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Ocean Kayaking Adventure (full-day)
Adventure lovers, take
note: a full-day of paddling will bring you into the heart
of the Golfo Dulce’s magical coastline and estuaries, as well
as mangrove exploration. Monkeys, crocodiles and other animals
live along the way on a heart-pumping trip into the jungle.
Cabo Matapalo Nature Walk and Beach Relaxation (half- and
full-day options)
Explore Costa Rica’s
most diverse rainforest. You’re almost guaranteed to see all
four species of monkeys that inhabit the country’s forests
(spider, howler, white face and squirrel), as well as scarlet
macaws, beautiful waterfalls, virgin rainforest, and idyllic
beaches.
Bird Watching in the Golfo Dulce Reserve (half day)
It’s a birdwatcher’s
paradise in Osa, and this tour will bring you into the habitats
of many different exotic birds, including several species
that can’t be seen anywhere else.
The Ultimate Corcovado National Park Tour (three days, two
nights)
You’ll hike to the Sirena
Biological Station, where you’ll spend the next two nights
(more if you decide to stay longer). Hiking is excellent,
and the amount of flora and fauna in the area is phenomenal.
Additionally, you’ll have the chance to swim in some crystalline
waters, explore waterfalls, and experience the forest as never
before.
Osa Gold Mining (half day)
Head to the old gold
mining town of Agua Buena or Dos Brazos, where you’ll enter
the epicenter of Costa Rica’s 20th century gold rush. You’ll
learn to pan for gold and see how the experts separate the
precious metal from the rock. And maybe you’ll even quit your
day job: you can keep all the gold you find.
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Swim With the Dophins (half day) Cruise
the beautiful Golfo Dulce, looking for bottle-nose and spotted
dolphins. If conditions are right, you can actually jump in
and swim with them. Exotic birds, spectacular sunsets and
tranquil waters make this an especially relaxing excursion.
Getting there
The inaccessibility
of Osa has kept the region raw and untouched, and makes getting
there even more rewarding.
By road: Drake Bay is accessible through
Palmar Norte, requiring a sturdy four-wheel-drive vehicle
(weather permitting). Consult your map and ask around for
conditions; bridges may be washed out.
By boat: The best way to get to Drake Bay
is by boat along the river Sierpe. Your lodge should take
care of the arrangements from the small river port village
of Sierpe (a short taxi or bus ride from Palmer Norte). Independent
Travelers can usually find space on one of the many small
boats delivering passengers and supplies to Drake Bay lodges.
The river mouth can be choppy, which makes for an exciting
voyage.
By bus: Several buses depart daily from San
José to Palmer Norte, golfito and Puerto Jiménez arriving
in around 6.5 hours (ask a taxi driver to drop you at the
terminal Tracopa in San José).
By plane: Nature Air and Sansa each have
daily direct flights to Drake Bay and Puerto Jiménez, taking
less than an hour. Check schedules at (www.natureair.com)
and (www.sansa.com). |
