For those of you who know Costa Rica, you have the understanding that Costa Rican cuisine can be quite bland and lackluster compared to other latin countries. However, once one becomes fluent in ‘tico’ style kitchens, you soon realize there are hidden flavors and dishes that satisfy even the most worldly foodies. A common dish in Costa Rica is the infamous ‘casado’. A dish always served with rice, beans, small salad, and options of vegetables, potatoes, fish, beef or other meat. Another popular side is ‘picadillo’, or a vegetable and potatoes salad with several varieties. Many dishes can be made accordingly to our guests needs. Whether you decide on vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten free or vegan diets, Drake Bay Birdwatching can facilitate you specific food needs.

Co-founder Tobi has been on a long journey of eating as ethically as she can. Starting as a child she adopted a vegetarian diet even though no one else in her family had yet to make the change. The journey towards a more vegan lifestyle has not been straight, but certainly she does her best to limit her carbon footprint through choices and changes in diet. In the 4 years she has lived in Drake Bay, she has eaten a mix of vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian diets. Through these special dietary needs, she has been able to find the restaurants and cooks, as well as hotels in the area that are able to provide healthy vegetarian and vegan meals, without sacrificing taste or cultural staples in Costa Rica.

Our company strongly holds the notion that our world needs to shift to a more greener and kinder relationship with our earth and fellow animals. It is no secret that large scale agriculture plays a huge role in not only deforestation, but ocean dead zones, global warming, and human health issues. Sadly the areas around Corcovado have been significantly cleared to make way for cattle fields the last century. It is not only farm animals, but also seafood that harms our oceans. The oceans around Drake Bay, and the world have a serious issue with discarded fishing nets and lines that all too often get caught on sealife, either maiming, drowning or debilitating them. Ocean floors are clearcut when harvesting shrimp, and longlines are often found with bycatch of sea turtles, dolphins, sharks and rays. All will perish just for that one fish the fisherman will sell. Dolphins are routinely caught in nets and even with the safest equipment fall victim to the fishing industries. We feel just the act of cutting back on eating meat and consuming dairy plays an integral role in helping the environment.

Let’s All Do Our Part.