Drake Bay: Night Rainforest Tour with Tracie the Bug Lady

Summary

Wander drake bay’s rainforest at night with local biologists

You’ll step into Drake Bay’s rainforest after sunset with Tracie the Bug Lady and Gianfranco guiding your way. Expect close-up looks at frogs, spiders, bats (with high-tech detectors), plus stories that make bugs seem almost charming. With group viewing scopes and plenty of laughs along muddy trails, this tour leaves you thinking about the forest long after you’re back under regular lights.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you’re standing in the dark and your eyes are still adjusting? That’s exactly how it started for us in Drake Bay, right at the edge of the rainforest. Tracie — everyone calls her The Bug Lady, which made me smile — handed out little torches and Gianfranco grinned like he knew what surprises were waiting. The air felt thick and warm, almost humming with things I couldn’t see yet. I caught a whiff of damp earth mixed with something sweet, maybe some flower opening up for the night shift.

We hadn’t even walked five minutes before Gianfranco pointed out a tiny frog clinging to a leaf — honestly, I would’ve missed it completely. Tracie told us its name (I forgot already), but she didn’t mind repeating herself. She has this way of making you laugh about bugs you’d normally avoid. At one point she held up a spider and said, “Don’t worry, he’s more scared of you,” which I’m not sure I believe but it helped. The main keyword here is night tour Drake Bay — it’s not just about seeing things, but hearing them too: bats clicking overhead (they let us listen in with some fancy bat detector), leaves rustling where something small scurried off before we could spot it.

I liked how nothing felt rushed. Sometimes we’d stop for ages while Tracie aimed her scope at a beetle or moth so everyone could see through her iPad setup — even if someone fumbled with their phone flashlight or got distracted by fireflies drifting past. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for the frogs and our breathing; I still think about that silence now and then. If you’re looking for a day trip Machu Picchu Cusco style adventure but at night and in Costa Rica… well, this is different but gives you that same sense of discovery.

By the end my shoes were muddy and my shirt stuck to my back from the humidity, but I barely noticed until we got back to town. It’s weird how walking slowly in the dark can make you feel both nervous and kind of peaceful at once. So yeah — if you ever find yourself in Drake Bay and want to see what really happens after sunset, this night tour is worth every squelchy step.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Night rainforest exploration with experts

• Meet guides Tracie and Gianfranco
• Explore nature trail at night
• Spot nocturnal creatures and insects
• Learn about bugs, bats, and wildlife

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Drake Bay night tour?

No, but they arrange logistics based on your lodging—be sure to tell them where you're staying as not all area hotels are covered.

What should I wear for the night rainforest tour?

Tennis shoes or hiking boots are required due to muddy trails; dress comfortably for humid conditions.

How long does the night tour last?

The trek lasts about two and a half hours through Drake Bay's rainforest trails.

Is there an age limit for joining Tracie's night tour?

The minimum age is 8 years old; children under 4 are not allowed to participate.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

It isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, knee problems, balance issues, vision impairment, or poor hiking skills.

What wildlife can I expect to see on this Drake Bay night tour?

You may spot frogs, spiders, bats (using detectors), beetles, moths, and other nocturnal creatures.

Who leads the Drake Bay night rainforest tour?

The tour is led by biologist Tracie "The Bug Lady" and spotter Gianfranco Gómez.

Is equipment provided during the tour?

Yes—guides use a Swarovski Spotting Scope with iPad attachment for group viewing and an Echo Meter Touch 2 Pro Bat Detector.

What’s included

Your evening includes guidance from experienced biologists equipped with a Swarovski Spotting Scope (with iPad attachment so everyone gets a close look) plus an Echo Meter Touch 2 Pro Bat Detector to help pick up bat calls as you walk through Drake Bay’s nighttime trails—just remember to let them know where you're staying so they can coordinate logistics before pickup time.