Osa Peninsula: Home To Corcovado National Park Rainforest

Best Things to Do on the Osa Peninsula

Visit Drake Bay on the Pacific Ocean

Situated along the western shores of the Osa Peninsula and accessible by boat or small airstrip, Drake Bay is the jumping-off point to two main attractions on the peninsula: Corcovado National Park & Caño Island Biological Reserve. Both will offer the adventurous traveler a truly authentic nature experience. Explore forest trails, waterfalls, spring-fed rivers, and tide pools, and enjoy some of the best snorkeling & scuba diving in all of Costa Rica, all while staying in a first-class jungle lodge surrounded by rainforest.

Tour Corcovado National Park rainforest.

The main natural attraction of the Osa Peninsula is Corcovado National Park on the western side of the peninsula. Corcovado National Park is one of the richest and most diverse tropical areas on the planet. It covers nearly half of the entire peninsula and has the largest lowland rainforest in Central America. Corcovado has one of the largest populations of scarlet macaws in Costa Rica, second only to Carara National Park. All four species of monkeys and both sloth species live in the park. Less commonly seen species of the park include the endangered jaguar and the puma. Beginning in 2014, all visitors must have a guide in the park. Nearly all of the lodges in the region offer day tours to the park.

Snorkel or Dive at Cano Island Biological Reserve

Twelve miles offshore of Drake Bay is Cano Island, home of Cano Island Biological Reserve. The island was once used as a cemetery in pre-Columbian times and is where many of the mysterious stone spheres of Central America are located, thought to have been carved by pre-Columbian natives by scientists. Today, Cano Island is especially popular for diving and snorkeling.

Related Article: 9 Best Costa Rica National Parks & Reserves

Visit Puerto Jimenez & the Golfo Dulce

On the east side of the Osa Peninsula is the protected inner coast of the Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf), one of only three tropical fjords in the world. The gulf is a hidden gem in Costa Rica, ringed by secluded beaches and the wonderful biodiversity of the region. Of the many tourist attractions Costa Rica has to offer, the Golfo Dulce is the perfect destination for nature lovers, both those seeking a true adventure and those who want the peace and tranquility of an undiscovered paradise.

Go Whale & Dolphin Watching

Whale and dolphin watching on the Osa Peninsula is an unforgettable experience, offering the chance to witness these magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat. The warm, nutrient-rich waters of the Golfo Dulce and the Pacific Ocean create an ideal environment for an array of species, including bottlenose and spotted dolphins, as well as migrating humpback whales. From July to October and December to April, humpback whales travel from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres to give birth and nurse their calves, making this region one of the world’s best destinations for whale watching. Dolphins can be spotted year-round, playfully riding the waves alongside boats or leaping in synchronized displays. Whether on a guided boat tour or a private excursion, witnessing these incredible creatures up close amid the breathtaking coastal scenery of the Osa Peninsula is an awe-inspiring experience that highlights Costa Rica’s rich marine biodiversity.

Explore Piedras Blancas National Park

Piedras Blancas National Park contains 30,000 acres of primary and secondary forests. A boat ferry is available for visitors traveling to their hotel bordering Piedras Blancas across the Golfo Dulce from Puerto Jimenez, namely Playa Nicuesa Lodge or Playa Cativo Lodge, or those traveling to the town of Golfito.

Kayak or Paddleboard Mangrove Waterways

Paddling through the serene waterways of Golfo Dulce or Sierpe-Térraba Mangroves, adventurers can glide beneath towering mangrove canopies while spotting an array of wildlife, including sloths, howler monkeys, herons, crocodiles, and vibrant tropical birds. The calm waters make for an easy, peaceful ride, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the untouched rainforest.

Related Article: 7 Things to Know Before Visiting the Osa Peninsula

Best Time To Visit The Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula is one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse and remote destinations, offering incredible wildlife experiences, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. The best time to visit depends on your interests and weather preferences.

Dry Season (December – April) – Best for Hiking & Wildlife Viewing

✅ Best for outdoor activities like hiking in Corcovado National Park, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting.
✅ Sunny weather with little rainfall, making it ideal for exploring.
✅ Peak tourist season, so accommodations and tours should be booked in advance.

Green Season (May – November) – Best for Fewer Crowds & Lush Scenery

✅ Lush, green landscapes with fewer tourists.
✅ Best for whale watching (July – November), as humpback whales migrate through the area.
✅ Afternoon rain showers are common but usually followed by sunshine.
✅ Some lodges may close in September & October due to heavy rains.

For the best combination of good weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting in May, June, or November when the rainforest is vibrant, but the rains aren’t too intense.