By Bus and Public Boats
The basic route is the following: Bus from San Jose to Palmar Norte, Taxi or bus from Palmar Norte to Sierpe, public boats from Sierpe to the beach at Drake Bay.
Bus to Palmar Norte
The bus is operated by the TRACOPA bus company, whose station is located in the old bus station in neighborhood. Ask any taxi driver in San Jose to take you the "Parada" (bus station) TRACOPA and they will know where to go. At the bus station buy a ticket to Palmar Norte. The bus leaves at (approximately) 5:00am, 7:00am, 8:30am, 10:00am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm, and 6:30pm. The trip takes 5-6 hours and costs about $15USD. We recommend catching the 5am, 7am or 8:30am buses in order to get to Sierpe on time to catch the 11:30 am or 3:30 pm boats to Drake Bay. However, you should check the bus schedule before planning as it may change.
If you want to spend a night on the way, we recommend Palma Norte as it is much cooler and more economic than Sierpe. The best bet is to stay at the Red Cross Cabinas next to the ambulance. Eat at least once at Diquis Restaurant. Both are within three blocks of the Bus Station.
Bus to Sierpe
This option less efficient, but available and you can ask at the bus station for directions.
Taxi to Sierpe
Once you arrive in Palmar Norte, there will be taxi drivers "collectivo" at the bus station offering to take you to Sierpe. The taxi costs approximately $18USD per taxi, not per person, and will drop you off directly at
Oleaje Sirena Restaurant in Sierpe, where the public boats leave from. If you have questions, talk to Jorge, the owner.
Public Boats to Drake Bay
If you let us know your arrival time at Sierpe, (506) 2775 1348, we can make reservations to hold a seat for you in one of the boats. There is no extra charge for the reservation and it will ensure your space on a boat, and recommended for groups and large families. Reservations are NOT required, don't worry, you can always get a ride, even at the last minute, without a reservation.
There are two Public Boats "Lancha de Drake" departure times from Sierpe to Drake Bay. The 11:30am boats cost $15USD, and the 3:30pm boats cost $20USD. It's good to arrive one hour early if you would like time for good coffee and food, however 30 minutes early is plenty and the boat never leaves early. You will pay the captain once you have arrived at your destination. It's important to get a captain that goes directly to Drake Bay only, for example, "Alex". The boat ride is very exhilarating through the NATURAL RESERVE SIERPE-TERRABA, taking you down the longest river in Central America, through a mangrove estuary, then out into the Pacific Ocean, dropping you off on the beach in Drake Bay after about one hour and fifteen minutes.
If you phone us ahead (506) 2775 1348 (the boat captain will call for you) we can come and pick you up. It's better to wear shorts and sandals since beach arrival means getting your feet wet.
The basic route is the following: Bus from San Jose to Palmar Norte, Taxi or bus from Palmar Norte to Sierpe, public boats from Sierpe to the beach at Drake Bay.
Bus to Palmar Norte
The bus is operated by the TRACOPA bus company, whose station is located in the old bus station in neighborhood. Ask any taxi driver in San Jose to take you the "Parada" (bus station) TRACOPA and they will know where to go. At the bus station buy a ticket to Palmar Norte. The bus leaves at (approximately) 5:00am, 7:00am, 8:30am, 10:00am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm, and 6:30pm. The trip takes 5-6 hours and costs about $15USD. We recommend catching the 5am, 7am or 8:30am buses in order to get to Sierpe on time to catch the 11:30 am or 3:30 pm boats to Drake Bay. However, you should check the bus schedule before planning as it may change.
If you want to spend a night on the way, we recommend Palma Norte as it is much cooler and more economic than Sierpe. The best bet is to stay at the Red Cross Cabinas next to the ambulance. Eat at least once at Diquis Restaurant. Both are within three blocks of the Bus Station.
Bus to Sierpe
This option less efficient, but available and you can ask at the bus station for directions.
Taxi to Sierpe
Once you arrive in Palmar Norte, there will be taxi drivers "collectivo" at the bus station offering to take you to Sierpe. The taxi costs approximately $18USD per taxi, not per person, and will drop you off directly at
Oleaje Sirena Restaurant in Sierpe, where the public boats leave from. If you have questions, talk to Jorge, the owner.
Public Boats to Drake Bay
If you let us know your arrival time at Sierpe, (506) 2775 1348, we can make reservations to hold a seat for you in one of the boats. There is no extra charge for the reservation and it will ensure your space on a boat, and recommended for groups and large families. Reservations are NOT required, don't worry, you can always get a ride, even at the last minute, without a reservation.
There are two Public Boats "Lancha de Drake" departure times from Sierpe to Drake Bay. The 11:30am boats cost $15USD, and the 3:30pm boats cost $20USD. It's good to arrive one hour early if you would like time for good coffee and food, however 30 minutes early is plenty and the boat never leaves early. You will pay the captain once you have arrived at your destination. It's important to get a captain that goes directly to Drake Bay only, for example, "Alex". The boat ride is very exhilarating through the NATURAL RESERVE SIERPE-TERRABA, taking you down the longest river in Central America, through a mangrove estuary, then out into the Pacific Ocean, dropping you off on the beach in Drake Bay after about one hour and fifteen minutes.
If you phone us ahead (506) 2775 1348 (the boat captain will call for you) we can come and pick you up. It's better to wear shorts and sandals since beach arrival means getting your feet wet.
