Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
If you are planning to visit Costa Rica we would like you to have the most extraordinary experience by staying with us at Casa Corcovado. The lodge is the closest to Corcovado National Park, the last remaining Pacific lowland rainforest of sustainable size in Central America. Located on the Osa Peninsula in southwestern Costa Rica, Corcovado is the "crown jewel" of a world-renowned national park system.
Including thirteen separate ecosystems, almost one hundred species of trees and nearly four hundred species of birds, Corcovado has been called "the most biologically intense place on earth" by no less an authority than the National Geographic Society. Here among the largest trees of Costa Rica, can be found the densest population of tapirs, jaguars and scarlet macaws in Meso-America.
Bar "El Bosque"
Is surrounded by virgin Rainforest and fruit trees, which draws birds, monkeys and other animals. It‚s perfect for birdwatching, or try a refreshing drink from our exotic coctail menu. Non-alcoholic fruit drinks and canned beverages are always available.
Mealtimes are special as you enjoy the casual elegance of our lovely Jungle Dining Room. These delicious meals are prepared each day from the freshest vegetables, Seafood, Tenderloin, Chicken and Pasta. Served and prepared with style and originality like Casa Corcovado, you are reminded of the ever changing exotic and remote beauty that surrounds you.
"The Forrest" Swimming Pool
A spring-fed swimming pool hidden away in the forest beside a small stream is available anytime you want to use it. Pool towels are available in the Bar and there is an intercom phone if you wish to order something.
"El Solar" Swimming Pool
Casa Corcovado has a new larger swimming pool. This completely tiled pool is divided with a children’s section and one with deeper water for the adults.
The pool is surrounded by a flagstone-paved area, which is perfect for sun-bathing in one of the lounge chairs. There also chairs and tables with umbrellas for a cooler approach. For those who wish to escape the sun completely or for a light lunch "Al Fresco" there is a tiled-roofed "Rancho" where you can sit back and relax to the sounds of the rainforest and of the waterfall inspired by Mexican architect Luis Barragán.
We are proud that our pool uses only solar energy to recycle the water. The pump runs during daylight hours directly from the photovoltaic solar panels located on the roof of the dining room.
We would like to think that this is another example for our commitment to conservation and the environment and of the unique perspective we have here at Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge.
"Salon Corcovado" Meeting & Lounge Area
Salon Corcovado, our intimate Rainforest Conference Center, is a perfect place for groups, for different activities or to read a good book in the informal lounge area. A selection of tapes can be found in the office when you want to see a movie or a documentary about the rainforest or Costa Rica.
Gift Shop & Office
We have Swarovsky binoculars for rent, T-shirts, suscreen, hats, sandals, film, insect repellent, bird and animal identification charts, personal hygiene articles and many other items. The manager is at your disposition if you have any questions or needs he can help you with.
Laundry Service
You will find a bag and a list of prices in your room, it is available daily just have everything ready when the chambermaid cleans your room.
Margarita Sunset Point
Join us for a frosty Margarita or just to watch the sunset, a Casa Corcovado tradition. Other cold drinks are available and you´ll have a chance to observe wildlife and at times even spot whales
Deluxe Picnic
What better way to end your stay at Casa Corcovado than a relaxing day at the beach. With all of the activities and tours very few guests have the chance to take full advantage of our beautiful pristine beach. This a unique opportunity to enjoy a half-kilometer-long sand beach where you can be completely alone, something that is very rare in today’s world.
It’s a perfect place for beachcombing, to explore the bat cave or to take a shower in one of the waterfalls. Take a walk on the nature trail behind the beach to witness the orchids growing on rock walls that drip water that sparkles in the sun. Experience the natural surroundings but let us spoil you a little. Lunch will be served in your own screened “Cabaña” where your waiter will spread out the table cloth and set out a delicious meal accompanied by a chilled bottle of French wine. A day with the perfect blend of nature and style ….. "A La Casa Corcovado"
Tropical Sand Beach
Enjoy beach-combing on our half-kilometer-long pristine beach then refresh yourself under a waterfall or bathe in a shaded pool. Feel free to ask for a ride down to the beach and to arrange for a pick-up time with our ¨Jungle Taxi¨ or call using the radio, which is at the boathouse.
Mini Bar
Due to the fact that we produce our own energy so as not to burn fossil fuels your ¨Dry Mini Bar¨ is not refrigerated. A price list to record your consumption is found in each Bungalow.
