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Looking for the best things to do in Drake Bay, Costa Rica? Well, you’re in luck!
We’ve spent a lot of time living and traveling in Costa Rica, so it’s safe to say that we know the Osa Peninsula pretty well, and Drake Bay is our favorite place to stay.
Drake Bay is such a pretty little town, and it’s an amazing base for a ton of adventurous activities. I’m talking about wildlife trekking through Corcovado National Park, snorkeling with turtles on Caño Island, and dolphin or whale watching!
Sounds incredible, right? It is! And that’s why we’ve rounded up our top Drake Bay experiences, to ensure you get the most out of this gem of a town.
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Drake Bay was this dolphin and whale watching tour. It’s so good it’s been featured on National Geographic, and we saw so many dolphins and whales. They even let us get in and snorkel with them!
Check out the 150+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Tip: This tour is popular, book it here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
- Things to do in Drake Bay
- 1. Explore Corcovado National Park
- 2. Go on a dolphin and whale watching tour (as seen on National Geographic!)
- 3. Visit Cano Island and go snorkeling
- 4. Explore the jungle – go hiking, canyoning, and rappelling
- 5. Go scuba diving in the Cano Islands
- 6. Spot wildlife in Corcovado National Park at night
- 7. Go early morning birdwatching
- 8. Float the Rio Claro
- Where to Stay in Drake Bay, Costa Rica
- Pura Vida!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Getting Around Costa Rica
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Drake Bay
1. Explore Corcovado National Park
- Price: $110 USD
- Duration: 7-8 hours
- Time: 6 am
- Highlights: exploring one of Costa Rica’s most pristine parks, spotting a diverse away of wildlife, scenic boat ride along the coast of the Osa Peninsula, all-inclusive trip, small group tour
- Inclusions: certified guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, boat cruise to the National Park, National Park fees, picnic lunch
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 350+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: no
Costa Rica’s incredible nature is the main reason to visit, so this full-day tour to Corcovado National Park is a must while you’re in Drake Bay. Corcovado is one of Costa Rica’s most pristine and diverse parks, which, trust me, is REALLY saying something.
The day began with a scenic boat ride along the rugged coastline of the Osa Peninsula. It was a smooth ride and we loved the views of the lush rainforest that almost spilled into the ocean!
Things only got better when we arrived at Corcovado itself. Exploring the park with our knowledgeable guide, Erick, was incredible. He was so energetic and he helped us to spot so many animals that we would have missed without his help. We got to see three species of monkeys, a tapir, peccaries, sloths, an anteater, and even a bat – it was just amazing!
We also got a picnic lunch in the park, which was really enjoyable. On the boat ride back to Drake Bay, we were lucky enough to see a mother whale swimming alongside her calf and a pod of playful dolphins. It was like we got a marine safari and a national park tour all in one package!
Basically, if you’re visiting Drake Bay, you absolutely cannot miss this tour. It’s one of the best things we have done in the whole of Costa Rica – which again, is saying something!
Book this popular tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
2. Go on a dolphin and whale watching tour (as seen on National Geographic!)
- Price: $133 USD
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: seeing dolphins and humpback whales, listening to them via hydrophone, snorkeling session, learning about conservation and marine biology from on-board experts
- Inclusions: boat ride, marine biologist guides, lunch, on-board hydrophone, snorkeling gear, hotel pickup and drop-off
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 180+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
This whale and dolphin watching tour was hands down one of the most magical experiences we’ve ever had in Costa Rica!
We were so excited to see the dolphins that call the Osa Peninsula home, and the humpback whales who migrate here between July and October, and April and November. And believe me, this tour did NOT disappoint!
We got to see so much marine life including several pods of dolphins. Their playful antics had our entire boat cheering with delight! Spotting whales was just as incredible, and hearing their songs through the onboard hydrophone was an experience that neither of us will ever forget.
