Eco-Sustainable Stays Surrounded by Wild Nature
Drake Bay’s name comes from the English seafarer (or pirate, depending on whose side you're on) Sir Francis Drake, who used the area as a hideout and shelter in the 16th century. With this adventurous beginning, Drake Bay is today a calm destination, ideal for nature lovers. It’s known for its world-class eco-hotels and easy access to the remote Corcovado National Park, on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula.
Accommodation-wise, Drake Bay is all about ecolodges. You won't find large resorts or international hotel chains here. This area revolves entirely around the type of sustainable places that honor the surrounding rainforest in this isolated corner of Costa Rica. Often, accommodations in the area can only be reached by boat.
This is an adventure that adds to the exclusive atmosphere and genuine sense of remoteness. After arriving at Drake Bay's small airstrip or the riverside town of Palmar Sur, your journey continues on a boat. Follow the famous River Sierpe all the way to the coast, and then hop off at your hotel’s pier for the duration.
The Best Ecolodges in Drake Bay
Drake Bay has several options to choose from. These are our favorites, based on the high quality of their service, their location, and the overall experience they provide.
Aguila de Osa
Aguila de Osa is one of the best ecolodges in the area. It sits on some 28 acres of protected rainforest with 11 guest rooms and suites overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Its main entrance is nestled on a river mouth The rooms feature natural hardwood furnishings and essential amenities like ceiling fans and minibars. The rocking chairs and hammocks on the patios offer expansive views of the bay and rainforest.
The lodge intentionally omits TVs and air conditioning, allowing ocean breezes to cool the rooms naturally and encouraging deeper connection with the surroundings. Guests gather together for meals in a communal atmosphere, sharing stories of their day's adventures over homemade bread and fresh seafood. The property offers complimentary activities, such as hiking trails and kayaks for river exploration, with the beach just 1.300 feet away via a small trail.
Copa de Arbol
Copa de Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort offers another excellent option. With ten Balinese-style cabinas spread across 70 acres of oceanfront rainforest, it’s an ideal spot for a hideaway. This property also offers air conditioning, one of the few lodges on the Osa Peninsula to do so. It’s a welcome luxury after a day of jungle exploration.
The open-air restaurant provides ocean views while serving international cuisine prepared with local products. The resort maintains a pristine jungle trail with a 45-minute loop featuring cool creeks and towering trees. Plus, it has an infinity-edge pool and jacuzzi for relaxing after outdoor adventures. Copa de Arbol has earned multiple awards for its environmental practices while maintaining comfort.
What to Expect at Your Drake Bay Hotel
Staying in Drake Bay is a different style of travel to what you might be used to. Limited electricity hours and minimal wifi access are common. This disconnection creates space for authentic experiences: uninterrupted conversations, stargazing without light pollution, and wildlife watching without digital distractions. The isolation transforms meals into community events and hotel staff into guides, teachers, and friends.
Meal-Inclusive Plans to Complement the Experience
Due to their isolated locations, hotels in Drake Bay typically include full meal plans with your stay. This practical arrangement means breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided at your accommodation. Fresh seafood, local produce, and specialty coffees feature prominently on menus, with chefs adept at accommodating dietary restrictions despite the remote setting.
Nature Immersion and Outdoor Adventures
The entire point of coming to Drake Bay is to explore and enjoy nature and the great outdoors. Guided excursions to Corcovado National Park showcase one of Earth's most biodiverse environments. Boat trips to the offshore Isla del Caño provide exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Guides familiar with local ecosystems help spot wildlife that untrained eyes might miss. Sport fishing, kayaking through mangroves, and beach exploration round out the available activities.
Appeal to a Variety of Travelers
Drake Bay accommodations work well for various travelers. Couples enjoy the romantic seclusion and adventure opportunities. Families with nature-loving children discover educational experiences through guided activities. Solo travelers find community through shared excursions and dining experiences. What unites all visitors is a willingness to trade conventional hotel amenities for extraordinary natural immersion.
Best Time to Visit Drake Bay, Costa Rica
This is everything you need to know about Drake Bay year round:
Best for Sunny Days
The best time to visit falls between January and April during the dry season. This is when the weather is most reliably sunny with minimal rainfall.
Best for Lowest Prices & Offers
The rainy season is from May-August, and it offers perks like lower accommodation rates. Just expect some afternoon showers!
When Not to Visit Drake Bay
It doesn’t always happen, but many properties close entirely during September and October due to heavy rainfall. Corcovado National Park often also closes at this time of year. Bear this in mind when choosing travel dates and ask about availability before booking flights.
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At the end of the day, what makes Drake Bay accommodations truly special isn't found in luxury amenities but in the rare opportunity to stay in one of Earth's most biologically rich environments. The ecolodges provide comfortable bases for exploration while minimizing impact on their extraordinary surroundings: a perfect combination for travelers seeking authentic connections with Costa Rica's biodiversity. Contact us and we'll be glad to arrange your trip to Drake Bay for you!
FAQs about Places to Stay in Drake Bay
Drake Bay features eco-lodges rather than large resorts. Most accommodations offer rustic luxury with hardwood furnishings, open-air designs, and stunning views. Many include meal plans and provide boat transportation to their properties, as several lodges are only accessible by water.
Most eco-lodges in Drake Bay don't offer air conditioning, relying instead on natural ventilation and ceiling fans. Copa de Arbol is an exception, being one of the few properties with A/C. The coastal location provides natural breezes, making the tropical climate manageable.
Three to four nights is ideal for Drake Bay. This allows enough time for a full-day excursion to Corcovado National Park, a day trip to Caño Island for snorkeling or diving, plus time to enjoy the property's amenities and nearby beaches.
Yes, most Drake Bay accommodations include full meal plans (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) due to their remote locations. There are very few independent restaurants in the area, so lodges provide all dining needs, often featuring fresh local ingredients and seafood.
Drake Bay works well for families with older children who enjoy nature and outdoor activities. The remote location, hiking, and wildlife viewing appeal to curious kids. Copa de Arbol welcomes children four and up, while Aguila de Osa accommodates families with various room configurations.
Flying is the most practical way to reach Drake Bay. Take a one-hour flight from San Jose to Drake Bay's airstrip or to Palmar Sur. From there, your lodge will arrange transportation, which typically involves a short drive and boat ride to your accommodation.
January to April offers the most reliable weather with sunny days and minimal rainfall. May through August brings afternoon showers but lower rates. Avoid September and October when heavy rainfall causes many lodges to close entirely and trails become difficult to navigate.
Limited wifi is typically available in common areas of most lodges, but connectivity can be spotty due to the remote location. Cell service is minimal. Consider this an opportunity to disconnect and fully engage with the natural surroundings rather than a drawback.
Lodges offer guided hikes to Corcovado National Park, boat trips to Caño Island for snorkeling and diving, mangrove tours, bird watching, kayaking, and sport fishing. Many properties also maintain private trail systems for independent exploration of the rainforest.
Insects are part of the rainforest ecosystem, so yes, you'll encounter them. Pack reliable insect repellent and follow your lodge's recommendations. Most rooms have screened windows and provided bed nets when needed. The minor inconvenience is well worth the extraordinary biodiversity you'll experience.
