Is it possible to reach Drake Bay by 4x4 car and how long does it take?
Yes.. now we have bridges and paved hills so driving to Drake is not a problem.. we always recommend a car that is a bit higher than a normal sedan.
Do we have to pay anything ahead?
Yes - mostly because for the tours we have to pay tickets and meals from the national park and those are non refundable to us.
Is there a bank in Drake Bay and can I pay with credit card?
There is no ATM and no bank in Drake Bay, so your last chance to withdraw cash would be Palmar Norte. We suggest bringing sufficient cash for your stay, some restaurants don’t accept cards. You can pay everything at our place with credit card, although there is a 13% Costa Rican tax on top. You can also pay cash in dollar or colones.
Is there electricity in Drake Bay?
Yes, there is, although black outs for a few hours can happen due to fallen trees on the electric lines.
What do I have to bring for my trip to Costa Rica?
Camera with extra batteries and charger, binoculars, alarm clock, electrical adapter, flashlight, headlamp, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, bug repellent, first-aid kit, short-sleeve shirts, shorts, bathing suit, water sandals, sweater, rain jacket, light long pants (to protect your legs from insects and also for night hikes!), socks and hiking boots. You may want to bring a dress for women; a button-down shirt for men. Also pack a large plastic bag to store wet clothes and a small one to protect the camera from rain.
Are there restaurants in Drake Bay?
Around the corner is a soda with local food, a pizza place and a fish restaurant. In the village are also a few more sodas, as locals call the small restaurants.
What is the normal tipping policy in Costa Rica?
In restaurants a 10% service tip is usually included. Small sodas don’t always include it- so just check your bill. Tour guides and helpers greatly appreciate a tip- is not mandatory and you will not get a lesser quality of service, but average salaries are not very high, and by adding a bit more to their income you sure are helping the families handling their life expenses.
Is there an internet café in Drake?
No, because almost every hotel offers free wifi and internet access.
Do you know if we need to book bus tickets in advance, and if so, how do we do that?
You have to go at least one day before to the Tracopa station to buy the tickets. In the high season (dec-april) the buses are normally booked up! http://tracopacr.com
How much is the bus from San José to Sierpe and how long does it take?
Regularly it’s about $10-12 and the coastal bus takes 5 hours.
How much is the taxi Palmar to Sierpe?
For the car its $16, but usually more people are going, so he charges $4 each.
How much is the boat trip from Sierpe to Drake Bay and how often is it leaving?
There are only 2 boats going every day: 11.30am and 4:00 pm boat is $20 per person. You dont need to make a reservation ahead.
We are arriving by car at Sierpe. Can we leave the car somewhere safe?
You look for La Perla Del Sur, ask for Don Jorge and he has a secured parking ($6 per day). From the same restaurant also the boats are leaving.
We are planning to do several tours. Do we need to make reservations ahead?
It is better to book the tours ahead of time.
If we take the tour to Caño Island or Corcovado, could we get a boat back to Sierpe the afternoon?
We have to coordinate the boats, but yes, you can make it for the 2.30pm boat to Sierpe.