Situated in the southwest corner of Costa Rica, Drake Bay is one of our favorite places in the country, as well as Costa Rica’s most stunning and secluded destinations, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Located in the Osa Peninsula, it offers unparalleled access to Corcovado National Park and some of the country’s best marine life. Although it's not as straightforward to reach as other places on the Pacific Coast, reaching Drake Bay can feel like an adventure in itself but it's not as complicated as you may fear. One of the most scenic and convenient ways to get there is by boat from Sierpe.
In this guide, we've shared our tips and advice on the costs and the best ways to reach Drake Bay, and about everything you need to know about this route.
How to get to Sierpe or Palmar Norte?
Wherever you're starting from San José, Uvita, or Manuel Antonio & Quepos, all roads lead down the Costanerasur highway to a place called Palmar Norte (Google Maps). This is where you need to go in order to travel onward to Sierpe.
By rental car or taxi
You can drive along Route 34 (Costanera Sur) towards Palmar Norte, then follow the signs to Sierpe. It's a long drive (4.5 to 5 hours from San José) and some roads can be winding but it offers you the flexibility to stop along the way.
Writer's tip:
Use Waze for accurate navigation. Stop along the way or at Dominical or Uvita for a lunch break.
If you rent a car, use our Pura Vida Traveling exclusive link to receive up to 10% off and additional rental benefits.
By domestic flight to Palmar Sur
You can also take a domestic flight with companies like Sansa Airlines (flights from SJO to Palmar Sur), it's the fastest option (40-minute flight + 15-minute taxi from Palmar Sur to Sierpe), but will probably as well be the most expensive. Take into account that passengers are typically only allowed one small bag and have to pay extra for additional luggage.
By private or shared shuttle
If you prefer door-to-door service, booking a shuttle is a convenient option, it's comfortable, no need to drive, and most of the time, they will pick you up directly at your hotel from Manuel Antonio & Quepos, San José & SJO Airport or from Uvita.
By public bus
For budget travelers, taking a public bus to Sierpe and continuing by boat is the best option, but also the longest.
Palmar Norte by bus from San José
From San Jose, you will need to catch a bus to Palma Norte. Palma Norte is the main bus terminal in the Sierpe region. Local and more frequent buses go hourly from Palma Norte to Sierpe. For detailed information about this bus journey, read our blog article: How to get to Drake Bay or Sierpe from San Jose or SJO Airport?
Writer's Tip: This option is not only affordable but also a great way to experience Costa Rica’s countryside.
Palmar Norte by bus from Uvita
From Uvita, there are buses to Palmar Norte at 5.15 AM and 8.30 AM; both should get you there in time for the 11.30 AM boat.
Whichever bus you opt for, it’s a good idea to arrive 15 minutes early as buses in Costa Rica often turn up a little earlier or a bit later.
The bus cost 3,150 colones each, paid to the driver. It's best to have small change for this and pop your bags on at the back side door. Travel time from Uvita to Palmar Norte is about 90 minutes
Palmar Norte by bus from Manuel Antonio & Quepos
The only option from Quepos terminal is an 11.30 AM TRACOPA bus, which is scheduled to arrive in Palmar Norte at 2 PM and Sierpe at 2.30 PM. Note that this bus is the 8.30 AM departure from San José, so those arrival times are not so precise.
How to get to Drake Bay from Sierpe?
1. By boat from Sierpe: the most popular option
Taking a boat from Sierpe is not only the easiest way to get to Drake Bay but also a fun and memorable experience.
You can catch a public or private taxi boat from the docks at Donde Jorge Bar, Restaurante y Embarcadero or Marisquería Las Vegas.
The restaurant also serves as the boat terminal, and upon arrival, several staff members will approach you to ask for the name of your hotel or hostel in Drake Bay. Afterward, they'll seat you at a table. Although the process might initially seem chaotic, there is a system in place—even if the instructions aren’t immediately clear. Don’t worry if they don’t ask for your name or personal details; it's part of the process.
The boat dock is sometimes referred to as Hotel Oleaje Sereno, but it’s located right next to Donde Jorge.
Both are easy to find since Sierpe is small and most activities revolve around the boat departures.
You're not required to purchase anything at the restaurant, but if you’re hungry, they offer breakfast and lunch. Alternatively, you can grab a fresh coconut from the friendly vendor outside while waiting for further instructions.
The reason they ask for your accommodation in Drake Bay is to organize passengers by destination, ensuring you're placed in the correct boat. This also helps them determine if they need to stay on board after the first stop, continue on to another boat connection, or meet someone upon arrival.
Once the boat arrives in Drake Bay, different accommodations have varying procedures. Some hotels will greet you on the beach, others provide vehicles to pick you up along with your bags, while in some cases, you’ll need to walk to your accommodation.
You pay on the boat after departure, cash only in dollars or colones. It was 9,000 / $15 USD per person for the 11.30 AM boat, but the 4 PM boat from Sierpe is always more expensive at $20 USD per person*. If you pay in dollars, you'll likely get a change in colones, so have an idea of exchange rates beforehand to check your change (but it's best to just pay in colones).
Note that if you are going beyond the main village beach with the boat, then the price may be slightly more than the above.
