A Budget Traveler's Guide to Drake Bay, Costa Rica
- sydneyhalajian
- Jan 23, 2024
- 8 min read
After going through the struggles of planning a trip to and from Drake Bay, Costa Rica, I wanted to make it easier for those who follow! We quickly noticed the lack of accessible information out there regarding how to get to and from Drake Bay, especially without the articles being filled by ads from tours and shuttle companies. I can assure you - I have no affiliation with any of the links I post below - it is simply what I found to work best for myself as a full-time budget traveler.
Drake Bay is a haven for many tourists to get a taste of remote travel in the Costa Rican Jungle while still having the safety net of the tasteful towns, shops, and lodging right on the beach. If done right, it can be one of the most affordable tropical getaways out there. The locals here are extremely welcoming to tourists, having helped us every step of the way from lodging to tour reservations and affordable groceries. It is located right outside the Corcovado National Park. Because of its remote location, the town is still not over-populated by tourists, finding a nice middle ground with fun optional nightlife and quiet mornings.
So here is our unbiased Costa Rica travel guide from two very low-budget - yet safe - travelers. And yes, this is extremely possible when traveling to Drake Bay; you just have to know what you're looking for. I'm going to frame these directions as if you were coming from San José, Costa Rica, as most of you will be flying into there anyways. If not, many of the connecting shuttles will go there as well.
Do get through this quickly, here are a few links to find what you're looking for:
Traveling To Drake Bay from San José
There are 4 main options to choose from when traveling south to Drake Bay.
Flying from San José airport directly to Drake Bay ($191 - $346 one way) - by far the most expensive option, but quickest if thats more important to you. Prices can vary quite a bit depending on how early you buy the ticket and the time of year, but I've never seen one go under $150.
Renting a Car or taking a Taxi to San Jose (varies greatly in price) - Not exactly suggested by many. If you do, it will also be quite expensive for it's a solid 4-5 hour drive and you need a 4x4 to get there solely by land. Some Uber's and taxi's may agree to take you, but have to stop due to rough terrain/ lack of knowledge of the area.
Taking a private/communal shuttle and then boat ($105 per person total) - This is the second cheapest option, but significantly more expensive than the first. The upside to this is they will pick you up directly from where-ever you're staying (or the airport) and you'll get to the boat on time, every single time.
Taking the Public Shuttles to Sierpe, CR and then boat ($35 per person total) - This is by far the cheapest option and what we opted to do. You will have to take a taxi or Uber to the bus station (we suggest Uber in San Jose, it's significantly cheaper at about $3 and easier).
Tip: You can not make reservations for the bus nor boat before hand online, you must do them both in person.
Step-by-Step Instructions on taking the Public Shuttles
& Boat to Drake Bay
8:30 AM Shuttle departs daily from the San Jose Tracopa Bus Station ($15)
We got to the station about 15 minutes early and got the very last two tickets, so maybe give yourself some more wiggle room. You go to the ticket booth and get your tickets beforehand, making sure to hold on to them and give them to the driver. You can put any luggage you may have underneath the bus. The bus takes about 6 hours give or take one hour. It has stops along the way and two 15-minute bathroom breaks. The bus drops you off directly at the port where the boat leaves.
4:00PM Boat Departs from Sierpe Daily ($20)
You can reserve your spots on the boat at the booth right outside Donde Jorge Bar & Restaurant. They will ask you which lodging you are staying at and how many people you have. They will call everyone up by their lodging name so make sure to stay close to hear your's being called.
You will pay the captain the $20 or 11,000 Colones once your on. The boat takes anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours, depending on the conditions that day. That being said, it's an amazing adventure in it's self, as you go through the world's largest Mangrove forest on the Sierpe River, then through the large waves of the Pacific Ocean and it's picturesque coast.
Tip: Once you get to Drake Bay you will have to walk through water to get onto the beach, there is no built dock for you to walk on. So sandals are best, or you can opt to go barefoot.
5:30PM you will get to Drake Bay
During the winter months this is right about the time it's getting dark. Some lodging will pick you up right from the beach, but if your's does not, there are many locals waiting for the boat's arrival to help with any directions you may need. There are 4x4 taxi's, as well as affordable rentals available if you don't have the energy to walk after such a long day.
Affordable Places to Stay in Drake Bay
We ended up staying at an Air BnB that was the absolute perfect set up for us - A/C, strong wifi signal, private room & bathroom, with a shared simple kitchen. It was located less than a 5-minute walk from all the stores, restaurant, and main beach. The host was absolutely wonderful and kind, booking us our boat back to Sierpe the night before.
The best part - It only cost $25 a night. Check it out Here.
If that doesn't quite fit the bill, here's a quick list of options that prove to be popular and affordable:
Cabanas Jade Mar ($50 a night for private) - This was the first location we stayed at and we can't stress enough how helpful the owner, Menar, was. The rooms were very comfortable and spacious with a large bed and private bathroom. The community kitchen was well kept, and the location was right in the town center.
