How to get to Drake Bay
How to get to Drake Bay: The Ultimate Guide for Travelers
Drake Bay, a beautiful and remote beach destination on the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica, is accessible by various modes of transportation. Whether you prefer to travel by car, boat, or airplane, we have you covered. Here’s a breakdown of each option to help you plan your journey.
GETTING TO DRAKE BAY BY AIR
The easiest and fastest way to reach Drake Bay is by taking a flight from Costa Rica’s Central Valley to Drake Bay. Several local airlines offer direct flights, which typically arrive and depart in the morning and afternoon. This option is perfect for travelers who are short on time.
GETTING TO DRAKE BAY BY CAR
Take the Pan American Highway towards Panama. Turn right at Highway 245 at Chacarrita. There is a restaurant and a gas station there. Fill your tank up as there are no more gas stations, including in Drake Bay. Follow the signs towards Puerto Jimenez. From Chacarrita you have about two hours to go to reach Drake Bay.
At Rincón de Osa, turn West onto the unpaved mountain road and follow the signs to Drake Bay. Once on the unpaved mountain road, this route becomes a true adventure. There are mountains to traverse, extremely narrow pathways, rivers to splash through, and some fantastic jungle views. Continue on this road until you reach the beach in Agujitas which is the main town of Drake Bay
Please note that this journey is not for the faint-hearted! We do not recommend that you attempt this drive without a 4WD vehicle and then only during the day and in dry season (December – April).
GETTING TO DRAKE BAY BOAT
If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider traveling by boat. Take a bus from San Jose to Palmar Norte and then a taxi to Sierpe. From there, hop on one of the community boats that leave from Sierpe and travel up the Sierpe River to Drake Bay twice a day. The boat ride through the mangrove forest is almost like a tour itself. Once you arrive in Drake Bay, you can find local taxis to get to your hotel or rental.
Boats that leave from Sierpe and travel up the Sierpe River to Drake Bay twice a day, at 11:30 am and 4:00 pm. The boats leave from the dock at the restaurant of Hotel Oleaje Sereno. There is a big sign that says DONDE JORGE. It is very easy to find this place.
The morning boat is $15 per person and the late afternoon boat is $20 per person.
The one hour boat ride takes you along the main river of the Térraba-Sierpe mangrove forest and then along the spectacular coastline. Once you get to the Bay, there you can find local taxis than you can use. If you have reservation at a hotel in the area, your hotel can provide you with transportation from the beach to the hotel.
No matter which option you choose, a visit to Drake Bay is well worth the journey. Don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure and enjoy the stunning views along the way.
