Corcovado  National  Park

Explore the mysteries of the rainforest in a land hailed by The National Geographic Society as "one of the most biologically intense places on earth"..

Corcovado National Park was established on October 24th, 1975 by presidential decree during the Daniel Oduber Quirós administration.  At this time Corcovado was settled by gold miners and farmers who were eventually relocated by the government in order to protect the flora and fauna of the park.

Today Corcovado protects the largest tract of Pacific Lowland Rainforest in all of Central America and is home to the country’s most endangered animals. Hiking through Corcovado’s impressive forests and experiencing the park’s rich biodiversity is truly memorable and highly recommended.

Visitors travelling to Corcovado National Park may access the park by visiting any of the four currently established ranger stations: San Pedrillo, Sirena, Los Patos and La Leona. Reservations are required for day trips as well as overnight stays. The Drake Bay community is currently working with the administration of the Área Conservación Osa to open Los Planes Ranger Station to visitors. Los Planes Ranger Station is located about 30 minutes by car from the town of Agujitas. Tours to San Pedrillo Ranger Station, Sirena Ranger Station and Los Patos Ranger Station in Corcovado National Park can be arranged in Drake Bay through your hotel. There are several independent tour operators which can also arrange Corcovado National Park tours including: Picolina Tours Pacheco Tours Corcovado Info Center Jacamar Tours Surcos Tours Drake Bay Experts

Caño Island Biological Reserve

Caño Island Biological Reserve encompasses the 200 hectare island and nearly 2700 hectares of the waters surrounding the island. It is located about 45 minutes by boat from Drake Bay.

This ancient island is believed to have emerged from the Pacific about 50-60 million years ago due to the subduction of the Cocos tectonic plate under the Caribbean tectonic plate. This was nearly 40 million years before the Central American Isthmus was formed.

Caño Island was inhabited in Pre-Columbian times by the Diquí tribe and was used as an ancient cemetery for their ruling elite. Caño Island receives more direct lightning strikes than nearly any other site on earth, so it is believed the natives considered it a sacred place.

Artifacts such as pottery and perfectly round spheres were discovered on the island making it an important archeological site as well as a biological hotspot. Most of the pottery found on Caño Island dates from 220 to 1550 A.D.

Although there are more than 150 tree species on the island, wildlife is scarce and the main attraction is definitely underwater. The waters around Caño Island constitute some of the best diving and snorkeling in Costa Rica, second only to Coco Island.  

White-tipped Sharks, Red Snappers, Sea Turtles, Jacks, Parrotfish, Eels and several species of Ray are often spotted during diving and snorkeling trips to the Island.

The boat ride out to Caño Island can be just as exciting as Spotted, Bottle-nosed, Spinner and Common Dolphins are often encountered along the way. Humpback Whales, Pseudorcas and other whales may be encountered in season.

Caño Island snorkeling tours can be arranged in Drake Bay through your hotel. There are several independent tour operators which can also arrange Caño Island Snorkeling tours including:

Picolina Tours

Pacheco Tours

Corcovado Info Center

Jacamar Tours

Drake Bay Experts

Scuba Diving in Caño Island

Caño Island offers divers world-class scuba diving featuring, in the words of Skin Diver Magazine, "unequaled parades of pelagic fish."  There are 6 dive sites which are open to the public:

• Barco Hundido (Shipwreck) - Depth: 15 - 20 meters (50 - 70 feet)

• El Jardín (Coral Gardens) - Depth: 5 - 10 meters (15 - 30 feet)

• Los Arcos (The Arches) - Depth: 10 - 18 meters (30 - 55 feet)

• Paraíso (Paradise) - Depth: 20 - 23 meters (60 - 70 feet)

• La Cueva (Shark Cave) - Depth: 10 - 17 meters (30 - 50 feet)

• Bajo del Diablo (Devil's Pinnacle) - Depth: 15 - 40 meters (45 - 130 feet)

Scuba enthusiasts will find a blue oasis at Cano Island. Fissures, pinnacles, canyons, and unique rock formations host huge schools of barracuda, tuna, snapper, and roosterfish.  At times the numbers of fish are so great that sunlight is actually blocked by an immense cloud of fish.  This stunning phenomena, an underwater eclipse, is just one of the features which lead dive travelers to designate Caño Island a world-class destination. 

This underwater kingdom not only hosts incredible parades of fish,  Cano Island also boasts some of the most impressive marine life in the world. If fortune has it, adventure divers may witness the awesome sea-flight of the elusive whale shark or humpback whale. 

Porpoises and hammerheads are sometimes seen during the dives while  schools of rays and white tip reef sharks provide a dramatic floorshow.  Hundreds of tropical fish are also sure to grant the adventure diver a sensory celebration. 

With visibility hovering between 40 and 90 feet, and water temperatures oscillating between 75 to 82° F,  Caño Island Scuba diving is quite simply an outstanding adventure.

