Bahia Drake, or Drake Bay, is located north of the Osa Peninsula and is one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica to visit. This remote southwestern Costa Rican jungle and its surrounding towns present some of the best sites for wildlife viewing, adventure tourism, and swimming in the country’s best beaches. The Corcovado National Park has some of the best biodiversity in the world, and the tropical terrain provides the ideal escape from the Central American heat. For travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations in Costa Rica, booking a stay at one of Hostelgeek’s best hostels in Drake Bay is just the beginning of an unforgettable vacation.
Our favorite hostels in Drake Bay are:
- Corcovado Foundation BioHostel - best for Solo Travellers
- Greenpoint Drake Bay - best for Couples
- Casa Jade - best for Female Solo Travellers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Corcovado Foundation BioHostel
2. Greenpoint Drake Bay
3. Casa Jade
The trek to Drake Bay is only the beginning of an incredible journey that you will never forget. The beautifully preserved nature and the welcoming locals’ pura vida attitudes are only some of the multitude of reasons Drake Bay is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica. Whether you’re looking for waterfalls, kayaking lagoons, or hunting down the best beaches in the world, Drake Bay should be at the top of your Costa Rica bucket list.
And you definitely need to read our full best hostels in Costa Rica guide!
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
Don’t be confused by the fact that we use both names – Bahía Drake and Drake Bay. It’s simple – Drake Bay means Bahía Drake!
We also have guides for best Yoga retreats in Costa Rica and coolest Surf Hostels in Costa Rica.
What we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Drake Bay
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Drake Bay cost 13€ – 65€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 19€ up to 108€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
How to get to Drake Bay: Those looking to book a hostel in Drake Bay should keep in mind that getting to the more remote accommodations can be difficult and costly, so plan your trip accordingly. Remember to bring cash– there are no ATMs in Drake Bay!
By boat: The best way to get to Drake Bay is by boat, which departs from Sierpe. This is the most scenic option, so it is preferred by many travelers. The majority of company and local boats run from early in the morning to late in the afternoon. You’ll start your journey by floating atop the Sierpe River, then continuing into the Pacific Ocean, and eventually Drake Bay’s main beach. The entire ride lasts about an hour, depending on the waves. Budget between 15 and 25 USD. Wear sunscreen and arrive early during the peak season to ensure a seat on the boat.
By car: Because the average car is too small for the chaotic jungle roads, a 4×4 vehicle is required to safely drive to Drake Bay. Many roads to Drake Bay are impassable depending on your starting point, especially during the rainy season, so your best bet would be to drive to Sierpe and pay for overnight parking, which costs about 5 USD per night.
By plane: Roundtrip flights are available all year, with high season fares averaging around 200 USD. Flying is the most convenient and dependable way to get to paradise sooner rather than later. Aguijitas is only a thirty-minute drive from the Drake Bay Domestic Airport.
Because of the effort required to get there, it is recommended that you stay at least four days—if you want to leave at all! The dry season lasts from December to April, so make your reservations early. You’ll want to do as many tours as possible during your days. You’ll most likely begin your adventures at Corcovado National Park, which is recognized as one of the most biodiversity – rich places in the world. There is a myriad of marine animals such as sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles, as well as a colorful array of every jungle animal you can imagine, like pumas, monkeys, jaguars, sloths, and more. The park is only accessible by tour bus, and admission is 15 USD per person.
What to do in Drake Bay: After spending some time in the jungle, you’ll want to dive into one of the area’s many astoundingly blue waters. Cano Island, about 20 kilometers from the shore of Drake Bay, is one of Costa Rica’s best snorkeling and diving destinations. The marine life on the island is diverse, with numerous species of fish, turtles, sharks, and other underwater creatures.
When to visit Drake Bay: From July to October, you have the best chance of seeing whales, sharks, and dolphins as they migrate to Drake Bay for the breeding season. If you want to unwind, the beaches near Playa San Josecito flaunt a stunning backdrop of golden sands and glistening palm trees for a picture-perfect sunset.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels?
- Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special
The 3 Best Hostels in Drake Bay are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Drake Bay.
- Corcovado Foundation BioHostel – best for Solo Travellers
- Greenpoint Drake Bay – best for Couples
- Casa Jade – best for Female Solo Travellers
These are our favorite hostels in Drake Bay. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Corcovado Foundation BioHostel
2. Greenpoint Drake Bay
3. Casa Jade
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Corcovado Foundation BioHostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Casa Jade |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Corcovado Jungle Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Greenpoint Drake Bay |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Corcovado Foundation BioHostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Casa Jade |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Greenpoint Drake Bay |
1. Corcovado Foundation BioHostel
Corcovado Foundation BioHostel, located in the peaceful village of El Progreso, is a one-of-a-kind hostel that combines lodging, community-based tourism, and conservation. Corcovado Foundation BioHostel, embraced by the jungle, is a breath of fresh air for those concerned with sustainability, biodiversity, and ethical travel. All hostel profits are donated directly to Corcovado Foundation-funded projects that help nurture and sustain the environment and those that live within it.
There are three double twin-bed rooms with private shared bathrooms, as well as a 4-bed and a 5-bed private suite with bathrooms. One mixed 8-bed room is also available. Breakfast is included, and guests can prepare their meals in the fully equipped kitchen. Vegetarians and vegans will appreciate the restaurant and bar at this hostel, which serves meals free of animal products. After lazy days spent practicing yoga on the hostel’s yoga deck or warming up in the jacuzzi, guests congregate in the spacious indoor and outdoor common areas for meals and Imperials. Barbeques are also a fun way the hostel brings guests together.
