As discussed, the Osa Peninsula is pretty remote, so getting there requires some planning in advance. Otherwise, La Leona Eco Lodge is the closest accommodation to the park. Copyright 2023 Apa Digital AG, all rights reserved. Be warned that the sheer number of people coming to Golfito to shop, especially at Christmas, means that rooms are often booked in advance. There are lots of twists and turns, not to mention bumpy roads and uneven terrain. Just 3km long by 2km wide, the uninhabited island is the exposed part of an underwater mountain. Brain corals, sea plumes, fans and other coral species shelter the threatened Panulirus lobster and the giant conch, whilethe huge schools of tropical fish attract dolphins and whales. The wildlife in Costa Rica is hard to rival and is a key attraction for the majority of travellers; forests are lush as the . These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Buses to Playa Pavones (daily 10am & 1pm) depart the bus stop in front of Golfito Hospital in the Zona Americana. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. We had a fantastic time in Costa Rica and we would like to thank you for your great organisation of our tour. Costa Rica's tropical climate and abundance of nature parks offer . Earn 60k Ultimate Rewards Bonus Points after spending $4k in 3 months! Spider monkeys are a common sighting as they move in troops through the forest canopy. In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice. Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula Costa Rica Louis-Michel Desert/Shutterstock. For this reason, its important to plan the activities you want to do ahead of time and position yourself accordingly. Ali Wunderman visits Costa Rica right after it reopened to US visitors to talk to the locals, learn the pandemic protocols and seek out a very elusive bird. The Osa Peninsula presents itself as an intricate mesh of blue and green, with tall canopy trees sailing high and flat like elaborate floral hats. Underwater youll see coral beds and a variety of marine life, including spiny lobsters and sea cucumbers, snappers, sea urchins, manta rays and the occasional barracuda. This Peninsula in Costa Rica Has 15 Miles of Beaches, Luxury - Travel Puerto Jimenez is the main town on the Osa. But, travelers will find all basic amenities including ATMs, a supermarket, a gas station, restaurants, hotels, hostels, and the small airport. 617-223-4965. While youre planning your Costa Rica getaway, make sure to browse around our other blogs. At the end of these trips, I chose a one-way flight back to San Jose. Best places to see monkeys in Costa Rica. With incredible biodiversity, amazing national parks, and secluded beach towns, its the perfect place to get away from it all. As for the wildlife, many people visitCorcovado National Park to spotmargay, ocelot, tapir, puma and other rarely seen animals. An excellent place to start hiking as an extensive network of trails begin from here, there is a ranger station in town with detailed information for trekking and camping in the park. Best Time To Visit Osa Peninsula - TripHobo For hotels, a personal favorite of mine isCabaas Bajo Bosque DrakeIts tucked away in the jungle outside town, offering a quiet atmosphere, a chance to see monkeys and birds up close, and a great view of nature! Theres a daily cap on the number of visitors (100 people 711am, another 100 11am3pm) and divers only ten are allowed in the water at a time. Osa Peninsula. The first beach on the cape,Playa Pan Dulce,is the best one for swimming and has long breaks for surfers. The three-hour tour is $50 USD which includes transportation and has a max of 6 people. Whether you access the heart of the park via a grueling day hike along one of its two main jungle trails, the coastal La Leona to Sirenaor the mountainous Sirena to Los Patos, or arrive by boat to explore the shorter trails around the Sirena and San Pedrillo ranger stations, wildlife sightings are virtually guaranteed. In fact, its been called the most biologically intense place on Earth by National Geographic. Things to Do in Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica - Osa Peninsula Attractions Things to Do in Osa Peninsula Popular things to do Kayaking Tours 4WD Tours Nature & Wildlife Areas Multi-day Tours Hiking Tours Safaris Tours & Sightseeing Top Picks Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours Walking & Biking Tours Luxury & Special Occasions Private Sightseeing Tours This birdwatching tourfrom Puerto Jimnez is a great option if youre staying in that town. Similarly,this night trekfrom Puerto Jimnez will give you the chance to spot frogs, snakes, raccoons and so much more. Aerial view over the old neighborhood in Golfito, Costa Rica Shutterstock. Alternatively, you can sign up for a guided tour with an experienced guide who will help you spot the most interesting birds in