Drake Bay
Drake Bay or Bahia Drake is a little headland located to the north of the Osa Peninsula on the southwestern coast of Costa Rica. It was discovered by Francis Drake in the 16th century who used it as a port; it is also the site of the legendary treasure hidden by the British. The unofficial capital of Drake Bay is a small town, Agujitas, where about 1,000 of people reside. Bahia Drake is a beautiful bay with a range of white-sand beaches, tall crags, clean shores, several eco-lodges and a splendid national park by the name of Corcovado. During the dry season, the bay is easily accessed through the highway, however, when the rainfall is high, people have to use airplanes and a boat service up the Sierpe River. To get into the Bahia Drake through air travel; fly to Drake Bay Airport from San Jose with Nature Air or Sansa. From Palmar Sur, travel down to Sierpe in a taxi or a bus. A boat will take you to Bahia Drake up the river. If you want to use public transport; the bus, TRACOPA, goes from San Jose to Palmar Norte from where you can take a taxi to Sierpe. The bay can be easily explored on foot however boats are usually used for tours. The concierge of the hotel mostly arranges the transportation. Travelers can also hire a taxi.
There are plenty of charming hotels and eco-lodges in Drake Bay. La Paloma is a lavish eco-resort that may stretch on the budget but ensures a perfect stay. Offering exquisite services with a promise of adventures, Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge is on the edge of Corcovado National Park. It is amazing for all sorts of holidays. Other deluxe accommodations are Drake Bay Wilderness Resort, Delfin Amor Eco Lodge, Aguila de Osa, Jinetes de Osa, Pirate Cove & Caño Divers and Amaya Family Cabins. Travelers who are looking for a modest place to stay, Cabinas Pura Vida, Cabinas Murillo, Rio Drake Lodge and Tesoro Verde Hostel are not only convenient but quite comfortable as well
Drake Bay is a tranquil piece of land and it will not be wrong to refer it as a tropical wonderland. The panorama of a sweeping range of stunning white-sand beaches bordered by an infinite azure lagoon, and whimsically swaying palm trees that dot the shorelines, along with idyllic points for snorkeling and scuba diving make Bahia Drake one of the most enticing places of Costa Rica. The climate is adequately tropical all year round that makes it suitable for tours, explorations of forests and sports activities. The dense rain-forests has several hiking trails where one can have a chance to encounter some tropic wildlife. Corcovado National Park is the chief attraction of the bay. The trip to the park offers once in a lifetime experience. It has several eco-systems such as highland cloud forests, mangrove wetlands and swamps, lowlands, palm forest, habitats of beach and coastal area and it also encircles the old wet forests of Costa Rica. It shelters the endangered species such as Tapirs, Harpy Eagles, red-backed squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, coati, scarlet macaws, white-lipped peccaries and numerous others. There are many hiking trails that wind through the forested park. There are three primary ranger stations and well-drained camping areas are located nearby them. The coastal habitat is multifarious and the sea-life is amazing. There are different types of dolphins, sharks, whales, ray, octopuses as well as smaller animals like sea horses, eels and hundreds of fish type. The scuba diving and snorkeling coves are well-lit with the right depth. Cano Island is in close proximity to the bay and is a great place to have some fun. Go on dolphin and whale watching tours, snorkel and dive, go bird-watching, sea-kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, boogie-boarding, and see pre-Columbian stone spheres. Bahia Drake is a sublime bay which is a must visit site on your Costa Rican vacation.
