Crocodile Bay...the people, the fishing and the amazing Osa Peninsula are what keep us coming back again and again. My son (19) and I just returned from a week at Crocodile Bay with 3 days of fishing...and 7 days of special memories.
No other resort offers such a complete range of adventures both on the ocean and in the rainforest. Each unforgettable experience is carefully planned and overseen by naturalist guides. All of them are certified within the Osa Peninsula Conservation Area (ACOSA) by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute as Ecological Guides. They will safely bring you as close to nature as you’re willing to get. Expeditions have been expertly crafted within four distinct habitats with all skill levels in mind. From white-knuckle thrills to awe-inspiring sightseeing, there’s so much to explore.
Not sure where to start? With the extreme caliber of the Costa Rican coastline, you owe it to yourself to experience at least one adventure from each habitat. But that’s just the beginning!
Experience the EXPEDITIONS
· The Osa Rainforest
· Monkey Tour
· Reptile and Amphibian Tour
· Jungle Night-Walk
· Corcovado National Park
· The Sloth Tour
Experiencethe
AQUATIC EXPEDITIONS
· Golfo Dulce Excursion by Boat
· Mangrove Kayaking
· Sunset Ocean Kayaking
· Snorkeling the Golfo Dulce by Boat
· The Sierpe River Tour
· Endangered Baby Sea Turtle Tour
· Playa Preciosa (Precious Beach) Shuttle
·Visit the Crocodile & Caimans' Lagoon
Experiencethe
EXPEDITIONS
· Birdwatching
· Sunrise Birdwatching
· Sunset Birdwatching
· Chocolate Farm
· Guaymi Indigenous Reservation
· Wildlife Photography
Experiencethe
EXPEDITIONS
· Canopy Zip-Line Exploration
· Surfing Matapalo Beach
· Surfing Pavones Beach by Boat
· Diving Cano Island
· Horseback Riding
·Paddle Board Rentals
·Electric Bike Rentals
"The
- NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE
2.5% of the world's biodiversity is just outside your front door.
All four species of monkeys found in Costa Rica thrive here, along with the largest population of Scarlet Macaws north of the equator.
Four different species of endangered sea turtles come to nest here.
This is the center of the "South Central American Pacific Slope," which is classified as one of the most important endemic-bird areas in the world.
Central America's largest remaining Pacific lowland rainforest and 50% of all plant and animal species in Costa Rica can be found here.
most biologically intense place on earth."
Discover Costa Rica’s natural raw beauty in one of the world’s premier rainforest destinations. Pause for a moment and in the stillness, the rainforest comes to life. It is living, breathing, full of life and is waiting for you to come and explore.
This is your opportunity to walk among the world’s most amazing wildlife and experience nature at its purest. The Osa Peninsula is the only location in Costa Rica where you can discover the four unique monkeys native to this country, and where you’ll have the opportunity to discover a rare collection of other species.
The tropical lowland rainforest is the most species rich land-based ecosystem on Earth. It is a land of enchantment made up of brilliantly colored birds (the Scarlet Macaw and the Chestnut-mandible Toucan), rare mammals (Sloth), four species of monkeys (Howler, White-faced, Spider and Squirrel), along with Peccaries, and wild cats.
If you do only one, this is the eco tour we recommend to give you a sense of what the rainforest is all about. Your senses will be heightened as you become one with your surroundings!
2 person minimum, 12-hour notice required. Closed-toed shoes are required for hiking. Tour may be customized to accommodate all levels of physical activities.
Costa Rica is home to four species of monkeys: The Spider Monkey, The Mantled Howler Monkey, The White-Throated Capuchin Monkey, and The Central American Squirrel Monkey.
Our resort is located in the only area of the country where all four species are present, The Osa Peninsula. This tour is specialized to focus on the many fascinating aspects of these exciting creatures.
his tour leaves at 8:00 am and returns to the resort by 11:30 m / afternoon 1:30 pm and returns at 5:00 pm -person minimum. 12-hour notice required.
..the eco-tours were great experiences where we were able to view and photograph several species of monkeys, parrots, sloths and even an ant eater in their natural environment!
Would highly recommend the experience.
TRIP ADVISOR REVIEW - Craig R
Seek and you'll encounter critters on the Reptile and Amphibian Tour. This tour was established for those who have a special interest in Reptiles and Amphibians, and want to learn more about them. On this tour we will focus on the various forms of amphibians and the more famous reptiles of the area like the Fer De Lance Viper and the Eye-Lash Viper.
