Unmissable Things to Do in Drake Bay

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Drake Bay is a fantastic beach town located on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. It’s the perfect spot to stick your toes in the sand and relax along the beautiful, calm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Drake Bay is almost like a secluded slice of paradise just waiting for you. 

While you’re here, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Drake Bay, including tropical jungles, pristine beaches, and a wide range of unique wildlife such as the White-Faced Monkey and the Orb-Weaver Spider. In fact, many come to Drake Bay because of the wildlife. The area is known for its abundance of unique species, which makes for a more unique experience if you’re an animal lover.

While this tropical haven is no doubt an outdoor explorer's dream, there are many cultural activities available that are just as exciting. Think mingling with the locals or perhaps taking a Costa Rican cooking class. The possibilities are endless. 

That’s why Drake Bay makes for such a great place to visit. There is something for almost everyone, whether you’re an outdoorsy type of person or just want to soak up the rich Costa Rican culture. So without further adieu, here is everything—and I mean EVERYTHING—you need to know about the things to do in Drake Bay! 

A Brief History

Everything as we know it today had to start somewhere...am I right? Well, the history of Drake Bay is rather interesting. Because of its isolated nature, Drake Bay was largely unexplored for most of its history. 

The town was officially named after Sir Francis Drake, an English explorer who founded the area in 1579. This period was also known as the “Age of Discovery.” Once the area was officially discovered, it flourished as a small town, with many European settlers quickly making the move to the Costa Rican jungles. 

Fast forward to the 20th century, when the area was sort of reinvented. It was during this time that travelers and ecotourists started to become aware of this well-kept secret. 

Today, Drake Bay is a very well-known and popular tourist spot in Costa Rica. Many new hotels and resorts are being built every day. Things are changing fairly rapidly and even look different from my very first visit a few years ago.

The Best Things to Do in Drake Bay

As mentioned earlier, the possibilities are endless in Drake Bay. There is just so much to see and do! These are some of the most popular activities in Drake Bay.

Corcovado National Park

One of the most popular sites in the area is Corcovado National Park, which is particularly notable for its rescue efforts for sick or injured animals. You can discover many different species, most of which are endangered. Examples to look out for are scarlet macaws, jaguars, tapirs, and spider monkeys. 

This is a fantastic place to visit if you have a true passion for animals and protecting their natural environment.

Cano Island

Cano Island is another amazing place to visit that offers an unmatched swimming and snorkeling experience. Cano Island is officially known as a biological reserve and is home to many species of fish, turtles, sharks, dolphins, and even whales on occasion. 

You might even spot some octopus, eels, or other species that are usually difficult to spot. You never know what you might see here!

Adventure Activities

Need an adrenaline boost? Drake Bay is home to many thrilling adventures, such as rappelling down waterfalls, hiking through the thick jungle-like terrain, or tubing down a river through the rainforest. 

Kayaking

Mangrove kayaking is another enjoyable way to explore Drake Bay's outdoor beauty. It’s a great way to explore the unique waterways of the region, and you may even spot something awesome along the way.

Night Hikes

Nighttime in the jungle is when temperatures drop and nocturnal wildlife comes alive. Trekking through the jungle with the resident “Bug Lady” almost guarantees you dozens of opportunities to spot amazing wildlife.

The Perfect Plan

The ultimate trip to Drake Bay would be comprised of both land and sea elements. This is an exciting way to experience everything there is to sea (sea what I did there?) while you’re here, and it makes for a thrilling itinerary you'll be talking about for years. 

Not to mention, it's a great way to experience a bit of everything, especially if you're traveling in a group.

The Best Drake Bay Hiking Trail Options

Hikers will find Drake Bay to be almost like a labyrinth of trails, as there are so many to choose from. One of the best places to hike in Drake Bay is Corcovado National Park. It's also the most popular place to hike in the area. It’s home to a variety of interesting wildlife and is abundant with many trails. There are even options for beginners and the more advanced.

