The tour begins with a boat ride at 6 AM. While on board, participants can search for marine animals cresting or watch the sun rise slowly onto the surface of the Pacific Ocean. This initial segment takes approximately 1½ hours. Once they reach land, guests will walk .6 mile (1 km) to the station, where they will check in and find a place to sleep—it could be in one of the cabins or camping areas. The cabins are extremely basic and have bunk beds and single beds lining the walls. Most cabins hold between 4-7 people. If these are full guests are invited to use one of the tents on the station’s covered deck or, if given approval by the rangers, pitch it beneath a nearby tree.

At 9 AM, participants will be led on a 2-hour hike around the station. As they walk, their guide will introduce them to the plants, animals and insects that inhabit this area. They’ll have the opportunity to inspect large-leafed plants, towering trees, birds and animals.

Returning to the station around 11:30 AM, the group will enjoy lunch in the station’s dining room. The fare is simple and usually consists of a casado – a typical Costa Rican meal that includes rice, beans, chicken, and a small salad. Once the food has settled, another walk will begin. Departing around 12:30 PM, this hike will lead to a natural pool along the Río Claro. Guests will have the option of swimming or simply lounging alongside the water.

Upon returning from the afternoon hike, guests will have dinner at 5:30 PM. This, too, will be some kind of casado. Following dinner, there will be a two-hour night hike. This presents travelers with the possibility of seeing nocturnal animals and insects that they missed during the day – it’s an entirely different world than when the sun is shining! Once the hike is over, guests will return to their sleeping quarters and go to bed.

Breakfast is served at 6:30 AM the next morning. This typically consists of gallo pinto, eggs and coffee. The final hike will take place after this and will return around 10:30 AM. Guests will then pack their stuff, have lunch, and begin the final .6-mile (1 km) walk to the beach. A boat will pick them up and return them to Drake Bay around 3 PM.

Cancellation and Special Policies

Guests will be given a 60% refund if the tour is canceled within 15 days of its scheduled date. In the case of bad weather, the tour will be suspended or rescheduled. If the guest still cannot make the tour, they will be given a 50% refund.

Any attempt to break the rules of the tour will result in the guest being taken back to the hotel without a refund. The Corcovado area is protected, and no rock, shell or animal can be tampered with or taken. Guests that do not stay on the trails or use their safety gear properly will also be escorted from the tour.

Every participant must sign a waiver. Children under 12 must have their parents sign for them.  

Health problems should be reported in advance. Guests are responsible for reporting their health problems in a timely and accurate manner.

Anywhere Costa Rica > Destinos > Corcovado > Tours > Overnight at the Sirena Station