Frequently Asked Questions

There are three main ways to travel from San José to Drake Bay: by bus and boat, by car, or by domestic flight.

Driving directly to Drake Bay

You can drive directly to Drake Bay from San José. In recent years, the road has been improved and bridges have been built over all major river crossings, allowing access during both the dry and rainy seasons. However, a high-clearance or four-wheel-drive (4×4) vehicle is recommended, as part of the route is gravel and may have uneven sections, especially after heavy rain.

The most common route is: San José – Costanera Sur Highway – Chacarita – Rincón – Drake Bay. The drive usually takes 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic, weather, and road conditions.

During the rainy season (May to November), it is advisable to contact your accommodation before starting your trip to confirm current road conditions, as they can change due to mud, minor landslides, fallen branches, or temporary maintenance work. It is recommended to avoid driving after dark, as visibility is limited and rural roads are not always well lit.

For navigation, we also recommend downloading offline maps, as mobile signal may be limited in certain areas.

By car or bus to Sierpe + boat

Boats to Drake Bay depart from the small riverside town of Sierpe.
If you are arriving by car, you can drive to Sierpe and leave your vehicle in secure parking areas near the dock, such as those located at Restaurante Don Jorge or Restaurante Las Vegas.

If you are traveling by bus, the company Tracopa offers service from San José to Palmar Norte, where you can connect to another bus that goes directly to Sierpe.

From Sierpe, boats to Drake Bay typically depart daily at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., and reservations are usually not required in advance. The journey takes 50 to 75 minutes, depending on tides and sea conditions. Return boats from Drake Bay to Sierpe generally operate at 7:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The approximate cost is USD $20 per person, each way.

By domestic flight

Several airlines, including Sansa and Aerobell, operate direct flights from San José to Drake Bay Airport (DRK). The flight takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes. Upon arrival, you will need a taxi to reach the village or your accommodation, as the airstrip is not located within walking distance of the central area.

All three options are commonly used by visitors, and the best choice will depend on your budget, comfort preference, and travel schedule. Regardless of the method you choose, it is recommended that you inform your accommodation of your estimated arrival time so they can coordinate assistance upon arrival.

Yes, there are local taxi services available in Drake Bay. However, availability can be limited, especially during peak hours, early mornings, or late evenings. For this reason, advance coordination is recommended. If you need transportation, we can help coordinate and arrange a reliable taxi service for you.

Yes. We strongly recommend booking tours in advance, especially for Corcovado National Park and Caño Island, as daily visitor permits are limited and often sell out during high season. The safest way to guarantee a permit for Corcovado is to book at least one month in advance. Booking early ensures availability, better schedules, and proper coordination of logistics such as boat transfers, guides, equipment, and meals. If you are planning your trip with short notice, please contact us as soon as possible so we can check current availability.

There is no ATM or bank in Drake Bay. Your last opportunity to withdraw cash is in Palmar Norte (or in Puerto Jiménez, if traveling from the east).
We recommend withdrawing enough cash before arriving, as some local businesses and services do not accept cards.
Carrying cash in U.S. dollars or Costa Rican colones is useful for restaurants, shops, taxi boats, tips, and services that may not accept electronic payments.
Most hotels and restaurants do accept credit or debit cards, although bank or processing fees may apply depending on the business and terminal provider.
💡 Please note that some local tour operators —including ours— work primarily with bank transfers or online payments in advance.
Any remaining balance must be paid in cash on the day of the tour.

It is mandatory to enter Corcovado National Park with a certified, licensed guide authorized by SINAC (Costa Rica’s national park authority). Independent entry without a guide is not allowed. Certified guides ensure safety, responsible wildlife viewing, and compliance with park regulations.

We offer private tours for travelers who prefer a personalized experience, more flexibility, or extra time with the guide. These are ideal for families, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and guests with specific interests or special requirements.

Some group tours require a minimum number of participants to operate. If the minimum is not reached, we may:

• Offer an alternative date,

• Propose an upgrade to a private tour, or

• Help you join another confirmed group.

Solo travelers are welcome. When spaces are available, solo travelers can join existing group tours. If no group is confirmed for your date, we can place you on a waiting list or suggest alternative options.

