Palmar Sur is the only field on the Osa Peninsula that does not restrict the aircraft, and that makes it the real hub of the whole region even though almost nobody has it as a final destination.
The destinations, by distance
| Destination | Distance |
|---|---|
| Drake Bay | 17.3 NM |
| Golfito | 24.6 NM |
| Puerto Jiménez | 26.8 NM |
| San Isidro del General | 27.9 NM |
| Quepos | 49.1 NM |
| Tobías Bolaños (Pavas) | 72.3 NM |
| San José | 76.3 NM |
Four destinations under twenty-eight nautical miles. It is the densest origin in the south, and none of those four requires returning to the Central Valley to reach the next.
Why it is the hub
Fourteen hundred metres by eighteen, no size limitation. On a peninsula where Drake Bay has a thousand-metre runway and Puerto Jiménez eight hundred and twenty-two, that is the difference between one flight and two.
With a group of six or more, coming in through Palmar and continuing overland usually costs less than splitting the group across two small aircraft. And everyone arrives together. The specific aircraft is assigned on confirmation, based on passenger count, baggage and the destination field.
It is the catalogue's standard recommendation for Osa, and this is where it applies. The trade-off is ground time rather than flight money — and ground time is more predictable than a second rotation.
The specific aircraft is assigned on confirmation, based on passenger count, baggage and the destination field.
What sits seventeen nautical miles away
Drake Bay. By air it is 17.3; by land and water, road to Sierpe and boat down the Térraba and the estuary.
That boat has tide-driven schedules of its own and we do not operate it. The boat leg on the Térraba depends on tides and is arranged by your accommodation or a local operator.
It is the link to confirm before fixing the flight's hour, not after. Many Drake lodges include it in their package: ask them first.
And what conditions the day
Not the runway. It is the northern approach, which crosses the Térraba river with a mountain immediately north. The surrounding terrain shapes the approach and, with it, which aircraft can work the field.
It changes neither the aircraft nor the price. It changes the odds of the day, so allow margin if your itinerary chains onto a boat.
The rest of the network
Golfito (24.6 NM) is the mainland side of the Golfo Dulce and the international exit towards David.
San Isidro (27.9 NM) opens the interior and Chirripó without crossing the Cerro de la Muerte.
Quepos (49.1 NM) is the central coast along the shoreline, gaining no altitude at any point — useful for passengers who have just come off a boat. By road that same connection is the Costanera Sur: about three hours of good road, a certain cost but a long one.
Frequently asked questions
What destinations run from Palmar Sur?
Drake Bay at 17.3 nautical miles, Golfito at 24.6, Puerto Jiménez at 26.8, San Isidro at 27.9 and Quepos at 49.1.
Why is it the hub of Osa?
Because it is the longest field on the peninsula, at 1,400 metres: 1,400 metres by 18. The specific aircraft is assigned on confirmation, based on passenger count, baggage and the destination field.
Does it suit a large group?
Yes. Coming in through Palmar and continuing overland usually costs less than splitting the group across two aircraft.
What is the difference from flying direct to Drake?
Drake is 1,000 × 18 m and does not restrict by width. Palmar does not: with six or more, the stop works out better.
How do I reach Drake from here?
17.3 nautical miles by air, or road to Sierpe and boat. That boat has tide schedules. The boat leg on the Térraba depends on tides and is arranged by your accommodation or a local operator.
And the Central Valley?
San José at 76.3 nautical miles and Pavas at 72.3.
Is there anything that conditions the day?
The northern approach over the Térraba river, with a mountain immediately north. The surrounding terrain shapes the approach and, with it, which aircraft can work the field.
Enquire
Routes from Palmar Sur: Palmar Sur to Quepos · San José to Palmar Sur · How much does a private charter to Palmar Sur cost · What decides your aircraft · All destinations · The southern Costa Rican network · Not the length, the width · Private Charter from Golfito to Palmar Sur · The fastest way to get to the Osa Peninsula