Sitting in the northwest corner of the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay offers visitors a peaceful and nature filled stay for those looking to get away from all signs of modern city life.
It’s a tiny remote town and getting there is half the fun due to its remote location.
If you’re visiting Drake Bay, read our guide on taking the boat from Sierpe to Drake Bay.
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How to Get to Drake Bay
There are three main ways to get to Drake Bay: boat, plane or car. The most popular way is to take the boat from Sierpe to Drake Bay.
Below are more details on each way to get to Drake Bay.
You can read our full guide on how to get to Drake Bay here.
- Boat from Sierpe: Take a public or private boat from Sierpe to Drake Bay. This boat ride takes around 1.5 hours.
- Plane: Sansa Air flies into Drake Bay airport. In high season (December through April), there are usually around 5-7 flights a day from San Jose. One way ticket costs around $165-180 USD, 50 minutes non stop.
- Driving: A high clearance car required in dry season, a 4wd in rainy season (May through December).
Read our detailed guide to driving to Drake Bay and don’t forget our Costa Rica car rental discount.
Public Bus: There isn’t really a direct public bus to Drake Bay. The best option is to take the public bus to Sierpe, then take the boat.
From San Jose, you can take the bus to Sierpe (830 AM with Empresa Tracopa from Calle 5, Ave 18-20). It takes ~5 hours and runs everyday. This bus drops you off right at the boat dock.
Private shuttle: Book a private shuttle to drop you off in Sierpe to take the boat to Drake Bay. There are no shared shuttles to Sierpe.
If you want to book a private shuttle or arrange a car rental, please feel free to contact us with your details and we’ll be happy to help you arrange it all!
Taking the Boat from Sierpe to Drake Bay
Taking the boat from Sierpe to Drake Bay is very fun and has gorgeous views.
Some hotels include boat transportation in their tour packages, but if yours doesn’t, you’ll need to arrange it yourself.
Sierpe to Drake Bay Boat Schedule
The public boat from Sierpe to Drake Bay schedule is at 11:30 AM and 330 PM. It costs $20 USD per person and you will pay it in cash (USD or CRC) to the boat captain. Credit card not accepted.
Public boats are on a first come, first serve basis. In high season or peak season like Christmas and Easter, it is recommended to arrive around 2 hours early to buy tickets.
Where to Purchase Public Boat Tickets
The office to purchase the public (colectivo) boat tickets is at the Donde Jorge Bar, Restuarante y Embarcadero. There is a huge sign outside for Donde Jorge, you can’t miss it.
There is a ticket office inside the restaurant, go up to the window to buy tickets. If there isn’t anyone there or it’s closed, knock or go around the side and knock on the door.
They will ask you which hotel you are going to in Drake Bay. If your hotel happens to be outside Drake Bay center such as San Josecito, Rincon, Caletas or Jungla, the rate goes up to $25 – $30 USD per person per way.
Make sure to keep your boat ticket they give you.
The boat ride from Sierpe to Drake Bay is around 1 hour. Sometimes it may take around 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on conditions.
Private Boats from Sierpe to Drake Bay
I asked the Restaurante Las Vegas how much they would charge for a private boat from Sierpe to Drake Bay. They said it costs around $350 USD total up to 10 people plus luggage.
If you miss the public boat or if you’re coming in a big group, then you can inquire a private boat at the Restaurante Las Vegas. They offer private boats from 6 AM until about 4 PM at any time you need to leave.
This private boat is not for those who have a boat arranged with their resort.
For example, Aguila de Osa has their own private boat launch and private boat for hotel guests. Their boat launch is in a completely separate area from the public boat launch and is part of the packages they offer.
Drake Bay to Sierpe Boat Schedule (Public)
The public boat from Drake Bay to Sierpe is at 7 AM and 230 PM. It costs $20 USD per person and you will pay it in cash to the boat captain.
The boat will pick you up on the main beach of Drake Bay.
How to Get to Sierpe
Driving
On Google Maps and Waze, enter La Perla Del Sur or Donde Jorge Bar, Restuarante y embarcadero in Sierpe as your destination.
You do not need a 4×4 or 4wd to get to Sierpe. From San Jose International Airport, the drive to Sierpe is around 5 hours one way without stops or traffic.
We do not recommend to drive to Sierpe the day you land because there is no guarantee you will get there in time.
It is a very long drive with high possibilities of heavy traffic along the way. It is better to rest your first day and then leave the next day.
If you absolutely want to get to Drake Bay the day you land, then it is best to take a local flight from the San Jose Domestic Terminal.