The trip begins with a peaceful ride down the Sierpe River, passing through Central America’s largest mangrove reserve. Along the way, you’ll glide past towering roots and spot abundant wildlife, making this part of the journey both scenic and relaxing.
As the river meets the Pacific Ocean, the adventure ramps up. The transition from the calm mangroves to the open sea can get a little bumpy, and you’ll feel the waves! It’s a short but exhilarating stretch before the ride smooths out again. From there, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning coastal views as you head toward the remote and beautiful Drake Bay.
The ride along the Sierpe River is pleasant and fun, with palm trees lining one side and mangrove forests on the other. You’ll occasionally pass local fishermen in small boats. While the ocean stretch can bring a few bumps, sharp turns, and stomach-flipping moments, it’s far from the roughest boat trip you’ll encounter in Latin America.
In a country like Costa Rica, where nature excursions often come with a price tag, this journey feels like a bargain. Similar experiences could easily be marketed as a $50 USD "tour".
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours (one way) depending on weather and river conditions.
Departure point and time: Sierpe Boat Dock at 11:30 AM and 4:30 PM. It is recommended to arrive around 30 min early.
Price: It costs $20 USD per person and you will pay it in cash to the boat captain.
Boats appear to run daily, even on holidays, but if the schedule changes, please let us know in the comments so we can update the information.
Writer's tips:
Tickets for the public boats are sold exclusively at the docks, usually just before departure. If you're traveling during the high season (December-April and July-August), or around Christmas and Easter, be sure to arrive early – boats can fill up, and securing your spot ahead of the crowd ensures you won’t be left behind.
Be prepared for some splashes, especially if the ocean is choppy. Store your electronics and valuables in waterproof bags.
2. By plane: fastest option
For a quick and convenient trip, flying into Drake Bay is a solid option. However, from both an environmental standpoint and for the overall travel experience, taking the boat from Sierpe to Drake Bay is a far better choice.
If you do choose to fly, Sansa Airlines offers daily flights from San José to Drake Bay’s small local airport.
Flight Duration: 50 minutes (non-stop)
Cost: $165 - $180 USD (one way)
Frequency: 5-7 flights per day (December to April high season)
Writer's tips: Book flights in advance, as they fill up quickly during peak tourist months.
4. By car: scenic adventure
Duration from Sierpe: ~3 hours
Driving to Drake Bay offers a sense of adventure and flexibility for those who prefer to travel at their own pace. The road from Sierpe to Drake Bay is rugged but manageable if you have the right vehicle—ideally a 4x4.
However, driving to Drake Bay with a rental car is generally not recommended. The unpaved roads can be challenging, prone to flooding and mudslides, and may require crossing rivers, making the journey risky and unpredictable.
During the rainy season, driving to Drake Bay can be incredibly risky and is best left to those with plenty of time, a reliable 4x4, off-road driving experience, and excellent insurance coverage. Attempting the trip without these could quickly turn into a challenging ordeal.
If you already have a rental car and are determined to visit Drake Bay and Corcovado, here are three alternative options to consider:
Leave your car in Sierpe. The most common option is to park at Oleaje Sereno, conveniently located near the boat dock, for around $6 per day. Other parking facilities are available in Sierpe as well. While this adds to your travel costs—since your rental will sit unused for a few days—it allows you to take the boat without worrying about the rough roads ahead.
Arrange for car collection in Sierpe. Some rental companies offer a pick-up service in Sierpe for an additional fee. This lets you continue your journey by boat and public transportation, avoiding the tricky drive altogether. While convenient, it’s not the most budget-friendly option.
Reroute to Puerto Jiménez. If your primary goal is to explore Corcovado National Park, consider bypassing Drake Bay entirely. Drive to Puerto Jiménez on the eastern side of the Osa Peninsula. This town is another popular gateway to Corcovado, and unlike Drake Bay, it’s accessible by road year-round.
Each option provides a safer, more practical alternative to driving directly to Drake Bay, especially during the wet season.
Writer's Tips: Use a reliable GPS like Waze and download offline maps before setting out.
Arrival in Drake Bay
The “dock” at Drake Bay is simply the beach, and the boat doesn’t pull directly onto the sand. As you exit, be cautious—waves continue to roll in, causing the boat to shift and sway. Steady footing, good timing, and balance are essential. It’s best to take off your shoes and follow the crew’s instructions to avoid slipping.
Your arrival point is Aguajitas, the main village and beach in Drake Bay. Most travelers disembark here and either walk or take a short ride to their accommodation. If you're staying at a more secluded or luxurious lodge—or a harder-to-reach hostel—you may need to stay on the boat for an onward journey. This could involve another boat or car transfer arranged by your hotel, a taxi boat, or a long walk along unpaved roads.
We recommend confirming your arrival logistics with your accommodation in advance to avoid surprises
Drake Bay from Sierpe: final thoughts
Taking the boat from Sierpe to Drake Bay is more than just a means of transportation; it's an adventure and an introduction to the wild beauty of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Whether you’re heading to Drake Bay for hiking, diving, or simply to relax, this boat trip is an essential part of the experience.
Have questions or need help organizing your trip to Drake Bay? Feel free to reach out – we’re here to make your Costa Rican adventures unforgettable!
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