Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula and Southern Pacific coast is home to the amazing Corcovado National Park!

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Osa Peninsula Costa Rica

Osa Peninsula is located in the South Pacific of Costa Rica and is part of the Punterenas province. It is known as one of the most fabled and also most remote destinations in Costa Rica and the whole of Central America. The long stretches of pristine white sand are set against shimmering, turquoise waters. Many of the wildlife species found here are unique to this area. In fact, the Southern Pacific region of Costa Rica is considered to be one of the most important areas because of the extraordinary biodiversity of the wildlife and plant life found only here. Being here will feel like walking around in a Real Life Jurassic Park!

Corcovado is home to over 400 species of birds alone. With hundreds of types of exotic mammals, reptiles, insects, monkeys, amphibians whales and dolphins. No wonder that National Geographic declared Osa Peninsula as one the most diverse and wild places on the planet! You’re sure to have a wild Costa Rica vacation in the Osa Peninsula.

Top Destinations

Puerto Jimenez

Puerto JimenezWedged between Golfo Dulce and Corcovado National Park, you will find the small town of Puerto Jimenez. The nature enthusiasts can enjoy hikes and dolphin watching while those looking for some fun can experience the active nightlife scene. Puerto Jimenez is one of the largest towns in Osa and holds some historical value as a logging and gold mining community. 

Corcovado National Park

Costa Rica JungleAs far as the tropical rainforest goes, this is a gem you need to cross off your list for its legendary flora and fauna as well as some endangered species. This small area alone contains 5% of the animal population on the planet. This makes it one of the most popular ecotourism destinations. Take a hike on the famous Los Patos trail and try to spot all four monkeys, over 40 frog species and all four sea turtle species. In addition, there are 100 butterfly species, several types of snakes, 10,000 insect species, over 25 lizard species, tapirs, crocodiles, all six feline species, peccaries and over 400 bird species! You can spot the white-faced capuchin, sea turtles, many species of birds, jaguar, harpy eagle, tapir, howler monkeys, the list really is endless.

If you feel like setting up camp, Corcovado is the perfect place to do that. Keep in mind that you have to make reservations up front!

Drake Bay

Drake Bay Osa Peninsula BeachThis small bay is located at the northern part of Osa Peninsula. It is a stunning destination where you can try your hand at snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, sports fishing, swimming, horseback riding, bird watching and hiking. While Drake Bay is the northern entrance, Cabo Matapalo is the southern point. This is a truly remote piece of nature with stunning jungle and ocean.

Uvita

uvitaUvita may be small, but it is famous for two big things. The Whale Tail Beach, and the Envision Festival. The beautiful golden sands and swaying palm trees feature tropical rain forest right up to the sand. From here you can take the famous whale watching tours in the hope to spot the Humpback whales, whale sharks, dolphins and Bryde´s whales at Marino Ballena National Park. If you are up for a bit of extra fun, visit the Uvita waterfall. Perhaps not the most grand waterfall in Costa Rica, but the only one that is also a natural water slide!

Facts

Osa Peninsula vacations

Uvita Costa Rica Whale JumpingOsa Peninsula is a perfect spot for all sorts of water sports such as swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving in crystalline Pacific waters. Also kayaking through caves or among mangroves, whale and dolphin watching, sports fishing and so much more. The Corcovado National Park is truly one of the world’s wonders while the Ballena Marine National Park is the ticket for whale and dolphin watching. There are even a few elusive and endangered jaguars in Corcovado. These awesome big cats are down to a few hundred in Costa Rica. The Osa Peninsula provides an experience of a lifetime for anyone who appreciates nature’s bounty and beauty.

Osa Peninsula Weather

Drake Bay Osa PeninsulaOsa Peninsula has a tropical climate which means lots of heat and lots of humidity! The temperatures rarely drop below 26 degrees Celsius and the humidity levels are pretty high all year round. Make sure to visit during the dry season (December to May) because during the rainy season, hurricanes often find their way to Osa Peninsula.

Osa Peninsula biodiversity

Drake Bay TapirBecause of its biodiversity and stunning beauty, the Osa is a prime destination for eco-tourists. In fact, the largest concentration of ecological projects and initiatives are centered in this area. All this to preserve the vast forests with all the trees, rainforest plants, and animals that call this Paradise home. There is a myriad of exciting activities and tours available to do on the Osa Peninsula. 

Getting there

Closest International Airport: Juan Santamaria (SJO)

Sierpe BoatFor those feeling a bit adventurous, there are boat rides offered on the Sierpe River from the small town of Sierpe. This is one of the most commonly used methods to reach Drake Bay. This trip will take around two hours.

If you prefer a quicker and more hassle-free way of reaching Drake Bay, you can get a domestic flight. A small airport near the town of Drake Bay offers daily 40-minute flights to and from San Jose. You can get shuttles, private or shared, or rent a car. But keep in mind that Osa Peninsula has a rather intemperate climate and flooded roads are not uncommon. Once here, you have some amazing hotel options such as Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, Crocodile Bay Eco Resort and El Remanso Lodge.

Map of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula

Osa Peninsula Costa Rica Map

Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula - Get Info

Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula Map

Click to Enlarge Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula Map

Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula Vacation Packages

Perfect Combination with Corcovado

Perfect Combination with Corcovado

SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Extended Costa Rica Highlights

Extended Costa Rica Highlights

20
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Extended Costa Rica Southern Package

Extended Costa Rica Southern Package

SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Costa Ballena Exploration

Costa Ballena Exploration

9
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Full Board Birding Trip!

Full Board Birding Trip!

8
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Where the Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are

7
SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.
Away from the Crowds

Away from the Crowds

SJO
$1000-$1500 p.p.

Beaches

Cabo Matapalo

Cabo Matapalo

Visting Cabo Matapalo, Osa Penisula Cabo Matapalo Costa Rica, or more commonly referred to as Matapalo, is a small beach c...

Uvita

Uvita

Visiting Uvita Costa Rica Looking for a quieter off the beaten path beach vacation? The small, uncrowded beach town of Uvi...

Carate Costa Rica

Carate Costa Rica

Visiting Carate Costa Rica Playa Carate Costa Rica is a secluded beach located near the most Southern Pacific of the ...

Drake Bay

Drake Bay

Visiting Drake Bay Drake Bay is located on the Southern Pacific of the Osa Peninsula, in the province of Puntarenas. Bahia...

Bahia Ballena Costa Rica

Bahia Ballena Costa Rica

Visiting Bahia Ballena Playa Bahia Ballena (Whale Bay) in Costa Rica is a beautiful and famous beach known for the nearby ...

Pavones Beach

Pavones Beach

Visiting Pavones  Pavones Costa Rica is one of them famous surfing destinations in Costa Rica and Central America. It...

Golfo Dulce

Golfo Dulce

Visiting Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula With over 600-foot deep waters in its center, the Golfo Dulce is home humpback whales ...

Cities

Golfito

Golfito

Visiting Golfito Golfito is located on the Golfo Dulce, opposite Osa Peninsula in Southern Costa Rica, and is a port town ...

Islands

Cano Island

Cano Island

Visiting Cano Island Isla de Caño or Cano Island, is set roughly 52 kilometers or 32 miles from Marino Ballena National Pa...

Waterfalls

Nauyaca Waterfalls

Nauyaca Waterfalls

These majestic waterfalls are not only popular for their natural beauty but are also known for swimming, climbing, jumping...

National Parks

Corcovado

Corcovado

Visiting Corcovado National Park of the Osa Peninsula Corcovado is located in Costa Rica’s South Pacific region in the Osa...

Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula Hotels

El Remanso Eco Lodge

El Remanso Eco Lodge

4
5
From: Over $300
Bosque del Cabo Lodge

Bosque del Cabo Lodge

5
5
From: Over $300
Osa Verde Biolodge

Osa Verde Biolodge

3
From: $125 - $200
Hotel Rancho Corcovado

Hotel Rancho Corcovado

3
From: Under $125
Playa Nicuesa Lodge

Playa Nicuesa Lodge

3
5
From: Over $300
Bosque del Rio Tigre Lodge

Bosque del Rio Tigre Lodge

3
From: $125 - $200
Aguila de Osa Inn

Aguila de Osa Inn

4
From: Over $300
Drake Bay Wilderness Resort

Drake Bay Wilderness Resort

3
From: Over $300
Lookout Inn Lodge

Lookout Inn Lodge

3
5
From: $125 - $200
Hotel Villas Gaia

Hotel Villas Gaia

3
4
From: Under $125
Luna Lodge Carate

Luna Lodge Carate

4
5
From: Under $125
La Leona Ecolodge

La Leona Ecolodge

3
4
From: $200 - $300
Lapa Rios Ecolodge

Lapa Rios Ecolodge

4
5
From: Over $300
La Cusinga Lodge

La Cusinga Lodge

3
5
From: $125 - $200
Hotel Jinetes de Osa

Hotel Jinetes de Osa

3
From: Under $125
Copa de Arbol

Copa de Arbol

4
From: Over $300
Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge

Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge

4
5
From: Over $300
Crocodile Bay Eco Resort

Crocodile Bay Eco Resort

5
From: Over $300
La Paloma Lodge

La Paloma Lodge

4
From: Over $300
Playa Cativo Eco-Lodge

Playa Cativo Eco-Lodge

3
From: Over $300

Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula Tours

Caño Island Snorkeling

Caño Island Snorkeling

From: $75 - $100
Whales & Dolphins Combo Tour

Whales & Dolphins Combo Tour

From: Over $100
San Pedrillo Corcovado National Park Tour

San Pedrillo Corcovado National Park Tour

From: $75 - $100
The Bug Lady Night Tour

The Bug Lady Night Tour

San Pedrillo Ranger Station – Corcovado National Park Tour

San Pedrillo Ranger Station – Corcovado National Park Tour

Scuba Diving Caño Island

Scuba Diving Caño Island

3
From: Over $100
Costa Rica Regions and Destinations Map

Southern Zone

Why Visit?

Costa Rica’s Southern Zone is where you’ll find the tallest mountains, pristine cloud forest areas, and a virtually unexplored paradise. Find a large variety of birds and just an endless array of biodiversity.  


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Central Valley

Why Visit?

Costa Rica’s Central Valley is home to the capital of San José and the Juan Santamaría International Airport. Steeped in History & Culture, many people use the capital as the jumping off point for their vacations.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Northern Zone

Why Visit?

Costa Rica’s Northern Zone is home to the country’s most famous Volcano and Cloud Forest Areas.

You will be amazed at the wildlife and all the biodiversity.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Osa Peninsula

Why Visit?

The Osa Peninsula is truly an unexplored paradise and a must see for nature lovers. If you are looking to get off the beaten path and explore – this is the spot for you.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Guanacaste

Why Visit?

Guanacaste is home to Costa Rica’s most popular beach destinations and all-inclusive resorts. If you are looking for a beach vacation, this is your destination for sun, sand, and surf.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Nicoya Peninsula

Why Visit?

The Nicoya Peninsula is still largely undeveloped and home to some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. Known for it’s laid back surfer vibe and boutique beach resorts.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Central Pacific

Why Visit?

Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast is home to some of the closest beaches from the capital of San José, which are easily accessible from the highway.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Caribbean

Why Visit?

Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast is a rich cultural area offering a laid back tropical atmosphere. Experience what Tico Time truly is on this Afro-Caribbean influenced area.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Nicaragua

Why Visit?

Nicaragua is a unique country full of culture and historical parts. You can see a lot of the old part of the colonial age including the cobblestone streets and old forts.


Top Destinations

Panama

Why Visit?

Panama is a totally different level of destination. It has so much to offer. You can experience history and modern architecture all in one in Panama City with skyscrapers and the old part of the city.


Top Destinations

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