Bird Watching Tour Drake Bay: 460+ species in primary forest

Over 460 bird species live in the forests around Drake Bay, and the early hours are when they're most active.

A four-hour guided bird watching tour in Drake Bay starts before dawn and moves through primary and secondary forest on foot, with a local guide, spotting scope and binoculars provided. The tour departs from the forest entrance if you're staying in town, or includes a short drive from farther accommodations. National park fees and local taxes are included. Children from age five are welcome with an adult.

Step-by-step itinerary

Morning bird watching in Drake Bay

• Start early between 5:30 and 6:00 am
• Walk or drive to forest entrance
• Hike through primary and secondary forest
• Spot various bird species with guide's scope

The experience

The tour begins between 5:30 and 6 am, when birds are most vocal and visible. If you're staying in Drake Bay town, you'll walk to the forest entrance. From farther lodges, a short drive gets you there. Once inside the primary forest, the guide leads you on foot through both primary and secondary growth, moving at a pace that lets you stop and listen for calls overhead.

Your guide carries a spotting scope so you can get a close view of birds high in the canopy or at a distance. You're welcome to bring your own binoculars, and the guide has a pair available if you don't. Over 460 bird species live on the Osa Peninsula and in the Drake Bay area (scarlet macaws, toucans and many others), and the secluded jungle section you'll walk through is designed to maximize your chances of spotting them. The four-hour outing covers the best hours for bird activity, then returns you to your starting point.

What’s included

• National park fees.
• local taxes.
• spotting scope and one pair of binoculars.
• a local guide leading the walk through primary and secondary forest.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (65 years) · Infant (5 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by NativosCorcovado Tours and Travel

Is this one for you?This is a shared guided tour with a local guide, so you're part of a small group moving through the forest together. Choose it if you want expert knowledge about where to find birds and what you're looking at, and if you're willing to start before dawn to catch them at their most active.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (5 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What birds am I likely to see on a Drake Bay bird watching tour?

Over 460 species live in the Drake Bay area, including scarlet macaws and toucans. The guide knows where to find them and will use the spotting scope to show you birds that are far away or high in the canopy.

Do I need to bring binoculars, or are they provided?

The guide has one pair of binoculars available, but you're welcome to bring your own for a better view. The spotting scope the guide carries also lets you see distant birds up close.

How early does the tour start, and why?

The tour departs between 5:30 and 6 am, which is when birds are most active and vocal. Starting early gives you the best chance to spot and hear a variety of species.

What if I'm staying outside Drake Bay town? Do I still get picked up?

If you're staying farther from town, the tour includes a short drive to the forest entrance. If you're in town, you'll walk to the entrance instead.