Explore Corcovado National Park from a Biological Station Base Camp
The area of Corcovado National Park and the Sierpe River in the Osa Peninsula is one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet. It contains approximately 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity within a relatively small area, making it an unrivaled haven for both passionate nature enthusiasts and dedicated naturalists. The moment you start your expeditions departing from the Sierpe River, you will immediately notice how special and abundant the Osa Peninsula is. As a nature lover, you will be awestruck by the beauty of this place, where the tropical forest meets the Pacific Ocean. During the Corcovado and Sierpe expedition, you will immerse yourself in nature, participating in a variety of naturalist hikes and activities like snorkeling, night hikes, self-exploration, and even whale watching (seasonal).
The area of Corcovado National Park and the Sierpe River in the Osa Peninsula is one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet. It contains approximately 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity within a relatively small area, making it an unrivaled haven for both passionate nature enthusiasts and dedicated naturalists. The moment you start your expeditions departing from the Sierpe River, you will immediately notice how special and abundant the Osa Peninsula is. As a nature lover, you will be awestruck by the beauty of this place, where the tropical forest meets the Pacific Ocean. During the Corcovado and Sierpe expedition, you will immerse yourself in nature, participating in a variety of naturalist hikes and activities like snorkeling, night hikes, self-exploration, and even whale watching (seasonal).
Overview:
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our Naturalist Expedition to Corcovado National Park, one of the planet’s most biologically diverse regions, located on the stunning Osa Peninsula. This immersive journey allows you to explore this incredible ecosystem from our beachfront Biological Station Base Camp, where the tropical forest converges with the Pacific Ocean.
Starting from the Sierpe River, our expedition offers a diverse array of experiences: from breath-taking naturalist hikes and snorkeling explorations to night treks revealing the jungle’s secrets after dark. Seasonally, you might also enjoy the spectacle of whale watching. You will discover exotic wildlife, marvel at the untouched natural beauty, and possibly spot some of the park’s iconic species such as tapirs, spider monkeys, great curassows, and glass frogs.
This expedition is not just about exploration – it’s an opportunity to contribute to the preservation of this unique environment and support the local economy, specifically our dedicated local staff at the Biological Station. This is the ideal choice for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts, offering the perfect balance of adventure, education, and sustainable tourism. Come and experience the wonder of the Osa Peninsula with us!
| Experience type | Beach, & Jungle |
| Service level: | Guided Activity |
| Travel Style | Naturalist Expedition |
| Duration type: | Expedition |
| Physical rating: | Challenging |
| Surroundings: | Land and Sea Adventures |
| Type: | Wildlife |
| Requirements: | Only for 18 years old and older |
Why you’ll love this expedition!
As a wildlife enthusiast, you will find yourself away from the crowds and surrounded by verdant landscapes and intriguing wildlife.
- Away from human noise and civilization
- An expedition shared with like-minded people
- Opportunities to learn more about nature through naturalist hikes, books, and exploration
- Tranquility and relaxation; you will be able to hear the waves, birds, and other soothing wildlife sounds from the safety of a Biological Station
- Delicious Costa Rican meals prepared by amazing cooks
- Multiple opportunities to join hikes and explore the area
- Beachfront biological station
- Beachfront biological station.
Highlights:
- Immersed in nature
- High chances of observing animals like tapirs, spider monkeys, great curassows, and glass frogs, among other incredible animals
- Beachfront location just steps away from both the ocean and the jungle
- Plenty of tasty meals included
- Spare time to enjoy your Costa Rican coffee or tea, read, or simply relax in the hammocks
- Expeditions led by locals
Activity Details:
- Duration: No less than 3 nights (Tailored to your group preferences)
- Physical Rating: Challenging. Trails can be muddy and slippery. Long full-day hikes.
- Age Requirement: 18+
- Included Services: Bunk Bed in shared bedrooms
- Meeting Points: Uvita, Sierpe, SJO International Airport (Agreed before arrival)
- Language: Spanish and English
- Safety Precautions: We have rain boots for your safety. Remember, you will be traveling to the jungle.
- Group Size: 7 – 25
- Food and Drinks: For the most part, you will be enjoying tropical fruits, “Gallo Pinto”, and “Casados”, all delicious Costa Rican dishes. Please let us know in advance about any dietary restrictions so we can accommodate you.
Is this expedition right for you?
This expedition is ideal for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers who seek an authentic immersive experience in a biologically diverse and pristine environment. If you appreciate untouched natural beauty and want to explore one of the most biodiverse and beautiful regions on the planet, this expedition is for you.
However, it’s important to note that this expedition is physically challenging. Participants should have a reasonable level of fitness and be prepared for physically demanding activities. It’s also important to highlight that this expedition is in a remote area with limited electricity (powered by small solar panels), internet connectivity, and signal. Access is only by boat and emergency services are located within 1.5 hours away by boat. Some modern comforts like washing machines, dryers, hot showers, air conditioning, fans, TV, and payphones don’t exist here. Your room will consist of a bunk bed, mattress, pillows, pillowcases, and blankets only.
