Drake Bay Coastal Trail

Tip

Start early with plenty of water and some cash: snorkel boats that stop at San Josecito around midday often take hikers back to the village for roughly $10–20.

Be careful

Hot, humid and muddy after rain: wear shoes with grip, stay on the path and turn back if Río Claro is running high.

Getting there

About two hours in you ford Río Claro: calf-deep at low tide, up to the waist at high tide or after rain. Check a tide table before you go.

Places nearby

• Claudio's Grill (Hotel Jinetes de Osa)Food & CoffeeA beachfront restaurant at Hotel Jinetes de Osa, right by the trailhead to Playa San Josecito, so hikers stop here to refuel: shrimp or chicken curry, pork ribs with passion-fruit sauce, surf and turf and octopus; casados, nachos and burgers at lunch.
• Costa Rica Adventure DiversSurf, Boats & Diving · takes 6 h · from $105PADI dive center in Drake Bay running daily scuba and snorkeling trips to Caño Island Biological Reserve.
• Aguila de Osa InnStays · takes 5 h–7 h · from $120Small hillside inn above Drake Bay focused on diving, fishing and trips to Corcovado and Caño Island.
• El Bucanero Restaurant (and Corcovado Tours)Food & Coffee · from $110Small family restaurant right on the water in Drake Bay: whole fried snapper, stuffed king crab, grilled lobster and home-style casados, with ingredients from the family's own farm and sunset tables over the bay.
• Kalaluna BistroFood & CoffeeChef-run bistro on the Drake Bay waterfront blending Italian technique with local fish and produce; one of the best-reviewed tables on the Osa Peninsula, so book ahead.
• Drake Bay DivingSurf, Boats & Diving · from $145PADI dive shop on the main street of Drake Bay running 2- and 3-tank trips to Caño Island, snorkeling, Discovery Scuba and certification courses.