the area and teach you all about them. Here's what it's like to visit, Strong hurricanes have hit Central America - heres how you can help, Sloths poop once a week - plus 7 other facts about sloths you didn't know, Fantastic beasts and where to find them: lesser-known wildlife worth watching, Wild things: safari alternatives for nature lovers, 10 sustainable travel experiences around the world to bookmark, 7 of the best hiking trails in Costa Rica, Wildlife watching away from the crowds on Costa Ricas Osa Peninsula, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. You must visit Corcovado National Park as part of a guided tour. check availability and book Cabaas Bajo Bosque Drake here, complete guide on where to stay in Drake Bay, top places in Costa Rica for diving and snorkeling, chocolate and coffee tours you can take in Costa Rica, located around 15 minutes from Puerto Jimenez, 5 BEST Sloth Tours in La Fortuna (Sloth Watching Trails), 5 BEST Night Tours in Monteverde (Monteverde Night Walks), 7 BEST Coffee Tours in Costa Rica (Local Coffee Plantations You Should Visit! Wildlife sightings are a virtual guarantee. The tour includes round-trip transportation and lasts for approximately 3 hours. Named Sweet Gulf for a reason, the Golfo Dulce looks and feels more lake than ocean. The rewards for tackling the rough roads, hiking trails and river crossings are many. A number of local taxi drivers have 4WDs and run the route to Carate (1hr 30min), and Matapalo (30min). Its diverse terrain includes deserted beaches, wild waterfalls, dense forests, riverways and mangroves. The rains end in December but the forests remain . Rainfall can make the road into Agujitas impassable at just about any time of year (there are three river crossings). Written by Ash Merscher, updated Dec 9, 2021. This Peninsula in Costa Rica Has 15 Miles of Beaches, Luxury Resorts, and Monkeys and Iguanas Roaming Freely . Visiting here is a chance to get off the beaten path and see a part of the world that relatively few people are lucky enough to experience. Thelancha trip toDrake Bay(Baha Drake)from Sierpe gateway to the Osa Peninsula is fabulously serene. Surf some of Costa Rica's best waves. All in all, a good time to be here! These cookies do not store any personal information. Drake Bay appeals both to upmarket travelers who come to stay in the high-end jungle lodges such as Copa de Arbol and the Drake Bay Getaway Resort, and backpackers, asan increasing number of budget guesthouses and tour operators make it easy to visit Corcovado on a day trip, go diving, kayak in the mangroves or go wildlife-spotting in the rainforest. The hotels were very good and the drivers als The 20 best places to visit in Costa Rica. Note that almost everything shuts down after lunch for siesta and many businesses remain closed throughout October and November (the rainy season). While it takes a little extra planning to get here, its totally worth it once you arrive. They also each act as a gateway to Corcovado National Park, but well get more into that in due time. The only way to reach the island is on asnorkeling ordivingtour,arranged by most accommodations in Baha Drake, as well as operators such as Drake Divers. The tour starts at $54 USD per person and also includes fresh fruit to snack on which youll need after all that paddling! The Osa Peninsula is one of Costa Ricas most remote and beautiful destinations. Its situated at a point where two major ocean currents meet, resulting in abundant marine life. Not to mention, its a lot easier to access from aPuerto Jimenez hotel. The Nicoya Peninsulais THE place to go for surfing and stunning beaches. Top activities include birding tours, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and wildlife viewing. OurCosta Rica travel tipswill also help you plan your trip. In the early twentieth century, it was something of a penal colony, a place to which men were forcibly sent. Spring Break Romance Adventure Hiking Children-friendly Best Christmas + more Have more time? Cano Island is considered the premier spot to snorkel and scuba dive in Costa Rica. Thecolectivofrom Puerto Jimnez terminates at the car park at the end of the small landing strip. Trekking and spotting wildlife aside, the Osa Peninsula is also a fabulous place to sail, snorkel and dive Drake's Bay and Isla del Cao, we're looking at you. Although I was late to pick up my rental car, the car was still there waiting for me. These properties offergourmet cuisine, all manner of creature comforts as well asnatureadventures. Always check the current schedule before making plans, and make sure your boat has lifejackets on board the Golfo Dulce is usually calm, but winds can come up suddenly, causing unexpectedly high waves. It departs at 12 pm each day from the San Jose terminal, so youll need to make your way there in advance. A surfeit of natural wonder awaits, from