As this is the wilderness, you can expect to encounter animals like mosquitoes, toads, snakes, and spiders, among other possibilities. Rooms are protected with a mosquito net and doors.
If you love nature and wilderness, this is the ultimate Costa Rican destination, a haven for you.
Click “Show More” to expand and learn what’s included, details and more information about this experience.
Details of the activity:
- Day 1: Arrival at SJO International Airport and shuttle service to a hotel in San José, the capital city. In case of early arrivals, activities can be coordinated for you to enjoy in the capital city.
- Day 2: Shuttle from your hotel in San José to the Sierpe River dock. Then, an 80-minute boat ride to the Biological Station. Boat departure times are determined by ocean tides. For safety reasons, the dates and times must be coordinated with us (hello@linkexpeditions.com) weeks prior to arrival. If arrival time is early, due to the tides, then lunch is included at the Biological Station. The afternoon is spent learning about the facilities at the Biological Station, unpacking, and learning about the next day’s activities. Short hikes near the property can be included if time permits.
- Day 3: Full day guided hike to Corcovado National Park. This experience includes a bilingual tour guide, lunch, and entrance tickets to the National Park. Make sure to bring binoculars to enjoy all encounters with fascinating flora and fauna.
- Day 4: Snorkeling day at Caño Island. The tour departs at 6:30 am from the Biological Station on a boat ride of approximately 45 minutes to Caño Island, where you may see dolphins and, sometimes, even whales (August to December). The activity consists of two different locations where you will be snorkeling for 1 hour each with a 1.5-hour break in between, so you and your group can rest at the beach and take a short hike to a lookout. After the second snorkeling location, you will return to the Biological Station where you will enjoy a tasty lunch. During the afternoon, you can rest or explore the trails of the Biological Station. After sunset, a night tour departs from the Biological Station, where you can experience the jungle’s nocturnal animals that might include tapir, agouti, glass frogs, snakes, bats, birds, insects, and more!
- Day 5: Return day. Boat departure time is scheduled depending on the tides. You will know the exact time prior to day 1.
- Less or More Days: If your group decides not to do snorkeling, this Naturalist Expedition can be shortened by 1 day. But of course, if you and your group want to stay longer, we can customize the whole experience by adding more days in Corcovado National Park, allowing time for activities such as scuba diving trips, more snorkeling, more nature discovery walks, research time, artisanal sugarcane milling, sunset bonfire, team building activities, and more!
What’s Included:
- Round-trip transportation from your hotel in San José to Sierpe in the South Pacific region
- Boat ride from Sierpe to the Biological Station
- Tasty local breakfasts, lunches, and dinners at the Biological Station and Corcovado National Park
- Lodging (Bunk Bed with mattress, bedsheet, pillow with pillowcase, and blanket)
- Free access to bathrooms, showers, clotheslines for drying your clothes, and a mini-library with interesting books about nature and related topics
- Bilingual, knowledgeable tour guides
- When necessary, gear like life jacket, snorkeling gear, rubber boots, and other basics
- Welcome and orientation at the Biological Station
Not Included:
- Gear like headlamps, binoculars, dry clothes, dry towels, water bottles, sunglasses, hat
- Photos of the tour or experience. You are free to take your own photos 🙂
- Insurance: Please note that insurance is not included in our services. We highly recommend securing your own travel insurance through a third-party provider to cover any potential travel disruptions, cancellations, or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Other items or services not mentioned in this document or page.
Additional Information:
- Joining in the Fun: Group activities such as boat rides, dolphin and whale watching, and snorkeling become more cost-effective when you’re part of a group, as the time and resources used are similar whether for one person or 20. Remember this when considering the price – it’s all part of the adventure!
- Packing Wisely: The biological station facilities maintain a close-to-nature ethos and do not include laundry machines or dryers. We encourage you to pack sufficiently and, if needed, bring along biodegradable detergent for any washing and rinsing requirements. It’s all part of the immersive experience of life in Costa Rica!
Making a Positive Impact:
Our visit aids in the preservation of Corcovado National Park’s wildlife and natural environment while also bolstering the local economy. Specifically, you’re supporting the families of our local staff, including Freiner, Adrian, and their cousins, who serve as guides, maintenance workers, and cooks at the Biological Station.
This expedition is a powerful tool for promoting environmental education, raising awareness about biodiversity, and inspiring visitors to contribute to conservation efforts. By supporting low-impact rural tourism with our Biological Station’s minimal electricity use, composting, and limited structural disruption, you’re actively participating in sustainable tourism and making a difference for our planet.
Experience the best of Costa Rica’s natural splendor in this unforgettable expedition that takes you right into the heart of one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Explore pristine jungles, marvel at the rich wildlife, and take part in thrilling activities all while supporting local communities and the environment. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime expedition!
