Pack your day with hiking, climbing, birding, river-wading, and more while supporting our conservation efforts
Explore over 7,000 acres of private wildlife refuge at the Osa Conservation Campus
Explore Day Pass Options
We offer four unique one-day experiences at the Osa Conservation Campus.
Release Sea Turtle Hatchlings
Join our Sea Turtle Conservation Team for an early morning beach patrol to protect threatened sea turtle tests. Get hands-on at our sea turtle hatchery, where you may help release the 10,000+ babies we protect annually. This tour includes lessons on sea turtle ecology and conservation while in the field, and finishes with an authentic Costa Rican breakfast at our campus.
This pass includes access to over 30 kilometers of self-guided trail system, which features our world-class arboretum.
Experience the Treetops
Scale our 100 foot canopy tower and get face-to-face with treetop dwellers such as endangered spider monkeys and scarlet macaws. The tower features a vertical museum, highlighting the unique layers of the rainforest, from forest floor to treetop. The first of its kind in the region, this incredible canopy tower is perfect for birding, sloth sightings, and more.
This pass includes access to over 30 kilometers of self-guided trail system, which features our world-class arboretum.
Wade in Private Waterfalls
Follow the pristine Piro river through the rainforest. Surrounded by troops of monkeys and herds of peccaries, wade in the remote waters fuel the biodiversity of the region. This cascading waterfall is the perfect reward for your hike, which features elevated viewpoints of the tropical canopy and Pacific ocean.
This pass requires a private guide for your group. Click here for contact information to the fantastic local guides we recommend, or reserve a certified guide that we will register upon arrival.
Where the Rainforest Meets the Sea
Enjoy over 30 kilometers of self-guided trails that traverse old-growth, secondary and mangrove forests and feature our arboretum – a living museum that details over 400 species. Enjoy the remote rocky coastline of Piro Beach, which can only be accessed via the Osa Conservation Campus. Escape the crowds for the chance to experience the rare, primitive coastline where lush rainforest collides with the Pacific ocean.
This is our base day-pass. Extras can be added to this package including waterfall access (guide required), canopy tower access, and sea turtle tours.
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Osa Conservation Campus located?
Osa Conservation is located in the southern part of Costa Rica, in the Osa Peninsula. The Peninsula is renowned as the most biologically diverse place on earth, where an astounding array of biodiversity resides on a miniscule fraction of the Earth’s surface.
Our campus is situated between Corcovado National Park and Puerto Jimenez on the peninsula’s south western coastline. Depending on road conditions and weather, the campus is about a 50 minute drive (26 km / 16 mi) west out of Puerto Jimenez.
When is the best time to visit?
The Osa Conservation Campus is open year-round. December through April comprises our dry season – weather is unlikely to hamper any outdoor plans, so this is great time to visit. September and October are the height of the rainy season, with heavy rainfall occurring every day. May through August, as well as November, are the transition months between the rainy and dry seasons, so you are more than likely to experience rain but will also enjoy sunshine and cooler daytime temperatures.
What should I bring?
Wear comfortable hiking clothes for hot weather and rain, preferably quick-drying. Please also wear:
- High socks (to be used with rubber boots)
- Swimsuit (optional)
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Light rain jacket
- Rubber boots (these are available at the campus and are mandatory for the trails)
- Sandals or sneakers
Beyond clothing, we recommend the following gear:
- Bring a dry bag or waterproof backpack to protect your belongings from moisture while in the field
- Flashlight
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent (preferably natural)
- Water bottle
- Cash (US dollars are accepted almost anywhere or you can get colones from ATMs of Puerto Jiménez or San José)
- Debit / credit card (widely accepted)
How easy is it to encounter wildlife?
The Osa Peninsula, where our 7,000 acre property sits, is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Common animal sightings include all 4 species of Costa Rica’s monkeys, coatis, anteaters, agoutis, peccaries, sea turtles, and plenty of birds (including scarlet macaws), lizards, frogs and snakes. While much rarer to see, our property is also home to crocodiles, ocelots, pumas, jaguars, and tapirs.
The more you get out onto our trails, the more likely you are to see wildlife! The vegetation is impressive as well–we protect over 300 native, threatened, rare and endemic species in our Osa Arboretum.
Extend your Stay
at the Osa Conservation Campus
Extend your adventure with an overnight reservation. Featuring shared or private rooms in our conservation cabins, surround yourself with wildlife when you stay at our Conservation Campus. Enjoy unlimited trail system and beach access with three fresh meals daily served by our team.
Rates & Passes
All rates are displayed in US Dollar and are current for 2023 and 2024 reservations.
Sea Turtle Conservation Pass
Includes guided sea turtle census on Piro beach, sea turtle hatchling release* guided primary forest hike to and from beach, breakfast at our Conservation Campus and access to over 30 kilometers of self-guided trail system including the Osa Arboretum.
*Sea turtles are wild animals, and though our team uses data to predict the accurate nest hatchings, it is impossible to guarantee a hatching.
- $60 International
- $30 National
Canopy Exploration Pass
Includes self-guided access to 100 foot canopy tower, featuring canopy museum and conservation technology display. Pass also includes access to over 30 kilometers of self-guided trail system including the Osa Arboretum, beach access, and facilities in our campus day use area.
- $45 International
- $25 National
Waterfall Excursion Pass
A private guide is required to reserve this pass. Please contact a certified local guide directly, or reach out to our team to help you reserve a certified guide via reservations@osaconservation.org. This pass includes access to over 30 kilometers of self-guided trail system, Osa Arboretum, beach access, and facilities in our campus day use area. This package can be upgraded to any of the other day passes.
- $15 International + cost of guide
- $5 National + cost of guide
Conservation Campus Basic Pass
Includes self-guided access to over 30 kilometers of trail system, the Osa Arboretum, beach access, and facilities in our day-use area. This package can be upgraded to any of the other day passes.
- $15 International
- $5 National
Experience the Osa Conservation Campus!
Contact us to directly to begin planning your day visit. Send us an email at reservations@osaconservation.org or fill out the contact form below and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.
