Drake Bay, the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado Park
In the South Pacific region are two main developed tourist areas: Drake Bay and the Southern part of the Osa Peninsula. Both are accessible only by local flights, boat rides, ground transfers and sometimes walking.
Stretching from the highest point of the country - Mount Chirripo and the Amistad National Park on the continental divide mountainous border - to the Corcovado National Park and the Osa Peninsula, the Southern Region has the highest percentage of land devoted to national parks and forest reserves, with the greatest biodiversity of any region in the country.
A remote area with pristine forests and wonderful eco tourism opportunities, the South Pacific also offers great deep-sea fishing and diving. One of the most biologically intense places on earth, according to National Geographic, this region serves out gigantic portions of adventure and nature. The Osa Peninsula will not disappoint with its array of brightly colored exotic birds, azure waters, and emerald canopies that extend for miles.
Corcovado National Park is an undeniably beautiful place. Considered to be one of the most important natural preserves in the Americas, this virgin rain forest park invites superlatives from all who visit you will at least thirteen distinct vegetation types in close proximity, including mangroves, palm swamps, and blood weed forests which make Corcovado a botanist´s dream. Jaguars, giant anteaters, hundreds of white-lipped peccaries, tapirs, and a host of rare rain forest animals inhabit the vast reaches surrounding the crocodile-filled lagoon at the park´s center. The captivating visual beauty of its forest and coastline, together with miles of uninhabited beaches and roaring cascades, draw visitors from all over the world.
Caño Island Biological Reserve is only 10 miles from Drake´s Bay, but a world apart from the mainland. Indians once used the island as a burial ground; however, little is known about the pre-Columbian artifacts found there. Take advantage of the Reserves clear blue waters and snorkel among the coral reefs.
Caño Island has been rated by Skin Diver magazine as one of the best hot spots for adventure diving. Located off the southern tip of Costa Rica, this virgin area offers a variety of unique diving attractions, from 15-16 reefs to 80 walls. The Devils Drop, for example, is a rock pile that begins at 40 and drops to as deep as 250. Visibility is outstanding and rarely gets below 50. Here, the name of the game is sharks! Lots of white-tips ranging in size from 6-10 as well as sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, morays, and huge snapper and grouper.
Hotels range from rustic wooden bungalows to award winning lodges such as Lapa Rios Lodge. All include three meals and additional services. Restaurants and shopping areas are not available.