And as if all of that weren’t enough, we were able to get in the water and snorkel! We spotted a sea turtle and schools of colorful fish, so this was truly the cherry on top of an already fantastic day.
Honestly, we are not surprised that this tour has been featured on the Discovery Channel and in National Geographic magazine! It’s Drake Bay’s original dolphin and whale watching experience, and it’s hands down the best thing to do here as far as we’re concerned. It’s family-friendly, too, so it’s ideal whether you’re traveling alone, in a couple, or with little ones!
Don’t miss out on this unique tour – book your spot here!
3. Visit Cano Island and go snorkeling
- Price: $113 USD
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 7:30 am
- Highlights: snorkeling with turtles; seeing octopuses, rays, and tropical fish; lunch at a local restaurant, visiting a pristine beach
- Inclusions: boat transport, snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling sessions, complimentary beer and snack on the beach, use of coral-friendly sunscreen
- Rating: 5 stars (check 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: no
You absolutely cannot miss the chance to go snorkeling around Cano Island! This biological reserve is widely considered one of the best places to go snorkeling in Costa Rica, and we definitely agree with that.
We met our group at the main beach, then took a 45-minute boat ride and enjoyed gorgeous views along the way. Then, when we got to Cano Island, we were given a quick introduction to snorkeling, so there’s no need to worry if you haven’t been snorkeling before.
The waters were teeming with marine life, and the water was perfectly clear. We loved swimming with schools of colorful tropical fish, and we even saw rays, eels, and even a sea snake! It was like swimming in a giant aquarium, and we loved it.
We took a snack break on the beach, and then headed out for our second snorkel session in a new spot on the other side of the island. This time, we were lucky enough to spot two sea turtles, which was the highlight of an already fantastic day.
We then headed to a golden sand beach to chill on the sand with a cold beer before heading back to Drake Bay. Finally, we wrapped up with lunch at a local restaurant, which was just what we needed after all that snorkeling – I don’t know about you, but swimming always makes me hungry!
This tour is great value for money and books up quickly!
Check out the 100+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
4. Explore the jungle – go hiking, canyoning, and rappelling
- Price: $115 USD
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: exploring the jungle, rappelling down waterfalls, discovering natural caves, going canyoning, swimming in natural pools, hiking along jungle trails, enjoying a picnic-style lunch out in nature
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and dropoff, entrance fees, safety equipment, lunch, hammocks
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: no
Adventurous travelers, this one’s for you! We had an absolutely thrilling adventure on this jungle tour from Drake Bay, and it was definitely one of the most exciting things we have ever done in Costa Rica. I mean, we got to go hiking, canyoning, swimming in natural pools, and rappelling down waterfalls – what’s not to love about that?
The day began with a (slightly bumpy) 4×4 ride into the heart of the Osa Peninsula’s rainforest. As we hurtled through the thick, green jungle, we knew that we were in for a thrill ride.
And we were right! With the help of our knowledgeable guide, Emilio, we began hiking through the forest, and we were really struck by how beautiful it was.
Then, it was time for the canyoning part of the tour. We’re not ashamed to admit that our hearts were racing as we rappelled down four different waterfalls, scrambled over rocks, and slid into refreshing pools of water. We got soaked, but it was so refreshing!
By this point, our small tour group had really bonded, which made our picnic lunch together even more enjoyable. It was also so special to be surrounded by wildlife and the sounds of the jungle!
If you love adventurous experiences and raw, rugged scenery, I cannot recommend this tour enough! It was a true journey into the heart of Costa Rica’s untouched wilderness.
Check availability and book this tour here, before it sells out!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Go scuba diving in the Cano Islands
- Price: $186 USD
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 7:30 am
- Highlights: scuba diving in the Cano Island biological reserve, seeing a diverse array of marine life, beer on the beach, lunch in a local restaurant
- Inclusions: two scuba dives, small group tour, scuba equipment, boat cruise to Cano Island, beer, lunch, snacks, water
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: no
What’s better than snorkeling around Cano Island? Scuba diving around Cano Island!
