Claimed by many as one of the most beautiful regions in the world, the Osa Peninsula is where the Costa Rica of legend still exists.  With eighty per cent, or 430,000 acres of the Osa Peninsula protected by Corcovado National Park and private forest reserves, the region stands as one of the last great tracks of unspoiled primary rainforest in Central America.  To this day, Corcovado, along with the majority of the peninsula remains road-less.   This, along with government and grass-root protectionism, has shielded the region from over-development.  

Population

According to the 2010 census there are 560 homes and 1,214 inhabitants in the Drake Bay area. This area encompasses 10 districts including the villages of Progreso, Agujitas, Los Planes, Los Angeles, Caletas, and Rincon, as well as the area south to Corcovado.

Communications

ICE, the Costa Rican Electric Institute, recently installed telephone land lines in Drake Bay.  There is also GSM and 3G cellular service.     

 There is a public telephone at the beachfront general store in the village of Agujitas.   Some resorts may allow guests to use their office phone, as well.

Resorts, along with most private homes, are now equipped with land lines as well as marine band radios. 

Internet

Since 2010, Wi-fi Internet connections are readily available at most area hotels. Inquire with your hotel as to their internet usage policies.

Electricity

In 2004 the village of Agujitas was connected to the electrical grid. The electric lines did stop at Jinetes de Osa Inn.  In October of 2009 the electric line was taken across the Agujitas River to provide service to homes and resorts south of the village. The line now stops at Caletas, just south of Corcovado Adventures Tent Camp.

Medical help

There is a doctor and small clinic in the village of Agujitas.  See map for location.

Central American Spider Monkey - Ateles geoffroyi

Money

US Dollars, Costa Rican Colones, and are all generally accepted in Drake Bay.  Many of the resorts do accept credit cards as well.  You should inquire with your resort beforehand if you plan on paying by credit card.  There are no banks or ATM's  in Drake Bay.

  Medical and Safety Concerns

Plants:  Some palms in Drake Bay have needle sharp spines.  Definitely look before you grab hold of any plants.

Insects:  Travelers are often surprised by the relative lack of mosquitoes in Drake Bay.  There usually is a small population boom in January, at the beginning of dry season.  While they may be more numerous  for a week or two, even then they really aren't  much of a problem.

Sand flies can be problematic  on the beach at the San Padrillo Ranger Station in Corcovado and, occasionally, at Cano Island.  Repellant may come in handy .

Snakes:  There are venomous snakes in Drake Bay.  As most vipers lead fairly reclusive lives,  you  can count yourself lucky if you see one.  The fer-de-lance is the most common pit viper on the Osa Peninsula.   A watchful eye on the trail is the best way to prevent an unpleasant encounter.

Mantled Howler - Alouatta palliata

Sun Exposure:  Sunburn is certainly the most likely  health risk you'll encounter.  Sunscreen should be applied liberally before  outings.

Ocean Safety:  While  Drake Bay does not have a reputation for rip tides, occasionally there are large waves.  At high tide  rocky outcrops can be hidden below the waters surface.  

Entertainment

Along with the resort bars, there are a couple of  rustic bars in the village.  Dances are often held on the weekends . 

 Climate

Temperatures average in the mid to upper eighties year round .  There are two seasons in Costa Rica...the dry and the rainy season.  The dry season begins in December and typically runs to April.   September and October are the rainiest months of the year.  Many of the local resorts close for the month of  October .

 Getting  Around

The dirt road that leads to Drake Bay ends  at the beach near Jinetes de Osa.  South of Jinetes, foot trails and horse trails connect private homes and resorts alike.  The coastal foot trail that leads South towards Corcovado is very scenic.  Scarlet macaws and white face monkeys, along with a wealth of other wildlife, can often be spotted along this beautiful route.