Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula, located on the Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, is a world premier rainforest destination dubbed one of the most biologically intense places on earth by National Geographic. The pristine peninsula is bound on the northwest by Drake Bay, on the west by the Pacific Ocean, and on the east by the Golfo Dulce. The Osa Peninsula offers breathtaking, untouched scenery, secluded beaches, and abundant wildlife encompassing lush primary rainforest and a complex system of freshwater and marine resources.
Things to Do
Drake Bay Situated along the western shores of the Osa Peninsula and accessible by boat or small airstrip, Drake Bay is the jumping-off point to two main attractions on the peninsula: Corcovado National Park & Caño Island Biological Reserve. Both will offer the adventurous traveler a truly authentic nature experience. Explore forest trails, waterfalls, spring-fed rivers, and tide pools, and enjoy some of the best snorkeling & scuba diving in all of Costa Rica, all while staying in a first-class jungle lodge surrounded by rainforest.
Corcovado National Park The main natural attraction of the Osa Peninsula is Corcovado National Park on the western side of the peninsula. Corcovado National Park is one of the richest and most diverse tropical areas on the planet. It covers nearly half of the entire peninsula and has the largest lowland rainforest in Central America. Corcovado has one of the largest populations of scarlet macaws in Costa Rica, second only to Carara National Park. All four species of monkeys and both sloth species live in the park. Less commonly seen species of the park include the endangered jaguar and the puma. Beginning in 2014, all visitors must have a guide in the park. Nearly all of the lodges in the region offer day tours to the park.
Cano Island Biological Reserve Twelve miles offshore of Drake Bay is Cano Island, home of Cano Island Biological Reserve. The island was once used as a cemetery in pre-Columbian times and is where many of the mysterious stone spheres of Central America are located, thought to have been carved by pre-Columbian natives by scientists. Today, Cano Island is especially popular for diving and snorkeling.
Plan Your Visit
When to visit The best time to visit depends on your interests and weather preferences.
- Dry Season (December – April) – Best for Hiking & Wildlife Viewing
- Best for outdoor activities like hiking in Corcovado National Park, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting.
- Sunny weather with little rainfall, making it ideal for exploring.
- Peak tourist season, so accommodations and tours should be booked in advance.
- Green Season (May – November) – Best for Fewer Crowds & Lush Scenery
- Lush, green landscapes with fewer tourists.
- Best for whale watching (July – November), as humpback whales migrate through the area.
- Afternoon rain showers are common but usually followed by sunshine.
- Some lodges may close in September & October due to heavy rains.
For the best combination of good weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting in May, June, or November when the rainforest is vibrant, but the rains aren’t too intense.
Where to stay Aguila de Osa Inn Aguila de Osa is the destination for adventurers from around the world, offering the most convenient access to Corcovado National Park, Caño Island Biological Marine Reserve, and a full array of adventures
Lapa Rios Lodge Lapa Rios Lodge where luxury is defined by deep connection to nature—where the rainforest is not only your backdrop, but your host. Wander through a pristine ecosystem alive with vibrant frogs, scarlet macaws, endangered monkeys, sloths and more than 300 species of birds.
Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge Private cabins combine with dramatic, Jurassic scenery and abundant wildlife at the Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in the Osa Peninsula area.