Corcovado National Park Tours from Drake Bay

Guided day tours and overnight expeditions into Costa Rica’s most biodiverse rainforest. Departing by boat from Agujitas, Drake Bay — with permits, guide, and full logistics included.

Certified Naturalist Guide
SINAC Permits Included
Max 8 Guests

What Is a Corcovado National Park Tour?

Corcovado protects the largest primary rainforest in Central America : no roads, no crowds, no shortcuts. What you find here cannot be replicated anywhere else in Costa Rica: tapirs grazing on the beach at dawn, four species of monkeys in the same canopy, bull sharks patrolling the river mouth at Sirena Station.

Drake Divers has held permits for both ranger stations accessible from Drake Bay for over 20 years. We know the park by heart – which trails flood in May, where the peccaries move in October, and exactly when the light hits the Llorona waterfall at San Pedrillo.

Corcovado National Park:
Sirena Station

Sirena is the deepest, wildest corner of Corcovado and the one most guides dream of reaching.

We depart Drake Bay by boat at 6:00 AM, arriving at the Sirena ranger station after a scenic 90-minute ride along the Pacific coast. From there, your certified naturalist guide leads you on 4 to 5 hours of hiking through primary rainforest, riverbanks, and coastal trail.

Sirena is the only place in Costa Rica where you can realistically spot all four native monkey species, Baird’s tapirs, white-lipped peccaries, and – at the river mouth – that make biologists travel from around the world to study them.  Return to Drake Bay by 2:00 PM.

✅ Includes: Boat transfer · Park entry permit · Certified bilingual naturalist guide · Lunch
📍 Departure: 6:00 AM | Return: ~2:00 PM
💰 Price: From $110 per person

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Corcovado National Park:
San Pedrillo Station

San Pedrillo is Corcovado’s most accessible ranger station from Drake Bay:  closer, slightly less demanding, and every bit as spectacular.

The trail winds through dense primary forest to a series of cascading waterfalls, with river crossings and lookout points that reward you with views all the way to the Pacific.

Wildlife sightings here are exceptional: spider and howler monkeys move through the canopy in large groups, toucans and scarlet macaws are almost guaranteed, and the forest floor around the river carries fresh tapir and peccary prints most mornings.

A strong choice for families, first-time jungle visitors, and anyone who wants the full Corcovado experience with a slightly earlier return.

✅ Includes: Boat transfer · Park entry permit · Certified bilingual naturalist guide · Lunch
📍Departure: 6:00 AM | Return: ~1:30 PM
💰Price: $100 per person

Corcovado National Park:
2-Day Corcovado Expedition

One day in Corcovado is extraordinary. Two days is transformative. This overnight expedition gives you what no day tour can: the forest at dawn, when the animals are moving, the light is low, and the park belongs entirely to you.

Day one begins with a coastal boat transfer to Sirena Station, followed by an afternoon hike along primary jungle trails.

You stay overnight at the Sirena ranger station – basic but comfortable, with meals included – and wake before sunrise for the second day’s hike, statistically the highest-yield wildlife window of any Corcovado experience. Tapirs, pumas, white-lipped peccaries, and White-nosed Coati are all more frequently encountered in the early morning hours.

Return to Drake Bay by mid-afternoon on day two. Limited spots. Book in advance.

✅ Includes: 2 transfers · 2 park entry permits · Overnight accommodation · 3 meals · Certified bilingual naturalist guide.
📍 Departure: Day 1 at 6:00 AM | Return: Day 2 ~2:00 PM
💰 Price: $395 per person

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Corcovado National Park:
Tapir Trail Jungle Hiking Experience

Not every great encounter in the Osa happens inside the national park boundaries. The Tapir Trail takes you into the biological corridor surrounding Corcovado,  pristine secondary and primary forest where wildlife moves freely between the reserve and the coast.

This 4 to 5-hour guided hike is available in the morning or afternoon, making it one of the most flexible options in Drake Bay.

Your local naturalist guide reads the forest like a map: fresh claw marks on a strangler fig, a tree frog motionless on a heliconia leaf, the distant cough of a howler monkey settling into its mid-morning rest. No park entry fee required.

An ideal complement to a dive day, or a standalone half-day when the sea is rough.

✅ Includes: Certified bilingual naturalist guide · Water · Snacks
📍 Morning or afternoon departure | Duration: 4–5 hours .
💰 Price: $75 per person

What to Expect at Caño Island Biological Reserve

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Home to 2.5% of the World's Biodiversity

Over 500 tree species, 140 mammals, 370 bird species, and thousands of insects share 42,000 hectares of primary rainforest with no roads inside. Scientists have described Corcovado as the most biologically intense place on Earth — not as a metaphor, but as a measurable fact.

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Central America's Last Wild Refuge

Corcovado is one of the only places in the Americas where you can encounter all four monkey species, Baird’s tapir, White-nosed Coati, scarlet macaw, and jaguar in a single day. Species that have disappeared from the rest of the region are still here — because the forest never stopped.

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Accessible Only by Boat or on Foot

There are no roads into Corcovado. No bus, no car park, no crowds at the entrance. Every tour departs by speedboat from Agujitas at dawn and lands directly at the park boundary. What you find on the other side is primary rainforest exactly as it was before any human infrastructure arrived.

Wildlife You Can See on a Corcovado Tour

Corcovado has no fences, no feeding, and no schedules. What you see depends on the trail, the season, and the hour. These are the species our guides encounter most consistently.

Jaguar

The Osa Peninsula has the highest jaguar density in Costa Rica. Sirena Station is where sightings are most documented. Encounters are rare — but they happen here more than anywhere else in Central America.

Baird's Tapir

The largest land mammal in Central America and one of Corcovado’s most iconic residents. Tapirs are frequently seen near rivers and muddy trails, especially in the early morning.

All Four Monkey Species

Howler, spider, white-faced capuchin, and squirrel monkey — all four species native to Costa Rica live inside Corcovado. Seeing all four in a single day is common on the Sirena trails.

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Scarlet Macaw

Corcovado holds one of the largest scarlet macaw populations in Costa Rica. They fly in pairs, loud and low over the canopy. Impossible to miss and impossible to forget.

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White-nosed Coati

Highly social and frequently encountered. Large bands of foraging coatis are a regular sight on guided trails, making them a visitor favorite throughout Corcovado.

Poison Dart Frogs & Reptiles

Strawberry poison dart frogs, caimans, fer-de-lance snakes, and basilisk lizards. The forest floor is as alive as the canopy — your guide knows exactly where to look.

Choose Your Corcovado Experience

All tours depart by speedboat from Agujitas at dawn. The difference is where you enter the park, how deep you go, and how much time you spend inside.

⬤  Half Day · Easy
San Pedrillo Station
Coastal Rainforest · Waterfall · All Levels

The closest entry point to Drake Bay. Trails of 3 to 5 km through primary rainforest with coastal views and a waterfall. High wildlife density — monkeys, scarlet macaws, and tapir are common sightings on this route. Suitable for all fitness levels and families with children.

Duration: Half day — returns early afternoon
👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: Families, first-time visitors, moderate fitness
⬤  Full Day · Moderate
Sirena Station
Deep Jungle · River Crossings · High Wildlife

The most remote and biodiverse sector of Corcovado. Trails of 5 to 8 km through dense jungle interior with river crossings and the highest concentration of large mammals in the park. This is where jaguar sightings are most documented. Requires good physical condition.

Duration: Full day — returns 3:00–4:00 PM
👣 Best for: Active travelers, serious wildlife watchers
⬤  2 Days · Immersive
2-Day Overnight at Sirena
Overnight · Dawn & Dusk · Maximum Immersion

The deepest immersion available in Corcovado. Overnight stay at Sirena Station ranger lodge inside the park — no roads, no infrastructure, no other way in. Two full days of guided hiking with dawn and dusk wildlife activity at its peak. Available on request.

Duration: 2 days / 1 night inside the park
🦁 Best for: Nature travelers, photographers, small groups

What's Included in Your Corcovado National Park Tour

Every tour includes full logistics from Drake Bay to the park boundary and back. No hidden fees, no last-minute extras. What you see below is exactly what comes with your booking.

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Boat Transport
Round-trip speedboat from Agujitas, Drake Bay. 30 minutes to San Pedrillo, 1 hour to Sirena Station. Direct departure — not from Sierpe.
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Certified Naturalist Guide
Bilingual local guide with deep field knowledge of Corcovado's trails, wildlife patterns, and both Sirena and San Pedrillo sectors.
🎫
SINAC Park Entry Permits
All official permits for Corcovado National Park secured before your arrival. Daily access is strictly limited — no permits, no entry.
🍽️
Meals Included
Lunch at Sirena Ranger Station on day tours. Full board — lunch, dinner, breakfast, and packed lunch — on the 2-day overnight tour.
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Small Group
Maximum 8 guests per guide. Small groups move quietly through the forest — the single most important factor for wildlife sightings.

Who Is This Corcovado Tour For?

Corcovado is not a theme park. But it is more accessible than most people think. Here is who does well on each tour — and who should choose which option.

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Families with Children

San Pedrillo Station is the right choice. Shorter trails, coastal scenery, a waterfall, and high wildlife density without requiring long distances. Children from age 6 upward manage the route comfortably. Our guides adapt the pace and turn every sighting into a story.

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Active Travelers & Wildlife Enthusiasts

Sirena Station is built for you. Full-day hiking of 5 to 8 km through primary jungle, river crossings, and the highest concentration of large mammals in Costa Rica. Bring good footwear, reasonable fitness, and patience — the forest rewards both.