Public Bus
Take the public bus from San Jose or Palmar Norte to Sierpe to catch the boat.
From San Jose, there is a bus to Sierpe (830 AM with Empresa Tracopa from Calle 5, Ave 18-20) everyday, takes around 5 hours.
Then, there are public buses from Palmar Norte to Sierpe everyday at 4:30, 7, 9:30, 11, 13:30, 14:30 and 17:00 which takes about 40 minutes.
*IMPORTANT* If you’re taking the public bus to Sierpe, it is best to take the earliest bus so you can get boat tickets and not miss the last public boat!
Private Shuttle
A private shuttle costs approximately $300 USD total from San Jose to Sierpe (~6 people plus luggage).
Renting a Car and Taking the Boat in Sierpe
If you’re planing on renting a car and driving to Sierpe yourself to take the boat to Drake Bay, here is the information on how to do it.
We also have a Costa Rica car rental discount with Adobe Rent a Car and we can help you arrange your pick up/delivery from Sierpe if required.
If Drake Bay is at the end of your itinerary and you plan to fly from Drake Bay to SJO Airport for your flight home, then you need to return your car in Sierpe as you won’t need it anymore during your time in Drake Bay
Rental car companies do not have an office or headquarters in Sierpe, however companies can pick up the car there for an extra fee.
Most car rental companies have a window for car delivery and pick up in Sierpe, usually between approximately 10 AM to 3 PMish.
Our partners Adobe Rent a Car usually collects and delivers cars in Sierpe between 9 AM – 330 PM.
Returning your rental car in Sierpe: You will meet your car rental agency at a pre-agreed upon destination. The normal meeting point is at the Restaurante Las Vegas, just a 1 minute walk from the public boat launch at La Perla del Sur.
IMPORTANT: We recommend to arrive at least 1.5 hours early to return your car and purchase boat tickets.
Check out our 1 month Costa Rica itinerary that has Drake Bay at the end!
The next scenario would be for those who visit Drake Bay at the beginning or middle of their itinerary and want to pick up their rental car in Sierpe after their time in Drake Bay
This scenario also means that you are arriving to Sierpe on your own.
Picking up your rental car in Sierpe: The normal meeting point is also at the Restaurante Las Vegas, where you will meet your car rental company’s agent to finish paperwork and collect the car.
IMPORTANT: Most car rental agencies deliver cars to Sierpe dock between 10 AM to 3 PM so the safest option is to take the 7 AM boat from Drake Bay to Sierpe. Our partner Adobe Rent a Car has operation hours in Sierpe between 9 AM to 330 PM ish so if you getting your rental car with Adobe, they are able to deliver your car for both the morning and afternoon schedule.
Extra Fee for Sierpe
Many car rental agencies charge an extra fee for car pick up and delivery to Sierpe.
Depending on where you picked up your car at the start of your reservation or are returning your car at the end of your reservation, this fee can be anywhere from $50 – $200.
If you pick up your car in Sierpe and return it to San Jose, the extra fee is around $80-90 USD with our car rental partner.
Parking
If you want to keep your rental car during your time in Drake Bay, then you will need to leave it at a parking lot in Sierpe. There are several private parking lots in Sierpe, very close to the boat launch.
There is a parking lot right across from the Las Vegas Restaurant. This one is a covered, private parking lot. They charge 4000 CRC per day ($8 USD). The owners live in the connecting building to the parking lot.
The parking lot closes at 5 PM so make sure you get there before closing time to get your car. You will pay when you pick up your car.
There are a few more parking lots near the La Perla del Sur. They are not covered parking lots though. These ones cost 3000 CRC or $6 USD per day. Learn more about handling money and local currency in this post.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to keep the parking slip they give you. Even if they’re secure parking lots, make sure you don’t have any valuables in the car. Roll up your windows and lock the doors.
The Boat Ride From Sierpe to Drake Bay
The boats are not very big (holds around 12-15 passengers) but they are covered on the top. However, they don’t wrap your luggage so make sure your belongings are nicely zipped up.
It’s unlikely your luggage will get wet but you never know, especially in the rainy season when it can start raining all of a sudden!
They have a waiting area at the restaurant for clients. While you wait, you can have a meal, get a drink, snack or just chill.
At about 15 minutes before departure time, the boat captains will start rounding people up. They’ll start calling out hotels once boats are ready to be loaded, so make sure to pay attention.
They’ll take your bags for you to load into the boat and you can keep your backpack or purse.
