Drake Bay
Bahia Drake or Drake Bay is considered by many to be the nicest destination area on the Osa Peninsula. This area is a tropical paradise for adventurers and explorers, though not exactly suited for those seeking pampering or luxurious accommodations. The town and surroundings have little infrastructure outside of the small airstrip and well-worn dirt roads. Prices for just about everything here are generally higher than the rest of the country as it all has to be shipped in.
Although this area remains isolated, there is no shortage of things to do and see. Most of the area is tropical rainforest and there is plenty of wildlife. Nearly every morning you will hear the bellows of Howler Monkeys and the squawking of Scarlett Macaws.
During your stay in Drake Bay, a visit to Parque Nacional Corcovado (Corcovado National Park) is a must. Most lodges offer tours to the park in their package rates. These tours generally require a boat ride to the San Pedrillo Park Ranger Station entrance and include a guided hike with lunch. Keep in mind that most people visiting Bahia Drake go on this tour, so wildlife observation is not as good as the Sirena Station, where it is spectacular. You may want to ask if an upgrade is available to Sirena if wildlife observation is at the top of your list.
Dolphin and whale watching is fantastic off the coasts of Drake Bay. This area has the longest humpback whale season in the world! Various species of dolphins and other whale species also utilize this area as breeding and rearing grounds nearly year round. Many of the lodges also offer this as an option with package rates. This is a great opportunity to experience the excitement of getting up close to these extraordinary animals.
Isla del Cano (Cano Island) is a great place for diving and snorkeling. Again, this is a popular tour option included in many of the rates for Drake Bay lodges. This is usually a combo tour which also includes a guided hike on the island, which is home to a Pre-Columbian Indigenous archaeological site.
The South Pacific is a region of vast contrasts in weather. Temperatures remain the same nearly year round with average day time highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and night time lows in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies by month with the months of December through April being the driest.
Visitors should pack a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent.
Fun Fact: Drake Bay is named after Sir Francis Drake, whom is rumored to have stopped here as well as Cano Island during one of his exploration expeditions.
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