Caño Island diving tours can be arranged in Drake Bay through your hotel. There are also independent dive operators which can also arrange Caño Island diving tours including:

Osa Divers

Drake Divers

Sportfishing

Feel the fervor of world-renowned sportfishing!  

Costa Rica not only offers some of the best sportfishing in the world, it delivers as well.  With over 44 line class records, 14 fly records, and 18 all-tackle records, the fishing experience here is nothing short of a bona fide phenomena. 

Sailfish, black marlin, blue marlin and yellow fin tuna have given this land its claim to fame throughout international angling circles.  With more than 40 world records registered within a eighty mile radius of Drake Bay alone, you need look no further  for your ultimate sportfishing destination. 

Charters on Sportfishing Yachts may be arranged through:

Aguila de Osa

Fish Drake Bay

Whale and Dolphin Watching

Without a doubt, Drake Bay is one of the best places in Costa Rica for whale and dolphin watching. Close encounters with Cetaceans are among the most amazing experiences one can have in the ocean. The blue Pacific, Caño Island and the pristine coastlines of Corcovado National Park and Drake Bay make a perfect backdrop with which to frame these spectacular encounters.

There are over 20 registered Cetacean species that inhabit or migrate through the waters of the Osa Peninsula. Common species include Spotted Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Rough Toothed Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, Common Dolphins, False Killer Whales and Humpback Whales.  Drake Bay is located at the midpoint of two spectacular migrations of Humpback Whales. Whales from the Northern Hemisphere typically arrive in Drake Bay in December and stay in the area until March. Migrants from the Southern Hemisphere, which is generally greater in numbers, arrive in July and stay in the area until October. During their migrations males aggressively court females and it is possible to listen to their mystically sublime songs. After mating, females give birth in these waters and stay in the area until their calf is large enough and strong enough to make the migration back to cold waters where food is plentiful.

Dolphin and Whale Watching tours can be arranged in Drake Bay through your hotel. There are several independent tour operators which can also arrange Dolphin and Whale Watching tours including: Picolina Tours Pacheco Tours Corcovado Info Center Jacamar Tours Sierra Goodman has been conducting Whale and Dolphin Tours in Drake Bay for many years. She is the one who originally introduced this activity to the area. Apart from Eco-tourism she is also involved in research and conservation projects. You can book your Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours through her website: Divine Dolphin

Kayaking

Explore one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Miles of rainforest cascading down to isolated beaches, tide pools, and warm pacific surf provide the perfect backdrop to coastal cruising Drake Bay. The Osa Peninsula coastline goes on seemingly forever and looks spectacular from out at sea. A short paddle to Cocalito Beach or a longer haul to San Josecito is a great way to spend a few hours or a full day.

For fresh water adventures, a trip through the Agujitas River can be simply magical, specially in dry season. Crystal clear waters teeming with fish and surrounded by towering forest. On the water and along the shoreline visitors may encounter water birds such as Kingfishers, Bare-necked Tiger-herons, Little Blue Herons, Yellow-crowned Night-herons and perhaps even River Otters.

Up above, Chestnut-mandibled Toucans, Black Hawks, Howler Monkeys, Spider Monkeys and White-faced Monkeys frequent the surrounding forest.

The best time to visit the Agujitas River is definitely at high tide. You can click here for a link to the 2014 Tide Charts.

Kayak Rentals are available in a couple of spots along the beach in the town of Agujitas and through Drake Bay Wilderness Resort and Aguila de Osa Inn.

Horseback Riding

Agujitas River Waterfall 

Experience the grandeur and solitude of dramatic landscapes as your mount carries you to spectacular lookouts, waterfalls, and secluded coves..

Enjoy a horseback ride down the coast to scenic Río Claro and San Josecito or explore the Agujitas River Waterfall.

Both the coastal and forest trips offer visitors the opportunity to observe White-faced, Howler and Spider Monkeys, Chestnut-mandibled Toucans, Scarlet Macaws and other rainforest birds..

Horseback Riding tours can be arranged through your hotel or through one of the independent tour operators in Drake Bay including: Horseback Riding tours can be arranged through your hotel or through one of the independent tour operators in Drake Bay including:

Picolina Tours

Pacheco Tours

Corcovado Info Center

Jacamar Tours

Drake Bay Experts

Río Claro

Río Claro

Without a doubt, Río Claro is one of the most spectacular spots in Drake Bay. It is an isolated beach traversed by a spectacular river which winds through a sea of jungle and into the ocean. It is a trip well worth taking by every visitor to Drake Bay. 

There is no road access to Río Claro and it is only accessible by way of the coastal foot trail or by arranging for boat transportation to San Josecito Beach. Horse tours can also be arranged to Río Claro and San Josecito.

Taking a boat to San Josecito is a good option and it is what we always recommend to guests lodging near the town of Agujitas . Both Round-trip and one-way boat transfers can be arranged.

This option provides visitors the opportunity to spend more time in San Josecito Beach and Río Claro.

