Playa San Josecito Drake Bay
A secluded paradise in Drake Bay, offering pristine beaches, incredible wildlife, and a rewarding jungle hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat & see wildlife
Playa San Josecito Drake Bay
Best Time
Beat the heat & see wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded paradise in Drake Bay, offering pristine beaches, incredible wildlife, and a rewarding jungle hike.
"Most scenic hike with abundant wildlife, a true gem of Costa Rica!"
Boat or Hike?
Boat is smoother, hike is adventurous with wildlife!
Pack Snacks & Water
Limited services, so bring your own provisions.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 166 reviews
Type
Beach
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine Jungle Hike
Drake Bay to Playa San Josecito
An unforgettable trek through lush rainforests, crossing rivers and spotting abundant wildlife.
Abundant Wildlife Sightings
Along the hiking trail and beach
Keep an eye out for Scarlet Macaws, monkeys, toucans, and iguanas – a true nature lover's dream.
Crystal Clear Snorkeling
Playa San Josecito waters
The clear waters offer fantastic opportunities to see colorful fish right from the shore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Playa San Josecito
Best Time to Visit & What to Pack
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat or Hike?
Boat is smoother, hike is adventurous with wildlife!
Pack Snacks & Water
Limited services, so bring your own provisions.
How do you get to these places in the south if there are no roads?
Or are there dirt roads not recognised by google maps?
Early Start is Key
Avoid heat and maximize wildlife sightings on your hike.
Bring Snorkel Gear
Crystal clear water with abundant fish awaits!
Disappointment in Drakes Bay
Anyone else find that Drake’s Bay was just a little bit… awful? We went on a fantastic tour, in a crowded sweaty boat, where we saw all the animals in the world. Now it’s the next day. Do we spend another $250 for 2 to go see the same animals with maybe some different ones (and…
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat or Hike?
Boat is smoother, hike is adventurous with wildlife!
Pack Snacks & Water
Limited services, so bring your own provisions.
Early Start is Key
Avoid heat and maximize wildlife sightings on your hike.
Bring Snorkel Gear
Crystal clear water with abundant fish awaits!
Dry Season is Best
November to April offers ideal conditions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa San Josecito is celebrated for its pristine beauty and abundant wildlife, offering a truly immersive nature experience. While access can be challenging, the rewarding hike and clear snorkeling waters make it a must-visit. Some visitors note limited dining options and the need for preparedness.
"I hope we saw the worst face of this place. The garbage was piled up in big bags and was waiting for being taken away. The few benches are rundown, and there was waste between and around the trees. Hopefully the place will be renovated soon, because it’s a pretty beach otherwise."
György Szabó
"Beautiful beach and peaceful beach with lots of shade under the trees. You can actually go into the water and enjoy, which is a lot for a beach in CR. We were only 6 people in February but access is tricky, my recommendation is to park on the beach "rincón de san josecito" and from there walk. Once you have arrived to the first resort next to the beach after 5 minutes you can walk under the shade for nearly the whole 30 minutes walk. We had lunch on the Poor's man lodge, we were not staying there but still we asked and they let us have drinks and food for a reasonable price (it's only for guests)."
David D
"Drake bay to San Josecito (Rincon) was most scenic hike on our 3 weeks trip in Costa rica...We are family of 4 - kids 7 and 11, and kids realy enjoyed sooo much as we saw more wildlife on our way then everywhere in Costa rica - Araras, lots of monkeys, Tucans, Iguanas, butterflies, coatis... you are hikining through pristin jungle and passing many pristinne beaches - we reccomend to start early from Drake to avoid heat and enjoy many of beaches on the way - we took masks with us and snorkel on the way..Beware of river crossing - check when is low tide and stop on the turtle conservation just after - very intresting place...Once coming to Rincon on the parking near school you will get taxi phone numbers - It took as around 6 hours to complete all hike with many stops....fantastic...Osa is green paradise on earth.....PURA VIDA"
Boštjan Perko
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You have a few options: a scenic 16km hike through the jungle, a bumpy 4x4 drive, or a boat trip. The hike is highly recommended for wildlife spotting, while the boat offers a more comfortable journey.
Some travelers suggest parking at 'Rincón de San Josecito' beach and walking from there.
Yes, a 4x4 vehicle can navigate the rough roads, which can be an adventurous experience and offer wildlife viewing opportunities.
Drake Bay is typically accessed by boat from Sierpe, as there are no direct roads.
Yes, the hike involves river crossings. It's advised to check the tide times for low tide and be prepared for them.
Yes, you can arrange a boat for the return trip, often costing around $10 per person.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry tickets required for Playa San Josecito itself, as it's a natural beach. However, access might involve transportation costs (boat or 4x4).
As a natural beach, Playa San Josecito does not have set opening or closing hours. It's accessible during daylight.
While the beach itself is free, you may incur costs for transportation (boat hire, 4x4 taxi) or if you choose to dine at lodges.
Yes, it's a common stop for snorkeling expeditions to Caño Island, and some tours might include the hike or boat access.
It's advisable to book boat transport or inquire about lodge services in advance, especially during peak season.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling in the clear waters, relaxing on the beach, and hiking to and from the location.
Absolutely! The water is crystal clear, and you can see plenty of fish right from the shore.
Scarlet Macaws are frequently spotted here. The hike also offers chances to see monkeys, toucans, and iguanas.
Yes, there is ample shade provided by the trees along the beach, making it comfortable to relax.
Facilities are generally limited. It's best to come prepared and use facilities at lodges if available and permitted.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Options are limited. Some lodges, like Poor's Man Lodge, may allow visitors to have drinks and food for a reasonable price, even if not staying there.
It's highly recommended to bring your own snacks and lunch, as dining options are scarce and can be pricey.
There are no direct restaurants on the beach itself, but nearby lodges might offer services to visitors.
Expect typical Costa Rican cuisine, often fresh seafood and local ingredients, but confirm availability and pricing beforehand.
Yes, bringing your own picnic is a great way to enjoy the beach and save money. Remember to pack out all your trash.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the lush jungle scenery during the hike, vibrant Scarlet Macaws, and the clear turquoise waters perfect for underwater shots.
Early morning light offers beautiful soft lighting for jungle shots and wildlife photography. Late afternoon can also be stunning.
The entire hike offers stunning vistas. Look for clearings in the jungle and along the coastline for panoramic shots.
A wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife are ideal. Waterproof protection is also wise due to humidity and potential rain.
Yes, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit