FAQ

There are three ways to get to Drake Bay: by light aircraft with a SANSA domestic flight from San José to the Drake aerodrome (approx. 45–50 minutes), by boat from the Sierpe pier, sailing along the Sierpe River and its mangroves out to the sea (approx. 1 hour), or by 4×4 vehicle via the Rincón route (recommended mainly in the dry season; it includes river crossings). We will be happy to help you arrange the best option for your itinerary.

There is no single “best” option: it depends on your travel style. The light aircraft is the fastest way and offers spectacular views of the Osa Peninsula. The boat along the Sierpe River is a scenic experience in itself, among mangroves and wildlife. A 4×4 car gives you maximum independence to explore the area on your own. You can find more details on the “About us” page.

Yes. We offer a transfer from the Drake aerodrome to the hotel for US$24 per journey for 1–2 people, and US$12 for each additional person. We also offer a transfer from the arrival beach of the Sierpe boats for US$7 (₡3,000) per trip for up to 4 people. For groups, we offer tailor-made transport conditions depending on the size of the group and its luggage. All transport services require advance booking.

It depends on the option you choose when booking: accommodation only, accommodation with breakfast, or half board (breakfast + lunch or dinner). All rates include free access to the hotel pool (pool towels can be requested at the reception), 24-hour Wi-Fi and filtered water to refill your bottles.

Check-in is from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Monday to Friday. On weekends, the reception is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, so check-in is possible from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The reception closes after these hours. If you need to arrive later, we offer a late check-in service for a fee of US$20. This must be arranged in advance.

Check-out is at 10:00 am. We offer a late check-out service: until 12 noon it is free of charge, subject to availability; until 2:00 pm a surcharge of 50% of the room rate applies, and after 2:00 pm 100% of the room rate is charged. After check-out, you are welcome to store your luggage at the reception free of charge and continue enjoying the hotel facilities until your departure.

Yes. The hotel is located in the centre of Drake (Agujitas), about 450 metres from Playa Rancho Corcovado — from where the boats for the Corcovado National Park tours depart in the morning — and about 650 metres from Drake’s main beach, Playa Colorada (also known as Playa Agujitas), where the boats from Sierpe arrive and depart. Both are just a few minutes’ walk away. From the village, the coastal trail also leads to the bay’s most famous beaches, such as Cocalito and San Josecito. Please remember that hotel towels may not be taken to the beach; we recommend bringing a lightweight travel towel.

The nearby beaches are:

• Playa Colorada (also known as Playa Agujitas) — Drake’s main beach: in front of the village and about 650 m from the hotel. This is where the boats from Sierpe arrive and depart, and the boats to Caño Island also leave from here. Very easy to access, ideal for a stroll and for watching the life of the village.
• Playa Rancho Corcovado: about 450 m from the hotel, ideal for a walk or watching the sunset. The boats for the Corcovado National Park tours depart from this beach early in the morning (6:00 AM).
• Playa Cocalito: one of the most beautiful beaches in the bay. From the hotel it is a 40–45 minute walk along the coastal trail, through tropical forest and across a hanging bridge — the walk is part of the experience.
• Playa Las Caletas: about 4 km from the village, on the same coastal trail; a good option for swimming.
• Playa San Josecito: golden sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkelling and rarely crowded, about 6 km from the village. You can get there on foot along the coastal trail, by 4×4 vehicle (the road crosses 4 rivers; there is a car park and then a trail of about 500 m) or by boat. Watch out for the monkeys: they like to make off with visitors’ belongings.

The hotel offers free Wi-Fi service. In Drake Bay, nature is the show — that is why our rooms have no TV or telephone.

All rooms offer air conditioning, except for the 3-bedroom apartment, which is equipped with fans.

As part of our environmental commitment, and to reduce our energy consumption, we kindly ask you to switch off the air conditioning whenever you leave your room.

Pets are not allowed at the Corcovado & Drake Inn hotel. However, we do welcome them at our Corcovado Tropical Garden casitas in Los Planes (about a 15–20 minute drive from the hotel, in the direction of Corcovado National Park), an ideal setting for travelling with your pet surrounded by nature. A surcharge of US$10 per pet per night applies. Please let us know when booking that you are travelling with a pet.

Yes. At our hotel you can pay by card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, JCB and American Express), as in most establishments in Drake Bay. However, please note that there are no banks or ATMs in Drake — the nearest ones are in Palmar Norte or Sierpe — and some small shops and tour operators only accept cash or charge a fee for card payments. We therefore recommend bringing enough cash (dollars and colones, ideally in small bills and in good condition) before arriving on the Osa Peninsula.

Drake Bay has a humid tropical climate, with temperatures of approx. 24–32 °C (75–90 °F) all year round. The dry season runs from December to April; from May to November it is the rainy season (the green season), typically with sunny mornings and afternoon downpours — still ideal for morning tours. Always bring insect repellent, sunscreen and a rain jacket. Please note that the hotel closes during the month of October, the rainiest month.

We recommend a minimum of 3 nights. That way you will have a full day for Corcovado National Park, another for Caño Island (snorkelling or diving), and a free day to enjoy the beaches, the Drake Trail or the pool at your leisure. Getting to and from Drake takes time, and staying only 1–2 nights means spending a good part of your visit in transit.