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Drake Bay Getaway Resort by Sandglass 1
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Drake Bay Getaway Hotel

Drake Bay, Costa Rica
4.5(100 reviews)
Family

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Drake Bay Getaway Hotel is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Drake Bay, Costa Rica with 5 rooms. Amenities include Beach, Diving, Fishing, Free Wi-Fi and Hiking. Travelers rate it 4.5/5 across 100 Google reviews.

Price Range
$$$
Rooms
5

Things to Know

Alcohol not included, No AC

Atmosphere

ModernBoutique

Room Upgrades

Villas

Amenities

Beach
Diving
Fishing
Free Wi-Fi
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Kids Club
Snorkeling
Family Vacation

Quick answers

Is Drake Bay Getaway Hotel adults only?
No — Drake Bay Getaway Hotel is a family-friendly resort that accepts children of all ages.
Where is Drake Bay Getaway Hotel?
Drake Bay Getaway Hotel is in Drake Bay, Costa Rica. Its address is Osa Peninsula Puntarenas Drake Bay, Costa Rica.
How many rooms does Drake Bay Getaway Hotel have?
Drake Bay Getaway Hotel has 5 rooms.
Is Drake Bay Getaway Hotel all-inclusive?
Yes — Drake Bay Getaway Hotel is an all-inclusive resort, so meals, drinks and most on-site activities are covered by the rate.

Traveler Insights(312 discussions)

Drake Bay Getaway Hotel is the kind of place that genuinely changes how people think about travel. Perched above the rainforest on Costa Rica's remote Osa Peninsula, this five-bungalow lodge sits at the edge of Corcovado National Park - a place National Geographic once called the most biologically intense place on Earth. Guests don't just visit the wildlife here, they wake up to it. Scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, and dozens of bird species appear before breakfast. The lodge has built its reputation on pairing that extraordinary natural setting with rustic-luxury bungalows that feel like a tree house designed by someone who actually cares about your comfort.

The practical experience centers on guided excursions: half-day diving and snorkeling trips out into Drake Bay, horseback rides through jungle trails, guided Corcovado hikes, and fishing charters. The kitchen earns consistent praise for quality given its remote location. The new management team is repeatedly described as exceptionally warm and well-organized, and the small guest count means service is attentive by default. The tradeoffs are real: no pool, limited Wi-Fi, and food variety restricted to the on-site restaurant. This is a place to lean into, not fight against.


Drake Bay Getaway is purpose-built for travelers who want nature immersion over resort amenities - couples, serious birders, divers, and anyone whose idea of a perfect morning is watching a tapir from a jungle balcony with coffee. It competes with properties like La Paloma Lodge and Copa De Arbol in the same area; it sits at a lower price point than those while offering a more intimate and increasingly well-run experience. Budget for charter flights in - the extra cost buys you an extra day of that extraordinary place.

Pros

  • +Five exclusive bungalows perched above the jungle give every guest panoramic Pacific Ocean views and genuine privacy that large resorts can't match
  • +Gateway location to Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth - guests routinely see tapirs, scarlet macaws, poison dart frogs, and four monkey species within walking distance
  • +Exceptional birdwatching directly from bungalow balconies - dozens of species appear at tree-canopy level throughout the day without any effort from guests
  • +Guided diving, snorkeling, and fishing trips depart right from Drake Bay with experienced local guides who know exactly where to find whale sharks and whale shark season sightings
  • +Natural ventilation through thoughtful open-air bungalow design means guests stay cool without air conditioning, waking to jungle sounds and ocean breeze
  • +Horseback riding along jungle trails and coastal paths offers a completely different perspective on the Osa Peninsula that few visitors experience
  • +Intimate atmosphere with new management praised for being welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely organized - the feel of staying with expert local hosts
  • +His-and-hers outdoor showers in bungalows are a favorite detail, and the rustic-luxury design earns consistent praise for blending into the rainforest setting

