Top Drake Bay Nature Walks

Explore Costa Rica's underwater landscape and get an up-close look at its rich marine life on this half-day, small-group snorkeling tour. In the morning, go to the meeting point in Drake Bay, board the boat and head to Caño Island. After a brief introduction and training session, you'll enjoy two different snorkeling sessions and opportunities to see octopuses, rays, tropical fish, and many others. Once back on the mainland, finish with a hearty lunch.

Humpback whales swim thousands of miles every year to spawn in Drake Bay’s tropical waters, while several species of dolphins reside here year-round. This family-friendly boat tour allows you to see these marine mammals up close and provides an onboard hydrophone, so you can hear their song-like noises. During the tour, your guide provides helpful information on topics such as ocean conservation and marine biology.

Wake up bright and early to catch a sighting of Costa Rica’s magnificent avian species during this morning guided bird watching tour on Drake Bay. Your experience will start before the sun rises as you head out onto the water and view these creatures from sea level. See terns, tanagers, and other birds land on Agujitas Beach. Hike through the forest and shoreline to find other species frequenting the Osa Peninsula.

Explore the jungle at night, when the temperatures drop and nocturnal wildlife comes alive. Your guide team is a biologist “Bug Lady” and an animal “spotter extraordinaire” armed with spotting scopes and echo bat detectors. Search for unique animals and insects while learning about their history and lore: learn to harvest silk from giant spiders, how toxic toads were used in mind-control studies, and why the US military enlisted cockroaches in the Vietnam War.

The adventure begins at 6:30 a.m. when we pick you up directly from your accommodation in Drake Bay. From there, you’ll enjoy a 4x4 ride to Corcovado Next Door, a private reserve located in the rural community of Los Planes, right next to the boundary of Corcovado National Park. This peaceful hike will take you through one of the few remaining primary forests in the region, a lush ecosystem full of life. Along the trails, you’ll observe animal tracks and learn to identify wildlife signs, as well as the rich tropical flora and its unique adaptations. The terrain is mostly flat, ideal for those seeking a relaxed yet authentic rainforest experience. Midway through the tour, you’ll enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch prepared by local residents, surrounded by pristine nature. Small groups, bilingual guides, comfortable 4x4 transportation, and an eco-friendly approach that supports conservation and the Los Planes community.