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Photographers & Serious Nature Travelers

The 2-day overnight at Sirena is the only way to experience Corcovado at dawn and dusk — when jaguar, tapir, and White-nosed Coati are most active. No roads, no infrastructure, no other guests. Just the forest, your guide, and two full days inside the most biodiverse place in Central America.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Corcovado National Park?

Corcovado operates year-round. There is no bad season — only different experiences. Here is what each season actually means on the ground.

Dry Season — December to April

Trails are drier and easier to hike. River levels are low, making crossings straightforward. Wildlife concentrates around water sources, which increases sighting rates for tapir and large mammals. This is the busiest period — SINAC permits fill quickly. We recommend booking 1 month in advance.

Wet Season — May to November

The forest is at its most alive. Vegetation is dense, amphibians are active, and bird activity peaks. Fewer visitors means quieter trails and more wildlife encounters. The boat crossing from Agujitas often passes through active humpback whale grounds — sightings are common from August to October. Rain falls mainly in the afternoon. Tours depart in the morning.

Both seasons have guided our guests to encounters they describe as the best moment of their trip. The right time to visit Corcovado is when you can go.

Why Book Your Corcovado Tour with Drake Divers

With over 240 verified Google reviews, Drake Divers is one of the highest-rated tour operators on the Osa Peninsula. Our naturalist guides are local — they grew up in this territory, they know Corcovado’s trails by memory, and they know where the tapirs drink at dawn. That is not something you learn from a manual.

Frequently Asked Questions About Corcovado National Park Tours

Tour prices at Drake Divers start from $100 per person for the San Pedrillo Station half-day tour, $110 for the full-day Sirena Station tour, and $395 for the 2-day overnight experience at Sirena. All prices include boat transport, SINAC park entry permits, certified naturalist guide, lunch, water, and full logistics from Agujitas. There are no hidden fees on the day of the tour.

SINAC strictly limits daily visitor permits to Corcovado National Park. During dry season — December to April — we recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance. During wet season — May to November — 5 to 7 days is usually sufficient. Drake Divers secures your permit before processing any payment. If your requested date is fully booked, we offer the nearest available alternative. Do not try to buy permits at the park entrance — they are not available there.

San Pedrillo is the closest entry point to Drake Bay — 30 minutes by boat. Trails are 3 to 5 km with coastal views and a waterfall. Suitable for all fitness levels including families with children from age 6. Sirena Station is 1 hour by boat and deeper inside the park. Trails reach 5 to 8 km through dense primary jungle with river crossings and the highest wildlife density in Corcovado. Jaguar sightings are most documented at Sirena. If your priority is maximum immersion and large mammals, Sirena is the right choice.

Common sightings on our tours include all four monkey species native to Costa Rica — howler, spider, white-faced capuchin, and squirrel — along with Baird's tapir, giant anteater, coati, scarlet macaw, toucan, and a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians including poison dart frogs and caimans. Jaguar and puma are present in both sectors. Sightings are rare but documented more consistently in Corcovado than anywhere else in Central America. Our local guides know exactly where and when to look.

San Pedrillo requires only a moderate fitness level — most guests of all ages complete the route comfortably. Sirena Station involves more distance and tropical heat, with trails of 5 to 8 km. Good walking shoes and a reasonable baseline fitness are sufficient — no technical skills or training are required. The 2-day overnight tour at Sirena includes up to 6 hours of hiking per day and is best suited to guests with regular physical activity. Our guides always adapt the pace to the group.

Yes — for guests who want maximum wildlife exposure. The overnight stay at Sirena Ranger Station puts you inside the park at dawn and dusk, when jaguar, tapir, and giant anteater are most active. Day tour guests arrive after the most productive wildlife hours. The 2-day also includes a guided night hike, a swim at the Claro River, and two full mornings of hiking. It is the only way to experience Corcovado the way researchers and serious wildlife photographers do. Available on request for individuals and small groups.

Yes. All Corcovado tours operate year-round, including during the wet season from May to November. Rain in Corcovado typically falls in the afternoon, while tours depart at dawn and return by early afternoon. The wet season brings lower visitor numbers, higher amphibian and bird activity, and frequent humpback whale sightings on the boat crossing from Agujitas.We recommend bringing your own rain poncho and dry bags. Trails can be muddier — good closed-toe footwear is essential regardless of season.

Yes. The San Pedrillo Station tour is suitable for families. Shorter trails, coastal scenery, and a waterfall make it an excellent route. Please note that children under 6 years old require a private guide to visit Corcovado National Park to ensure the best pace and safety for your family. Contact us and we will arrange a private guide for you.

Contact us!
Book Your Corcovado Tour Today

Call or message us directly. Talk to one of our local guides. We’ll help you choose the right tour, check permit availability, and get everything ready for your day in Corcovado.