Cons

  • Only five bungalows means the property books out months in advance - last-minute bookings are nearly impossible during dry season (December through April)
  • Getting to Drake Bay requires either a small charter flight or a multi-hour bus and boat combination, which some travelers find exhausting or nerve-wracking
  • No pool on property, so non-divers and non-swimmers should be aware the main water activity requires going out on a boat
  • The remote location means dining options are limited entirely to the hotel restaurant - there is no town to walk to for variety
  • Daily housekeeping is reportedly inconsistent with new management; the damp, sandy environment requires more frequent cleaning than guests sometimes receive
  • Rainy season (May through November) can close Corcovado trails and limit outdoor activities significantly for weeks at a time
  • Cell and Wi-Fi connectivity is limited even with the free Wi-Fi offered, which is typical for this remote stretch of the Osa Peninsula
  • Some guests note that room equipment and amenities have been slightly reduced compared to earlier years, which feels out of step with the premium pricing

Common Questions

How do you actually get to Drake Bay Getaway Hotel?
There are two main options. The easier and faster route is a charter flight from San Jose or Quepos to the small Drake Bay airstrip, which takes 45-90 minutes and costs roughly $120-200 each way. The land route involves a bus to Sierpe followed by a 45-minute boat ride through the Sierpe river mangroves, which takes most of a day from San Jose but is genuinely scenic. The hotel can coordinate both options and most guests say the charter is worth every cent.
Is the diving and snorkeling good enough to base a whole trip around?
Yes, for most divers. Drake Bay sits near Isla del Cano, a protected biological reserve with exceptional visibility, healthy coral, large fish populations, and frequent whale shark and dolphin encounters. Local operators have been running these sites for decades. That said, the Osa Peninsula is not the Caribbean - visibility and conditions vary, and serious technical divers should have realistic expectations.
What's the best time of year to visit?
The dry season from December through April offers the most reliable weather and trail access in Corcovado, and humpback whale season runs roughly July through November with two distinct populations. May through November is rainy season - trails can close, boat trips can be cancelled, and some guests are stuck on property for days. Most experienced visitors recommend December through March for the best balance of wildlife and weather.
Do you need to be physically fit to enjoy Drake Bay?
It helps. The lodge sits above the bay on a hillside, and some of the best Corcovado hikes involve significant elevation and heat. The horseback riding and boat trips are accessible to most fitness levels, but guests with mobility limitations should contact the hotel directly to discuss what's realistic. The bungalows themselves involve some stair climbing.
Is this an adults-only property?
The property welcomes all ages, but the remote location, lack of a pool, and nature-focused activities make it best suited for adults and older children who are genuinely excited about wildlife. Families with young children who need structured kids' programs or pool time will find it challenging. Families with teenagers who love adventure tend to rate it among their best trips.
How does it compare to other Osa Peninsula lodges like La Paloma or Copa De Arbol?
Drake Bay Getaway sits at a lower price point than La Paloma Lodge and Copa De Arbol, both of which have more established reputations and polished operations. The newer management at Drake Bay Getaway has improved significantly, and the ocean-view bungalows are a genuine standout. Travelers choosing between them should know that La Paloma offers a pool; Drake Bay Getaway does not, but compensates with better direct Bay access for diving and fishing.

Google Rating

4.5(100 Google reviews)

Google Reviews

Sven H.
5 months ago

Had a very positive experience at the accommodation. The staff is very nice and helpful, and also was the service through the whatsapp number provided. Rooms are good, spacious, and with a beautiful view. Of course you are in the jungle so you have t...

Samira S.
10 months ago

Beautiful place with an amazing view. Be aware of that you need to hike a bit to get to your room as the road has been washed away because of rain. The food is great here, but unfortunately they do not offer speciality coffee as described on the webs...

Adria
a year ago

What a special place and experience Yens and Patrick have built. We spent our honeymoon here and could not have asked for a more beautiful, relaxing, and adventurous time. Yens was so helpful with helping us book a local flight, massage, and adventur...