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.
Henk-Jan says
Hi, great article as well as all other very useful information on this website!
FYI we took the early boat this morning and had to pay $20p.p. I did mention the expected $15 but n luck 😉
Not sure if the late boat prices have increased as well.
Parking also went up slightly to $6 / C 3.300 /day.
Sammi says
Thanks for the note, for sure prices have increased. I’ll update the post. Afternoon boat prices are now $25
bharat says
hello, we are arriving at SJO airport on 7/8 around 1.30pm and renting a car. I was hoping to drive to Drake Bay directly to take the whale watching tour on 7/9, but I see it is not advised to drive late. And we can reach Sierpe only around 7pm by road, so wont be able to catch the last boat at 3.30pm. Are there any other options(other than flying) to reach Drake Bay on 7/8?
Sammi says
I would definitely not drive to Drake Bay from SJO the same day you land. I recommend to stay the night somewhere halfway like Dominical or Uvita, then go to Drake the next day. Or fly if there are schedules that match up the day you land.
Christine Mitterbauer says
We’re travelling with our 1 year old baby, would you say this trip is safe and makes sense with a baby? (I would wear her in a carrier on my chest)
Sammi says
The only thing is that the ocean conditions can be pretty rough from Sierpe to Drake Bay so it’d depend on what time of year you’re going, the last time we did this boat ride, it took an extra hour because the waves were so rough so we were just waiting out in the ocean while the boat captain attempted to find a break to get through… for a 1 year old baby I would honestly say to take a flight, as it’s hard to predict how conditions will be
Vicki Nichols Goldstein says
Great article and so helpful. How do we get from Utiva to Sierpe so we can take the boat to Drake Bay? We will be traveling this March 2023.
Thanks, Vicki
Sammi says
You can take the public bus or a taxi
James says
Where in Drake Bay is the ferry terminus? Can’t seem to find it on any street map. Is there some sort of jetty or pier?
Sammi says
It is from Sierpe dock, you can type in SIerpe River Ferry on Google Maps
Matias P says
Hi! is it possible go from drake bay to sierpe on boat?
Sammi says
Yes, there is a section in this post about taking the same public boat back to Sierpe from Drake
Katy says
All this info is so helpful – thank you! One question – we’ll be leaving our rental car in the parking lot in Sierpe, but we’ll have a couple of large suitcases with us. Can these go on the boat to DB? If not, is the parking lot secure enough to leave them in the car?
Thanks!
Sammi says
You can bring your luggage on the boat to Drake Bay
Eberhard says
Hi, thanks for the variable Informations.
Actually, the boot captain charged 25 US $ from Sierpe to DRAKE bay. Intentional overcharging or new pricing police?
Sammi says
Probably is the new price as gas has gone up a lot recently and high tourism season prices may be more
Jennifer Lipp says
Hi. Thank you for the info. I’m still a little bit confused on transportation to Drake Bay. If I fly from SJO to Drake Bay airport, how do I get to the boat in Sierpe? Do I have to take a bus or taxi from Drake Bay airport to the Sierpe boat launch? If yes, how long is the drive from Drake Bay airport to Sierpe? Planning on staying at a resort that says you can’t drive there so we plan on returning rental car at SJO before heading to Drake Bay. Thank you.
Sammi says
If you fly from SJO to Drake Bay, you will land directly in Drake so you won’t take a boat from Sierpe.
Angela says
Are these departure times the most recent? I’ve seen different times listed on other sites!
Thank you!
Sammi says
Hi Angela, these times are pre-COVID so they might have changed, we plan to take this boat in the next few months so hopefully can get an updated schedule but I’ll also see if I can find a recent one if they’ve changed it.
Sammi says
There aren’t really any other beaches quite like Conchal in Costa Rica and definitely not in Drake Bay. They do have one particularly nice beach but it is not like Conchal with the shells and turquoise clear water.