Perched in one of the most biologically diverse areas on earth, Bosque del Cabo is a perfect getaway to enjoy the beautiful Costa Rican rainforest. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the Pacific and Golfo Dulce from your private bungalow. As one of the most sustainable eco-lodges in the Osa Peninsula, this lodge offers the ultimate jungle resort experience, from relaxation to adventure.
At this family-owned and operated lodge, guests are welcome to explore the surrounding area, from the sandy beaches to the lush rainforest. Activities include kayaking, deep-sea fishing, boating, surfing, and zipline— there is no shortage of fun for any guest. The owners have also committed to conservation and sustainability in efforts to preserve the natural beauty surrounding the lodge.
Their story
Bosque del Cabo is one of the finest and longest-running eco-lodges in Costa Rica. It is the ultimate example of turning endangered land into a thriving ecological reserve. Phil Spier bought 250 acres in the 1980s in hopes of restoring the land and sharing the magic of the Osa Peninsula with guests. Phil met his wife Kim several years later, and together they built up the Bosque land reserve to 750 acres. They still live and raise their family on the grounds of the lodge. Bosque only uses 1% of its vast land for buildings and guest areas. The rest of the land is set aside as protected forest.
Bosque del Cabo has participated in many conservation efforts, from land restoration and preservation to renewable energy. The land is part of the Osa Wildlife Reserve, which acts as a corridor for wildlife within Costa Rica. The Spiers pay guards to protect the land from poachers from the forest to the beach.
Bosque del Cabo shows the lifelong passion the Spiers have for nature. The land that was once degraded and mismanaged has become a wildlife refuge and cozy eco-lodge. Land which decades ago was clear-cut for use as pasture and farmland has been restored to a thriving forest full of the glorious biodiversity that the Osa is famed for around the world. There are even frequent wildcat sightings in and around the lodge, which is thrilling for guests and incredible for conservation on the peninsula. The epitome of an eco-lodge, there is no doubt that Bosque del Cabo is driven by values over anything else. Read more about them here.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- Phil built the original lodge on a clearing in the forest, which had already been degraded. Instead of replanting that land and clearing a better plot, Spier used the land in the most efficient manner.
- Through reforestation efforts, Bosque del Cabo has reduced its overall carbon impact, while rebuilding natural habitats.
- The Spiers reuse building materials when building new constructions. Where new material was needed, bamboo was used.
- The lodge has been built in a way to control erosion.
High level of energy efficiency
- The eco-lodge runs 90-100% of the time on renewable energy (hydro and solar systems). Since Costa Rica is one of the leading countries in renewable energy, even the main grid runs more than 90% renewable energy.
- They implemented low-power-consuming LED & compact fluorescent light bulbs for fixed lights & flashlights.
- They use flashlights that utilize low-power-consuming LED technology.
- Bosque uses environmentally clean and renewable solar hot water heaters.
Pioneer in waste management
- The lodge provides bins & transportation to the recycling center for the plastic, aluminum, steel, cardboard & glass waste generated by staff & guests.
- They recycle paper, envelopes, packing materials, newspapers, and anything feasible.
- They also recycle food wastes into compost systems to reuse them as fertilizer in their gardens or send them to a local pig farm.
- Bosque del Cabo provides their guests and employees with oxo-biodegradable water bottles to reduce recycled plastic.
- They also implemented two constructed wetlands filtration systems for processing greywater.
- The lodge uses bamboo straws and stir-sticks at the bar.
Fully organic and chemical-free operation
- Biodegradable cleaning products and soaps are used whenever possible.
- Bosque uses a non-chemical ionizing system and a solar-powered pump for pool maintenance.
- They also use the organic compost as fertilizer.
- Food served in the restaurant is majority organic and locally grown. They prepare local dishes and typical food to share local culture and traditions.
Actively protects nature and community
- Bosque del Cabo is committed to preserving the beautiful area by dedicating their time, funds, and efforts. They believe in using their surroundings responsibly and understand the interdependence between humans and nature and aim to reflect that relationship. Through their Bosque Verde program, they educate and guide staff and guests on reducing negative impacts and fostering sustainable practices. They align their program with the Certification for Sustainable Tourism guidelines.
- Most of the proceeds from the lodge go to conservation. Bosque del Cabo supports many local projects, including the Osa Sea Turtle Conservation Project, Wildcats Conservation Program, and Amazon Conservation Team.
- They organize and host annual fundraising events, including Jungle Golf Tournament, Annual Science Meeting of Friends of the Osa.
- The family not only hires local people, but also supports the local bilingual school by sponsoring some children of Bosque employees.
Most Popular Activities near Bosque Del Cabo
- Dolphin watching
- Surfing
- Kayaking
- Snorkeling
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Ziplining and/or waterfall rappelling
- Bird-watching tours to see many of the 20 Costa Rican birds.
- Horseback riding
- Turtle watching
READ ON – 36 Eco-friendly Things to Do in Costa Rica (From A to Z)
Best time to visit Bosque Del Cabo
- The humidity in Costa Rica is high all year around.
- To avoid the rainy season, plan your visit outside May-June and September-October.
- If you want to enjoy this place the sunniest it can be, visit in March or December.
- Smaller showers or thunderstorms can be expected all year around, so please be prepared.
READ ON – Best Time To Visit Costa Rica (Factual Data, Pros & Cons, What to Expect)