Boat transportation to San Josecito can be arranged through your hotel or through one of the independent tour operators in Drake Bay including:

Picolina Tours

Pacheco Tours

Corcovado Info Center

Jacamar Tours

Whenever we have a chance to go to Río Claro we often arrange for a boat drop off at San Josecito in the morning and then hike back using the coastal trail.

The boat trip from Agujitas to San Josecito is lovely and the hike back is always spectacular, with scenic views of secluded coves immersed in rich flora and fauna.

In terms of wildlife, hiking to Río Claro will provide visitors with the opportunity to observe White-faced, Howler and Spider Monkeys, White-nosed Coatis, Chestnut-mandibled Toucans, Scarlet Macaws, Black Hawks, Brown Pelicans and other rainforest and coastal birds.

Although Río Claro is quite remote, a hermit named Ricardo (AKA Clavito) has been living there for decades. Ricardo runs a turtle conservation project, creates and sells jewelry and offers visitors river tours and coffee.

The Río Claro tours depart after a mandatory plunge off a rope swing and into the river. A guide then leads visitors upriver in a canoe as the river is cradled by the dense forest.

Bare-throated Tiger-Herons, White-faced Monkeys, River Otters and Black Hawks can often be observed from the boat. A bit further upstream, a tall rock over a deep pool gives visitors the chance to plunge into the river and float downstream.

The tour then heads to a set of small waterfalls which can be reached by following a stream that flows into the river from the forest. The climb is made easier by ropes and steps that have been strategically placed by Ricardo, but it does require some physical exertion.

The first waterfall, pictured left, is the largest and it is located about 75 meters upstream from the landing where the canoe is tied off.

The waterfall can be scaled to its second tier where there are a couple of smaller waterfalls with very refreshing pools which can be enjoyed.

Río Claro Tours start at $15 per person and include the canoe, a guide and water shoes. Ricardo also offers longer tours on which visitors can explore larger tracts of the river.

Volunteering positions are often available for visitors interested in working on Ricardo's Turtle Conservation Project. Volunteering is a great way to participate in conserving sea turtles and also a fantastic opportunity to live and work in one of the most beautiful spots in Drake Bay!

You can contact Ricardo by email at: rioclaroaventuras@gmail.com or through Facebook at Rio Claro Aventuras

Bird Watching

Witness, admire and delight in a good song and dance performed by the tropics most stunning birds.

Boasting more than 860 recorded bird species, Costa Rican forests are alive with color and song. 

Both the novice and professional alike will find it is a fine stage for observing prized species such as the Resplendent Quetzal, the Scarlet Macaw, or the Keel-billed Toucan.

Some of the rainforest’s greatest spectacles involve birds and will fascinate even the most casual observer.

A charming encounter with a group of male hummingbirds striking their best notes or male manakins dancing and singing in their leks, vying for an aloof female’s attention, could easily be the highlight of a day’s hike. Imagine witnessing a frenzy of birds cashing in on fleeing insects at the head of an army ant swarm or watching the forest come alive with the sudden arrival of a mixed flock – true birding bonanzas with scores of different species.

Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park offers Costa Rica’s best representation of Pacific Lowland Rainforest species. Here primeval forests spill onto pristine beaches giving it the feel of a land forgotten by time.

 Nearly 400 species of birds have been recorded here, making any bird watching trip a truly exciting venture.  Ornate Hawk-Eagles, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagles and other large raptors make their home in Drake Bay and in Corcovado National Park. 

Other species include: White-throated Shrike-Tanagers, Little Tinamous, Bare-throated Tiger-Herons, Great Curassows, Crested Guans, White Hawks, Double-toothed Kites, Marbled Wood-Quails, Scarlet Macaws, Mealy Parrots, Baird’s Trogons, Chestnut-mandibled Toucans, Fiery-billed Aracaris, White-necked Puffbirds, Rufous-tailed Jacamars, Red-capped Manakins, and all three species of Honeycreepers. This is also a great place to see the endemic Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager, which occurs only on the Osa Peninsula

Bird watching Tours can be arranged in Drake Bay through your hotel or through one of our independent tour operators including:

Picolina Tours

Pacheco Tours

Corcovado Info Center

Jacamar Tours

Drake Bay Experts

Drake Bay Birdwatching

Bushmaster Conservation Project

Do you want to see one of the deadliest snakes in the world and contribute to their conservation? Visit Rancho Quemado for an unparalleled adventure and an opportunity to observe a truly egnimatic and secretive snake species: the Black-headed Bushmaster (Lachesis melanocephala)

You can contact the Bushmaster Conservation Project to reserve your visit by following this link. Your visit will help encourage the development of ecotourism in the rural, mostly agrarian community of Rancho Quemado, providing an incentive to protect this iconic species and its habitat.

***Please note***

This is rugged terrain which requires a physically demanding hike. Participants should be in good physical condition and should be prepared for an adventure. It is a once in a lifetime experience!