The dry season (December to May) offers more predictable weather, calmer seas, and excellent hiking and snorkeling conditions. The rainy season (May to November) brings occasional showers, usually in the afternoon or at night. Wildlife sightings are excellent year-round, and mornings often remain clear in both seasons.

Yes. Tours generally operate rain or shine. Your guide will adapt routes and timing to ensure safety and comfort. If conditions become temporarily unsafe (such as lightning), the activity may pause until the weather improves.

Temperatures usually range from 24°C to 34°C (75°F to 93°F) with high humidity due to the rainforest climate. Light, breathable clothing and a reusable water bottle are recommended to stay comfortable.

Trails may become muddy and slippery after rain. Your guide will adjust the route and pace accordingly. Waterproof footwear, fast-drying clothing, and trekking poles can improve comfort. If needed, we can also provide rubber boots to ensure better traction and protect your footwear during muddy conditions.

We recommend bringing light, breathable clothing, fast-drying fabrics, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, a hat, a lightweight rain jacket or poncho, a small flashlight or headlamp, and swimwear. Consider packing waterproof bags for electronics and important documents.

Closed-toe hiking shoes or trail-running shoes with good grip are highly recommended, as the terrain can be uneven, muddy, and slippery after rain. During the rainy season, we can provide rubber boots during guided tours to protect your footwear and improve traction on muddy trails.

For comfort around the beach or your accommodation, we also suggest bringing adjustable sandals or water shoes that dry quickly, offer good support, and perform well on wet surfaces.

Yes. Sun exposure can be strong, especially on boats and beaches, so sunscreen is recommended. Mosquito repellent is useful during periods of high humidity and at sunset. We kindly ask guests to avoid aerosol-based repellents, as the particles disperse into the air and surrounding environment, affecting plants, wildlife, and other visitors. Lotion or pump formats are more environmentally friendly.

Most tours require a moderate level of physical fitness. Trails in Corcovado and nearby reserves can be uneven, humid, or muddy, and participants should be comfortable walking for several hours at a slow or moderate pace.
If you have any physical limitations, medical considerations, or psychological conditions (such as fear of boats, anxiety, vertigo, mobility restrictions, or sensitivity to long hikes), please inform us before your visit. This allows us to take the appropriate safety measures, adjust the pace of the activity, and recommend the most suitable tour options based on your needs and comfort level.
Whenever needed, we can organize a private tour to ensure greater comfort, safety, and flexibility for you.

Yes, our tours are suitable for adults, families, and children of all ages. For those traveling with young children or older adults with special needs, we recommend asking about our private tour options. These experiences provide greater comfort, flexibility, and a pace tailored to your group, ensuring everyone enjoys the journey and the natural surroundings to the fullest.

Yes. All tours are led by certified naturalist guides trained in first aid and emergency response. They carry first-aid kits and are familiar with the terrain and the evacuation procedures required by SINAC and park authorities.
We always remind our guests to inform us in advance of any condition or medication we should be aware of, so we can be prepared and respond effectively in case of any emergency.

Our guides adapt the rhythm of the walk to the group’s comfort level. Short rest breaks can be taken when needed. If you prefer a slower pace or a more personalized experience, a private tour is the best option. Your safety and comfort always come first.

Follow your guide’s instructions at all times, stay on designated trails, and keep a safe distance from wildlife. Avoid touching plants, feeding animals, or making loud noises. Respecting these rules ensures both your safety and the protection of the ecosystem.

Tours operate even in light or moderate rain, as it’s part of the rainforest experience. However, if weather conditions compromise safety, the guide may decide to pause, modify, or reschedule the activity. We always prioritize guest safety and comfort while respecting nature’s rhythm.

We recommend that travelers bring all the personal medication they may need, since there is no pharmacy in Drake Bay. The local public clinic (EBAIS) offers only basic medical assistance and has a very limited supply of medicines.
There is also a private medical office — Consultorio Médico Dra. Loayza — available in Drake Bay for general consultations or minor emergencies.
Always carry essential items such as allergy pills, asthma inhalers, or motion-sickness tablets in your daypack.
If you have a medical condition (such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, or allergies), please inform us in advance so we can take proper precautions. Your guide will be informed confidentially and will adapt the experience when necessary.
We also strongly recommend having travel or medical insurance that covers outdoor and adventure activities for your peace of mind.

