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.
Nemo says
Hi! Just in case we miss the ferry, is there any chance to have other boat? Or is it really only 2 times a day?
Very useful article! Thanks!
Sammi says
Hi Nemo! I would think there would be private boats with locals offering their services, the ferry times are for the open ones so they’re cheaper. If you miss it, you could try to get a private one, it’ll be more expensive but I would think there would be that option but I’m not 100% positive since we used the normal ferry.
Krista says
Hi Sammi. How would you recommend finding a private boat option? Thanks!
Sammi says
From last I heard you can just go to the restaurant and ask around, and there will be locals with their boat offering private rides. I’m not sure how it is due to COVID, unfortunately I am not sure on the current situation, sorry 🙁
Richard A Logan says
There is a small car ferry on the river, often moored on the north side of the river slightly downriver from the dockside cafe. My partner used it to get our new quad across the river several years ago and I have seen that boat many times since then. A problem is that the ferry just crosses the river to a rarely maintained dirt road leading to Drake through the jungle. Many maps don’t even show that road and it is not suitable except to a serious 4-wheel drive vehicle piloted by a bold driver. For example, there could be a tree across the road—to cut or drag or drive around.
Sammi says
We know of this ferry since one of our acquaintances runs a 4×4 overlanding trip to Drake taking this ferry but they always come very equipped with winches, cables and other equipped cars due to the road conditions you mentioned. We haven’t gone yet but hopefully one day we will since we like overlanding and have the equipment.
Cara says
Can anyone confirm that the boat taxi from Sierpe to Bahia Drake runs on Christmas Eve and or Christmas Day?
Sammi says
Hi Cara, it should be running. I would ask your hotel you’re staying at in Drake just in case but they should be.
Tatjana says
Hey there,
The trip from Sierpe to Bahia Drake sounds awesome! Do you think, it is possible in late August? We heard that it might get hard to reach the Osa Peninsula during the wet season because of floatings… but we would love to get from Sierpe to Bahia Drake to visit Cocovado!
Greetings,
Tatjana
Sammi says
HI Tatjana, I think it is still doable but I would definitely check conditions. If it’s storming or raining too hard, they won’t run it for safety reasons. I would ask your hotel in Drake Bay to see what they think because we went in January, the start of summer.
Robin Taylor says
We will have a rental car and would like to turn it in before taking boat from Sierpe to Drake Bay. Where is the closest rental car facility to Sierpe?
Sammi says
Hi Robin, the closest place for car rentals is in Uvita. We have a partnership with Adobe Rent a Car and they can pick up the car from Sierpe free of charge for Mytanfeet readers. You can check rates and make a reservation here: Costa Rica car rental discount
Sanna says
Does anyone know contacts of taxi boats or prices/schedule from Drake to Sierpe? The hotel was asking 40pp which is quie a lot I think..
Sammi says
Hi Sanna, the public boat leaves at I believe 7:15 AM and 2:30 PM and it is $15 pp for the AM and $20 pp for the PM.
Marijke says
Thanks you for all the information. We look forward to our trip to Bahia Drake from Quepos.
Sammi says
You’re welcome, enjoy your trip!
Pierre-Yves says
Hello Marijke,
Could you please briefly tell me how you did to travel from Quepos to Drake Bay? At what time did you have to leave Manuel Antonio area?
Thank you very much!
Sarasai says
Hello,
Thanks for such clear and detailed info. Does the taxi boat stop at all requested hotels/hostels? i.e. jungla del jaguar is 12 km away from center, would it be problem if I book?
Sammi says
Hi, yes so when you go to buy tickets, they’ll ask you where you’re getting off. We stopped at like, 3 or 4 other places before we got off at Drake Bay.
Monika says
Hi, thank you so much for this post! I was wondering if I travel with a big luggage, will I be charged more for the boat ticket? I was thinking of going from Sierpe to Drake Bay and finding a hotel there, so I need to take all my luggage with me.
Sammi says
Hi Monika, no I don’t believe so unless you’re bringing like, 5 check ins or something then they will need to make sure they have enough space but we saw people bringing big check ins each and we brought a few carry ons and backpacks between us since we had our camera gear.
Alan Rogers says
How long is the taxi ride from Palmer Sur to the boat? The only flight available on SANSA lands at 10:20am and the boat leaves at 11:30am……will we make it?
Thanks
Sammi says
Hi Alan, you should. According to Waze it’s about a 18 minute drive so you should be able to grab a taxi right when you land and get to the Sierpe ferry in time to buy tickets.
Cindy says
This is an excellent article although I’m reading it after our trip to Drake Bay in January. We were lucky to have Casita Corcavado make the arrangements for us. Otherwise, we probably wouldn’t have gone because I couldn’t find this type of info on my own. I was certainly concerned about the thought of leaving a rental just parked for several days. Everything you included was described perfectly, with the photos and map certainly helpful in locating landmarks like Don Jorge’s restaurant. The river taxi trip in itself was beautiful and so cheap. Where else could you possibly get a boat ride like that for $15? Thanks for posting this great info. I wish I had found your blog before our trip.
Sammi says
Hi Cindy! Aw I wish you found it before too but I’m glad that Casita Corcovado made all the arrangements for you – it can be very tricky for this kind of transportation in that area since it is hard to find on the web which is why I wrote this article. Hopefully you will come back to Costa Rica one day and thank you for reading our blog!