Travel to the Península de Osa & Golfo Dulce

Golfo Dulce in costa rica

The Peninsula de Osa & Golfo Dulce is a section of the Pacific rain forest that is biologically intense and one of the most picturesque spots in Costa Rica. It is also Costa Rica's most remote travel destination. I hope that this long page of information is informative and will give you the inspiration to travel to this area. I have tried to provide regional travel highlights with quick referencing links to make trip planning easier.

The peninsula protects the Golfo Dulce from the Pacific Ocean and attracts marine life, such as whales and dolphins to its tranquil waters. It's a difficult to reach, but it's one of Costa Rica's top spots to see marine and wildlife.

If deciding to travel to this remote region, visitors will find many diehard surfers enjoying the budget services and long empty stretches of palm-lined beaches.

Travel highlights in the Peninsula de Osa

  • Terraba-Sierpe Wetland Reserve: Teeming with wildlife, this 22,000-hectare (54,000-acre) mangrove is an eco-visitors must-see destination.
  • Drake Bay: A good base to explore Corcovado National Park, Drake Bay offers a variety of lodges and activities like sport fishing, snorkeling, diving and even a nighttime insect tour.
  • Corcovado National Park: A rugged rain forest reserve, this park has an abundance of wildlife that is easily seen, including scarlet macaws, monkeys, snakes, crocodiles, turtles and tapirs.
  • Playa Zancudo: A laid-back beach retreat, this magnificent beach is below the estuary of the Rio Coto Colorado and is a fabulous spot to curl up in a hammock and hang out in beachwear.
  • Pavones: A surfer's paradise, visitors will find plenty of budget services, including accommodation and food, while relaxing on this beautiful beach.
  • Cocos Island National Park: Off-limits to everyone except experienced scuba divers, this is a great place to spot whale sharks, rays and hammerhead sharks.
  • Isla del Cano Biological Reserve: a marine reserve offering a fabulous boat ride and opportunities to view marine life, including turtles, dolphins and whales.
  • Mystery of spheres is a unique cultural thing found in southern Costa Rica and northern Panama.

Huedal Nacional Terraba-Sierpe

A river delta of waterways, channels and mangrove swamp, the Humedal Nacional Terraba-Sierpe is a protected wetland of nearly 33,000-hectares (81,500-acres). Composed mostly of red mangrove, the swamps attract birdlife such as herons, egrets and cormorants.

Red mangrove is the most common in Costa Rica and is recognized by its above-ground pop roots. These roots support the plant's sap system while other kinds of mangroves have vertical roots which stick out above the mud to provide access to oxygen.

The mangrove has an exceptional tolerance for salt and absorbed salinated water; it excretes the salt through leaves and roots so salt crystals are visible. The mangrove root system is so effective as a filter that the water from a cut root is drinkable.

Mangroves protect land from erosion and are refuge for fish and wildlife, especially birds.

Drake Bay

Composed of two tiny towns, Drake Bay Costa Rica is located between the jungle of Corcovado National Park and the waters of Drake Bay. The town of Agujitas sits on the southern shore of the bay and Drake is on the northern shore.

There are a number of accommodation and lodge options in Drake Bay. These offer tours to Corcovado National Park, including hiking, snorkeling, diving, wildlife viewing, insect viewing, horseback riding, sport fishing, kayaking and canoeing.

Drake Bay has 25 species of dolphins and whales that pass through during migration. As a result, this area is unique for dolphin- and- whale- watching. It is illegal to swim with dolphins and whales in Costa Rica.

In addition to the typical wildlife scene in Costa Rica, visitors can go on a nighttime bug tour.

Travel activities

  • Hiking from Agujitas along the coast for 10-km (6.25 mi) to the border of Corcovodo National Park.
  • Snorkeling & swimming at the beaches along the bay, including Playas San Josecito, Las Caletas and Cocalito.
  • Diving can be arranged to go to the nearby Isla del Cano Biological Reserve.
  • Kayaking & canoeing is recommended in this area because it's so scenic. It's best to go during high tide.
  • Horseback riding is available at few places in the bay including Cabinas El Mirador Lodge and Poor Man's Paradise.
  • Fishing in the bay is excellent year-round. Drake Bay has more than 40 fishing records and offers sierra and Spanish mackerel, roosterfish, wahoo, snapper, yellow fin tuna, sailfish, black, blue & striped marlin, sailfish and cubera. Aguila de Osa is a lodge dedicated to anglers.
  • Whale & dolphin watching in the Drake Bay is fabulous because the bay is filled with marine life. 

Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park covers 44,178-hectares (103,000-acres) of land in the Osa Pensinsula and is the last rain forest on the pacific coast of Central America. Technically known as a tropical wet forest, this forest has 13 distinct ecosystems and is home to 500 species of trees. These habitats range from mangrove swamps to rain and cloud forest. Read more about traveling to Corcovado National Park.

Isla del Cano Biological Reserve

Isla del Cano Biological Reserve is a 326-hectare (800-acre) island surrounded by 2,700 marine hectares (6,700-acres) of ocean. It is popular for snorkeling, diving and to view fish and marine mammals.

Animals of interest in Isla del Cano

  • Humpback whales during migration season.
  • Threatened animal species such as Panulirus lobster and giant conch.
  • Hammerhead sharks
  • Manta rays
  • Olive Ridley sea turtles
  • Coral-covered reef with 15 documented species of coral
  • 45 dolphin species
  • Boa constrictors
  • Giant frogs
  • Hummingbirds
  • 13 terrestrial bird species

Mystery of spheres

At the highest point on Isla del Cano, there is a pre-Columbian cemetery of the Boruca people. Two spheres covered with moss sit under the forest canopy and are believed to have been brought to Cano by canoe and rolled to the cemetery.

Thousands of spheres like this have been found in many locations in the south of Costa Rica and have even been found in northern Panama.

The origins and significance of these spheres is still a mystery but it's speculated that they were made in villages on the Osa Peninsula near Palmar Norte.

There are stone spheres of varying sizes. Some are as small as a piece of fruit, while others are over 2m (6 ft) in diameter.

These spheres act as headstones and are oriented to the east. They have a secret chamber and were covered with coral and pebbles. Many spheres found in groups have been placed to reflect the position of the stars.

It's forbidden to overnight at Isla del Cano Biological Reserve.

Puerto Jimenez

To the east of Corcovado National Park is Puerto Jimenez, a main town on the Osa Peninsula and a gateway to the park. The town has an ecotourism chamber that can recommend guides and assist visitors plan a visit to the peninsula. The town offers reasonably priced lodging and food and is accessible by car or bus.

Travel sights & activities in Puerto Jimenez

  • Playa Platanares is 5-km east of town and offers great swimming and sun bathing.
  • Mangroves of Río Plantares are great for kayaking and bird watching.
  • Herrera Gardens & Conservation Project offer 100-hectares (250-acres) of botanical gardens.
  • The canopy tours of Aventuras Bosquemar can zip travelers through this side of the peninsula.
  • Several adventure tour companies offer wildlife and bird watching tours.
  • Deep sea fishing is fabulous in this location and can be organized through Osa Sport fishing which offers multiple-day fishing vacations.

Guaymi

The Guaymi are the earliest inhabitants of southern Costa Rica and migrated from Panama. They have a reserve in the Valle de Coto Bus and on the Osa Peninsula in southern Golfo Dulce.

This indigenous group continues to preserve their traditional customs. It's relatively easy to identify some of them, as they dress in vibrant colored clothing. They still speak their native tongue.

The Guaymi reserves are not accessible, however, the growing tourism to the southern area has put a demand on this groups traditions and handicrafts. It is important to be respectful of this group and not endanger their culture. Traveling with guides and taking the time to learn about their lifestyle, traditions and folklore may help the preservation of this group.

Cabo Matapalo

Cabo Matapalo is located about 17-km (11 mi) north of Puerto Jimenez. This area has miles of pristine beaches and offers some of Costa Rica's best surfing. There is a network of trails in the foothills, which are inhabited by wildlife. There are a number of luxurious lodges and beachside rental properties and makes a terrific spot to use as a base for adventure travel.

Sights & activities in Cabo Matapalo

  • Exploring miles of trails on one's own is a realistic option in Cabo.
  • Hiking to King Louise "a magnificent 27m (90 ft) waterfall" can be accessed by trail from Playa Matapalo.
  • Kayaking on the ocean is an option as there are outfitters and kayaks for rent.
  • Surfing is one of the highlighted activities in Cabo.
  • Tree climbing or waterfall-rappelling is offered with a naturalist guide.

Golfito

Golfito is located on the eastern side of Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica and is sheltered from the open sea by islands and peninsulas. In 1938, the United Fruit Company recognized that Golfito was the perfect harbor and developed it into a major shipping port. Golfito served as a banana-exporting port until 1985. However, United Fruit decided to close down in 1985. A combination of declining markets, rising taxes and worker unrest forced the closure. A depression set in leaving the town searching for work. There are only 12,000 people living in Golfito today.