¨La Hacienda¨
Our colonial style reception center is located in the town of Sierpe beside the wide, winding river of the same name. Here you will have a chance to change shoes and clothes, use a washroom and have something cold to drink. There is also a gift shop where you can buy any last minute items you may need.
After your captain has the luggage packed aboard your boat, you can embark on a one and a half hour ride down the Sierpe River, winding your way through the largest mangrove wetlands system on the Pacific Coast of Central America. You then follow the coast until arriving at Casa Corcovado. Refreshments will be served during the trip and lunch and a complimentary cocktail will be ready to welcome you to the Jungle.
Casa Corcobado Tours
Early Bird Tour
Share the cool early morning air with some of the over 350 species of birds found in Corcovado. The early morning hours are perfect to observe the wildlife of the area. For keen birders and animal lovers, on this tour we offer the chance to see numerous species of birds, morpho butterflies, monkeys and other animals. You and your guide can decide upon the hour to start out, usually there will be a chance to have a cup of coffee before setting out on your morning excursion. Birds that are commonly seen include the Riverside Wren, Palm Tanager, Banaquit, Great Kiskadee and the Endemic Black-Cheeked Ant-tanager and of course there is always a chance of something special. Get an early start on the day and get up with the birds.
Horseback riding
4 days / 3 nights
Air transportation
San Jose Palmer Sur – San Jose
Land transportation
Palmar Sur – Sierpe – Palmar Sur
Boat transportation
Sierpe – Casa Corcovado – Sierpe
3 nights lodging in a Deluxe Bungalow
Tour to Corcovado National Park
A fully day adventure of Horseback riding
Birdwatching tour (Optional)
Hiking on the Casa Corcovado trails
All meals, park fees and taxes
Ride a Rainforest Adventure
4 days – 3 nights / itinerary
Day 1
45 minute air flight to Palmar Sur
30 minutes land transfer from Palmar Sur to "La Hacienda" our reception center in Sierpe
90 minute boat trip down the Sierpe river viewing mangrove wetlands
Arrive at Casa Corcovado, complementary cocktail before lunch
Afternoon is free to explore our nature trails and the beach
Overnight at Casa Corcovado (lunch and dinner included)
Day 2
Full – day excursion to Corcovado National Park or Caño Island, with picnic lunch, snorkeling gear and nature guide.
Overnight at Casa Corcovado (all meals included)
Day 3
Full – day Horseback riding tour.
Overnight at Casa Corcovado (all meals included)
Day 4
Hearty breakfast
Return up the river to "La Hacienda" in the town of Sierpe. Guests will be met and transferred to the airport for the return flight to San Jose.
Important notes:
The Caño Island and Corcovado day trips may be reversed.
We reserve the right to change or omit portions of any itinerary if warranted by inclement weather or sea conditions.
"Early Bird", birdwatching tour, is available any morning (optional).
San Josecito Tour
You start your adventure in the morning as you head out with your guide for just a 15-20 minute boat ride. You will arrive to a true tropical paradise. San Josecito is a wonderful swimming beach sheltered in a coral-filled bay perfect for snorkeling. This is an excellent spot for beginners or more experienced snorkelers. All the gear is provided with optional flotation vests available if you wish. There are showers and bathroom facilities for your use and trails to explore the area. The guide will lay out the tablecloth and present a delicious picnic lunch served under the shady palms lining the beach.
After lunch you can walk through the forest to a cool flowing river for a refreshing swim. In the afternoon your boat will be waiting to carry you back to the lodge, taking along memories that will accompany you for a lifetime
Scuba Diving
The best scuba diving, snorkeling, and rainforest adventure in Costa Rica can be found with Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge.
Where the scenery is as untamed below the water as it is above!
Scuba dive among some of the most abundant marine life anywhere in the world, view pre-Colombian archeological artifacts, go exploring one of the last remaining virgin lowland tropical rain forest, and take a coastline horseback ride all while rarely encountering another human being!!
