View from above Playa San Josecito, South Drake Bay
Costa Rica boasts some of the most incredible scenery that our amazing planet has to offer. From miles of pristine shorelines to wild and untamed rain forests, this Central American country is literally a tropical paradise. As a tree frog, I'm lucky I get to see these breathtaking views from up high every day! Whether you're visiting for just a few days or settling in for a few weeks, you'll want to make some time to treat your eyes to the magnificent views that helped make Costa Rica famous.
While anywhere that you visit in Costa Rica can leave you feeling in awe, one of my favorite places to see breathtaking landscapes and colorful sunsets is on the Osa Peninsula. I’ve spent years traveling through Costa Rica, and plenty of that time has been spent exploring the incredible Osa Peninsula region. Now, I’m ready to share my secrets with you! Hopefully one day soon you get the chance to explore this area yourself! And when you do, make sure that you bring the best camera that you can get your hands on!
Corcovado National Park sunset
1. Corcovado National Park
One of my favorite places to take in the views of the Osa Peninsula is from the remote Corcovado National Park. This protected area is located in the peninsula’s southwestern region, and is home to several species of exotic animals – including my tree frog family. This location not only offer views of the Drake Bay and the Pacific Ocean that you have to see to believe, but it also gives you a chance to get up close and personal with the region’s animals. There are so many fun activities to do at Corcovado National Park, and most of them are going to end up giving you those breathtaking views.
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Take a hike on the miles of trails you can find, and you’ll be seeing the beauty of Nature first hand, and all around you. You can hike from ranger station to ranger station – five in all, all of them connected – on the trails. I recommend that you do the hike from the Los Patos ranger station to the Sirena ranger station, as it is one of the most beautiful. With views from above the tree canopy, you can stare off ahead and see the majestic waters of the Pacific Ocean, along with the landscape of the park. The reason that the views in this area are so preserved is because the country has been protecting this area from mining and logging since 1975. Today, you can visit the area and take in mangrove swamps, jolillo palm groves, and of course beaches. With over 41,000 hectares to explore, I’m certain that you’ll find your gaze fixed on something you’ve never seen before.
Beautiful beach at Drake Bay
2. Drake Bay
While I love to talk about Corcovado National Park, it is certainly not the only area in the Osa Peninsula that deserves a shout out. One of those other areas that I love to talk about is Drake Bay. This area has truly stood the test of time, and its natural beauty is undeniable. Drake Bay juts out into the Pacific Ocean, and is situated on the northern side of the Osa Peninsula. The views in this area are above and below water. Above water, you have calm waves that welcome a colorful sunset, and vegetation that provides a stunning backdrop. You have miles of beautiful beach to get lost in. You can go for hikes to see what Costa Rica is truly made of trees and nature. Below water, you have lagoons and coves to explore through scuba diving. What view can ever beat the view of seeing fish while you are swimming with them?
Drake Bay isn’t too difficult to get to, and it is definitely worth the effort to see the amazing sunsets from this area. You can get to Drake Bay by boat, via the Sierpe River. This is the most common way that visitors get to Drake Bay, and you can count on the trip taking about 2 hours. Of course, you always have to option to fly in, which would take about 40 mins. Driving is also an option, but you could have some trouble passing the roads, so you’re best off to opt for the boat for the flight.
Chestnut mandibled Toucan at Corcovado
3. Caño Island
There is certainly no shortage of beautiful place in Costa Rica, but as I list the third amazing place on Osa Peninsula, I find myself once again in awe of my home country. That’s because I’m about to talk about Caño Island, a place that lies about 20 km offshore, surrounded by the bright blues of the Pacific Ocean. This island is a marine biological reserve, and has significance in not only its archeology, but also its geography – this area was once a pre-Columbian cemetery. One of the best views to catch on Caño Island is underneath the surface of the water. While the land of Caño Island is still spectacular, and offers some great sunrises, sunsets, and general landscape, it is under the water that you truly see how great this area is. The waters are as blue as you can imagine, and the coral reefs are just the start of the marine flora and fauna that you’ll have the pleasure of viewing. This is really one of the absolute best places for you to do scuba diving in the world, and you’ll be exposed to many fish. The area is also home to whales and sharks, but it’s not likely that you’ll run into either of those during your underwater adventure!
What makes this spot so unbelievable for scuba diving is that the waters are so clear that your visibility reaches unfathomable levels. Before you know it, you’re swimming with dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, eels, and more. No matter where you stay on the Osa Peninsula, and whether you stay above or dive below water, you’re sure to enjoy some truly spectacular views that can only really be appreciated in your memory, though any photos you can take will certainly help!
Beach Sunset at Corcovado Natl. Park