The most advanced trail in Corcovado would be Cerro Rincon. This difficult trail comprises many steep slopes or climbs. It’s also the highest summit in Corcovado. 

Though hard to complete, the views make up for it. This is one of the most beautiful spots in ALL of Costa Rica. When you get to the top of that mountain, it almost feels like you’re on top of the world and you're watching life as we know it down below. 

Another great trail would be the Los Patos Sirena Trail which offers the beauty of the luscious beaches while sticking to the rainforest theme. It's kind of like the best of both worlds. You can choose some of the less intense hikes or even some of the more advanced options. Either way, you're almost guaranteed a great view of the beach and an immersive experience within the rainforests.

Best Drake Bay tours

Planning what to do while you’re in Drake Bay? It can be tough! If you haven't been before, it can be time-consuming to figure out what you'd like to do and how you'd like to do it. Well, guess what? There is a more convenient way to do that. 

If you’re looking for an easier way to experience the sites, try booking an organized tour. These are the best ways to explore the area, in my opinion. While I’m usually an advocate for going it on your own, Drake Bay’s off-the-beaten-track nature is both a pro and a con when it comes to getting around. 

With Drake Bay tours, not only do you get the insight of a local guide, but your transportation and sometimes meals are included in the cost of the tour, so this can be a tremendous help in terms of planning.

Here are two wonderful day tours in Drake Bay:

Full-Day Tour of Corcovado Sirena Station with Lunch

This tour is roughly eight hours long and will take you through Corcovado National Park. You'll start your adventure by taking a boat ride to Sirena Station. This takes approximately one hour and is honestly part of the fun!

Once you arrive, you’ll have five hours to hike and explore, with a delicious lunch included. Park fees, tickets, and transport are all included. Once your tour is nearly over, you'll head back on the boat to Drake Bay. This is a great way to experience Corcovado without some seriously extensive planning.

Snorkeling Tour on Caño Island with Lunch

On this excursion, you will spend six hours snorkeling on Cano Island. The tour starts at 7:30 am when your driver will pick you up. The driver will take you to the main beach in Drake Bay, from where you’ll board a boat to Cano Island Biological Reserve. 

The speed boat out to the reserve takes around 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll then have time for a brief introduction and training session before enjoying two different snorkeling sessions with your guide. You’ll have loads of opportunities to see octopus, rays, tropical fish, and many others.

After snorkeling, you get even more time to relax and experience the golden sands of Playa San Josecito before heading out to one of the local restaurants for a mouth-watering lunch. They were even able to whip up something amazing for this vegan traveler.

Scuba Diving in Drake Bay

Scuba divers are WELCOME in Drake Bay! You might even find this underwater treasure trove to be the highlight of your trip. The city itself is right on the Pacific Ocean, which is known for its clear, warm waters. 

You’ll find all sorts of marine life here, including rays, dozens of species of fish, lobsters, and crabs. If you're lucky, you might even see some larger mammals, such as dolphins and whales. 

Don't forget the variety of coral that lives here! Many species of coral live along the bottom of Drake Bay. The coral formations are vibrant, bright, and downright stunning. The coral formations are also a great home for the other animals in the sea.

The best place to scuba dive in Drake Bay would be Cano Island’s biological reserve. This area, in general, is where thousands of species of animals call home. It's the perfect place for aquatic life to thrive, and the perfect place to witness it too.

New to diving? I would recommend learning to scuba dive here if it's something you've wanted to try. Generally, it is much cheaper to get your scuba lessons done here than back at home, and the training itself seems to be much more thorough. You can even do a taster dive if you’re not yet certified to see if the diving life is for you.

How Many Days Do You Need in Drake Bay?

This is such a subjective question because it depends on what you like to do. If you’re really into the whole wildlife thing, then you should plan for at least two weeks in Drake Bay to make the most of all the opportunities in the area. If you’re looking for more of a relaxing getaway, a week will be enough time to experience Drake Bay. 