Diving on the southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica can be simply described as spectacular. Divers explore several sites around the small island of Caño. Protected as a biological reserve by the Costa Rican Government, the water surrounding the island is extremely pristine and teeming with life. Twelve miles west of Drake bay, Caño Island offers some of the most exciting diving anywhere in the world. A wide variety of marine life can be discovered beneath the island waters. Perhaps the most memorable encounters occur with the pelagic that inhabit the area. Porpoises, schools of rays and white tip reef sharks can be seen on many dives. On almost every dive, large schools of fish swimming around and overhead can be breathtaking. Sometimes the numbers are so great that sunlight can actually be blocked by these large schools of fish, creating an underwater eclipse. Although not as common, the elusive whale shark and the shy hammerhead are often spotted in the area. Water visibility is good and can range from 45-90 feet. Temperatures hover in the upper seventies to low eighties throughout the year and provide for an exquisite diving experience.
Our dive center carries only well service, name brand equipment from Sherwood, US Divers, as well as other top brands. Our PADI certified instructor can teach courses ranging from basic open water to dive master and can conduct any specialty course of interest.
Caño Divers is located in beautiful Drake Bay, along the Osa Peninsula. C.R.A.D. offers a wide range of professional underwater services for the recreational scuba diver. We are currently the only PADI International Resort Association facility in the Drake Bay vicinity. We adhere to PADI's strict regulations regarding safety and quality of service offered. We are also members of the Diving
Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) and are Diver Alert Network (DAN) sponsors.
Services Offered: Scuba excursions around Caño Island and dive education. With a full time PADI Instructor on staff, we offer a variety of educational services from beginning open water to dive master.
Night Dives: Available on a limited basis
Visibility: Excellent!! Varies from site to site but is usually no lower than 40ft and ranges to 100ft plus making it the best in mainland Costa Rica. Averages 60ft plus.
Temperature Range: High 80's to low 70's with thermo clines at varying depths.
Exposure Protection Needed: For most people, a 2mm spring suit (shortly) will suffice. If you tend to get cold a full 2mm or 3mm suit will almost always do the job. Our rental department stocks quality Henderson full 3mm suits.
Marine Life Encountered Around Caño Island: In one word, abundant! Humpback Whales, Dolphins, Reef Sharks, Giant Manta Rays, Modula Rays, Sting Rays, Sea Turtles, Groupers, Snappers, Angels, Moorish Idols, Trumpet fish, various types of Eels, Crustaceans, huge schools of Barracuda, Jacks, Grunts, and much more.
Coral Formations: Soft and hard coral formations are common but not as colorful or abundant as the Caribbean.
Currents: Usually mild but on some days can be strong.
Dive Staff: All boat dives are guided by a certified PADI Instructor or Dive master. All dive staff is Medic 1st Aid and Oxygen Provider Certified.
Boats: Our boats are small and fast. So you can have a better experience, we limit the number of divers on a boat to no more than 8. Usually we try to keep numbers on any particular boat from 4-6 divers.
Equipment:
Rental: Our rental department uses only top quality Sherwood regulators, gauges, BCDs, masks, fins, and snorkels. All wetsuits are Henderson 3mm neoprene.
Tanks: 80cu ft (12liter) aluminum. All tanks are less than 1yr old and have current visual and hydrostatic tests. Tanks use regular K-valve (the main type used in the U.S. and throughout N. America). DIN compatible valves are available at this time.
Safety: Oxygen kit and 1st aid kit on board.
Compressor: Top quality Bauer K-14.
Departure Time for Caño Island Dives: 7:30am
Return Time: Around 2-3 pm
Average Time to Reach Dive Sights: 45min - 1hr
Average Dive Depths: 60ft - 80ft
A Sample of Caño Island Dive Sights
El Bajo Del Diablo (The Depth of the Devil): The best site by far in the area and one of the best in the entire country. A huge area with many sub sites. Towering rock pinnacles rise from over 150ft to just under 20 ft. the best visibility, overall fish life and the best place to encounter Giant Mantas. An incredible maze of peaks and valleys. Groupers, snappers and amberjack reaching 70lb, swim along side great schools of tuna, barracuda, reef sharks and a large number of different tropical fishes. More than 4 species of eels can be found as well.
Cueva Del Tiburon (Shark Cave): A small cave that is home to you guessed it, sharks! Other inhabitants include angels, butterfly, damsels and parrotfish. Moorish idols, puffers, surgeonfish, and occasional mantas and stingrays. A very exciting dive.
Los Arcos (The Arches): Unique rock formations formed in the shape of arches. Swim through these towering underwater arches and see fish life similar to the Shark Cave due to its close proximity.
