Bahía Drake

Advertisement

Introducing Bahía Drake

Nestled into the western side of the Península de Osa, between the thick jungle of Parque Nacional Corcovado and the crystalline waters of Bahía Drake, this little settlement is actually composed of two tiny towns: Agujitas, spread out along the southern shore of the bay; and Drake, a few kilometers to the north.

Advertisement

The bay is named for Sir Francis Drake himself, who visited this area in March 1579, during his circumnavigation in the Golden Hind. History has it that he stopped on the nearby Isla del Caño, but locals speculate that he probably landed here as well. A monument at Punta Agujitas (on the grounds of the Drake Bay Wilderness Resort) states as much.

Agujitas is a friendly community of about 300 residents, whose ramshackle houses are clustered around a school and a clinic at the mouth of the Río Agujitas. Typically, the centre of village life is the pulpería (corner grocery store), where you’ll find a public phone and the town’s main boat dock. Drake is the site of the airstrip, and a few places to stay.

It’s not easy to visit Bahía Drake on the cheap: only few budget options exist in Agujitas. Supplies, food and just about everything else are shipped in, a logistical fact that is reflected in local prices. Furthermore, the only way to get around is by boat or by foot; so if you are counting your colones, get ready to hoof it. Fortunately, walking is not only transportation, but also recreation, as sightings of macaws, monkeys and other wildlife are practically guaranteed.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009

Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. eagle44448888 avatar
    Re: Getting from Quepos to Drake Bay

    by eagle44448888 13 September 2011

    Not sure about flights or public bus, but you can take the shuttle but (Interbus) from Quepos to Sierpe ($33 one way), which takes about…
  2. SoloHobo avatar
    RE: Most accessible/hidden gem wildlife in CR

    by SoloHobo 11 September 2011

    You can see and view all 4 species of Monkeys in Osa/Corocvado. The easiest is to base in Drake Bay, and take a boat to San Pedrillo…
  3. ludwip avatar
    RE: A Good 3-Week Spot

    by ludwip 09 September 2011

    If I had three weeks to hike I'd spend it on the Osa Peninsula. [Drake Bay|http://www.costaricabeauty.com/ViewMap.aspx?bid=1004] would…

See all Thorn Tree forum discussions for Bahía Drake

In our shop

See all shop products

Hotels & Hostels

Check out all our reviewed and recommended accommodation and book online.

Find hotels & hostels

Travel Insurance

Going to Costa Rica? Make sure you're covered.

Get a quote

See all travel services

Advertisement