If you have a question about Drake Bay, Costa Rica that is not answered here, please use our Reservation Request and Contact Form. Thank you!
Getting to Drake Bay is part of the adventure! Drake Bay can be reached by plane, bus, boat, shuttle and 4×4.
For complete information on getting to Drake Bay, CLICK HERE!
For car rental information and to get a discount, CLICK HERE!
There is no bank nor ATM in Drake Bay. The mini-supers will give you cash off your credit card, but they charge 10% for that service. Many hotels and restaurants take credit cards, but some do not, so be sure to bring enough cash with you. You will definitely need cash for tipping, and any boat rides that have not been pre-paid.
The closest ATMs are in Palmar Norte or Puerto Jimenez.
Yes! We highly recommend Adventure Inn. They are close to the airport (15 minute drive), but not so close that you are awoken by airplanes landing and departing. They have a heated pool, an in-house restaurant and gym. Get your 10% discount here! 
This depends on what you want to see, the weather you wish to experience and if you prefer less crowds.
Mid-December through early April is considered the “High” and “Dry” season. There is very little, if any rain during this time. The ocean is generally calm and clear making it a great time to see our mega pods of dolphins. The rainforest animals are always around, although many will retreat further into the forest to avoid the hot sun. There are also more people around during this time.
Mid-April through early December is the “Green” or “Rainy” season. This does not necessarily mean torrential rains all day and night. It usually means late afternoon tropical storms. Of course, there are days when it rains all day. Most tours will still go on. There are more animals and less people around in the Green Season.
Use this list as a guideline. Check individual tours for anything specific to that tour.
Valid Passport not expiring within three months of travel
Bathing suits
Shorts (fast drying clothes are best)
T-shirts
At least one pair of durable long pants
Good hiking shoes or boots
Sun hat
Light-weight rain jacket or poncho
30+ sun block (the waterproof kind is damaging to corals)
Lip balm
Sunglasses
LED headlamp
Dry Bags to keep your valuables dry
Insect repellent
Anti-itch ointment
Washcloths, toothbrush etc.
Seasickness medication
Extra cash for tips, souvenirs, emergencies
Camera with extra batteries and memory
Reading materials
Binoculars 
It is highly recommended to purchase Travel and Emergency Medical Insurance. In addition to covering emergency medical expenses, travel insurance can cover trip cancellations, changes, and other unexpected events. Travel insurance gives you an extra safety net in case of emergency.
Drake Bay Experts recommends World Nomad Travel Insurance. Get yours HERE!
For guaranteed Humpback Whales, come between mid-July through October. This is when our Southern migration is here and they are plentiful! 
The very best time for dolphins, due to clear, calm seas, is mid-January through early April. This is when we are most likely to travel offshore to see the Spinner and other mega pods of Dolphins. Having said that, we have resident mega pods of dolphins all year round and great weather most of the year. The dolphins are always around and we have great encounters with them all year long.
The driving distance between Uvita to Drake Bay is 96 miles. It takes approximately 3 hours and you will need a 4×4 even in the dry season.
If you are wanting to make a tour leaving in the morning from Drake Bay, driving from Uvita is possible, but we recommend staying the night before in Drake Bay so that you don’t have to leave so early and rush in the morning. We are happy to help you arrange your hotel in Drake Bay.
We offer rental cars at a discounted rate. Click here to rent a car!
You drive (or take the bus) to the town of Sierpe, take the community boats which leave Sierpe at 11:30 am and 3:30 pm and arrive in Drake Bay an hour later. Community boats leave from the dock at Hotel Oleaje Sereno.
You can then leave for Sierpe at 2:30 in the afternoon after the tour on the community boat. Or, even better, stay longer in Drake Bay and enjoy our immense beauty and wildlife! You will not regret it!
For more details on getting to Drake Bay, CLICK HERE!
Direct from United States
American
Copa
Delta
Jet Blue
Southwest
Spirit
United
Other airlines flying to Costa Rica
Aeromexico
Air Canada
Avianca
British Airways
Condor
Interjet
LATAM Airlines
Lufthansa
Westjet