Claimed by many as one of the most beautiful regions in the world, the Osa Peninsula is where the Costa Rica of legend still exists.  With eighty per cent, or 430,000 acres of the Osa Peninsula protected by Corcovado National Park and private forest reserves, the region stands as one of the last great tracks of unspoiled primary rainforest in Central America.  To this day, Corcovado, along with the majority of the peninsula remains road-less.   This, along with government and grass-root protectionism, has shielded the region from over-development.  

Population

According to the 2006 census there are 350 homes and 1,030 inhabitants in the Drake Bay area. This area encompasses 12 districts including the villages of Progreso, Agujitas, Los Planes, Los Angeles, Caletas, and Rincon, as well as the area south to Corcovado.

Communications

While there are  no telephone lines in Drake Bay,  there is cellular service.     

 There is a public telephone at the beachfront general store in the village of Agujitas.   Some resorts may allow guests to use their office phone, as well.

Resorts, along with many private homes, are equipped with marine band radios.  Marine radios and cellular phones are the primary means of communication between the area resorts, boat captains, and guides. 

Internet

There is an Internet Cafe which offers satellite internet access to the public.   It is located along the beach in the village of Agujitas.  See map for location.

Electricity

In 2004 the village of Agujitas was connected to the electrical grid. The electric lines did stop at Jinetes de Osa Inn.  In October of 2009 the electric line was taken across the Agujitas River to provide service to homes and resorts south of the village. The line now stops at Caletas, just south of Corcovado Adventures Tent Camp.

Medical help

There is a doctor and small clinic in the village of Agujitas.  See map for location.

Eyespot on the wing of the Owl Butterfly

Money

US Dollars, Costa Rican Colones, and US Dollar Traveler's Checks are all generally accepted in Drake Bay.  Many of the resorts do accept credit cards as well.  You should inquire with your resort beforehand if you plan on paying by credit card.  There are no banks or ATM's  in Drake Bay.

  Medical and Safety Concerns

Plants:  Some palms in Drake Bay have needle sharp spines.  Definitely look before you grab hold of any plants.

Insects:  Travelers are often surprised by the relative lack of mosquitoes in Drake Bay.  There usually is a small population boom in January, at the beginning of dry season.  While they may be more numerous  for a week or two, even then they really aren't  much of a problem.

Sand flies can be problematic  on the beach at the San Padrillo Ranger Station in Corcovado and, occasionally, at Cano Island.  Repellant may come in handy .

Snakes:  There are venomous snakes in Drake Bay.  As most vipers lead fairly reclusive lives,  you  can count yourself lucky if you see one.  The fer-de-lance is the most common pit viper on the Osa Peninsula.   A watchful eye on the trail is the best way to prevent an unpleasant encounter.

Sun Exposure:  Sunburn is certainly the most likely  health risk you'll encounter.  Sunscreen should be applied liberally before  outings.

Ocean Safety:  While  Drake Bay does not have a reputation for rip tides, occasionally there are large waves.  At high tide  rocky outcrops can be hidden below the waters surface.  

Howler Monkey

Entertainment

Along with the resort bars, there are a couple of  rustic bars in the village.  Dances are often held on the weekends . 

 Climate

Temperatures average in the mid to upper eighties year round .  There are two seasons in Costa Rica...the dry and the rainy season.  The dry season begins in December and typically runs to April.   September and October are the rainiest months of the year.  Many of the local resorts close for the month of  October .

 Getting  Around

The dirt road that leads to Drake Bay ends  at the Internet Cafe in Agujitas.  South of the Internet Cafe, foot trails and horse trails connect both private homes and resorts alike.  The coastal foot trail that leads South towards Corcovado is very scenic.  Scarlet macaws and white face monkeys, along with a wealth of other wildlife, can often be spotted along this beautiful route.