Because of the array of activities available, a few days here just won't cut it, and you may leave disappointed.

How to Get to Drake Bay, Costa Rica

Drake Bay is reachable by a variety of methods of transportation. You can spend as little as $30 if you’re ok with spending the day getting there, or you can splurge and take a flight.

Public Transport

If you’re looking to save some cash, you can opt for a bus/taxi/boat adventure. Buses leave from San Jose Tracopa bus station (near Clinica Biblica) starting from 5 am every day. 

Top tip: During high season, I suggest you buy your ticket at least one day in advance for this trip to secure a spot.

If you take the first bus (recommended), you should reach Palmar Norte around 11 am. From here, grab a taxi to Sierpe. Once in Sierpe, go to the big sign that says DONDE JORGE outside the Hotel Oleaje Sereno restaurant. The 11:30 am boat is $15 per person, and the 3:30 pm boat is $20 per person.

This is one of the best routes in terms of connections, but you do have a few other options if you’re not up for getting up for an early bus. Here’s a handy website to help you plan out your travels around Costa Rica by bus.

Flying

This is the most convenient way, but it can get pricey. Plan for around $130-350 roundtrip, depending on the season. You will have to fly into San Jose first and then transfer via a domestic airline. 

I recommend SANSA Airlines, as this is by far one of the best domestic airlines in Costa Rica. They offer daily flights from San Jose to Drake Bay.

Driving

Getting to Drake Bay by car is possible, but really only reserved for those looking to really test their travel mettle. You’ll need to have a 4x4 as the road into the Drake Bay area is unpaved with streams and rivers you’ll need to cross. I would advise against attempting this at all during the rainy season.

The conclusion here is that Drake Bay is something special. It's a treasured paradise that shares its beauty with the world every day. The diverse wildlife, warm, white-sand beaches, and intense but interesting culture are what drive many to visit. 

So, Is it Worth Going to Drake Bay?

Personally, it’s one of my favorite places to travel to. Whether you choose to visit the tropical island of Cano, venture through the luscious pathways of the Corcovado National Park, or just relax on the beach with a tropical drink in hand, you will get the ultimate Costa Rican experience that visitors long for. There are so many things to do in Drake Bay, the hard part is deciding how to spend your time.

Overall, Drake Bay is a fantastic place to let loose and seize the adventure. The final question would be, is it worth it? I definitely think so, but definitely let me know in the comments what you think.

Looking for more? Check out these other Costa Rica guides:

The First Timer's Guide to Osa Peninsula Costa Rica

I’ve travelled to Costa Rica a few times during my jaunts up and down Latin America and I have to say it’s never been my favourite country. The abundance of wildlife is what keeps drawing me back but up until this year, I hadn’t found a spot that really captured my heart. All that changed when I visited the Osa Peninsula and Drake Bay.

The Osa is everything I wanted Costa Rica to be. Still relatively untouched by mass tourism, remote, and easy to find real grassroots local experiences. The Osa Peninsula offers a variety of experiences including wildlife spotting, water sports, and cultural activities that allow you to see the heart of the area. 

The region isn’t for everyone, the remote and basic accommodations dotted around Drake Bay, Costa Rica doesn’t usually cater to the uber-luxury traveler. If you’re not a fan of bugs, spiders or sharing your shower with local bats then you should consider staying in a more upscale rainforest eco-lodge. If you enjoy being surrounded by nature, steps away from rivers and beaches and waking up to the sounds of monkeys rustling in the treetops, then I definitely recommend giving the Osa a try.

What to do in the Osa Peninsula

The biggest draw of the Osa is that you are quite literally surrounded by nature. This is one the most remote places you can visit in the country and some of the must-do activities involve either a hike or boat ride to access it. My best advice is to just relax, switch off your phone and let your jungle side come out.

