How to Get to Pirate Cove
Drake Bay is isolated and not on the common tourist circuit (thank God), so you will need to plan your journey with some care. The most popular options listed below are based on a trip starting from San Jose. If you are coming from another part of Costa Rica write and we'll try and help.
l. The quickest way is by air. Although several airlines offer service we highly recommend Sansa Airlines. You can check out their scheduled flights and buy tickets onlline by clicking on the link below. Sansa flies directly from the international airport in San Jose to Drake Bay or Palmar Sur.
If you choose Palmar Sur you need to take an early morning flight followed by a short taxi ride to Sierpe in order to arrive no later than 11:00 a. m. At midday you will leave Sierpe on a wonderful and sometimes wild hour-long boat ride. You will pass through the largest protected area of mangroves in Central America and then experience an exciting river mouth crossing into the Pacific Ocean. You will finally land right on the beach in front of Pirate Cove.
If you fly to Drake Bay you can choose either morning or afternoon flights and we'll send a local taxi to bring you from the local airport to Pirate Cove. If you decide on either route don't wait for the last minute as flights are often fully booked a month or two in advance. The biggest disadvantage when flying is you are limited to about 25 pounds (12 kilos) luggage per person.
CLICK HERE FOR SANSA AIRLINES When their page opens type WEBSALES in the box that says "user-ID" and type HOTEL06 in the box that says "Password". Where it says "Zone" select SALES.
2. You can also drive all the way to Drake Bay if you have a four-wheel drive vehicle. The trip will take about 7 hours from San Jose. The last hour or so is a magnificent tour through primary and secondary rainforest on poor roads with a few small river crossings. During the rainy season (May through October) the road can become impassable so check with us before you choose this option. Also you should note most rental companies specifically prohibit damage claims if you lose your car crossing a river in Costa Rica.
3. If you have an ordinary rental car you can drive to Sierpe from San Jose (about 4-5 hours) and then take the boat from there, making sure you arrive in Sierpe before 11:00 a. m. You can leave your car in a safe place for a few dollars per day.
4. TRACOPA offers bus service from San Jose to Palmar Norte. The trip lasts 4-5 hours and then you will need to take a local taxi to Sierpe and then the boat ride to Drake Bay. If you take this option remember you need to arrive in Sierpe before 11:00 a. m.to catch the boat, so that means you need to take the 5:00 a. m. bus. Otherwise you may have to spend the night in Sierpe.
If you wish to drive to Pirate Cove, the following rental car companies all have 4 wheel drive, utility vehicles:
Sixt Car Rentals
Service Car Rental
Hola Rent a Car
Hotels Near the San Jose International Ariport
El Rodeo Hotel & Country Inn