Osa & the far south · Costa Rica
Surfing Drake's Bay
A reef break in Osa & the far south, Costa Rica, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size2-8 ft
- Best monthsMay-Nov
- Crowd1/5
The wave
Drake Bay is on the edge of Corcovado National Park, reached by boat from Sierpe or by a rough jungle road. There are several breaks around the bay, including an offshore reef, all of which need a good south-west swell and some local knowledge.
The lodges are expensive and the logistics take planning. Most people come for the rainforest and the wildlife, and the surf is a bonus. When it works, the lineups are empty.
8.694, -83.668 · Swell S-SW · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Drake's Bay
Drake's Bay is at its best from May to November. Conditions it likes: Swell S-SW. This is how the year looks across Central Puntarenas:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| December to April | Good | Short dry season, cleaner, sunnier, but smaller than the summer swell |
| May to July | Prime | Green season S-SW groundswell fires Dominical and the points; offshore mornings |
| August to October | Prime | Peak, most consistent S-SW swell, and the wettest, greenest months |
| Nov | Quiet | Transition, heavy rains and swell easing into the dry season |
Waves near Drake's Bay
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio Claro Rivermouth | Osa & the far south | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 9 km |
| Rio Sierpe Rivermouth | Osa & the far south | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 13 km |
| Playa Carate | Cabo Matapalo | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 35 km |
| Playa Ballena | Dominical & Uvita | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 49 km |
| Punta Uvita | Dominical & Uvita | Beach Break | Beginner | 51 km |
| Pan Dulce | Cabo Matapalo | Point Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 55 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Osa & the far south
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Osa & the far south surf guide →
A week here costs from about $794 with flights from Europe, or around $1,712 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Drake's Bay: common questions
When is the best time to surf Drake's Bay?
Drake's Bay works best from May to November. Ideal conditions: Swell S-SW.
Is Drake's Bay good for beginners?
No. Drake's Bay is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Playa Carate in Cabo Matapalo, about 35 km away.
How crowded is Drake's Bay?
Drake's Bay is usually empty: 1 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Drake's Bay?
Drake's Bay is in Osa & the far south, in the Central Puntarenas region of Costa Rica (8.694, -83.668). The nearest wave we cover is Rio Claro Rivermouth, about 9 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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