Drake Bay

There are a few options where you can base yourself while exploring the Osa Peninsula but I definitely recommend Drake Bay. From Drake, you’ll be close to Cano Island, and Corcovado National Park is a short boat ride away. It’s more rustic than the larger Puerto Jimenez and has no ATM in town but you’ll feel more like you’ve gotten away from it all. It’s almost an attraction in itself as there are several remote beaches to swim in and plenty of trails to get lost on.

Corcovado National Park

Corcovado packs a punch with 164 square miles of primary and secondary rainforests, 39 kilometers of beaches and 13 major ecosystems. It is Costa Rica's largest national park, making up close to a third of the Osa Peninsula. On a hike through the park, you might encounter bull sharks and crocodiles swimming in the waters, and tapirs, jaguars, four species of monkeys, sloths, peccary, anteater, scarlet macaws, woodpecker, and coati on land.

There is a station where you can spend the night in some basic accommodation or you can visit for the day and hike through one of the trails. You are technically not allowed to bring food into the park so if staying overnight be mindful that you will need to budget from $20 per meal at the station.

A tour to Corcovado generally involves a boat ride to San Pedrillo Park Ranger Station's entrance and includes a guided hike with lunch. Most people opt for this tour so wildlife viewing, while still abundant, is not as spectacular as the further away Sirena Station. I still saw a lot of animals but my group bumped into other groups a handful of times which makes the experience less “middle-of-nowhere” and more “run-of-the-mill”. 

Cano Island

Cano Island (Isla del Caño) is a small 300-hectare island off the northern coast of the Osa Peninsula ringed by a great number of coral reefs.

Cano Island is considered the premier spot to snorkel and scuba dive in Costa Rica. Year-round warm water makes it worth the 45-minute boat trip from Drake Bay as is the chance to spot whales and dolphins along the way. The clear waters are home to dolphins, rays, all kinds of fish, eels, turtles, sharks, and whales.

Horseback ride or hike to San Josecito beach

Playa San Josecito is a white-sand, crescent-shaped beach located 6 km south of Drake Bay. A really unique activity is to get to the beach on horseback. While lounging on the beach keep an eye out for sloths and monkeys resting in the trees overhead.

You can also hike to San Josecito via a 2.5-hour long trail. You will have to cross Rio Claro along the way which could involve wadding through calf deep water or taking a short ferry ride across when the water is at its highest. Make sure to take plenty of water and keep your eye out for wildlife along the way. For a full day option take a boat to Rincon Beach which is a bit further along and hike back to Drake Bay, stopping at San Josecito along the way.

Canopy Tour

Costa Rica is the home of canopying and the Osa isn’t going to be left out when it comes to the exhilarating activity of zip lining. Your adventure usually begins high up in the hills reached by ATV or horseback.

The canopy tour consists of 9 platforms, 6 traverse cables, one over 100 meters long (300 ft), a 9 meter suspended observation walkway and a 25-meter rappel down to the edge of a stream for wildlife spotting.

Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours

There are two main whale seasons, December to April and July to October and the area is known for having the longest humpback whale season in the world. If you keep an eye out it’s entirely possible to spot whales breaching from the mainland but if you want to make sure to see these magnificent creatures then you can easily organise a tour in town. My top tip is to plan your visit to Cano Island first, as I was lucky to spot two whales and several dolphins just crossing over to the island.

Rancho Quemado, Osa Peninsula - Lokal Travel

Trapiche Don Carmen: Don Carmen's Sugarcane Mill - Lokal Travel

Rancho Quemado

There are really not many places in the world where you casually bump into the founder of the village while attending a town-wide meeting to greet visitors. Actually, this is the first time I’ve ever experienced this level of unplanned local interaction. In just a few days I got invited to tea at the home of a local elder, played games with the kids of the village in their central meeting place - the football field-cum-stadium, and had dinner with the family who runs Rancho Verde de Osa.

Rancho Quemado is a small 300-person village located 15 km east of Drake Bay in the heart of the Osa Peninsula. If you’re up for a rural experience with the chance to actually get to know the locals then I really suggest you give Rancho Quemado a try. I could have spent my whole trip here and you could easily base yourself here instead of Drake Bay and do some day trips to the bigger sites like Corcovado and Cano Island.

