Private Air Transfer to Drake Bay
Fly Private to the Most Remote (and Epic!) Area of Costa Rica
Flying from
Travel Time by Air
40 minutes
107 miles/ 172 km
Travel Time by Ground
6 hours
180 miles / 292 km
Drake Bay Highlights
Extraordinary Biodiversity
Explore Corcovado National Park, which is teeming with opportunities to spot rare wildlife including tapirs, scarlet macaws, and all four Costa Rican monkey species.
Pristine Marine Sanctuary
Access to Caño Island Biological Reserve with world-class snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical fish, rays, sharks, and seasonal whale migrations.
Remote Wilderness Experience
Authentic eco-tourism destination with boutique jungle lodges, pristine beaches, and an off-the-grid atmosphere far from the crowds of more developed beach towns.
Drake Bay Quick Snapshots
Ideal Destinations to Combine On Your Trip
Transfer Details
| Destination | Flight Duration | Route Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arenal Volcano | 45 minutes | Great option to avoid a tiring full-day drive, and have a short flight from La Fortuna over to Central Valley range and Central Pacific coastline, descending over the spectacular Terraba marshlands to your end destination at Drake Bay |
| Nosara | 35 minutes | If you're heading to the Drake Bay area from Nosara, you’ll usually end up flying to SJO and then getting another flight to Drake Bay area. Private ground transfers make a similar route, just by land. You can save yourself a day of travel and wait times by taking a private flight straight there. |
| Manuel Antonio | 15 minutes | Quick flight over the southern coastline will give you something to remember! |
Quick Facts
Landing Type: Airstrip
Most fixed-wing aircraft land at Drake Bay Airstrip, a small regional airport serving the northern Osa Peninsula. This rustic airstrip features basic facilities including a small waiting area and restrooms. The airstrip is located approximately 15 minutes from most accommodations in the Drake Bay area. Many lodges provide their own transportation from the airstrip.
Helicopter Landing Options
Our helicopter transfers offer additional landing flexibility:
- Select Lodge Helipads: A few premium eco-lodges in the Drake Bay area have designated landing zones on their properties, allowing for direct arrival at your accommodation
- Beach Landing Zones: Helicopter landings can be arranged at specific beach areas (weather and tide permitting) closest to your accommodation
- Drake Bay Airstrip: Helicopters can land at the regional airstrip when connecting to ground or boat transportation
Recommended Arrival Times
Morning: 7 to 10 am
Optimal visibility over rainforests and coastline
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Early arrivals accommodated with breakfast and beach access until room is ready (official check-in: 3:00 PM at most lodges)
Layover Recommendations
Schedule 30 minutes for pre-flight check-in and briefing; morning flights offer the clearest weather conditions
Mid Day: 11 am to 2 pm
Perfect for early morning arrivals to SJO
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Arrive just in time for lunch and standard check-in at most properties
Layover Recommendations
Allow extra time for connection during busy period at customs.
Afternoon: 3 to 5 pm
Mid-day and early afternoon international arrivals can still comfortably get to Drake Bay
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Immediate check-in with welcome cocktail!
Layover Recommendations
Consider seasonal weather patterns; afternoon rain showers are common during rainy season
Treat Yourself with Something Special
Practical Information
What You Need to Know
✔ Bring valid passport!
✔ Children of all ages welcome
Luggage allowances are customized for each flight based on:
✔ Aircraft type
✔ Number of passengers
✔Total weight distribution
✔Flight conditions
Please contact our team for specific luggage allowances for your itinerary. Soft-sided bags are recommended for easier storage.
Accessibility Information
Our air transfers can accommodate passengers with mobility considerations with advance notice.
Is Drake Bay Worth The Visit?
A tiny village on the north side of the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay fronts the ocean with craggy rock formations and quiet beaches, with a view of Caño Island just offshore. The warm waters of the bay teem with marine life.
Surrounded by rainforest teeming with exotic wildlife, Drake Bay is one of two entry points for Corcovado National Park and adjacent Piedras Blancas. Sleepy and remote, Drake Bay is for eco-tourists and nature lovers in search of adventure and discovery.
Drake Bay is best reached by air; it takes 35 minutes from San Jose as compared to seven hours by driving.
The area can be reached by private plane or helicopter. Once you land in Drake all the hotels offer transportation to their properties, as you need a 4×4 and boats to access many of these places and it takes approximately 30 minutes to the hotels once you land in Drake.
You can also get there by boat from Palmar Sur by the mouth of the Sierpe, which makes a great tour! Finally, you can drive in by using a 4x4during the dry season, but it is challenging
Things to Do in Drake Bay
Explore Corcovado and Piedras Blancas national parks on a multi-day trek. The park is a protected area consisting of both primary and secondary rainforest.
Smaller Piedras Blancas is one of the last stands of virgin lowland rainforest in the world. Both are only accessible by hiking. Day tours are also available. All-access to the parks requires a registered, bilingual guide who knows the rainforest and its rare birds and exotic animals.
