How to get to Sierpe or Drake Bay from Manuel Antonio or Quepos?
- Esteban Acedo
- Mar 11, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 12
Sierpe is a quiet riverside town in southern Costa Rica, and the main jumping-off point for reaching the remote, jungle-lined shores of Drake Bay. Most travelers heading there from Manuel Antonio or Quepos make the 2-hour drive to Sierpe, then catch a boat downriver and out to the coast.
This guide covers everything you need to know to get from Quepos or Manuel Antonio to Sierpe, and from there, onto a boat to reach the wild beauty of Drake Bay. Whether you’re going by shuttle, rental car, or taxi, we’ll help you choose the best route for your adventure.
What is the best way to get to Sierpe or Drake Bay from Manuel Antonio or Quepos?
Pura Vida Traveling Recommendations:
On a Budget: Shared Shuttle, Public Buses
Singles, Couples, or Small Groups: Air plane, Taxi or Rental Car, Shared Shuttle
Families or Large Groups: Private shuttle
To Sierpe or Drake Bay from Manuel Antonio or Quepos by Private Shuttle
Best for Groups - 2 hrs - $250-$450
For a more personalized and exclusive experience, consider hiring a private shuttle. Although pricier than shared shuttles, private transfers offer privacy, flexibility, and the ability to customize your itinerary. We recommend this travel option for any group of 4 or more passengers. The drive is quick, easy, and incredibly beautiful, with a ton of great ocean-view vistas to stop at along the journey.
Writers Tips:
Private shuttles are great for groups of 4-12 people.
Ask your driver to stop along the way. There is so much to see; your driver should know the area well.
Stop for a meal break in Dominical or Uvita. The Farmers Market on Fridays in Dominical is incredible!
Click here for detailed information about shared and private shuttle service in Costa Rica.
For more information, check out our blog article: How to get to Drake Bay from Sierpe: the complete guide.
To Sierpe or Drake Bay from Manuel Antonio or Quepos by Shared Shuttle
Solo travelers & couples - 2hrs - $60
Shared shuttles provide a balance between convenience and affordability, making them a popular choice among travelers. These shuttles operate scheduled services between major tourist destinations, including Sierpe and Manuel Antonio, with regular morning routes almost always available. Click here for more detailed information about Group and Private shuttles
Writers Tips:
Reserve in advance, as these shuttles can fill up
Shared shuttles from Manuel Antonio to Sierpe are normally only scheduled to leave in the morning.
Be aware of luggage restrictions. Surfboards and extra suitcases can cost extra.
For more information, check out our blog article: How to get to Drake Bay from Sierpe: the complete guide.
To Sierpe or Drake Bay from Manuel Antonio or Quepos by Car or Taxi
Easiest - 2hrs - $180
Renting a car or hiring a taxi provides flexibility and convenience, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The distance from Sierpe to Manuel Antonio is approximately 115 kilometers, and the journey takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on road conditions. Even if you have a car, traveling to Sierpe and taking a riverboat to Drake Bay is most recommended. There isn't a lot of need for a vehicle in Drake Bay, and the riverboat adventure is part of what makes this journey so special. For more information, check out our blog article: How to get to Drake Bay from Sierpe: the complete guide.
Writers tips:
Use our Pura Vida Traveling exclusive link to receive up to 10% off and additional rental benefits.
Get 4x4 if you want to get close to nature or if you plan to drive to Drake Bay.
Plan to make longer voyages during daylight hours, as driving at night can be more dangerous.
Book rental cars well in advance to save some money.
Contact your credit card company to see if your car is insured as a benefit of your card (this is very common).
To Drake Bay from Manuel Antonio or Quepos by Bus
Budget-friendly - 5–7 hrs - ~$25 US - 95 miles (including boat ride)
Drake Bay is one of the most remote and beautiful destinations in Costa Rica, located on the edge of the Osa Peninsula. While there's no direct route from Quepos, you can reach Drake Bay with a combination of buses and a boat from Sierpe.
Below are two route options:
Option A is cheaper, but it takes longer and requires more transfers.
Option B is faster and more convenient, but you’ll need to match your timing carefully.
Option A Quepos to Sierpe: Via Dominical and Palmar Norte ($16–20) (6–7 hrs)
Quepos to Dominical ($3) (1 hr 15 min)
Operated by: Autotransportes Blanco Lobo and Transportes Blanco y Hernández
Multiple buses run daily with departures throughout the day.
Departures (Mon–Sun): 5:00 AM*, 6:00 AM**, 9:30 AM**, 11:30 AM*, 2:30 PM**, 3:30 PM*, 5:30 PM**(*Blanco Lobo, **Blanco y Hernández)
Dominical to Palmar Norte ($4) (2 hrs)
Operated by: Autotransportes Blanco Lobo
Departs several times daily from Dominical town.
Departures (Mon–Fri): 4:45 AM, 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 3:15 PM, 4:30 PMSat–Sun: Same as weekdays, with slight variations (verify locally)
Palmar Norte to Sierpe ($0.65) (40 min)
Operated by: Local bus
Leaves from the stop next to the Tracopa terminal in Palmar Norte.
Departures (Mon–Sun): 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, 5:15 PM
Option B Quepos to Sierpe: Direct bus ($20–22) (5–6 hrs)
Quepos to Sierpe ($5.50) (3 hrs)
Operated by: Tracopa
This is a direct route from Quepos to Sierpe. It’s less frequent but skips transfers.
