Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula is a magical jewel tucked away in the southern part of Costa Rica. Known for its iconic beaches and famous surf spots, it offers a perfect blend of lush rainforests, abundant wildlife (nature lovers will be pleased), and untouched coastlines. That means you can expect to immerse yourself in the beauty of the tropical wilderness, explore the vibrant marine life through snorkeling or diving, or catch the perfect wave against the backdrop of an unforgettable sunset. Ultimately, the fusion of adventure and tranquility makes Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula an unmissable paradise for any traveler.

Things to See and Do on the Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula is a paradise brimming with things to do. From exploring lush rainforests and surfing Osa Peninsula's thrilling waves to unwinding on the untouched shores of Osa Peninsula's beaches, it's a remote haven for all who seek adventure and natural beauty. While our experts will craft a personalized Costa Rica tour customized to your interests, here are a few of our favorite Osa Peninsula activities.

Snorkel and Dive Near Cano Island

Located just off the coast of Osa Peninsula's beaches (12 miles offshore of Drake Bay), Cano Island is a hot spot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The island's clear waters provide excellent visibility making it easy to spot the diverse marine life, including graceful sea turtles, majestic rays, and schools of tropical fish in a kaleidoscope of colors. Cano Island's protected status ensures that its underwater ecozystems remain undisturbed and thriving, creating an immersive encounter with nature's wonders. If you're looking for one of the best Osa Peninsula activities, Cano Island is an undeniable treasure that mimics the untouched beauty of the entire region.

Catch Some Waves

Costa Rica is a destination for surfers who are passionate about riding the waves. The Osa Peninsula is particularly renowned among surfing enthusiasts with Matapalo being one of the top spots. This area is highly regarded for its surf conditions with consistent waves resulting from the convergence of swells. And two of our recommended accommodations—El Remanso and Lapa Rios—are strategically located close to the hot spot. Meanwhile, Pan Dulce is another spot that offers opportunities for surfing on Osa Peninsula; it tends to be more suitable for beginner surfers due to its conditions.

Visit Corcovado National Park 

Arguably one of the main Osa Peninsula activities is visiting the Corcovado National Park, which is located on the western side. This park is renowned for being one of the most diverse areas in the world covering almost half of the peninsula and boasting Central America's largest lowland rainforest. It is home to over 350 bird species, including birds like harpy eagles and scarlet macaws, and it provides habitat for all four species of monkeys, both types of sloths, as well as rare creatures like jaguars and pumas.

It's important to note that since 2014, all visitors must have a guide in the park. But, our team will take care of all arrangements to ensure all you have to do is enjoy the majestic hike.

Try Some Adventurous Activities

If you have a passion for adventure, the lineup of Osa Peninsula activities will leave you thrilled. One of the standout attractions here is Golfo Dulce, a tranquil remote bay. It's a spot for snorkeling amidst marine life, observing majestic whales in their natural habitat, and enjoying the timeless art of fishing. Keep your eyes open for dolphins that often grace the bay's waters with their presence.

Osa Peninsula is also great for repelling down waterfalls, ziplining through the jungle, going on night walk tours (where mysterious creatures awaken in their habitats), and hiking. What's great is that some of our favorite lodges, such as El Remanso, Lapa Rios, and Playa Cativo, are all-inclusive and will organize these exciting Osa Peninsula activities for you.

Relax at Osa Peninsula’s Beaches

Osa Peninsula's beaches are truly mesmerizing. The Pacific coast boasts shores where sandy beaches seamlessly meet the jungle landscape adorned with graceful palm trees. Along the tranquil Golfo Dulce coastline, visitors can immerse themselves in activities like swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, all while being serenaded by the melodies of birds and playful monkeys. Drake Beach offers crystal waters that set the stage for thrilling water adventures, while San Josecito Beach provides a haven for swimming and breathtaking panoramic views of Corcovado National Park. A hike through the Corcovado wilderness leads to Llorona Beach, where a magnificent river awaits. In Puerto Jimenez, Platanares Beach beckons with its beauty that invites you to swim and kayak at your leisure. And let's not forget about Blanca Beach in La Palma. Its white sands and excellent facilities make it an irresistible choice for travelers.

When to Go to Osa Peninsula

When planning a trip to Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, it's essential to consider the country's general climate and two main seasons. Given it’s a tropical paradise near the equator, you can expect warm (and humid) weather for much of the year. But the best times to visit depend on your preferences for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.

Overall, the best time to visit the Osa Peninsula is between December and April, when it's Costa Rica's dry season. With much less rainfall, it's an ideal time for hiking, beach activities, and other outdoor adventures. But, if wildlife viewing is at the top of your list, we recommend planning a visit in the spring and summer (March to August) because the peninsula is teeming with unique species. Just be aware you might encounter some more rainy weather as the country’s rainy season runs from May to November.

And generally, we advise avoiding September and October, as the heavy rainfall during this period can hinder outdoor activities and make it challenging to spot the incredible fauna native to Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula.

Where is the Osa Peninsula?

The Osa Peninsula is tucked away in Costa Rica's southwestern region, making it a place of untouched wilderness, remarkable wildlife, and stunning coastal vistas. If you look at a map of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, you'll notice dense rainforests and few roads. But that remoteness might raise the question of how to get to Osa Peninsula. Don't worry; we've got you covered.

Reaching this isolated paradise isn't as complicated as it may seem. There are two airports in the region – one in Bahía Drake and the other in Puerto Jiménez – but they are only accessible once you're in Costa Rica. So, we suggest flying into San José and then connecting onward.

Where to Stay In Osa Peninsula

You've got your activities in mind, but you might be wondering where to stay in the Osa Peninsula. Luckily, this region provides the best of both worlds---the beach and the jungle---when it comes to accommodations. To make the most of this unique offering, the travel specialists at Scott Dunn will guide you toward exclusive eco-lodges and top jungle resorts for an undeniably memorable stay. While every itinerary is unique, you can check out our curated list of luxury properties below for some inspiration.