Costa Rica Airport Transfer to Drake Bay Osa Peninsula
About the Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica is one of the most isolated places in the country. In 1579 Sir Francis Drake sailed into the bay that today carries his name. A modest monument to Sir Francis Drake will remind you that he was probably the first foreign visitor to the Osa Peninsula. Drake Bay or Bahia Drake is only 12 miles (19 km) from Corcovado National Park Peninsula. National Geographic declared the Osa Peninsula as “the most biologically intense place on Earth”. When you come to Bahia Drake you will see it with your own eyes. Pristine beaches, lush forests and untouched wilderness will make you believe that paradise is on Earth.
Drake Bay Osa Peninsula
Bahia Drake is also the starting point for many other adventures on the South Pacific of Costa Rica. Scuba diving near Isla Del Cano is a marvelous experience as you will see the most diverse marine life and amazing under water scenery. The bay is the destination of humpback whales from September to January. Some locals offer boat tours to get a closer look at this endangered species.
Drake Bay is a tropical paradise where you can come to clear your mind from everyday routines. Anywhere you choose to stay in the area you are guaranteed to enjoy the most relaxing moments of your vacation. This picturesque area has a beautiful river that feeds the largest extension of mangrove forest in Costa Rica. Walk along the tropical jungle where spotting a Scarlet Macaw or other bird species is a rewarding experience not only for bird watchers. Horseback riding is an excellent option for exploring the surrounding nature.
Agujitas is another small village in the bay that offers lush forests and world-class diving. A few “sodas” (small restaurants) and “tiendas” (small shops) offer good food and necessary supplies. On Saturdays, you might get a taste of nightlife in Drake Bay when the local disco plays some music for several hours and the locals gather for a few drinks.
The houses on the coast seem to hide among the trees when seen from the ocean. Even though tourism in Drake Bay has increased in recent years sustainable consciousness prevails among investors who want to keep the bay and its surroundings as Sir Francis Drake described it 400 years ago.
Getting to Bahia Drake by car is a rewarding experience as you will appreciate beautiful scenery all along the way. From San Jose, you will need to take the Inter-American Highway to Chacarita, then to Rincon and finally to Bahia Drake. The road to Drake Bay is not paved but it is graveled. To drive a few miles will take much longer than on a paved rural road. During the dry season, a two-wheel-drive vehicle will not give you any problems. During the rainy season, a 4×4 is necessary.
You can also get here by bus, though the trip takes about 10 hours. Domestic air travel is another option that will allow you to take in the scenery from the sky. There is an airstrip at Bahia Drake. You can also choose to take a charter flight to Palmar Norte and then navigate the Sierpe River to Bahia Drake; this is the most recommended option. This boat trip through mangrove forests is a once in a lifetime experience. There is not a regular schedule for the boats on the Sierpe River; you will have to arrange with a local that travels along the river to transport to Drake Bay. Every day boats pass by Drake Bay via the Sierpe River to drop off people or food and other supplies.