Ten miles offshore, uninhabited Caño Island’s coral reefs and ledges are made-to-order for snorkelers and scuba divers. The island is also an important archeological site; it was a burial ground and trading post for pre-Columbian indigenous peoples.
A night tour (Tracie, the “Bug Lady” is highly recommended) is an excellent way to learn more about the rainforest after dark. From sleeping birds to tent-making bats, there’s plenty to learn about the Costa Rica jungle at night.
The 2.5-mile trail to Playa San Josecito for snorkeling winds through the jungle and several secluded beaches. The last stop before arriving at the beach is Río Claro, which is crossed by rowboat or wading.
Terraba-Sierpe National Wetlands is the largest mangrove forest in Central America. The intricate river systems make a boat tour the only way to explore its unique ecosystem.
San Pedrillo- Corcovado National Park, also known as the Amazon of Costa Rica, spans over 100,000 acres of virgin and secondary rain forest. A short boat ride from most hotels in the area will land you at the northern entrance to the park. Trails begin along pristine beaches, wind through the deep rain forest, and follow riverbeds to magnificent waterfalls and swimming holes. A typical tour consists of two hikes; the two being separated by a picnic lunch.
Adventure Air can help you book your tours, lodging, private charters, and much more in this amazing destination.
Available From International Airports
Drake Bay Transfer Details
| Airport Name | Flight Duration | Route Description |
|---|---|---|
| Juan Santamaría International Airport | by Plane: 40 minutes by Helicopter: 50 minutes | Coastal flight along the Pacific shoreline with views of beaches, rainforests, and river deltas before landing at Drake Bay Airstrip. |
| Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport | by Plane: 50 minutes by Helicopter: 60 minutes + | Longer journey over Guanacaste's dry forests, central mountains, and down the Pacific coast, showcasing Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the airport in Drake Bay, Costa Rica?
The airport serving this remote region of the Osa Peninsula is Drake Bay Airport, located just a few minutes outside of town and close to the coastline.
IATA code: DRK
ICAO code: MRDKDrake Bay Airport is the primary air access point for visitors heading to Corcovado National Park, Caño Island, and the eco-lodges of northern Osa.
How far is Drake Bay Airport from major hotels and attractions?
The airport is located just 15-20 minutes by car from most hotels in Drake Bay town and 30-40 minutes from remote eco-lodges by 4×4 or boat.
If you’re staying in a lodge with river or ocean access, the lodge typically arranges a boat transfer directly from the airport area.Are there rental car offices at Drake Bay Airport?
No. Due to the remote nature of the Osa Peninsula, there are no rental car companies in Drake Bay or at the airport.
Most visitors travel by boat, shuttle, or lodge-organized transport, and rental cars are not practical in this area due to limited roads and terrain conditions.Why fly to Drake Bay instead of driving?
Reaching Drake Bay by land involves a 6- to 8-hour drive from San José or Liberia, often including river crossings or coordination with boat transport.
Flying to Drake Bay takes just 40–50 minutes, saving hours of travel time and offering breathtaking aerial views of the Pacific coast, rivers, and jungle canopy. It’s the only realistic way to access the region comfortably in a single day.How long is the flight to Drake Bay from Costa Rica’s main international airports?
- Flight from San José (SJO) to Drake Bay airport (DRK): approx. 40 minutes
- Flight from Liberia (LIR) to Drake Bay (DRK): approx. 1 hour
Flights are available daily during the high season and connect Drake Bay with many other key destinations.
Can you fly from Drake Bay to other destinations in Costa Rica?
Yes! Drake Bay is connected to Costa Rica’s domestic flight network, allowing you to fly directly to or from other popular tourist areas without returning to San José.
Popular flights from Drake Bay include:
- Flights from Drake Bay to La Fortuna (Arenal)
- Flights from Drake Bay to Quepos / Manuel Antonio
- Flights from Drake Bay to Tamarindo
- Flights from Drake Bay to Santa Teresa (Cobano or Tambor)
- Flights from Drake Bay to Nosara
- Flights from Drake Bay to Puerto Jiménez
Flying allows you to combine jungle, beach, and volcano destinations with ease—without spending full days on the road.
Is there transportation or taxis available at Drake Bay Airport?
Yes, but it works differently than at other airports:
- Hotel and lodge transfers are the most common. Most lodges in the Drake Bay area provide complimentary or pre-arranged pickups, either by 4×4 vehicle or boat, depending on your location.
- Boat transfers: Some remote eco-lodges offer panga boat pickups directly from nearby beaches or rivers—your hotel will coordinate this with your arrival flight.
- Local taxis are extremely limited and not always available. Always coordinate transport in advance through your lodge or a local provider.
Top Fly Adventure Air Destinations
Safety Is Our Number One Priority
Safety Information
Flexible Policies
Refund and Cancellation Policy
We operate under strict aviation regulations and our pilots are highly trained professionals. Our helicopters are maintained to the highest safety standards.
✔ Free cancelation: Full refund for cancellations made 48 hours in advance.
✔ 100% refund for weather-related reschedules.