Corcovado Foundation BioHostel, like many other hostels in Drake Bay, is rural, with only a small convenience store five minutes away for necessities. Otherwise, expect to take a taxi or walk an hour into Agujitas, the nearest town, to get your more expensive items. Fortunately, Ganado Beach is only a ten-minute drive from the hostel. Guests at Corcovado Foundation Biohosel will appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, friendly staff, and wonderful guests.
Location: Corcovado Foundation BioHostel is set in Rancho Quemado, less than 1 km from Drake Bay Airport. The property is situated 2.5 km from Drake, 24 km from Sábalo and 28 km from Potrero.
The best choice in Drake Bay for
- Solo Travellers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Greenpoint Drake Bay
Wildlife watching while enjoying a fresh Costa Rican meal and cooling off in the middle of the jungle is an activity in and of itself, which is why visitors enjoy this one-of-a-kind stay at Greenpoint Drake Bay. This hostel is well worth the effort, as it is also quite secluded. Don’t be put off by the hostel’s remoteness; the owners are constantly picking up and dropping off guests in the nearby town, and guests frequently share taxis. Enjoy breakfast with the monkeys in the mornings and be serenaded by hummingbirds in the early evenings. The nearest beach, Colorada, is only 3.5 kilometers away. It is also one of the closest hostels to the airport, which is convenient for those who need to catch a flight.
Greenpoint Drake Bay is a romantic and cozy hostel for couples avoiding tourist crowds and noisy backpackers. There are garden-view rooms available, the most popular of which are the bungalow and cottage with single and double beds that sleep a total of three, as well as the private rooms with double beds and bathrooms. Greenpoint Drake Bay is an excellent choice for guests who want to immerse themselves in the jungle without becoming too isolated.
Location: Greenpoint Drake Bay is situated in Drake, 3.4 km from Drake Bay Airport, 12 km from Rancho Quemado, 21 km from Charcos and 26 km from Sábalo.
A great choice for
- Couples
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Casa Jade
Casa Jade is one of Costa Rica’s best hostels for solo female travelers. Jade, the hostel’s local owner, takes excellent care of her guests, and you’ll leave feeling like a member of the family. This family-friendly hostel has several bungalows and private rooms, giving all of its guests privacy and a safe environment. The view from the hostel’s terrace, which overlooks the bay, is particularly appealing to visitors. Casa Jade has a very homey vibe and is always kept clean, and there are several spaces throughout the hostel for guests to chill out and socialize.
Playa Colorada is within walking distance of the hostel. If you’re looking for a little adventure, excursions can be easily booked at the front desk, with guaranteed low prices. The hostel is the definition of tranquilo, making it the ideal place to unwind after weeks of travel.
Location: Casa Jade is situated in Drake, 200 m from Colorada, 2.4 km from Cocalito Beach, 5.7 km from Drake Bay Airport and 16 km from Rancho Quemado.
This is one of the best hostels in Drake Bay for
- Female Solo Travellers
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Drake Bay for Solo Travelers?
What is seriously the best hostel in Drake Bay for solo-travelers?
The best hostel in Drake Bay for solo-travelers is Corcovado Foundation BioHostel. It is a bit far from the “main city” but they offer a free shuttle when you arrive and departs and you can rent bikes for free. If you are looking for a chill place away from everything that has a homey vibe, this is it! Also all the profits go to the Corcovado foundation which is pretty cool.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Party Hostels in Drake Bay – Corcovado Jungle Hostel
Corcovado Jungle Hostel is a Drake Bay favorite, especially for those looking to get lost in the Pacific’s lush green jungles. This remote hostel is located between Drake Bay and the Rio Claro. Unlike other hostels in Drake Bay, backpackers will find complete solace away from the crowds, where the only aim is to relax, mingle with other like-minded travelers, and take in the scenery of one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful destinations. The Corcovado Jungle Hostel is surrounded by many trails, so quick hikes and nature walks are all part of the daily itinerary. Animal lovers will enjoy their stay at this hostel, with spider monkeys, sloths, toucans, and other Costa Rican flora and fauna making appearances in the hostel’s windows.
Corcovado Jungle Hostel has gender-separated mixed dorm rooms with eight and six beds. While there are no private rooms, the hostel does have a two-bed (or bed for two) shared tent on a separate floor that is ideal for those seeking privacy and an escape from the noise. The hostel is a little out of the way, but not completely difficult to reach. When you arrive in Drake Bay, take a taxi boat to Playa Caletas or Corcovado Adventures Tent Camp Beach, and you’ll be jumping into bed in minutes. Remember to bring food; the nearest supermarket is an hour away, but luckily the hostel serves an affordable dinner every night. There’s a reason why this hostel is known as “paradise,” and you’ll wish you could stay longer from the moment you arrive!
Check prices: Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
What about the cheapest hostels in Drake Bay?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Drake Bay.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Drake Bay
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
From time to time, I receive special promo codes for booking platforms, hotels, or hostels. I will be sharing these here once received. Bookmark this page to get an update.
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
I included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
I recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Drake Bay best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
My Best Hostels in Drake Bay for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
Let us have a look at the map. Below, we list all three best Drake Bay hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
In Drake Bay we absolutely enjoyed:
- Corcovado National Park
- Caño Island Biological Reserve
- Playa San Josecito
- Finca Las Cascadas Drake Bay
- Punta Rio Claro National Wildlife Refuge
- Playa Las Caletas
- Ganado Beach
- Playa Rincon de San Josecito
- Violin Beach
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
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