Full day tour, 2 person minimum. 12-hour notice required. This tour is physically demanding and weather dependent.
Hunt or be hunted is the nighttime order of the rainforest, when different animals are active. In this tour we observe “survival of the fittest.” Night walking, as opposed to a day hike, is characterized by a much slower moving pace and a sharp inspecting eye.
The tour includes a brief stroll around some wild areas. A fresh-water lagoon near the resort yields treasures like red-eyed tree frogs and other amphibians, exotic insects, night birds, caimans, snakes and other reptiles. Along with a knowledgeable guide, we provide flashlights and other related equipment.
This tour starts at 6:00 pm, 2 person minimum, 24hour notice required. Closed-toed, closed heel shoes recommended.
The"junglenightwalk"tourisgreat.Ittakesplaceonthe propertyafterdark.Yougowithaguidewithflashlights lookingfornightwildlife.Wesawmultiplefrogs,spiders, etc.It’sagreatwaytoseewildlifethatyoucan’tseeduring theday. TRIPADVISORREVIEW-
Established in 1975, and encompassing an area of 263 square miles, Corcovado National Park is widely considered the crown jewel in the extensive system of national parks and biological reserves spread across the country of Costa Rica. Corcovado is large enough to support a sizeable population of the endangered Baird’s Tapir, as well as large herds of white-lipped peccaries and hundreds of bird species. One hundred and forty species of mammals call the park home, which represents 10% of the entire mammal species in America!
If you came to Costa Rica to see the wildlife in its most natural form, as far from civilization as is currently possible, Corcovado National Park is for you.
Full day tour, 2 person minimum, 48-hour notice required. Tour is weather dependent. Best season from December to May. Check with the Eco-tour department for availability
TRIP ADVISOR REVIEW - Donald G.
The location is in a natural rainforest environment where it feels like one has gotten away from it all yet, can still be connectedWould you like to see the most popular mammal in Costa Rica up close and personal? Then this is the right ecoadventure for you! The Valverde Quiros family owns a beautiful property with gardens and forest that span over 30 acres, where you will walk with your guide to search for sloths. The tour will take approximately 3 hours and the chance of seeing sloths are very high.
Besides learning all about sloths, you will learn about a variety of tropical plants and fruit trees and taste authentic local snacks from this warm and caring family.
2 person minimum, 12-hour notice required.
We did several tours with Alberto and I must say he is AMAZING So passionate about the area and his knowledge was just top notch. I actually would take tours of any kind just to learn from this man. With him, we did the 1/2 Rainforest Tour, Chocolate Farm and Sloth Tour (All separate, but all in my opinion, are MUST DO!)
TRIP ADVISOR REVIEW - Beth C.Within the Osa Peninsula exists Central America’s largest swath of intact lowland rainforest on the Pacific coast and home to an estimated 250,000 of all the living species in the world. And, now it becomes your personal playground.
Get introduced to this amazing world of birding with the Sunrise Birdwatching tour.
Enjoy a recreational morning walk as we connect with nature around us and discover the various bird species that become active as the morning warms up. This tour is a great opportunity to enjoy these beautiful tropical rainforest birds, including tanagers, toucans, hummingbirds, scarlet macaws, and more!
Tour departs at 6 am
2 person minimum, 12-hour notice required.
The wealth of Costa Rica’s avifauna, in itself, warrants a trip to our resort. Costa Rica is a habitatfor921speciesofbirds,andnowherein the country are the birds more colorful and diverse than in the lowland rainforests of the OsaPeninsula.
Allowourexpertguidestogreatlyexpandyour birding life list or use this trip as your introductionintotheworldofbirding.
2personminimum,12-hournoticerequired
If you're curious about nature and want to learn more about your surroundings, birding is a fun hobby which is also educational. The Sunset Birdwatching tour takes you on an easy walk, discovering different bird species associated with the tropical lowland rainforest.
In our travel together, we'll observe different birds of color and size; and we'll learn a bit about each of them. This tour serves as a gateway to recognizing this regions diversity.
Tour departs at 3 PM 2 person minimum, 12-hour notice required.
All of the eco tours we did (wildlife tour, ziplining, kayaking, chocolate farm, snorkeling, etc.) were a ton of fun and the guides were incredibly knowledgeable and fun to spend the day(s) with.
TRIP ADVISOR REVIEW: Ally M.
agroecology. The tour commences with a nice easy walk through organic tropical fruit orchards and fields of pineapple, banana, papaya, melon, sugar cane and manioc. Experience how chocolate is made and taste the results. The tour ends with an offering to sample the chocolate and some of the many products of the farm.
