The Night Walk

Discover the secret world of Drake Bay‘s rainforest after dark.

In the night tour you can explore the hidden Costa Rica. Many rainforest inhabitants are nocturnal, making the rainforest an exciting and magical place to visit after dark. In the night tour equipped with flashlights, you’ll be able to see and examine life that is normally hidden to the human eye.

Throughout the tour, your guide will reveal interesting and informative aspects of the night activity in the rainforest — the impact of insects on our lives, and of us on theirs. Moths, iguanas, frogs, and spiders are common sightings, with snakes and other species of animal life present but less frequently observed during the night tour.

The magic of Drake Bay at night:

Drake Bay’s location within the Osa Peninsula — one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth — makes it one of the best places in Costa Rica to experience a night walk. The Osa Peninsula is home to 2.5% of the world’s total biodiversity, and much of that life only comes out after sunset. The forest transforms completely once the sun goes down: sounds intensify, bioluminescent fungi may glow softly on the forest floor, and creatures that remain invisible during the day suddenly appear on branches, leaves, and tree trunks all around you.

Wildlife you may encounter:

• Red-eyed tree frogs — one of Costa Rica’s most iconic species, resting on leaves through the night
• Glass frogs, whose translucent skin allows you to see their internal organs
• Fer-de-lance and boa constrictor snakes, observed safely from a distance
• Kinkajous and olingos — nocturnal mammals that glide silently through the canopy
• Sleeping birds: toucans, parrots, and blue-crowned motmots at rest on branches
• Tarantulas, walking stick insects, and giant beetles emerging from their daytime hiding spots
• Bioluminescent fungi and glowing insects on the forest floor
• Cane toads, tree frogs, and dozens of insect species drawn to light

Our experienced local guides know exactly where to look and how to approach wildlife safely, ensuring both your security and the well-being of the animals. The small group size — a maximum of 8 guests per guide — allows for an intimate, personal experience where no detail goes unnoticed.

About the tour:

The night walk departs at 6:30 PM and lasts approximately 3 hours, returning around 9:30 PM. The trail is moderate and suitable for most fitness levels. Rubber boots are provided — all you need to bring is a pair of socks. Depending on the season, forest paths may be muddy, but your guide will ensure you move safely and comfortably at all times.

This tour is conducted entirely in the natural rainforest surrounding Drake Bay, offering an authentic wilderness experience rather than a managed wildlife park. Every tour is different — the animals you encounter depend on the season, the weather, and the rhythms of nature itself, which is part of what makes each night walk a genuinely unique adventure.

What’s included:

• Expert local naturalist guide
• Rubber boots (bring your own socks)
• Flashlights and headlamps
• Small group experience (maximum 8 guests per guide)

Price: $55 per person

Departs at 6:30 PM, duration approximately 3 hours. Suitable for adults and children 8 years and older. Comfortable closed-toe shoes or rubber boots are required.

Book your Drake Bay Night Walk today and experience the rainforest in a completely different light.