Seventy-four point three nautical miles from Chiriquí to Osa. It is the only route in the catalogue where the destination runway can decide the direct flight does not exist, which is why it is worth reading before asking. Quoted per aircraft on request.
Route facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Origin | Enrique Malek (DAV / MPDA), David |
| Destination | Drake Bay (DRK / MRDK) |
| Distance | 74.3 NM · 138 km |
| International | Yes |
| Destination runway | 1,000 × 18 m |
| Price | Quoted per aircraft on request |
Eleven metres of width
It is the severest restriction in the catalogue, and here it is not a detail: it is the factor deciding whether this route exists for your group.
Seven hundred and fifty metres of length is not the problem. Eleven of width is. It limits the aircraft category, and the category limits how many people fit. The specific aircraft is assigned on confirmation, based on passenger count, baggage and the destination field.
With two or three people and normal baggage, the direct works. With six, or with bulky baggage, the question is category, not runway.
The specific aircraft is assigned on confirmation, based on passenger count, baggage and the destination field.
The alternative the catalogue keeps recommending
When the direct is not possible, the route is this:
| Leg | Distance |
|---|---|
| David – Puerto Jiménez | 52.2 NM |
| Puerto Jiménez – Drake Bay | 23.0 NM overland |
Puerto Jiménez restricts nothing. You arrive there in whatever aircraft your group needs and cover the remaining twenty-three nautical miles by road and track.
It is the third time the catalogue makes this recommendation — from San José, from Bocas and now from David — and always for the same reason. The runway limits the group, not the distance.
And it crosses a border
An international flight between Panama and Costa Rica, with the deadlines that implies. Departure and entry formalities vary by country and need lead time; we coordinate them with every passenger’s details.
Here two restrictions stack on the same booking: the formalities on one side and the runway on the other. Neither is resolved the day before.
If you travel in a group and cross the border towards Drake, this is among the legs in the catalogue that ask for most notice — only Bocas del Toro–Drake Bay asks for more, because it adds a sea link at the origin.
Corcovado and the transfer
The park requires a certified guide and quotas are coordinated in advance; we do not handle it. Access requires an authorisation handled by the area’s administration or your local operator, on their own timescales.
And from the airstrip to the lodges there is a sea or track journey we do not operate either. Ground transfer is not included in the fare: your accommodation or a local operator arranges it.
Drake Bay is the catalogue's destination with the most links outside our control, and that does not change by coming from Panama.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fly direct from David to Drake Bay?
With two or three people and normal baggage, yes. With a large group or bulky baggage, there may be no aircraft suited to eight metres of width. The specific aircraft is assigned on confirmation, based on passenger count, baggage and the destination field.
What is the alternative?
David–Puerto Jiménez is 52.2 nautical miles and from there to Drake 23.0 overland. Puerto Jiménez restricts nothing.
Why are the 750 metres of runway not enough?
Length is not the problem. The eight metres of width limit the category, and the category limits how many people fit.
Is the flight from David to Drake Bay international?
Yes, between Panama and Costa Rica, with its deadlines. Two restrictions stack: the formalities and the runway. Departure and entry formalities vary by country and need lead time; we coordinate them with every passenger’s details.
How much notice do I need?
It is the leg in the catalogue that asks for most if you travel in a group and cross a border. Neither restriction is resolved the day before.
Is the transfer to the lodge included?
No. From the airstrip to the lodges there is a sea or track journey we do not operate. Ground transfer is not included in the fare: your accommodation or a local operator arranges it.