Getting to Drake Bay: Why Most People Should Not Drive
The short answer
Our honest advice is not to drive into Drake Bay. Most visitors park in Sierpe and take the boat down the river, and that is the route we recommend. The overland road involves river crossings with no bridges and is genuinely unsuitable for a standard rental in the rainy season.
- From SJO airport
- About 6 hours to Sierpe, then boat
- From LIR airport
- About 8 hours to Sierpe, then boat
- Vehicle
- Drive to Sierpe in any SUV, then take the boat
- Road surface
- Paved to Sierpe; the road beyond is not a normal rental route
Drake Bay sits on the Osa Peninsula, next to Corcovado, and it is one of the most remote places in Costa Rica that still has lodges. That remoteness is the point, and it is also the problem.
The practical route is to drive the paved highway south to Sierpe, leave the car in a secured lot there, and take the boat down the Sierpe river and along the coast. It takes about an hour and it is a genuinely good trip in itself, through mangroves and out past the river mouth.
The overland road from Rincon does exist, and in dry season experienced drivers in a real 4x4 do use it. It includes river crossings without bridges. We would rather tell you plainly that it is not a route for a standard rental than rent you a vehicle for it and have you find out at the water.
Worth knowing
- Book the boat and your parking in Sierpe in advance; both are arranged through the lodges.
- The boat landing at Drake is often a wet landing on the beach. Pack accordingly.
- Tell us if Drake is on your itinerary. We will plan the rest of your route around leaving the car in Sierpe.
Common questions
Can you drive to Drake Bay?
There is an overland road, but it includes river crossings with no bridges and it is not a route for a standard rental, especially in the rainy season. The usual way in is the boat from Sierpe.
Where do I leave my rental car for Drake Bay?
In a secured lot in Sierpe, which the lodges arrange along with the boat transfer.
How long is the drive from SJO to Sierpe?
About 6 hours on paved highway, and then roughly an hour by boat to Drake Bay.
Drive times are approximate and assume normal conditions. The final access road to your hotel is what usually decides whether a 4x4 is needed, and it changes with the season — ask us before you book.
Planning this drive?
Tell us your hotel and dates and we will tell you which vehicle actually fits the route. If a 4x2 is enough, we will say so.