Well, if you’re a certified diver, that is. For those who have their PADI certifications, this small group tour is a must while you’re in Drake Bay. It felt intimate and personal from the very start, and we got to see some jaw-dropping marine life.
We really lucked out with the weather, and we enjoyed stunning coastal views of the Osa Peninsula as we cruised out to the Cano Island Biological Reserve. But it was when we descended into the water that the fun truly began. We saw everything from schools of colorful fish to turtles, rays, seahorses, and an octopus. The real highlight, though, was when we saw a shark – we couldn’t believe it!
After the dives, we anchored at Playa San Josecito, which is a serene beach where we got to unwind with a cold beer. And let me tell you, it tasted even better after those two incredible dives! Then, we refueled with lunch at a local spot, which was delicious, and much-needed, because diving really takes it out of you.
Snorkeling at Cano Island is incredible, but scuba diving allows you to plunge even deeper into the incredible underwater world of this biological reserve. The tour itself was incredible too, as it was so well-organized and felt really personal. We highly recommend it for certified divers visiting Drake Bay!
Don’t miss out – book this epic scuba diving tour here.
6. Spot wildlife in Corcovado National Park at night
- Price: $100 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 6:30 pm
- Highlights: safe nighttime hike, spotting unique nocturnal animals, visiting a local family farm
- Inclusions: small group tour, knowledgeable guide, entry fees, flashlights, rubber boots
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
If you want to see unique wildlife, then doing a night hike is a MUST in Costa Rica, because a lot of the best wildlife is nocturnal! Exploring Corcovado National Park on this night tour was the best way to do it.
As nature lovers, we couldn’t wait to grab our flashlights and spot as many creatures as possible, and our guide, Eric, sure helped us with that. As soon as it was dark, our small group slipped into our rubber boots and set out from his family’s eco farm after dark to begin our mission.
As we explored, Eric pointed out a ton of different wildlife and allowed us to get close to rare creatures including frogs, snakes, and insects. For me, one of the highlights was seeing a red-eyed tree frog up close. It’s one of Costa Rica’s most iconic creatures, and I can confirm that it looks just as stunning in real life as it does in photos!
We also saw glass frogs and a huge tarantula! Eric also helped us spot fishing spiders, Jesus lizards, and even two kinkajous, which were beyond adorable. They’re not easy to spot and we never would have glimpsed them without Eric’s guidance, I can assure you.
This night hike was exciting, educational, and a very memorable adventure. It’s the best way to spend an evening in Drake Bay.
Book this tour here and get FREE cancellation before you take off!
7. Go early morning birdwatching
- Price: $63 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 6 am
- Highlights: birdwatching at sunrise, hiking through the rainforest and along the shoreline, spotting rare birds with HD scopes, learning about Costa Rica’s unique species, sunrise boat ride
- Inclusions: small group tour, professional guide, HD spotting scope, hotel pickup and drop-off, boat ride
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
They say that the early bird gets the worm, but in the case of this tour, it’s the early bird who gets the… well, bird! Whether you’re a keen bird watcher or just want to see more of Costa Rica’s unique wildlife, we highly recommend this early morning birding tour because it delivers such an incredible experience.
We were picked up before sunrise and whisked off to Agujitas Beach. We started off on a small boat birdwatching expedition, then landed on shore to explore the rainforest.
By this point, birdsong was ringing through the trees as the forest came to life, and our guide, Walter, helped us to spot over 40 different species over the next few hours.
We saw more than we could possibly list here, but it ranged from kingfishers and flycatchers to colorful tanagers, which were my personal favorites!
Walter not only helped us to spot dozens of unique Costa Rican bird species, he also taught us a lot about bird conservation and behavior. Since we were in a small group, we were able to ask lots of questions and spend plenty of time talking with him. He was born to be a birder!