Departure (Mon–Sun): 11:30 AM (Bus originates from San José; times may vary)
Final Leg: Sierpe to Drake Bay (Ferry) ($15–20) (1 hr)
Operated by: La Perla del Sur
Boats depart twice daily from the Sierpe dock.
Departures (Mon–Sun): 11:30 AM ($15), 4:00 PM ($20)(Arrive early to secure a seat—no advance ticket needed)
For more information about this boat taxi, find our blog post: How to get to Drake Bay from Sierpe.
Writers Tips:
When loading your luggage, make sure to give your bag to the driver only and make sure you see the bag go into the bus storage area.
Drivers will typically give you a luggage ticket that corresponds to your bag. Better to keep any expensive or cherished items on you, in your carry-on, or within arm's length.
Catch an early bus to reach Sierpe in time for the 11:30 AM or 4:00 PM boat to Drake Bay.
No booking is needed for buses or boats; just bring cash and arrive early.
Bring snacks and water, as there are few stops with food along the way.
Consider overnighting in Sierpe if your schedule doesn’t line up with the boat departures.
To Sierpe or Drake Bay from Quepos Airport by Air
Fastest - 45 min - $80-$240
While Quepos and Drake Bay both have an adequate airport for domestic flights, it may be challenging to find flights for this route. The distance to not too far, and most people choose to make this journey by car, making flights less popular and therefore also less prevalent. If time is of the essence and you want to fly, look to see if there's a direct seasonal flight available. Alternatively, you could fly to SJO and then take a direct flight to Drake Bay.
Private charter flights
If you're short on time and don’t mind splurging, private charter flights offer one of the most convenient and scenic ways to travel around Costa Rica. You can charter a single-engine plane (typically seating up to 12 passengers) between any domestic airports in the country. These flights often feel like a private aerial tour, offering incredible views of Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes—from coastlines to volcanoes—all in under 45 minutes. It’s a fast, effortless, and unforgettable way to get from one destination to another. For this journey, travelers can reserve a private charter airplane from Quepos airport to Drake Bay airport, making this the fastest travel option available.
Writers Tips:
Always buy your tickets from the airline directly and avoid using any type of third party, as scams for air travel within Costa Rica do exist.
Make sure you read their policies surrounding luggage, as you may often be charged additional luggage fees, especially if your luggage is heavy.
To Sierpe or Drake Bay from Quepos Airport by Private Vehicle
Best for extended visit - Purchase and resell
If you plan to spend an extended visit in Costa Rica and want to travel the entire country in the comfort of a private vehicle, consider renting a car or van upon arrival and returning it when you leave. Buying a vehicle is both legal for tourists and pretty easy to do. You would have to pay the initial lawyer's fees to transfer ownership, and then you would have to sell the vehicle on time before leaving the country. However, this hassle could end up being worth it if you can recoup most of your investment before departure.
Do not hesitate to read our specific article on this subject: How to buy a car in Costa Rica?
Writer's Tips:
Give yourself time to resell the vehicle. It can be fast and easy, but in Costa Rica, there always tend to be delays.
The car buyer is normally responsible for paying the lawyers' fees for the transfer of ownership
Buying a new scooter or motorcycle is fast and easy, and you can normally resell it easily and only lose a few hundred dollars in resale value.
Choosing your ideal route
Reaching Sierpe or Drake Bay from Quepos Airport takes some coordination, but the journey is part of the adventure, especially if you're headed into the wild beauty of the Osa Peninsula. Whether you opt for a scenic drive to Sierpe followed by a boat ride, or a direct flight to Drake Bay, each route offers a unique glimpse into Costa Rica’s most untouched landscapes. Choose the option that fits your time, budget, and sense of adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What's the best way to get from Manuel Antonio to Sierpe?
The best option is to drive or take a private or shared shuttle. It's only 2 hrs away, and the drive down the coast is a beautiful experience.
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle to get to Sierpe or Drake Bay?
You don't need a 4x4 to drive to Sierpe. You do need 4x4 to drive to Drake Bay.
What time is the bus from Sierpe to Palmar Norte?
There a normally 2 busses from Quepos to Palma Norte. One at 7am and another at 11am.
How much is the boat from Sierpe to Drake Bay?
The Sierpe to Drake Bay boat taxi should run $20 per person. It may be less for residence or locals.
Is it easy to get around Drake Bay without a car?
Yes, Drake Bay is tiny and can normally be navigated on foot.
How do you get to Drake Bay, Costa Rica?
Catch a flight from San Jose. Drive all the way with a 4x4 vehicle. Drive to Sierpe and take a boat taxi the rest of the way if you don't have 4x4.
Why Visit Drake Bay?
Drake Bay serves as the gateway to the renowned Corcovado National Park, celebrated for its rich biodiversity. A journey to Costa Rica would be incomplete without venturing into this enchanting destination. Drake Bay enchants visitors with its welcoming atmosphere, captivating sunsets, and exciting adventures such as snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife encounters.
Can I park my car in Sierpe while visiting Drake Bay?
Yes, There is private parking lots in Drake Bay that charge around $5 per day to leave your car there overnight. You can also park on the street in Sierpe but it is not as safe as the private lots.
Comments