Drake bay
Leaving Manuel Antonio behind us, we decided to continue on to Uvita, a similarly shaped peninsula about thirty five miles south. Upon arrival, we found the anchorage to be so unbearably rolly, even behind the small reef outcropping that we decided to push on the extra 30 miles south to the more protected anchorage of Drake Bay, located on Costa Ricaʼs famed Osa Peninsula.
We had an amazing sail to Drake Bay, with a small squall bring 15-20 knots of wind and a much needed cooling rain. We sailed into Bahia Drake just after sundown, and with the help of our radar and the guidance of another boat, we were able to anchor safely after dark. Finally we had found some relief and enjoyed a good nights sleep in the calm, tranquil waters of the bay.
Drake Bay is one of the most naturally stunning places we visited in Costa Rica. Waking up anchored off this stunning stretch of coastline to the sound of howler monkeys and scarlet macaws was like waking up in a dream. The smell of fresh coffee, mixed with the rich petrichor of the rainforest was a sweet aroma as we slowly started to get ready for the day’s adventures.
This natural, safe harbor lies at the beginning of Costa Rica’s famed Osa Peninsula, and is filled with a rich diversity of animals both above and bellow the water. This bay was made famous long before the first diver or biologist ever started poking around, it was believed to be a port used by Sir Francis Drake in the 16th century and the location of one of the British pirate's fabled hidden treasures. It is still uncertain though if he ever actually buried any treasure here, let alone stopped here in the first place.
Today, Drake Bay draws its attention and wealth from tourists looking to catch a glimpse of Costa Rica’s amazing wildlife. Rachel and I hiked all over the point on winding trails, across rivers and to hidden beaches, watching monkeys, scarlet macaws, blue morpho butterflies, snakes and every other creature going about their normal lives, completely underwhelmed by our presence.
We would’ve loved to have stayed here for another week, but with less than a month left on our visas, a good weather window opening up and our friends, the Swans, flying into Golfito within 48 hours, we though it best to keep moving south. So, after only three days in the calm waters of the bay we reluctantly fired up Mr. Perkins, raised anchor, and continued south.
