The Top 5 Reasons To Visit Crocodile Bay Resort in Costa Rica

At this time of year, many of the inquiries about vacationing at Crocodile Bay Resort are about our ‘Green Season’. We call it ‘Green’ because it is the time of year when everything comes alive on the Osa Peninsula, and the afternoon showers revive both the flora and the fauna.

And where the shades of green are so numerous they are impossible to count.

We decided to list the top ten reasons to visit us here on the Osa Peninsula at Crocodile Bay, a place where you may wish to come for the fishing, but you’ll stay for the opportunity to stand with Mother Nature and share in all the energy of this magical place. In 2019, Crocodile Bay Resort has ushered in a tackle box of new possibilities and experiences.

The Staff at Crocodile Bay Resort
Our staff is one of the top reasons why our guests say they love Crocodile Bay. We are very proud of our Crocodile Bay family and how they naturally make people feel, but it is more than that. Most of our staff have grown up on the Osa Peninsula. They are proud of their home. And they are here because they love the way of life, the energy of nature, and their bond with their families.Our friendly staff will cater to your individual needs and share the natural wealth of the Osa Peninsula, while helping you prepare for the experience of a lifetime.
The Osa Rainforest and Corcovado National Park
Referred to by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on Earth”, Corcovado National Park, a 164-square mile natural wonderland on the Osa Peninsula, is the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s national park system. Within its borders are diverse ecosystems, including mountainous rainforest, cloud forest, prairie and mangrove wetlands.The volume and variety of wildlife you’ll find here is unbelievable. All four Costa Rican monkey species, two kinds of sloths, two types of anteaters, collared peccary, caiman, crocodiles, poison dart frogs and hundreds of colorful bird species are commonly seen. It’s also home to rare species such as the Baird’s Tapir, jaguars and Harpy Eagles.Corcovado National Park is one of the top National Parks in the world. At Crocodile Bay we will take you on a one-day hike into this natural wonderland. Let us take you to discover this paradise, which very few people have the privilege to experience.
The World-Class Sport Fishing
Crocodile Bay boasts the largest private sport fishing fleet in Central America with in-house captains and mates able to cater to all skill levels. Our fishing crews are dedicated to providing the service, education and local knowledge to ensure you enjoy the fishing adventure of a lifetime.Offshore, inshore, and now all-new kayak and shore fishing excursions are available, each uniquely challenging and equally rewarding. The upwelling caused by the offshore winds to the north and south moves baitfish into the area and leaves a flat ocean with one of the highest concentrations of sailfish in the world.Our fleet of 25ft Boston Whaler Outrage’s and 33ft Strike Yacht tower boats are easily accessed from our own 800-foot private pier located just steps from the resort.. Crocodile Bay offers world-class catch and release bill fishing in the Pacific Ocean for gigantic sailfish and a variety marlin including striped, blue and black. Other favorite offshore species include dorado, tuna and wahoo..Fishing inshore within Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf) for enormous roosterfish, along with cubera snapper, jack crevalle, bluefin trevally, sierra mackerel, tripletail, and grouper provides a diverse fishing experience and is excellent throughout the year.
The Incredible Range of Our Eco-toursNo 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 Dennis Atencio, Director of Expeditions. Dennis is certified within the Osa Peninsula Conservation Area (ACOSA) by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute as an Ecological Guide. He and his full-time staff 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 and so much to discover. 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.Tours include canopy zip lining, horseback riding, surfing, waterfall repelling, botanical garden & animal sanctuary tours, snorkeling, and whale watching just to mention a few of the guided excursions available! Recently we have also added private photography tours, small group photography workshops led by internationally acclaimed experts, a new sunset cruise on a 100ft party boat, and a local off-site beach party location for dancing and evening fun. Crocodile Bay has over 30 eco-tours and cultural tours to choose from and we can take you places that are beyond the reach of others.
The Osa Peninsula Beaches
The Osa Peninsula offers breathtaking stunning scenery with numerous secluded beaches. Each beach has its own personality. Some are just a short walk from Crocodile Bay, while others can be found by kayak, bicycle, boat, or car.Playa Blanca – Within the Golfo Dulce this beach is renowned to be the “main” beach of La Palma, which is the second largest town on the Osa Peninsula after Puerto Jimenez.

Playa Platanares – If you are into bird watching or kayaking, Playa Platanares is but 4km from Puerto Jiménez. Did we mention that the swimming conditions here are excellent?Playa Puerto Jimenez – Come mingle with the locals at this popular beach bar serving everything from margaritas to fish tacos. An absolutely perfect spot for children as the calm shallow waters are safe and fun.

Puntarenitas – Directly across from Crocodile Bay pier you will find a beautiful beach featuring soft sand. Great for paddle boarding, fishing, or to simply enjoy the peace and tranquility that this, the closest secluded beach to Crocodile Bay, represents. Come and take a secluded walk for miles without ever seeing a single soul.

Playa Preciosa– Literally translates to “the precious beach”, which is a very fitting name for this magical beach which is but a 10 minute drive from Puerto Jimenez. For those who like long walks with breathtaking scenery or boogie boarding, you have come to the right place!

Playa Tamales – Here you will find a popular local hang-out, which is on the route towards Matapalo, and is just 20 minutes from Puerto Jimenez. If you are into secluded walks, this Golfo Dulce facing beach is the right place for you.

Costa Rica — Osa Peninsula Coastline in Costa Rica — Image by © Frans Lanting/Corbis

Playa Matapalo – Visit the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula to experience some of the best surfing in the region. Cabo Matapalo is also great for horseback riding and sport fishing.

Cabo Matapalo – Where the rainforest literally meets the ocean is where you will find the first beach, which is just around the point, and that faces directly onto the Pacific Ocean. Even though this area is not recommended for swimming, it does have incredible rock pools to explore and to enjoy.

Playa Carate – This wild beach is one of the main turtle nesting regions on the Osa Peninsula and is an incredible example of the low-lying rainforest touching the Pacific Ocean. From this beach, you can see up the coastline all the way to Corcovado National Park.

Playa Madrigal – This landmark is located within the Corcovado National Park, and accessible via the region of Carate. It is important to note that park visitors must be accompanied by a local tour guide in order to enter. This beach is famous for being the first beach where gold was found lying in the sand.

Playa Pavones – While we are cheating a bit because this beach is technically not on the Osa Peninsula, we chose to include it because it is only a 30-minute boat ride across the bay from Crocodile Bay and it is also the second longest left hand wave in the world. So if you are a surfer of the goofy persuasion it is certainly not a trip you should miss.