchin in Corcovado National Park

Family Adventure: Jungles, Beaches, and Volcanoes - 16 Days

This itinerary is designed for families who want a nature excursion with plenty of adventure mixed in. Your first adventurous destination is the remote Osa Peninsula, where you'll indulge in beaches and rainforest hikes. From here, you'll head inland to pay a visit to Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you'll hike among the treetops via suspension bridges and enjoy even more natural wonders. Finally, make your way to The Gulf of Papagayo to spend three days relaxing on pristine beaches.

Beach in Drakes Bay on the Osa Peninsula

Active Wildlife Adventure in Costa Rica - 9 days

This active 9-day itinerary is designed to appeal to nature lovers and adventure fiends of every stripe. It starts on the southern Pacific coast, in the remote, wild Corcovado National Park. Here you'll enjoy rugged hikes abounding with wildlife-spotting opportunities. Then it's off to the north where you'll explore the misty cloud forests of Monteverde and fly over the forest canopy on a zip-line tour. After a visit to the famed Arenal Volcano, it's time for another hike, this time to the Hule Lagoon, an ancient crater lake like something out of Conan Doyle's "Lost World."

Costa Rica Self-Drive Adventure - 14 Days

This road trip itinerary is a truly off-the-beaten-path nature excursion. Head to the remote beaches and rainforest of the Osa Peninsula before a scenic drive up the Pacific coast. You'll experience white-sand beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park, along with the cloud forest ecosystem of Monteverde where you'll hike over the jungle canopy via suspension bridges. Finally, you'll pay a visit to Arenal, an active volcano and one of Costa Rica's most famous landmarks.

Sunset view from a luxury hotel in Costa Rica

Luxury Trip to Costa Rica's Beaches, Cloud Forests & Volcanoes - 14 Days

Explore Costa Rica's beautiful natural landscapes—and treat yourself to luxury hotel stays—on this two-week adventure around the country. The itinerary takes you to two national parks, Corcovado and Manuel Antonio, for hiking, snorkeling, and boating excursions. You'll also spot wildlife on a night tour, visit a coffee farm, zip-line through the jungle in the Monteverde cloud forest, and hike to Arenal Volcano, enjoying a dip in natural hot springs nearby to finish the trip.

Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters around Manuel Antonio

Costa Rica Wildlife & Nature - 14 Days

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.

Take an active adventure in Costa Rica with your family

Active Family Getaway to Costa Rica: Cloud Forests, Beaches, Waterfalls & Wildlife - 14 Days

Families with tweens and teens will love this active 14-day adventure that starts on the coasts of Tamarindo, where you'll hike to electric-blue waterfalls and see nesting sea turtles. Then, it's off to Monteverde for horseback rides through lush cloud forests and a visit to a sloth sanctuary. Play on the beaches of Manuel Antonio, kayak through the mangroves of Isla Damas, and snorkel at Drake Bay's Isla del Caño before ending in the capital city of San José to see its colorful streets, lively markets, and historic sights.

Manuel Antonio beaches are known for sunset views

Costa Rica Luxury & Nature Tour - 10 Days

This adventurous itinerary checks off four of Costa Rica’s key regions. Raft down some of the world’s best rapids, head to Arenal for hikes and hot springs, and lounge on the Pacific beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. End your journey on the remote Osa Peninsula, where rainforests, wildlife, and a near-empty coastline await.

Costa Rica Hiking Adventure - 10 Days

Checking off three key regions in Costa Rica, this 10-day itinerary is perfect for adventurous travelers. The trip starts with a visit to Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano for hiking and natural hot springs before continuing to the Pacific Ocean for some beach time at Manuel Antonio National Park. Finish off in one of the country's most remote areas—Osa Peninsula—for undeveloped rainforests, rare wildlife, and near-empty coastline.

Wild beach in Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula

Costa Rica Self Drive Adventure - 15 Days

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.

Costa Rica Highlights: Self-Drive Adventure - 16 Days

Explore many of Costa Rica's off-the-beaten-path destinations on this 16-day self-drive tour. You'll travel to all corners of the country, from the surf town of Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast, to Arenal Volcano in the north, and to Pacific beaches and protected areas home to exotic wildlife like scarlet macaws. The final leg of this adventure will be a trip to the far south and the remote and beautiful Osa Peninsula.

Relax in an infinity pool overlooking the Costa Rican rainforest

Wildlife Luxury Adventure in Arenal, Monteverde & the Osa Peninsula - 16 Days

Experience Costa Rica in style, enjoying excursions with private guides and overnight stays in luxury hotels on this wide-ranging itinerary around the country. Start with birdwatching and snorkeling on the Osa Peninsula, then transfer to Manuel Antonio National Park, where you'll take surf lessons. Go horseback riding in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, hike around Arenal Volcano, and relax in natural hot springs before heading back to San José for one last night out on the town.

Wildlife, Rainforest & Beach Adventure - 12 Days

Go from coast to coast as you encounter wildlife, swim under jungle waterfalls, and unwind on magnificent beaches on this well-rounded Costa Rican adventure. You'll start in the rugged Osa Peninsula on the remote southwestern coast, where you'll find untouched shores and a plethora of tropical animals. Then explore the rainforests of Monteverde and Arenal before embarking on a two-day whitewater rafting trip down the famous Pacuare River. End your unforgettable stay in the Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo, where you'll snorkel, surf, and enjoy the pura vida.

Wildlife, Rainforest & Beach Adventure - 14 Days

Go from coast to coast as you encounter wildlife, swim under jungle waterfalls, and unwind on magnificent beaches on this well-rounded Costa Rican adventure. You'll start in the rugged Osa Peninsula, where you'll find untouched shores and a plethora of tropical animals. Then explore the rainforests of Monteverde and Arenal before embarking on a two-day whitewater rafting trip down the famous Pacuare River. End your unforgettable stay in the Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo, where you'll snorkel, surf, and enjoy "pura vida".

Other popular travel destinations in Costa Rica
Arenal/La Fortuna · San José · South Pacific Coast · Monteverde · Caribbean Coast · Manuel Antonio · Guanacaste Pacific Coast · Puerto Viejo de Talamanca · Nicoya Peninsula · Tamarindo · Tortuguero · Osa Peninsula · Gulf of Papagayo · Río Pacuare · Sámara · Rincón de la Vieja · Nosara · Corcovado National Park · Santa Teresa

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