I learnt from several of the elders about their life growing up in such a remote location and the unique struggles and situations that arise when raising a raising a family in a small village. My favourite story was about the local battery-operated tv that was used to watch the nightly showing of a telenovela. Residents took it in turn to make the full day trek to the nearest village with power to recharge the battery and head back to watch the next episode. This involved an overnight so they would always miss at least one episode.

Artisanal gold mining tour

Finca Las Minas was one of the highlights of my time in Rancho Quemado. The tour allows you to get to know the work of artisanal gold miner and the history of gold in Costa Rica including getting some hands-on experience with gold mining techniques. I got to try my hand at panning for gold for the very first time and actually found some! After the tour, I got to try some traditional snacks and have a chat with the family which was probably my favourite part.

Laguna Chocuaco Canoe Trip

Canoe into a private lagoon located in primary rainforest. You get to hike one mile to the lagoon with your local guide helping you spot wildlife and pointing out the interesting local plants used in the area. The canoe trip allows you to see some amazing bird life and it is a serene experience quietly paddling down the lagoon.

Gold panning - Osa Peninsula - Lokal Travel

I found gold! I'm sure it's worth a lot...

Osa Peninsula Hotels

There are different levels of accommodation to choose from and most are comfortable, if a bit basic, but you can still find a luxury rainforest eco-lodge if that suits your tastes. While there are big resorts dotted around the peninsula, most accommodation is rustic and take advantage of its surroundings to provide a unique experience.

High-End Lodging

I recommend Lapa Rios Rainforest Eco Lodge. Lapa Rios offers high-end accommodation, full board, and packaged tours leaving right from their own dock and has been named one of National Geographic’s “Unique Lodges of the World”. They are a model in ecotourism and have won awards worldwide for social and environmental excellence. If you’re considering a bit of a splurge during your time in Costa Rica then this is definitely the place to do it.

Check out their reviews on Trip Advisor.

Alternatively, El Remanso Lodge provides options for most budgets including a deluxe villa with your own private plunge pool, classic bungalows and houses to fit the whole family.

Mid-Range Lodging

Naguala Jungle Lodge

Naguala is a lovely spot right smack in the middle of the jungle. Even getting there is an adventure involving a short hike from the main road to get to the heart of the property. Due to its location, you will get a chance to see lots of wildlife including some creepy crawlies and resident bats. The cabins are private and roomy and the recent addition of a yoga pavilion overlooking a waterfall is a huge plus. Your day can be taken up with hiking, bathing in pools beneath one of the many falls or just swinging in a hammock.

Check out the latest prices: Booking.com | Hotels.com  | Expedia

Read their reviews on Trip Advisor.

Bella Vista

Run by a local family and located on the last rural beach village before Corcovado National Park begins, Bella Vista is a cosy spot to base yourself. You’ll be spoilt by Willie’s family and made to feel completely at home. Views from the attached restaurant allow you to do some whale watching and you can also participate in cooking classes and night hikes in the nearby jungles. The best part is you will pretty much have the local beach all to yourself.

Have a look at their reviews on Trip Advisor.

Budget Lodging

Mohagine Hotel & Finca is a 7-hectare farm close to the beach and the center of Drake Bay. Cabins are dotted around their large tropical garden with a communal sitting area and kitchen located in the centre.

Check out their reviews on Trip Advisor.

Eating fresh sugar cane on a walk from Bella Vista

Getting there

The easiest way to get in is by plane. You can change in the capital, San Jose and fly to either Drake Bay or Palma Sur airports (45 mins). Alternatively, you can go via land by shuttle, public bus or renting a car and catching a boat from Sierpe. It takes about six hours by car.

Depending on your arrival into Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) you might have to spend a night in San Jose or Alajuela before you head down to the Osa.