2 person minimum, 12-hour notice required.
2
This is your opportunity to document the region's rich biodiversity. Share amazing photos with friends. Containing more than 2.5% of the earth´s biodiversity the Osa Peninsula is one of the world's best places to photograph of wildlife. Frogs, Monkeys, Macaws, Toucans, Snakes, Lizards, and Crocodiles are just a few of the subjects you will be able to shoot.
Regardless of what type of camera you brought with you our naturalist guide will help you to find the animals, explain their behavior and show you the best angles to get outstanding photos to astound your friends and be sure you never forget your trip to this rainforest paradise.
12 Hour notice; Camera rental is available for an additional $90 a day.
...About 7 different photographers have workshops there, but, unless you’re looking for instruction, the Eco tours provide everything you need for an incredible photographic opportunity.
TRIP ADVISOR REVIEW - Bert S. person minimum.
goldwasfirstreportedtobefoundhereonthe ninsula,whichbeganthearea’sfirstgoldrush. egoldminerswhofirstcametothisarea gforrichesintheriverswerenotthefirst orculturetoexistinthisarea.TheGuaymi noustribewerelivinghereforthousandsof beforethattime,andstillexisttodayona tedpieceoflandabout30minutesaway.
thissettlementisrelativelysecludedandthe nouspeoplegenerallytendtominimizethe toftimetheyvisitwithoutsiders,thereisan ribalchiefnamedMarianowhowishestoinvite nterestedtohisfamilyhometoshareaspects tribalhistory.Mariano(withthehelpofyour whowilltranslatefromSpanish)willsharehis edgeofedibleandmedicinalplants,philosophy wwehumansshouldfitintothenaturalworld, onhowtowardoffevilanimalspirits,tribal ge,games,storiesandpractices,andfirst-hand ntsofhowthearrivalofCatholicisminthe1970s dtheirwayoflife.
ghlyrecommendthistourforanyoneremotely tedinculturalanthropologyorfirsthand calaccountsofhowthingsoncewere.Ifyou everwishedtospeaktoorlearnfroman ualwhowasaliveduringanentirelydifferent thisisyourchance.Thisisahalfdaytour,andit veat8amandreturnby12noon.
2personminimum,24-hournoticerequired.
As one of only four tropical fjords in the world, the Golfo Dulce's bed is rich with volcanic reefs, crevices and caves that have become the breeding grounds for a staggering variety of marine life. It is believed that the gulf is the only place in the world where the humpback whales from both the northern and southern hemispheres gather to breed. Its calm waters have created the preferred home for super-pods of dolphins with numbers up to 10,000.
The Golfo Dulce, one of the most pristine tropical gulfs in the world, is surrounded by lush mountainous rain forest and mangrove wetlands. Approximately 30 miles long and nearly half an hour by boat to the far shore, it is an ideal leisurely ride for those who want to enjoy the wind in their face while viewing the sights & wildlife of the shoreline, including pelicans, turtles, and dolphins.
Best time for viewing whales is mid-July through September.
Morning only
2 person minimum, 24-hour notice required.
You will paddle through the exotic and mysterious landscape of a river mangrove estuary. The serene passages of the river bring you silently alongside many beautiful aquatic birds: roseate spoonbills, boat-billed herons, and white ibis. Jesus Christ (Basilisk) lizards dart across the surface of water on webbed hind-feet. Howler and white-faced monkeys are known to frequent the mangroves. Life vests & dry bags are provided. Single & double (Ocean Kayak brand) kayaks are available.
2 person minimum, 12 hour notice required.
Take advantage of the tranquility of an afternoon paddle in our beautiful sheltered bay. A short distance from the shore, the tour provides a commanding view of the sunset. This is a light paddle and is also an opportunity to search for local and migrating marine life such as spotted and bottled-nosed dolphins, humpback whales and sea turtles.
Life vests & dry bags are provided. Single & double (Ocean Kayak brand) kayaks are available.
2 hour tour, 2 person minimum, 12-hour notice required.
With eighty-degree waters, snorkeling in the Golfo Dulce is as inviting as it is fascinating. On this multi-dive trip you will visit a variety of marine habitats including brain-coral reefs and rock pinnacles. Colorful reef fish like Parrot, Angel and Butterfly Fish inhabit this area. Our knowledgeable guides and captains will keep you safe and well informed while you swim with the fishes!