All our certified naturalist guides are trained in first aid and emergency response, following SINAC and Costa Rican Red Cross standards. In case of an emergency, the guide will provide immediate assistance, assess the situation, and coordinate evacuation if needed.
Drake Bay has a small public clinic (EBAIS) for basic care and the Consultorio Médico Dra. Loayza for private consultations.
In serious cases, patients are transferred to the regional hospital in Puerto Jiménez (about 1.5 hours away by boat).
Our company also holds a civil liability insurance policy, which covers part of the expenses in case of a medical emergency during an organized activity.
This coverage complements —but does not replace— each traveler’s personal or travel insurance.

Drake Bay is a small and remote coastal village with basic but friendly services. There is a public school, a small police post, a health clinic (EBAIS), and the private Consultorio Médico Dra. Loayza for general consultations or minor emergencies.
There are also local taxi boats, guides, and community associations that support responsible tourism and conservation.

Most hotels and restaurants provide Wi-Fi, though connections can be slow or intermittent during the rainy season.
The main mobile networks available are Kolbi and Claro, with limited coverage in some remote areas.

Drake Bay offers a variety of local sodas and small restaurants, serving Costa Rican dishes, fresh seafood, and vegetarian options. Some hotels also provide dinner service upon request.
There is no formal gas station, but some local businesses sell fuel by the liter for boats or vehicles. Basic mechanical and motorcycle repair services are available in the village.

Drake Bay is a small, friendly community where people value respect, simplicity, and genuine connection. A friendly “buenos días” or “pura vida” goes a long way. Visitors are encouraged to be polite, patient, and mindful of the slower pace of rural life.

Respect all wildlife — observe quietly and keep a safe distance. Never feed animals, use flash photography, or touch plants or trees unnecessarily. Stay on designated trails and follow your guide’s instructions at all times. Responsible behavior helps protect the rainforest ecosystem and ensures a positive experience for everyone.

Tips are not mandatory but are greatly appreciated as a gesture of gratitude when you’re satisfied with the service. Offering a tip is a personal choice and a way to recognize the effort of guides, captains, and support staff who make your experience memorable.

Choose to support locally owned businesses, buy from artisans, and participate in community-based tours. Use reef-safe sunscreen, reusable bottles, and minimize plastic waste. Every small action contributes to the sustainability and well-being of Drake Bay and its people.

Our cancellation policy varies depending on the type of activity and is designed to ensure fair and transparent operations:

• Activities inside Corcovado National Park:

  • Cancellations made 30 days or more before the tour date incur no penalty.

  • Cancellations made less than 30 days before the tour date are non-refundable.
    However, visits may be rescheduled depending on park availability, with a 10% administrative fee of the total booking amount.

  • If the Park Administration cancels due to weather, government restrictions, or other force majeure causes, the visit will be rescheduled at no additional cost.

• Aquatic tours and activities around Drake Bay:

  • Cancellations made 3 days or more before the activity: no charge.

  • Cancellations made less than 3 days before the activity: entitled to a 50% refund.

General conditions:

• No-shows or late arrivals (15 minutes or more) are considered cancellations without refund, rescheduling, or credit.

• Weather conditions or lack of wildlife sightings are not valid reasons for refunds, as they depend on natural, uncontrollable factors.

• Once the service has been provided, no refunds will be issued.

• All refund requests must be made in writing to info@osaoutdoorsadventures.com, and are processed via PayPal or national bank transfer (transaction fees are not covered by the company).

• In case of illness or emergencies, please contact us as soon as possible — each situation is reviewed individually, and we aim to offer fair solutions.

• All payments must be made after receiving an official quote and confirmation. Reservations are considered confirmed only once payment has been verified.

Insurance coverage:
Osa Outdoors Adventures holds Civil Liability and Work Risk insurance with the National Insurance Institute (INS). All transportation services are insured, and every activity is conducted under the safety and sustainability standards established by ICT and SINAC.