Flying to Drake Bay

Both Sansa and Nature Airlines have short flights to Drake Bay. Make sure you arrange ground transfer with your accommodation in advance as this is a really small airport and taxis aren’t really going to be lining up to take you into town.

Keep in mind that depending on where you’re staying on the peninsula you might need to arrive at your hotel via boat transfer. I’d suggest wearing shoes you can remove so they don’t get wet getting on and off the boats.

Drake Bay Overland

If coming by land, the best option is to take the bus (5-6 hours) from the TRACOPA station in San Jose to Palmar Norte. Then you’ll need to take a short taxi or bus ride to Sierpe. From Sierpe it’s a 2-hour boat ride to Drake Bay.

Getting around Drake Bay

Most places are either accessed by public transport, shuttle or by boat. If you’re renting a car make sure you get a 4-wheel drive as the roads can get quite muddy and there may be some small rivers you need to cross. #adventure!

Osa Peninsula - Lokal Travel

Laguna Chocuaco Canoe Trip - Lokal Travel

Lokal Travel

The team behind Lokal Travel personalised my time in Osa to help me see some of these unique experiences. I would highly recommend you check out their website for fully organised tours or hand-picked local experiences. They have over 50 activities and lodging options in Costa Rica for a range of budgets.

The best thing about Lokal Travel is that they are supporting the local community by putting money directly in the hands of locals. You won’t find any chain hotels or bus tours packed with other tourists, just truly local experiences. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you’ve probably picked up on the fact that Costa Rica is one of my least favourite countries because of how damn easy it is to travel around most of the country. There’s no challenge to it! Due to this amazing tourist infrastructure, I'm often surrounded by eager first-time travellers and families. Two demographics I do not fit in with at all.

Thankfully, Lokal Travel really opened my eyes to the still remote and relatively untouched parts of the country that I have since fallen in love with. Check out how they handpick experiences based on an extensive selection process, including in-person vetting and browse their adventures online.

Travel Tips

• With all the hiking you’ll be doing make sure you have a quality daypack with some waterproofing to protect you from the main part of the rainforest.

• Make sure you’ve packed enough sunscreen and bug spray as well as a decent water bottle.

• Think about how you’re going to keep your camera and other electronics dry. Be mindful when moving between your cooler hotel room into the more humid outdoors as your lenses will likely fog up. Use a dry bag to prevent condensation.

• Make sure you’ve worn in your hiking boots well before your trip and pack moisture wicking pants and socks to avoid that icky damp feeling.

• Consider some rubber boots for the more remote areas like Rancho Quemado or even to replace your liking boots altogether.

• There is no ATM in Drake Bay and most places accept only cash so make sure to bring enough to last you. If you need money in an emergency, there are a couple of places in town that will allow you to take a cash advance out of your card for a hefty fee.

Heading to Central America? Check out my latest posts on my favourite region!

Luxury Trips To Costa Rica

Imagine this: You wake up at 5 am to your alarm for your early morning hike to the Arenal volcano. You’re a little bit cranky, craving coffee and just want to get back into bed instead of attempting your sweaty hike up a mosquito filled, rainforest shrouded volcano. When you open your eyes, however, your view is filled with the volcano you’re about to climb and someone is gently knocking on the door with a cup of freshly brewed coffee that you can already smell and advising that the breakfast you ordered the night before will be ready for you just before you leave. This is just what you can expect when pairing a luxury vacation with an adventure location.

If you’re looking for luxury accommodation with the jungle, beach and volcanoes at your back door, then Costa Rica is a perfect destination. Maybe you’re planning a honeymoon, destination wedding or just need some special time away, a splurge on a trip to Costa Rica will open up the best of Costa Rica luxury homes, villas and resorts. The following guide gives you all the information you need to plan the perfect luxury vacation without the need of a travel agent.

