Things to do in Bahía Drake
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Corcovado Expeditions
Offers competitively priced tours to Corcovado and Isla del Caño, as well as a wide variety of specialty hikes including unique excursions to look for rare tropical birds and poison-dart frogs.
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Parque Nacional Corcovado
All of the lodges offer hiking tours to Parque Nacional Corcovado, usually a full-day trip to San Pedrillo ranger station (from US$75 to US$100 per person), including boat transportation, lunch and guided hikes. Indeed, if you came all the way to the Península de Osa, it's hard to pass up a visit to the national park that made it famous.
Some travelers, however, come away from these tours disappointed. The trails around San Pedrillo station attract many groups of people, which inhibit animal sightings. Furthermore, most tours arrive at the park well after sunrise, when activity in the rain forest has already quieted down.
Considering their hefty price tag, these tours are…
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Dolphin- & Whale-Watching
As of 2006, swimming with dolphins and whales is illegal in Costa Rica. These measures are a result of an increase in tourist activity, often led by inexperienced guides who did not respect the best interests of these amazing creatures. However, dolphin- and whale-watching tours still provide opportunities to get up close and personal with these sea creatures - but only from the comfort and safety of the boat.
Bahía Drake is rife with marine life, including more than 25 species of dolphins and whales that pass through on their migrations throughout the year. This area is uniquely suited for whale-watching: humpback whales come from both the north and the south hemispheres…
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Sportfishing
Bahía Drake claims more than 40 fishing records, including sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, cubera snapper, mackerel and roosterfish. Fishing is excellent year-round, although the catch may vary according to the season. The peak season for tuna and marlin is from August to December.
Sailfish are caught year-round, but experience a slowdown in May and June. Dorado and wahoo peak between May and August. Other species are abundant year-round, so you are virtually assured to reel in something. Many lodges can arrange fishing excursions, but you need to be prepared to pay heavily - half-/full-day excursions cost around US$550/$800.
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Bajo del Diablo
While the bay is rich with dive sites, a local highlight is undoubtedly the Bajo del Diablo, an astonishing formation of submerged mountains that attracts an incredible variety of fish species, including jack, snapper, barracuda, puffer, parrotfish, moray eel and shark.
A two-tank dive runs from around US$100 to around US$150 depending on the spot, or you can do an open-water course for around US$330 to around US$400. Most of the upscale lodges in the area either have on-site dive centers or can arrange trips and courses through a neighboring lodge.
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Kayaking & Canoeing
A fantastic way to explore the region's biodiversity is to paddle through it. The idyllic Río Agujitas attracts a huge variety of birdlife and lots of scaly reptiles. The river conveniently empties out into the bay, which is surrounded by hidden coves and sandy beaches ideal for exploring in a sea kayak. Paddling at high tide is recommended because it allows you to explore more territory.
Most accommodations in the area have kayaks and canoes for rent. Another option is to arrange a guided tour through Corcovado Expeditions.
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Isla del Caño
About 20km west of Agujitas, Isla del Caño is one of Costa Rica's top spots for diving, with attractions including intricate rock and coral formations and an amazing array of underwater life, teeming with colorful reef fish and incredible coral formations. Divers report that the schools of fish swimming overhead are often so dense that they block the sunlight from filtering down.
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Punta Río Claro Wildlife Refuge
If you want to head inland, you can also explore the Punta Río Claro Wildlife Refuge, which can be accessed from the Río Claro Trail or from Playa San Josecito. When hiking without a guide, make sure that somebody knows when and where you are going. Should you get lost, try to find a river or stream, which you can follow to the ocean and then re-establish your bearings.
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Fundación Vida Marina
Under the auspices of the nonprofit Fundación Vida Marina, staff are involved in collecting data to work towards establishing a protected marine sanctuary in this area. They use an amazing 'Flying Inflatable Boat' to track and monitor dolphins, whales and commercial fishing in the area.
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Night Tour
Tracie the 'Bug Lady' and her spotting partner, Victor, have created quite a name for themselves with this fascinating nighttime walk in the jungle. Tracie is a walking encyclopedia on bug facts. Participants use night-vision scopes as an added bonus. Make reservations well in advance.
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Costa Cetacea Research Institute
The program at Drake Bay Wilderness Resort, is highly recommended. Marine biologist Shawn Larkin has an infectious enthusiasm about marine mammals. He spends his time researching and filming dolphins and whales for his educational organization, the Costa Cetacea Research Institute.
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Los Planes
Los Planes is another popular destination for horse riders, with ample opportunities for wildlife-watching along the way. Again, most of the upscale lodges in the area offer guided rides (from US$65), or can arrange trips through a neighboring lodge.
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Original Canopy Tour
At Hotel Jinetes de Osa, the Original Canopy Tour has nine platforms, six cables and one 20m-observation deck from where you can get a new perspective on the rainforest.
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Coastal Trail
The coastal trail between Agujitas and Corcovado is perfect for horse riding, especially if you relish the idea of galloping wildly across deserted beaches while the waves crash below you.
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Delfín Amor Eco Lodge
Delfín Amor Eco Lodge specializes in educational marine tours, with an excellent website detailing the species of dolphins and whales and their migratory patterns.
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Playa Las Caletas
This is one of the recommended spots for snorkeling. It is situated just in front of the Corcovado Adventures Tent Camp.
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Playa Cocalito
Playa Cocalito, a small, pretty beach near Agujitas is pleasant for swimming and sunbathing.
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Playa San Josecito
A stunningly remote beach where you can slow down and soak up the beauty of the bay.
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