El Barco (The Wreck): No wreck here, only a variety of rock formations with the areas most plentiful hard corals.
Fish life profuse and a great dive to encounter white tip reef sharks, stingrays, and an occasional sea turtle.
Paraiso (Paradise): Prolific fish life. Excellent site to view white tip reef sharks. Large schools of big groupers, snappers, tuna, and rooter fish can be found here as well as a number of smaller species mentioned earlier.
Other Information:
The purchase of DAN (Divers Alert Network) Insurance is highly recommended prior to arriving in Costa Rica. Cost for basic coverage is inexpensive (around $35us) and is well worth the price if an unforeseen accident should occur.
Sportfishing
Fishing just does not get any better than you will find in friendly, peaceful Costa Rica, and because this is a small nation, it is possible to enjoy on a single visit.
On the Pacific, it is common to release a dozen or more sails and even a marlin or two in a single day, and not unusual to release more than 30 sailfish a day. There are also dolphin (including the long –standing International Game Fish Associations all tackle record 87-pounder), giant yellow fin tuna, Wahoo, cubera, roosterfish, a variety of snapper, grouper, blue runners, rainbow runners, snook and much more. And Costa Rica boat operators release all billfish that are not record contenders, so the future of the resource is assured.
In the Peninsula of Osa area, bill-fish are the target of most visiting anglers, and they are seldom disappointed from around December through April. Some sails and marlin are taken throughout the year. From most areas around Costa Rica it is no more than a 12 to 20 mile run to the blue water where most of the billfish action is encountered. Inshore sport includes tuna, roosterfish, Wahoo, dorado, jacks, mackerel, cubera, a variety of small snapper species and even snook.
The snook can be taken trolling just outside the breaker line off the river mouths in the area, but are more often fished from shore.
Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge offers several economically priced sportfishing packages in the incredible waters of the South Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.
More than 40 world records have been set in the area which abounds which schools of dorado, yellow fin tuna, Spanish mackerel, jacks and Wahoo. We specialize in inshore fishing for roosterfish and in the teaming waters of Caño Island where grouper and giant cubera snapper can be found. Equipped with Pen International reels and customs rods our covered 21-foot twin outboard boats can offer a fantastic half-day or full day of fishing action. Casa Corcovado can also provide a 26-foot twin 150 hp boats for the those who wish to try their luck further offshore.
For the Sportsman who wishes to hunt marlin or tease a sailfish to the boat with a fly reel we can arrange for you to fish on 31-foot ¨Palm Beach¨ sportfishing boat powered by a turbo diesel power plant. Rigged with state of the art equipment Rupp outriggers and a complete range of Pen and Shimano reels and also Billy Pates fly reels, the on-board equipment will satisfy the most demanding angler.
Whichever your choice you can be sure to enjoy an exciting sportfishing experience in these unspoiled waters.
MARLIN: October is normally the top month for marlin in this area, but action is also good in September and November and occasional blues and rare blacks are likely to be found anytime of year although they are usually out further than the boats hunting for sailfish are likely to be fishing.
SAILFISH: A few taken off and on year round with best fishing from December through March. It often slows from April into early June, then picks up again and peaks in August and September.
TUNA: Best Fishing for the 100 pound and up yellow fin corresponds with marlin and sailfish season, but the schools of up to 30 pound tuna can nearly always be found outside.
DORADO: Best runs are traditionally from late May through October when the rivers are running full.
WAHOO: Not abundant, but occasional fish may be taken most any time of the year while trolling offshore for billfish or around the structure off Mata polo Cape.
ROOSTERFISH: The region is famous for its big roosters and they can be caught virtually any month of the year.
SNOOK: All year, but best from mid or late May through July and in January and February.
Dolphin & Whale Encounters
This tours has been featured on Animal Planet, The Travel Channel, The BBC with Steve Backshall, The Discovery Channel, The Jeff Corwin Experience on Animal Planet, Destination Wildlife, in Vegetarian Times Magazine and more.
Discover the extraordinary marine world of dolphins and whales. Immerse yourself in the phenomenal experience of observing large groups of different species come together in warm, clear tropical waters. Witness their natural behaviors in their natural habitat. Be a part of the pod as we respectfully observe feeding, socializing, traveling and playful behaviors. Hear the dolphins' and whales' clicks, whistles and singing through our on-board hydrophone. Learn about the dolphins, whales and other marine life from our experienced staff of marine biologists and guides. Come to the only country in the world that has outlawed the capture and captivity of dolphins and whales in her waters.