All equipment is provided. This tour is better during low tide and best during the months of December - May.
Half-day, morning tour, 2 person minimum, 24-hour notice required.
I am fortunate to say that I have had the opportunity to snorkel in many locations around the world. However, I can honestly say that this snorkeling tour completely exceeded any expectations. The guide, Diego, has been taking groups on snorkeling tours in the area for over 8 years. He definitely knows his stuff! He is passionate about nature and wildlife, which I found utterly contagious! He was able to point out many different types of fish, rays and even moray eels! At one point we heard the calls of dolphins under the water. Our boat’s captain, Walter, called us aboard and he whisked us off to find a giant pod of dolphins. It was a blended pod consisting of bottle-nose and spotted dolphins. They said there could have been at least 100 dolphins! They were everywhere! It was a truly magical experience! TRIP
The Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica is well known for its biodiversity due to its numerous types of ecosystems. The Sierpe river is a tidal river and contains many animal species, including crocodiles, caimans, egrets, kingfishers, monkeys, iguanas, turtles, macaws and lizards. The tour takes three hours on a pontoon-type boat, which is designed so that you can easily walk and stand on it, which makes them perfect for wildlife photography,
2 person minimum, 24-hour notice is required.
Voluntourism is the term we use for the synergy created when we merge tourism with volunteering to help local biologists study different species. Here on the Osa Peninsula we have many different animal species on the endangered list, but few as cute and endearing as baby sea turtles!! Just 10 minutes from the hotel is Playa Preciosa which is a nesting beach for endangered Leatherback Hawksbill,
Olive Ridley and Green sea turtles. At different times throughout the year, the mothers who can at times grow to have a fin span of 8.5 feet wide and get to a total weight of 1,500 pounds will lay their eggs under the cover of darkness.
In order to help defend the nests from local predators, the friendly biologists at Tortugas Preciosas regularly patrol the beaches day and night and relocate the nests to a protected area while they wait for the eggs to hatch. Once a nest has hatched the biologists will invite tourists to help safely measure and count the individuals from each nest while they explain the details about these amazing animals. Once the data has been taken, the babies will be released, and you can experience their first steps as they make their way down to the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean for their very first swim! This tour is magical and informative for all ages. This tour leaves at 5:30am and returns by 7:30am.Turtles generally hatch from mid July to December, but are not always available every day, so speak to your guide for details.
2 person minimum.
These activities offer a different option to explore and enjoy nature in a more active way. From high up in the forest on a zip line to galloping through the rainforest on horseback; all these tours are fun and will help you experience a shot of adrenaline to make you really feel alive.
The only problem we had with the excursions was that we didn’t have enough time to do them all!even with the little 3 year old in tow- were able to do the monkey tour, the zip line (he went with a guide and then with me), the Christmas Day cruise with swimming in the bay, the chocolate farm tour, horseback riding through the jungle up to a secluded waterfall, two days at the beach, fishing off the pier (our little guy caught a snapper big enough to feed us all for dinner!), and the most amazing fireworks display/bonfire/resort party on the beach you could ever imagine. They also drive us 1.5 hours away to go to scuba dive at drakes bay, another highly recommended experience.
The Canopy Tour offers many platforms up to 140 feet tall that allow you to view primary forest, secondary forest and renewable plantations of trees. The combination of breathtaking views, vibrant wildlife, and speeds up to 50 miles per hour while 140 feet high are sure to make this a trip to remember! State-of-the-art equipment is provided for the utmost safety.
The guides are highly trained and knowledgeable in not only techniques and safety issues, but also on the natural wonders encountered in this exciting ride through the heights of this beautiful rainforest.
OPTIONAL: Canopy Zip Line Tour at night. Evening tour leaves at 7:30 PM. 2 person minimum, 12 hour notice required. Closed toed, closed heel shoes are recommended.
One of the best and most beautiful local surf spots in the world-renowned Matapalo beach surf-break. Whether you are new to surfing or an advanced surfer, our knowledgeable and helpful guides will lead you to the best spots appropriate for your experience.
2 person minimum, 24-hour notice required. This tour is physically demanding and only for competent swimmers. All equipment is provided.
The “second longest left-hand wave in the world” is right across the Golfo Dulce from our resort. A 30 minute boat ride brings you to Pavones Beach so you can ride the “three minute long left.” This break is for experienced surfers and strong swimmers. The best time to visit Pavones is between April and November.
Full day tour, 2 person minimum, 24 hour notice required. This tour is physically demanding and only for competent swimmers. All equipment is provided. Boat eco-tours have limited availability from January through April.