I'm always giving you advice on how to budget for travel and how to find the best deals but what if you just want to have the best possible vacation you can for a week or two? I am not usually lucky enough to experience this type of scenario but on occasion it is so nice to treat myself, and one of my favourite places to do this is in Central America. You get so much luxury for much less than you would back home.

Safety in Costa Rica

If you’ve never visited Costa Rica, then the first thing you’re probably asking is, “Is it safe???” Out of all countries I’ve visited in Central America (and I’ve been to them all), I would consider Costa Rica to be the safest. The country is so centred around tourism and ensuring they have first class services for visitors that you will feel safer than wandering around your own city.

While pick pocketing and thefts of opportunity take place in the bigger cities, like San Jose, violent crime is rare and in all the time I have traveled around the country, I have only been witness to one theft - someone leaving their day pack in the rack above the seats on a local bus. Not a smart move anywhere and if you’re taking private transport, like the many shuttles available, or renting a car, then you will be fine.

Here are some things to avoid to make sure you stay safe:

• Avoid driving after dark. Some roads can surprise you and turn into a rough dirt road when you’re not expecting it.
• Don’t leave your belongings unattended in your rental car.
• Stay away from deserted areas, like the beach, at night.
• Be mindful when visiting the ATM. Stash your money safely and head straight from the ATM back to your hotel.
• Be careful where you swim. Check with your hotel for advice on the safest places to swim. The surf can be rougher than you’re used to at home and accidents can quickly happen even if you’re a strong swimmer.
• Avoid crowded areas and protect yourself against pickpockets.

Costa Rica Budget

Costa Rica is a great destination for all budgets. I’ve traveled there as a budget backpacker and also forked out when I needed a more luxury vacation. For those looking for a luxury vacation in Costa Rica you’ll be surprised at how affordable your holiday can still be.

For tours, accommodation and meals all together, a good estimate is $275 - $500 per person per day. This budget will allow you to stay in the best hotels or resorts, private shuttle vans and daily activities like scuba diving and snorkelling trips, private tours and some pampering time.

With this higher end budget you can afford to fly to different destinations around Costa Rica. This is a great option to get to the remote but so worth it, Osa Peninsula.

My Top 7 Costa Rica Activities

These are some of my favourite activities around Costa Rica. You could spend weeks here and still not see everything but if you drill down on what you’re most interested in, then you could definitely fill a one or two week itinerary. Whether you’re into nature, want some adrenaline-fuelled adventure or just want to see a cute sloth up close, Costa Rica really does have everything.

Corcovado National Park and Cano Island

With so may activities available in the Osa Peninsula you could easily spend your whole vacation right here. The highlights, though, are a hike in the Corcovado National Park and a snorkel or dive trip to Cano Island. I could write a while post about the Osa Peninsula (and will soon) but basically expect to be surrounded by so many animals that you will eventually get bored of monkey and sloth spotting and start checking out the other smaller critters crawling around. 

On this trip, I saw three different species of monkey, sloths, a giant family of coati (these guys literally surrounded my group and we had to wait for them to pass. Animals get right of way in the jungle!), crocodiles, birds, giant insects and tapirs.

On the way to my snorkelling trip around Cano Island, my boat spotted whales and also had some friendly dolphins play around our boat. During the snorkel I spotted a whole bunch of fish (I never know what they’re called) and turtles! If you’re into wildlife, then trust me and head to the Osa Peninsula. You’ll even get to see animals when you’re back at your hotel. It’s so remote that there really is no boundary to where they go.

White water rafting

There are a few different options for rafting in Costa Rica but my personal favourite is white water rafting on the Pacuare River. A one day trip will test your skills against 52 rapids with the opportunity to spot some unique wildlife along the river. Exploradores is a great company with an excellent safety record that offers single day and multi day rafting trips along the river.

Zip lining

Did you know recreational zip lining was invented in Costa Rica?? Even if you’ve tried it before, zip lining is a must do in Costa Rica and there really is one for everyone. For the timid and first timers, you can try an aerial tram, where you are safely enclosed on all sides. For the adventurous travelers, you can go one step further and try a super man style zip line.