Costa Rica enjoys one of the most biologically diverse oceanic ecosystems in the world. This in mainly due to the fact that most of Costa Rica lies in the heart of a vast natural habitat known as the Costa Rican Thermal Convection Dome which remains constant and occurs this way in no other part of the world. Incredible numbers and kinds of marine life, including whales, manta rays, sea turtles, whale sharks and other varieties of sharks all congregate here to take advantage of such consistently rich waters.
The tour is run by the dedicated people of " Dolphin Amor", whose marine biologists and staff members have over 30 years combined experience in cetacean encounters and research. During the trip; data, photos, and video will be collected and you will be helping support this goal. The boat is specially equipped with comfortable seats, 115 hp Yamaha 4 stroke motors (for quiet and fumeless operation), a stereo and hydrophone to listen & record the whales & dolphins sound.
The most common sighting on the excursion is the Pan Tropical Spotted Dolphin. There are smaller groups close to shore and an incredible pod offshore which sometimes number over 1000.Bottlenose Dolphins are also commonly seen and will certainly make you smile as they love to ride the bow of the boat and jump into the air.
The Rough Tooth Dolphins are a favorite as they look different that other dolphins, almost reptilian. You can also encounter the incredible Costa Rican Spinner Dolphin and Common Dolphins. At any time you can encounter whales. Orcas have been encountered both right by the shore and many miles offshore.
The same goes with the Sei Whales, Pilot whales, Bryde’s Whales and Pseudorca. The Beaked Whales are usually seen at least 20 miles offshore. Often you can encounter Humpback Whales, almost year around. This area boasts the longest season of Humpbacks Whales in the world, as there are migrations from both North and South America. The Humpbacks are most abundant from late July to November when the southern Humpbacks arrive and are also plentiful from December through March when the northern Humpbacks are here to breed and give birth.
Of course there is no way to guarantee encounters with dolphins and whales but over 95% of the time there are good sightings. Often the Dolphins engage in play with the boat but the tour operators are very careful to not chase, feed or harass the dolphins and whales.
After February 28, 2006, swimming with dolphins and whales is illegal in Costa Rica, along with captivity, harassment and capture. It was necessary to take these measures because too many dolphin and whale tour operations were being run without experience or the dolphins' and whales' best interests in mind. The dolphins and whales were subjected to too much stress and disruption of their natural behaviors. Research indicates that in some areas heavily targeted by commercial swim tours, dolphins are actually leaving their traditional habitats in favor of quieter areas. While that has not happened here yet, the potential was there as the numbers of inexperienced tour operators increased. There is great concern by scientists and researchers that constant disruption to their feeding, resting, nursing and other behaviors by people constantly getting into the water at a close proximity may have a long-term impact on the health and well being of individuals and entire populations of dolphins and whales.
The tour usually leaves around 08:00 am and returns anywhere between 1:00pm and 4:00pm depending on how soon dolphins or whales are sighted, their behavior and how far offshore they are found. Lunch is included and of course so are unforgettable memories.
Kayak Tour
There in nothing like a kayak to get a true, visceral feel for the ocean. Your experience is up-close and down-close to the water. Our kayaks are Scupper Pro classic, sit–on-top, self-bailing kayaks and are great fun; they are good for more experienced kayakers and very forgiving for beginners. You can take one out for a ride and explore the coast, or take a spin around “Roca Campanario”, Bell Tower Rock, just offshore. For those who feel more ambitious you can adventure further a field and paddle to San Josecito beach. This should be less than a couple of hours following the coast and should you get tired or thirsty you need only wave to your support boat for a cold drink or for a tow.
San Josecito is a wonderful swimming beach and has a coral- filled bay perfect for snorkeling. All the gear is provided with optional flotation vests available if you wish. There are showers and bathroom facilities for your use and trails to explore the area. The guide will lay out the tablecloth and present a delicious picnic lunch served under the shady palms lining the beach.
After lunch you can walk through the forest to a cool flowing river for a refreshing swim. In the afternoon your boat will be waiting to whisk you back to the lodge, as you’ll be ready for a hot shower and a rest before drinks and dinner. |
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