On the other side of the Osa Peninsula lies a special island about 15 miles offshore, called Cano Island. This is an amazing location to Scuba Dive all year around, as even when it is raining, there is not enough surface area on the island to hurt the visibility when diving. Dive depths range from about 30 –50 feet, and clients will dive one tank before lunch, and one tank after.
Car will leave promptly at 5:00am and will return around 5pm. Physical dive license required for each diver who wishes to participate. Location does not have daily scuba tours, so must be organized well in advance.
Minimum of 2 People, 72-hour notice required. Dive certificate required.
2 Tank DiveExplore the interior of the Osa Peninsula on horseback (the local’s way). You will be guided along isolated mountain paths and jungle trails offering stunning gulf and ocean views with abundant wildlife. Throughout the day, you will have plenty of opportunities to dismount to rest and explore the rainforest on foot. Explore the varied landscape and see the wildlife from the peacefulness and majesty of a horse.
2 person minimum, 12-hour notice required, closed shoes are required.
Long pants and insect repellent recommended. Please note this tour is physically demanding and there is a weight limit of 220 pounds per horse.
If you are interested in a sportfishing trip, along with Costa Rican eco tours, this is the place! It was comfortable, and a terrific experience! The guides, both fishing and land tours, were knowledgeable and very good."
TRIP ADVISOR REVIEW - YOexplorer
This shorter tour provides an introduction to the area and to the resident wildlife. Crocodiles and Caimans are on a long list of fascinating creatures known to reside in the area. This tour takes you to our beautiful lagoon where these big reptiles thrive in their natural habitat. Your guides will enlighten you with information about these captivating reptiles.
This tour also acquaints you with some of the other fauna and flora on property.
DURATION: 1.5 HOURS
Minimum of 2 People, 12-hour notice required.
Begin your independent discovery of the smooth waters of the Golfo Dulce by paddle boarding. Your leisurely paddle along the shoreline allows you to enjoy both water and land elements and connects you with nature. Great for all physical abilities. This is a self-guided tour and we recommend individuals paddle board in groups of 2 or more.
1/2 Day Rental.
Electric bikes make getting around fun and easy. Definitely, the way to get out and explore and see Puerto Jimenez! Whatever terrain suits you best, we have the road bike, mountain bike, kid's bike, or electric bike for you.
Rental options: Per hour, 1/2 day, Full day, and 4 days.
Most half-day morning tours depart from the reception area at 7:00 am and return to the resort for lunch at 12:00 noon. Half-day afternoon tours depart from the reception area at 1:00 pm and return to the resort by 4:30 pm. Most full-day tours depart from reception at 7:00 am and return by 4:00 pm. Not all tours are available every day. Please consult with the eco-tour department for availability.
A special family discount of 25% applies to children ages 6 to 11 when touring together with at least two adults at the same party. Children ages 5 and under are free when touring with at least two adults in the same party, on all tours EXCEPT horseback riding when they receive a 25% discount when riding on their own horse.
A cooler filled with drinks and fruit is provided for all half-day activities, with the addition of a picnic lunch for full-day tours. A representative from our eco-tour department is in the office in the mornings and evenings. We welcome your questions and try to accommodate special requests, always with safety in mind. Most eco-tours can be customized to accommodate all levels of physical ability and endurance.
If guests are unable to participate in their activities on the scheduled date, Crocodile Bay will always attempt to reschedule for a different date at no cost when our schedule allows. (Restrictions apply, subject to availability).
INDIVIDUAL GUEST TOURS
·Cancellations with 15+ Days’ notice | 90% Refund
·Cancellations 6-15 Days’ notice | 75% Refund
·Cancellations 2-5 Days’ notice | 50% Refund
·48 hours or less and no shows | No Refunds
10 or more people is defined as a group tour.
·Cancellations with 15+ Days’ notice | 75% Refund
·Cancellations 6-15 Days’ notice | 65% Refund
·Cancellations 2-5 Days’ notice | 25% Refund
·48 hours or less and no shows | No Refunds
The history of the Osa Peninsula is steeped in mystery, and at one time this biologically intense place was a part of the ocean floor. However, as the volcanoes continued to erupt and the tectonic plates collided, an unbroken land bridge between North and South America formed, and the Osa Peninsula rose above the surface of the water for the very first time. The land bridge between these two vast continents is in large part responsible for the incredibly high biodiversity found in this area.