the sweeping arc of Drake Bay (Baha Drake) in the northwest, to Corcovado National Park one of the planets most biologically rich pockets. In addition, Cabo Matapalo is a top surf spot, while the spectacularly-sited Golfito gateway to Piedras Blancas National Park is great for sport-fishing. Boats depart MonFri 6am, 8.45am, 11.30am, 2pm & 4.20pm; Sat 6am, 8.45am, 11.30am, 2pm & 4.20pm; and Sun 6am, 11.30am & 2pm. Arenal and Osa Peninsula Luxury Getaway - 8 Days. It's backed up against steep, densely forested hills to the east, with the glorious Golfo Dulce to the west. Meanwhile, the bumpy way involves driving a 4WDalong the gravel and dirt road between Rincn and Agujitas. Rio Sirena, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica Shutterstock, The best things to do in Costa Rica in 2023, Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert, Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support, The best travel tips for visiting the Osa Peninsula. Expect to see water birds, like herons, always searching for these fish as their next meal! The beachfront hotel also offers activities like kayaking and snorkeling. This isnt a quick and easy drive. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the animals you see, and help you to spot creatures you might otherwise not have noticed. Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica - A Lost Paradise You Must See The dolphins in the Golfo Dulce leap from the water playfully. Rio Sirena, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula, Costa-Rica Shutterstock. When youre ready, kayak back to Puerto Jimenezs beach area and watch the sky turn all shades of pink and orange as it sets into the horizon. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Osa Peninsula - Tripadvisor For more of our picks including budget hostels and luxury resorts, check out the full guide on where to stay in Puerto Jimnez. Lively. Note that its an achingly bumpy drive and involves the careful negotiation of at least half a dozen small (or in the rainy season, not-so-small) rivers. However, it is beautiful and definitely worth the effort. Youll be rewarded, though, with one of the most diverse underwater worlds in all of Costa Rica. To the east is the Golfo Dulce. Birding Osa Peninsula Costa Rica - A Complete Guide You can fly to Golfito with both Sansa and NatureAir. Drake Bay. Plus, if you go diving here, you can visit deeper sites which are often frequented by dolphins! 11 San Jose, Costa Rica. Where to See Costa Rica Wildlife: A Photo Post and Guide - MytanFeet Traditionally, Jimnez has catered to the budget end of the spectrum, withhotels and cabinas reasonably priced, clean and basic very different from theluxury lodges lining the road to Carate. You can pitch yourtentright outside the grocery (a charge of US$5/tent per night covers the use of toilets and showers). 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. So whats the best time to visit Costa Rica to see these animals? These guides know exactly where to go to spot creatures here, so youre sure to see animals you never would have spotted on your own including sloths and howler monkeys! No parts of this Like every website with social media buttons, commenting, affiliates, and analytics embedded, The Globetrotting Teacher uses cookies. All Corcovado guides must be accredited by the Costa Rican tourism board, so you can be sure that any tour you book will be professional and eco-friendly. Playa Sirena is located in the Osa Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It sits right by the beach of Gulfo Dulce and is close to the town center the best of both worlds! Regularlanchasdepart for Golfito (35min; 3000) from the pier on the north side of town. Hurricane Iota is the latest, and strongest, storm to ravage Central America this year and relief agencies are helping. Here are nature's great migrations. Most people who tour the Osa Peninsula prefer to stay at Drake . Cano Island coral reef, Costa Rica Shutterstock. The roads are unpaved from Rincn de Osa, where you turn off Hwy-245, and a 4WD will be essential. Snorkeling in Cao Island Reserve was one of our absolute favorite things we did in Drake Bay and for us, it was totally worth every cent! Read our disclosure policy for more info. As a result, my plane landed late and I had a 2-hour wait in line at Costa Rican Customs and Border Control. They also each act as a gateway to Corcovado National Park, but we'll get more into that in due time. Please click ok to accept and/or visit my Privacy Policy to learn more. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Months, Rainy/Dry Seasons Header image: Rio Sirena, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica Shutterstock. We learned so much more than we ever thought possible about farming, and the whole experience was super fun.
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