Volcano Hike

Costa Rica is filled with some epic hikes but there’s just something about being able to surmount a volcano that makes me feel all Indiana Jones. One of the best volcano hikes is the Arenal volcano in the La Fortuna area. During the hike you get to walk over old lava flows and through primary rainforest. It’s an often elusive one to see but when you do catch it not snuggled up to the clouds, it’s makes the wait worthwhile.

Swim in a waterfall or lounge in a hot spring

Central America is the land of waterfalls and if you’ve travelled enough through the region, you might find yourself suffering from what I diagnose as “Waterfall Fatigue”. Pick your waterfalls carefully and don’t let this happen to you! One of my favourite waterfalls is also in La Fortuna, the La Fortuna Waterfall.

One of the best things about this waterfall is that it’s accessible so that anyone can view it from the highest viewpoint.  You can see the water spouting out from the base of the dormant Chato volcano, fall 70 meters to a tropical pool below. Once you’re had enough of the view and if you’re feeling game, you can take the staircase that’s carved into the hillside and go for a swim.

You can also find thermal hot springs around the Arenal area and if you plan it well enough, your hotel might be built around a hot spring. There honestly was nothing better than relaxing in the evening in a mini pool filled with thermal water from the volcano, cocktail in hand (from the swim-up bar) while catching glimpses of the Arenal volcano with the moon overhead.

Tortuguero canoeing

Touring through the canals in the remote Tortuguero is a peaceful opportunity to explore the Tortuguero National Park. I saw the most wildlife on this trip, including getting up close and personal to a timid caiman. As you glide smoothly and quietly through the rivers and narrow channels you will spot lots of birds, frogs, monkeys and huge lizards. I recommend getting in touch with Victor Barrantes from Tortuguero Infocenter for tour packages.

I could go on and on about things to do in Costa Rica but you’ll soon find out that the sky’s the limit here. Costa Rica also has some great yoga and meditation retreats, surfing spots for beginners to learn or the advanced to get a challenge, stand up paddle boarding, horse riding on the beach, spelunking and you get the idea.

Where to Stay

Now the fun part! Where should you stay? Costa Rica has a slew of resorts, villas, hotels and also some more adventurous options that still provide a luxury experience. Here are some of my favourites around the country.

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa

The Tabacon is located in the town of La Fortuna where you can find the Arenal volcano and also the La Fortuna waterfall. All rooms have rainforest views and some have views of the volcano but the best part of this resort is that there are 18 hot springs on the property for you to enjoy. Rooms are large with a modern design and the resort prides itself on its eco-friendly approach.

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Ylang Ylang Beach Resort

Ylang Ylang is Montezuma's only resort right on the beach. Think white sand beach and lush gardens surrounding the property with the chance for spotting monkeys in the trees. 

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Rio Perdido

A perfect mix between authenticity, nature and luxury, Rio Perdido is in a location like nothing you have seen before. They actually have an adventure playground on their property with wold-class trails for biking, zip lining over their own canyon, a variety of hikes and white water rafting. You could honestly spend your whole vacation right here.

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Waterfall Villas Wellness Retreat

A beautiful Balinese-style paradise in Costa Rica, Waterfall Villas is the perfect place to let your creative energy flow, with special workshops on topics such as Chinese Watercolor Painting, Astrology, Tai Chi, and Feng Shui. Dominical is a great spot to base yourself in Costa Rica because you have easy access to the stunning and remote Osa Peninsula.

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Playa Cativo Lodge

I've saved the best for last. Playa Cativo is so exclusive that you can only access it by private boat. All rooms have stunning ocean views in a natural setting. Not only do you have a private beach to laze around in but you also have gardens (filled with butterflies!), lush pool and a dedicated air-conditioned library. When I think of luxury in Costa Rica, Playa Cativo is the first that comes to mind.

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Disclosure:  Please note that some of the links included are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase.

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