Martina's Place ($45 a night for private) - We made an attempt to stay here, but unfortunately, it was completely booked. During our stay this place was brought up many times by travelers as a beloved, affordable location, with very helpful hosts who help with your tour & boat reservations. Their website seems to be good guidebook for Drake Bay itself.
Corcovado Jungle Hostel ($28 Private / $14 shared dorm) - This is a more off the beaten path option for those who want to truly experience the Costa Rican jungle. Most will be sleeping on beds inside tents in the Corcovado Jungle, with other options of staying within ocean view bungalows.
Places to Eat & Groceries
As budget travelers ourselves, we mostly opted to cook our own food from the small markets located within the town's center: Super Santa Fe & Super Drake Bay. These are located right across the street from one another, so if one location doesn't have what you're looking for, the other one definitely will.
Most of the affordable restaurants are located within this area as well, the town of Drake Bay being quite small and walkable.
Breakfast & Coffee
Most restaurants in Drake Bay offer their own breakfast in the mornings, but if you're looking for more specialized locations here are a couple:
Nature Cafe: If you're looking for a place that specializes in breakfast this seems to be the go to - although a little too high in price for our taste ($10 for avocado toast - although it did look like the best avocado toast I've ever seen). All ingredients are organic and they specialize in tasty coffee drinks.
Café Del Mar: Complete transparency, we did not get to go here since they were setting up for their grand opening the following week. That being said, it's one of the only coffee shops in Drake Bay, located right on the beach, and the local owners we spoke to we're very kind. If you do get the chance to go, please let us know how it is!
Lunch & Dinner
Delicias Bahía Drake: Although a very touristy location, prices remained affordable at about $6 -$8 per meal. Also, the staff were unbelievably friendly, one of them even becoming Zach's new best friend.
Marisqueria Roberto's: This location has a full bar with very tasty food for affordable prices. It was a peaceful stop to eat lunch and very close to the beach.
Bar Restaurante Y Pizzería el Chefcito: If you're in the mood for something a little different from the typical Costa Rican Cuisine this was a wonderful option! The pizzas they have are HUGE, you will get plenty of leftovers for the morning after (if your lodging has a fridge that is). Do not expect typical Italian pizza, it is their spin on it and wonderfully homemade.
Tip: An affordable, typical meal you can find at almost all Costa Rican restaurants is Casado. Usually, this will be one of the cheapest options on their menu, coming with your choice of protein, black beans, rice, and a salad. What more could you ask for!
Fast Food
Heladeria Popis Ice cream - I just had to include this place because Zach and I probably went here every other day to get fresh, affordable smoothies. They also serve delicious ice cream & sorbets, as well as typical fast, hot foods. This being said, they do not open until 1pm.
Getting Back to San José
To catch a ride back on the boat to Sierpe, ask your reception where you're staying to reserve it for you! It seems as though all lodging on Drake Bay does it for you to make it easy and simple for everyone involved.
7:15AM: Catch boat back to Sierpe ($20 or 11,000 Colones): All you have to do is walk back down to the main beach you were dropped off at. There will be a worker there that immediately asks what lodge you were with and they will tell you exactly where to wait for your boat. They'll take your bags first before anyone gets on, then you'll once again have to walk through the water to board. You will pay the captain once you are on.
9:00 AM: Agencia Sierpe Bus Stop to Palmar Norte ($1 or 500 Colones): This bus stop is a quick 5 minute walk from where the boat drops you off (location on google maps linked). The bus comes around every hour so if you miss the 9:00AM, no worries. Whats best about it? It's a retired school bus! So much nostalgia.
10:15 AM: Palmar Norte Tracopa Bust Stop to San Jose ($7 or 3,500 Colones): This is less than a 5 minute walk from where the school bus dropped you off. Once again, location is linked in the heading. If you miss this one, no worries, more buses come every 15 minutes.
And that's it! You'll get back to the original Tracopa Bus Terminal in San José where you originated from, and you're free to explore just about any where in Costa Rica from here.
General Tips for Travel Here
Get cash before leaving for Drake Bay - theres absolutely no ATM's anywhere. This being said almost everywhere accepted credit card - EXCEPT THE BOAT. Be sure to save at least $20 or 11,000 Colones to get back.
Bring some good water sandals & a rain jacket - it rains just about once a day here.
Don't be afraid to ask the locals questions! They are very used to tourism and went above and beyond for every question we asked.
To save money - just cook for yourself. There weren't any restaurants that we needed to go to twice and we saved a ton from cooking ourselves rice, beans, and veggies for dinner. The ingredients are better here, so you'll still get the local food effect.
Try the local fruit - do not underestimate how much sweeter they are than the ones back home.
Be patient for wildlife - it may be a few days before you spot a huge iguana, monkey, or toucan - but you will!
Expect bugs - You are in the middle of the jungle, please don't be suprised if your lodging experiences a few critters here and there.
This is awesome!! I feel like I could actually do this!!