Once everyone is ready, you’ll begin your journey through Sierpe river and you’ll see glimpses of the mangrove on the way.
After about 40 minutes or so, it’s time to merge into the ocean. This part is a bit bumpy depending on the tide, so hold on!
The boat captains are all very familiar with this area however, so don’t worry. They know how to navigate and cross the river mouth to the ocean pretty well.
The first time we took this boat ride it was fairly smooth but the second time, oh boy! It was quite an adventure and it was exciting yet a little terrifying.
We waited for about 20 minutes while the boat captain observed the waves and finally got a break for us to zip through.
From there, it’s about 20 minutes to Drake Bay. The views of the coast are spectacular!
This is why taking the boat from Sierpe to Drake Bay is highly recommended – you don’t get to experience the thrill of boating in a river and ocean if you drive or fly.
Arriving at Drake Bay
Once you reach Drake Bay, they’ll help you unload your luggage and get you off the boat. Make sure you’re wearing sandals or flip flops and shorts or roll up your pants because it is a wet landing.
After you and your luggage make it safely to shore, you will need to look for your transportation to your hotel. I highly recommend to pre-arrange this as there aren’t many taxis in Drake Bay.
If your hotel is in walking distance, great! If it isn’t, then definitely arrange transportation with your hotel.
Drake Bay Hotel Recommendations
Tranquilo Lodge is a fantastic adult only modern luxury boutique hotel with road access.
Aguila de Osa Rainforest & Marine Adventure Lodge is just outside of Drake Bay center with their own private boat dock in Sierpe for clients. Boutique hotel with modern rustic accommodations (no air conditioning or Wifi in room).
Copa de Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort is an eco-luxury, boat access only resort with air conditioning, Wifi and ten standalone villas with beach and rainforest views. Save 5% with our promo code mytanfeet on their website Copa de Arbol
All three of the mentioned hotels above include meals in their room rate. They can also book tours for you.
Leaving Drake Bay to Sierpe
If you are taking the public boat back to Sierpe from Drake Bay, the boat will pick you up where it dropped you off when you first got there.
It is also on a first come, first serve basis so it’s best to arrive early.
The boat from Drake Bay to Sierpe is at 720 AM and 230 PM, $20 USD per person which is to be paid to the boat captain in cash.
Online Booking
We found a website that offers online bookings for the boat tickets from Sierpe to Drake Bay and surrounding areas. They can also include parking in Sierpe: https://www.drakebayboat.com/
They charge a service fee so it’s a bit more expensive than if you were to pay in person. I haven’t really found it necessary to reserve beforehand if you arrive at least 1 hour before.
If you visit during very busy times (December through Easter Week), I’d try to arrive at least 2 hours before.
If you aren’t able to, you could reserve the tickets online beforehand to secure your spots and pay a bit more.
Tips for Taking the Boat From Sierpe to Drake Bay
- If you get seasick, take anti-nausea medicine and bring ginger candies. This ride can get quite bumpy, especially in the rainy season. But the boat captains are pros – they really know how to navigate through the waves!
- PUT ON SUNSCREEN! Although the boats are covered, the sun will still hit you on one side. Half my face was in the sun for a good hour and I got the funkiest tan line.
- Don’t leave any valuables if you are parking your car. Remember to roll up the windows and lock the door. Bring your valuables with you and leave your parked car as nondescript as possible.
How to Get to Other Destinations in Costa Rica
What the Drive to La Fortuna from San Jose Is like
Getting to Playas del Coco/Gulf of Papagayo
Driving to La Fortuna from Guanacaste
Costa Rica Vacation Checklist
- First time to Costa Rica? Read our First Time in Costa Rica guide.
- Not sure how to move around Costa Rica? Read our How to Get Around Costa Rica guide to find the best transportation method for you.
- Click the link to get our detailed Costa Rica Packing List so you know what essential items to bring.
- Check our Costa Rica destinations map and Costa Rica restaurant map
- Do not forget to purchase Travel Insurance for your trip to Costa Rica.
- Stay connected by purchasing a prepaid SIM Card in Costa Rica.
- Save money with Mytanfeet Deals for tours and hotels and our Costa Rica Car Rental Discount.
Heidi says
Thank you for your blog!!! So very informational. We are traveling to Corcavado for the 1st time. We will be staying at Jaguar’s Jungle & they recommend using a dry back pack for traveling to their resort….. which I think may be very limited for a 12 day total CR trip. Is there a place in Sierpe to store luggage? I could pack for the 4 days in a smaller pack & leave everything else for after our stay.