Humans have visited the Osa Peninsula as far back as 6,000 BC, and various indigenous groups such as the Chiriqui and Borucas hunted in the lush rainforest of the peninsula. Some 20 years after Christopher Columbus landed on the beach near Limon (1502), explorer Gil Gonzalez Davila meets a local cacique or tribal chief named Osa, hence the name of the peninsula. Then in 1569, Sir Francis Drake visits the shores of the Osa and was alleged to have buried a treasure somewhere along the coastline that has yet to be discovered. As the next couple of centuries passed, the Osa became a place that time forgot.
In 1848, Costa Rica became a Republic, and around that time, a colony of Panamanians were the first to migrate to the area around the Golfo Dulce. The President of Costa Rica sent a mission of colonists to compete. At that time, cattle became king and the original village of the Osa Peninsula, Santo Domingo, began to take root. In 1910, the town changed its name in honor of the first president to ever visit the Osa Peninsula, Ricardo Jimenez. The settlers of the Osa processed and sold coconut derivatives and other local produce to passing steamships.
Also around this time, the Osa was gaining a reputation as a place to drop off criminals in the most remote locations of the peninsula. The natural barriers of the area isolated these lawless individuals to a life of fending for themselves in the wilds of the last frontier. In the 1930’s, gold is discovered on the Osa. This is where myth and storytelling shade the truth. Some say it was the criminals who discovered the valuable metal; while others say it was a settler who found gold dust in a shell on the beach. Whatever the truth might be, the Osa was now gaining notoriety as the last frontier, which was lawless, and full of opportunity.
In 1938, Puerto Jimenez had grown into a slightly larger and less demure frontier town gaining an airstrip with passenger flights to San Jose. In the 1950s, the Puerto Jimenez town center was moved to its present location. “In those days the streets were grass,” says Anita Polanco, who initially arrived on the Osa in the late 1930’s in search of gold. “It was a very small place, and all the families knew each other. There were the Quintero, the Ceballos, the Aguirres, the Chavarria, the Pinzon family, the Lezcano, the Franceschi, some 25 families…. “
Between 1962 and 1973, over a thousand scientists visited a tropical research outpost stationed in Rincon. Their environmental land use studies, along with conservation-oriented activity, soon provoked a revolutionary shift on the Osa. But in the early 1970’s, things started to heat up on the Osa Peninsula. Control of its natural resources was at the center of the battle, and there were many different players involved; original settlers, gold miners, scientists, the Costa Rican government, and corporations looking for profits.
By 1975, the settler’s situation worsened. Chris Vaughn, one of the scientists, wrote at the time…. “not one square meter in the Corcovado plain or in the nearby hills was not marked with boundary lines and claimed by an owner.” In October 1975, President Oduber signed a decree exchanging lands of the Osa Corcovado Basin for territories of the surrounding Baldios Nacionales. On the same day, he signed a decree establishing “Parque Nacional Corcovado” in the Corcovado Basin… and a paper park was created. Corcovado National Park Included extensions in 1978, 1980, and 1985.
The 1980’s brought more trouble, as the Osa exploded with a perfect storm of calamities that included: the collapse of the banana business in the gulf with widespread unemployment; the spillover from the wars of Nicaragua, El Salvador, and the contagious narco-militarism of Panama; gold peaked at atmospheric levels and another gold rush began.
In 1895, Alvaro Ugalde (The Director of the National Parks) asked President Monge to declare the Osa in a state of emergency, and the University of Pennsylvania biologist, Dan Janzen, was asked to conduct a study on the impact of gold mining in and around the park. It was his recommendation that led to the complete eviction of miners in 1986.
The government of Costa Rica at this time started to tie its economic future to the relatively new concept of ecotourism. And, with that Costa Rica became one of the world’s most prominent examples of sustainable development. In the 1990’s , the last of the big mining companies left the Osa, and the first full-service eco-lodges on the peninsula started to develop. Over the last 25 years, the peninsula has succeeded in not only conserving its reputation as “the most biologically intense place on earth,” but also growing a sustainable tourism approach to this magical place.
Robin Williams came to the Osa in 1998 and purchased a cattle farm next to the town of Puerto Jimenez. In 1999 construction started, and the original lodge opened at the end of that year. His two sons, Beau and Cory, joined the staff a few years later. Beau and Cory opened the next chapter for Crocodile Bay and worked on the development of Botanika which opened its' doors in May 2011. Botanika's accommodations with premium amenities complimented with Crocodile Bay's fishing and Eco Excursions make this a must visit destination.
