Overview
This journey is a complete immersion into the Osa Peninsula—one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Instead of rushing across the country, you’ll stay in one of Costa Rica’s wildest corners, dedicating your time to exploring the heart of Corcovado National Park and its surroundings. With minimal changes of accommodation, every day is focused on discovery: pristine rainforests, vibrant mangroves, and the rich waters of the Pacific. This concentrated approach allows you to fully experience the essence of Osa, often described as the “crown jewel” of Costa Rica’s protected areas.
Your adventure will include a variety of unforgettable experiences: a mangrove boat tour where monkeys, crocodiles, and countless bird species thrive; a day trekking in Corcovado’s legendary Sirena Station; snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Caño Island, home to turtles and tropical fish; and even the chance to spot whales during the right season. Add to this a guided night walk to uncover the nocturnal life of the rainforest, and you have a journey that captures the full spectrum of Osa’s wildlife and landscapes—all without ever leaving this extraordinary peninsula.
Highlights
- Designed for Nature Lovers & Photographers
- Chances to spot mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians... all kind of wildlife!
- Jungle walk, mangrove boat tour, island snorkle, paradisiac beaches... a complete adventure!
- National Geographic called Corcovado “the most intense place on Earth.”
Itinerary
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome to Drake Bay, the gateway to the Osa Peninsula. You can choose to arrive by a short domestic flight into the local airstrip or by boat from Sierpe, gliding through scenic mangrove canals before reaching the Pacific coast. Whichever option you take, our team will be waiting to greet you and bring you to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy your first taste of Osa’s incredible wildlife with a relaxed birdwatching walk. Scarlet macaws, toucans, tanagers, and herons often fill the skies and treetops, adding vibrant flashes of color to the tropical backdrop. As the day winds down, we’ll stroll along the pristine beaches of Drake Bay, a paradise where the rainforest meets the ocean. It’s the perfect introduction to one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and a gentle start to the days of exploration ahead.
This morning, you’ll embark on a boat journey into the vast Sierpe River mangroves—one of the largest and most important mangrove ecosystems in Central America. As the boat glides through winding waterways framed by towering roots and lush greenery, the sense of being immersed in a hidden world is unforgettable.
The mangroves are a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers alike. With luck, you may spot the rare mangrove hummingbird and the striking bare-throated tiger heron, alongside flocks of egrets, herons, and kingfishers. The still waters also harbor crocodiles basking on muddy banks and an incredible diversity of life woven into the intricate ecosystem. This slow-paced exploration allows you to capture not only wildlife but also the beauty of the mangrove landscapes themselves, making it a highlight of your journey.
At night we’ll enjoy a night tour on the jungle in search for snakes, frogs and insects, guided by a local expert on finding this little creatures: good chance for macro photography!
*This activity might be shared with more people in the boat, let us know if you prefer the private supplement
Few places on Earth compare to Corcovado National Park, often called the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s protected areas. On this adventure, you’ll travel by boat along the Pacific coast toward the heart of the park. Depending on the season, the journey itself can be extraordinary: humpback whales breaching in the distance, pods of playful dolphins riding the waves, and seabirds soaring above the ocean. Arriving at the remote Sirena Station feels like stepping into another world—deep inside the rainforest, far from civilization.
Overnighting in Sirena is a rare privilege and a true immersion into the wild. As you trek through its pristine trails with your naturalist guide, you’ll be searching for some of the park’s most iconic species. Baird’s tapirs—the gentle giants of the rainforest—are often the stars of the show, but the forest is also home to sloths, anteaters, monkeys, crocodiles, and an endless list of birds. With a touch of luck, you may even spot the tracks or fleeting shadows of a puma or jaguar. After another wildlife-filled walk, you’ll return by boat to Drake Bay around midda with chances of seing whales on the way, carrying with you the unforgettable experience of having lived inside one of the world’s most biodiverse rainforests.
Today you’ll set out on a boat trip to Caño Island, a protected marine reserve often described as the “Galápagos of Costa Rica.” The island’s crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, revealing an underwater world teeming with life. Colorful reef fish, graceful sea turtles, rays, and even reef sharks are often seen gliding through the currents. For certified divers, there’s also the option to upgrade the experience with a scuba dive, unlocking the deeper wonders of this marine paradise. Along the way, during the right season, you may be lucky enough to spot humpback whales breaching or dolphins escorting the boat.
After exploring beneath the surface, you’ll have time to enjoy the beauty of Caño Island itself, including a visit to a secluded beach where you can relax and take in the idyllic scenery. Returning to Drake Bay in the afternoon, the pace slows down. You’ll have the chance to rest by the pool, unwind at the hotel, and let the day’s marine encounters sink in—a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation before your journey comes to an end.
After days immersed in the wonders of the Osa Peninsula, it’s time to say goodbye—or continue your Costa Rican adventure elsewhere. Depending on your plans, you can take the boat back through the Sierpe River mangroves to connect with your rental car or onward travel, or board a short domestic flight from Drake Bay’s airstrip to San José or your next destination.
If you’d like to explore more of Costa Rica, our team is here to help craft the perfect extension to your journey—whether that means cloud forests, volcanoes, or other wildlife hotspots. With the memories of Corcovado’s tapirs, Caño Island’s marine life, and Drake Bay’s golden beaches still fresh in your mind, you’ll leave carrying the essence of one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Pick-up or Drop-off service
- Breakfast
- Lunch and dinner in some activities
- Accommodation
- Professional guides
- All the required permits and paperwork
The Cost Excludes
- Flights or transfers to Drake Bay
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Your travel and medical insurance
FAQs
We suggest lightweight clothing, quick-dry fabrics, and a rain jacket. Comfortable shoes are essential, and a hat or cap helps with sun protection. If your trip includes cloud forests or higher elevations, pack a sweater for cooler evenings.
Binoculars are highly recommended for wildlife watching. For photography, we suggest bringing a camera with telephoto lenses for birds and animals. A tripod can be useful. If you’re unsure about your equipment, feel free to reach out—we’ll be happy to advise you personally.
Yes, single rooms can be arranged on request, subject to availability. A supplement may apply depending on the hotel or lodge.
Yes, in most parts of Costa Rica the water is drinkable. Your guide or the staff from your lodge will advise you in each location.
There are two convenient ways to reach Drake Bay, and we’ll be there to pick you up in either case.
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By boat from Sierpe: You can drive to the town of Sierpe, leave your rental car safely parked, and take the scenic boat ride through mangrove channels out to Drake Bay. Upon arrival at the port, our team will be waiting to meet you and start your adventure.
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By plane with Sansa Airlines: Alternatively, you can take a short domestic flight to Drake Bay’s airstrip. We’ll greet you at the airport and handle your transfer to the lodge.
Both pickup and drop-off at the port or airport are included in your itinerary, so whichever option you choose, your journey begins smoothly and without worry.
Most of the hotels and lodges we work with offer laundry service, either included or for a small fee. Your guide or the lodge staff will let you know the options available at each stop.
Yes. If you’d like to arrive earlier or stay longer, we can arrange additional nights of accommodation, activities and transfers. Just let us know your plans and we’ll adjust the itinerary accordingly.
Most activities on this trip are flexible and can be adapted to your pace and comfort level. Many excursions, such as the boat tours through mangroves or to Caño Island, require little to no physical effort. Even inside Corcovado National Park, the walks are generally easy and designed to maximize wildlife viewing rather than distance covered.
If you prefer a slower rhythm, we can keep the hikes short and gentle, while travelers who want more activity can opt for longer trails. Your guide will always adjust the experience to match your needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the incredible wildlife and landscapes of the Osa Peninsula.