Unfortunately, the town is fading and the jungle is slowly reclaiming it. Although, there is a duty free zone on the waterfront where consumer goods are 40% of the price of goods in San Jose, there is still little sustaining the local economy.

Travel activities in Golfito

  • Sport fishing is good year-round but sailfish fishing season is from November to May. There are several outfitters and they claim that Golfo Dulce offers the best fishing in the world.

National Refuge of Fauna Silvestre Golfito

Refugio Nacional de Fauna Silvestre Golfito is a small 2,810-hectare (6,900-acre) reserve that encompasses the hills around Golfito. It was originally created to protect the watershed of Golfito and has succeeded at keeping the water clean and flowing.

This watershed has preserved several species of plants and trees:

  • Cycads which are called "living fossils" a primitive plan abundant before the time of dinosaurs.
  • Heliconias
  • Orchids
  • Tree ferns
  • Kapok tree
  • Butternut tree
  • Cow tree

Hiking in Golfito

A steep hiking trail begins in Golfito opposite the Samoa del Sur hotel and leads visitors to the radio towers.

A second hike is along the dirt road heading toward Gamba. This road begins a couple of kilometers northwest of the duty-free area and crosses through part of the refuge.

There are several trails off the road to Playa Cacao. There are waterfalls and beautiful views of the gulf from these trails. Ask locals to point out the trailhead and about trail conditions before setting out.

Piedras Blancas National Park

Established in 1992 as an extension of Corcovado National Park, Piedras Blancas National Park has 12,000-hectares (29,600-acres) of tropical primary rain forest and an additional 2,000-hectares (4,900-acres) of secondary forest, coastal beaches and pasture land. The biodiversity of Piedras Blancas is the densest in all of Costa Rica surpassing even Corcovado.

Zancudo

Zancudo is a tiny town only 15-km (9 mi) south of Golfito. Gentle, warm Pacific waters lap up onto the black sands of this lovely beach which is perfect for swimmers, sun worshippers, and surfers. On the east side of this area is a mangrove swamp with crocodiles, fish and birds.

Early in February, there is an annual Fishing & Blues festival and the town is popular with Ticos during this time.

This is a small remote village and visitors are not abundant. The water is clean and the surf is gentle.

Travel activities in Zancudo

  • Kayaking is possible and rentals are available.
  • Sport fishing is best form December to May.
  • Horseback riding is offered at Oasis on the beat which is about 7-km (4 mi) from Zancudo.
  • Surfing is good for beginners.
  • Deep sea & sports fishing is great from May to September and snook is found in the mangrove swamps of Zancudo.

Pavones

Pavones is about 15-km (9 mi) south of Zancudo and is legendary among surfers and is nearly Costa Rica's most southern point. The beaches are sand and wide and lined with palms. The coastal hills are covered with rain forest with a stunning vista.

Formerly an off-the-beaten-track travel destination, Pavones is slowly being transformed into a destination offering modern amenities, including hotels, restaurants and activities. Outside of surf season, this is still a tranquil destination and a striking number of accommodation options are available.

Activities in Pavones

  • Surfing is best between April and October and the village transforms into an international surfer mecca during these months.
  • Hiking on the local hillside at the Tiskita Jungle Lodge offering 14 trails through the rain forest where visitors will find waterfalls and fresh water pools good for swimming.
  • Visiting the Guaymi de Conte Burica Reserve which is 8-km (4.5 mi) east of Pavones is an interesting trip. Hiking and horseback riding are options.
  • Learning tai chi at the Chen Taji International.
  • Taking Ashtanga yoga or traditional shotokan karate at the shooting star studio.

Cocos Island National Park

Isla Cocos is 500-km (310 mi) southwest of Costa Rica and is composed of 52-km (32.5 mi) of mountainous terrain. In 1997, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has one of the oldest chains of volcanoes, which are mostly submarine. This chain stretches to the equator and surfaces at the Galapago Islands.

This island offers dramatic scenery with cliffs that reach more than 100m (330 ft) and waterfalls that cascade onto beaches. It is one of the best places in the world to view sharks, rays, tuna and dolphins.

It is believed that gold and silver that were stolen while being transported from Spain are hidden in these hills. Many unsuccessful expeditions to uncover this lost treasure have been attempted. The Costa Rican government has put a moratorium on the treasure hunts.

Access to this island is restricted. To learn more about it, visit Friends of Cocos Island.

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