I don’t always love early mornings, but I promise you that this tour is well worth waking up for. It was such a peaceful and rewarding experience, and we will definitely book this tour again the next time that we’re in Drake Bay!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book it here!
8. Float the Rio Claro
- Price: $80 USD
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: hike to a waterfall, free floating down the river, beautiful coastal walk, lunch at a local restaurant
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, lifejackets, flotation belts, professional guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
Drake Bay is an awesome destination for adventure travelers, and this floating tour just proves that even further! It was such a fun experience, free floating through the jungle along the gorgeous blue-green waterways, and then exploring the rugged coastline.
The day began with a scenic 30-minute car ride up the side of a mountain, and then we got to enjoy an hour-long hike through the jungle. It was a little challenging, but we got to spot lots of wildlife, and then cool off with a swim at a gorgeous waterfall. Well worth it, we’d say!
Once we were sufficiently refreshed, it was time to float down the Rio Claro. We attached our flotation belts and jumped into the river, ready for a lazy ride through the jungle. Although actually, it ended up being quite exhilarating, as the river was pretty fast in sections!
As we zoomed along, we saw monkeys swinging from the trees, tropical birds hopping from branch to branch, and even a sloth hanging out by the riverbank.
Once we reached the coast, we enjoyed a stroll where we soaked in the beautiful beach scenery. We then headed for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant to refuel, which was definitely necessary at this point.
This tour is one of the most unique experiences we’ve had in Costa Rica, and it’s a truly wild adventure. If you’re looking for some excitement and are in good shape, then we highly recommend booking this tour.
Check availability and book this adventure filled tour here!
Where to Stay in Drake Bay, Costa Rica
Las Caletas Lodge – $$$
If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Drake Bay, Las Caletas Lodge is one of the top choices to consider. The lodge only has 8 rooms on offer, making it a small boutique hotel where you can enjoy personalized service. It is surrounded by the jungle and is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.
All of the rooms have private balconies. Rates begin at $212 USD/night. You can book a room at Las Caletas Lodge here.
Cabañas Bajo Bosque Drake – $$
In terms of mid-range Drake Bay hotels, Cabañas Bajo Bosque Drake is our personal recommendation. I personally love this place as it is tucked away in the jungle outside the town, offering a quiet atmosphere, a chance to see monkeys and birds up close, and a great view of nature! Another great aspect of staying here is that the town and beach are only a short drive away. It’s also great value for money!
Room rates begin at $50 USD/night. You can book a room right here!
Corcovado Jungle Hostel – $
Right near the beach and not far from the center of town, Corcovado Jungle Hostel is great for your adventures in the area. You’re close to the water for swimming or snorkeling, and of course, the boat ride out to Caño Island or exploring Corcovado National Park.
There’s a wide variety of rooms so you can grab a cheap stay in a dorm room for about $20 USD per night or a private room for two for roughly $48 USD. Book your room either on Booking.com here or Hostelworld here.
Getting Around Costa Rica
How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level.
Renting a Car
Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.
One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.
Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.
Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.
You can browse cars on Discover Cars here.
Book Shuttles
If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica, or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.
Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)
To get the best price, use the website Bookaway. They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway!
You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.
Public Bus
Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!
The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!
It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind.
Pura Vida!
Drake Bay is one of those places that I can’t help but return to time and time again. I love that it’s a bit off the main tourist track, but full of natural beauty and those Pura Vida vibes. Even if you just check off a few things on this list, I know you’ll have a fantastic time in Drake Bay!
If you found this guide helpful, check out our other blogs. We’ve traveled all over Costa Rica and have lived in a few different areas, and love sharing our knowledge with fellow travelers. I’ll leave you with a few other blogs to inspire your travels – cheers!
5 BEST Corcovado National Park Tours: Which One to Book
COMPLETE Guide to visiting the Osa Peninsula + 10 Fun Things to Do!