Sammi says
I’m not aware of any luggage storage in Sierpe, only parking lots for cars. You can check if they offer laundry services, or bring only very light, dry fit clothes and then one of those portable laundry washing bags and you can wash your clothes in your room
Alex says
Hi Mytanfeet,
I’m looking into renting a car in Sierpe. I’d return the car at the airport in San José.
I was wondering what would the fee be for getting the car in Sierpe (I read on your post it’d be USD50, but not sure if that’s updated). And I was also wondering what’s Adobe’s fee for returning the car in a different location, San José in this case.
Thanks in advance.
Sammi says
Hi Alex, I see we’re already in communication but just in case, if you pick up the car in Sierpe (have Adobe deliver it to the dock) and you return the car in San Jose, there is an extra fee of $81 USD as of present.
Maria Michelle Panter says
Hello, your site is so detailed and organized – thank you! I have an outlier question for you. Would it be possible to book a Corcovado Day Tour from Sierpe then ask the guides to drop you off at your next lodging in the Jan Josecito area (rather than retirn you to Sierpe)?
Sammi says
It could be, depending on the operator. They may charge an extra fee and I’m not sure how the luggage holding situation will work, so you will need to coordinate that with your tour operator.
Travis says
How much space would you say is on the public boat for luggage? Specifically I’m looking at trying to take the public boat with a load touring bicycle. Understandable that this is contingent on how many other passengers are on the boat.
Sammi says
Hi Travis, I am not familiar with a load touring bicycle or how big it is or how it packs… but on public boats you can bring a check in luggage and carry on so when it comes to weight size, if it’s around the same size as a check in luggage, it’s OK. They normally load the luggage on dedicated boats, not on the same boats as passengers because there is so much luggage or if there aren’t that many, they can fit the back with luggage and front with passengers.
Paul says
I just wanted to thank you for such a comprehensive guide to this truly amazing journey. I have to admit this was the part of the trip I was most looking forward to but the most concerned that it would go wrong. However every detail was as you mentioned and was the best place in Costa Rica that I visited in the last 3 trips. Apart from the journey back being rough due to a thunderstorm everything was straightforward.
Thank you for all the detailed information you provide it’s really been an inspiration and made our visit to Costa Rica so memorable.
I know you mentioned places to stay but would like to make a mention of a truly special place we visited as a family and the was Sunset Tucano just outside Drakes Bay.
We had two amazing nights at the Sunset Tucano and that was certainly the highlight of our stay. Guillermo the owner was the epitome of hospitality and really was available every step of the process . After booking he reached out and provided many different tour options that he could arrange. I asked for the Corcovado National Park, Night Tour and horse riding, all of which he arranged with excellent companies for a great price and did not even take a deposit.
When we arrived Guillermo and his son were at the beach to welcome us and carry our bags, as soon as you step off the boat you know you are somewhere very special. We walked only a few yards and saw some scarlet Macaws in the trees on the path to the property. Just before we arrived at the Lodge, we saw several toucans in the trees also. Time seemed to slow down and was very peaceful.
When we arrived at the lodge the grounds were beautifully manicured with lots of fruit trees and Guillermo picked a star fruit for my children to enjoy.
I was not sure what the cabins would be like, but they certainly rivaled anywhere else we stayed and were much nicer than the luxury hotels we stayed at the cabin had storage space, a large bathroom and all newly constructed and very well maintained. We had a veranda on the front with a hammock to relax while watching all the wildlife in the grounds. We had Towel folding’s with Swans and monkeys also decorated with fresh flowers from the garden
We were then treated to lunch in a stunning deck with fresh flowers and linen on each table . The food was amazing and accompanied by freshly made juice and some coffee afterwards.
Guillermo and his family made us part of his family and were truly incredible throughout the stay and helped with any request.
Dinner was also outstanding with three course in the most amazing setting and everything had so much attention to detail.
The Trips he arranged were fantastic and he took us to the meeting points and also arranged food around the schedules to accommodate, making him and his family cook for us very early, which was so kind. After the tours we could walk the trails, swim in the ocean at the nearby beach or relax in the hammock watching the Toucans and Hawks and other birds in the tree. We also were visited by the green parrot at lunch one of the days. The mornings were incredible to be awoken by the sound of the monkeys and birds in the trees.
The Last day we did a fantastic horse ride along beaches and in the forest, we were able to have a late check out and even had lunch before catching the Boat back to Sierpe which Guillermo arranged.