Wonderful Costa Ballena: An Expat’s and Property Investor’s Paradise!

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WELCOME TO COSTA BALLENA

The Costa Ballena (Whale Coast) region has exploded in popularity over the past couple of years – with the towns of Dominical, Uvita and Ojochal becoming the stars of our local area. And is anyone surprised? After all, Costa Ballena is where civilization, jungle wilds, stunning beaches, cascading rivers and waterfalls, culinary delights, eco & adrenaline activities, and lively expat communities all come together to create a perfect little paradise! Let’s take a look at all the reasons for the red-hot popularity of our special place.

Costa Ballena is considered to extend, roughly, from just north of Dominical, down to Uvita, through the Ojochal area and on to its southern terminus at the Sierpe Wetlands and the Terraba River delta. It roughly corresponds to the Bahia Ballena district of Puntarenas province.

The Bahia Ballena district which roughly corresponds to Costa Ballena - although Costa Ballena extends a bit north of Dominical and a bit south of Ojochal. c/o google maps. — The Bahia Ballena district which roughly corresponds to Costa Ballena – although Costa Ballena extends a bit north of Dominical and a bit south of Ojochal. So, roughly, Costa Ballena would cover all of the coastline in this map. c/o google maps.

1. Natural Beauty and Climate

The towns of Costa Ballena are surrounded by towering and jungle-clad coastal mountains to the east and warm & inviting waters of the Pacific Ocean to the west. Lush rainforests teeming with famous animals like sloths, toucans, macaws, and monkeys are always within an arm’s reach. The beaches are clean and pristine, many featuring sparkling dark sand flanked by coconut groves and towering cliffs descending into the surf.

As for the weather – the dry season lasts from December to April, while the green season fills the rest of the year. We love Costa Ballena every month of the year, as each season brings out something very unique to our area. The green season amazes with towering waterfalls & misty mountains, and refreshes with cooler weather (‘cooler’ by Costa Rican standards – it is still very warm!) – while the dry season sunshine and starry nights delight many tourists who flock to our area. We still get some rain during the dry season, and many green season days or entire weeks are sunny and clear.

Pavon waterfall during the green season.

cave water — The thundering sea-caves of Playa Ventanas.

2. Expat-Friendly Community

Friendly faces are everywhere in Costa Ballena. Expats and visitors regularly organize beach clean-ups, fundraisers, sporting events, karaoke nights, pickleball tournaments, and group outings. There’s always something happening, and longtime residents are quick to welcome newcomers with open arms.

Facebook and WhatsApp groups, social clubs, and community meetups keep everyone connected. Whether you’re here for a season or settling in for good, you’ll find a vibrant lifestyle built on shared experiences, warm hospitality, and a genuine sense of belonging.

Beach clean-ups take place every weekend.

3. Affordable Property Prices

Costa Ballena is booming—but still feels like a secret. As interest shifts south from Guanacaste, Jaco, and Quepos, newcomers are discovering a region that’s greener, wilder, and unmistakably Costa Rican. Thanks to our monsoon climate, the jungles here stay lush year-round, unlike the dry savannah forests just north of us. The air feels fresher, the vibe more authentic.

And yet, property prices remain far below those in Manuel Antonio, Jaco, or Tamarindo. That gap won’t last forever—especially with everything Costa Ballena offers. Our mountains rise higher, our beaches stay cleaner, our wildlife roams freely, and the energy here is electric.

Options abound: ocean-view villas, jungle hideaways, retirement communities, riverside retreats, sprawling haciendas, commercial land, and development-ready lots. Whether you’re seeking serenity or opportunity, Costa Ballena delivers both—wrapped in rainforest and kissed by the Pacific

4. Tranquil Lifestyle

Costa Ballena offers more than adventure—it offers stillness. Despite the buzz of activities and the warmth of community, peace and quiet define daily life here. Mountains, jungles, rivers, waterfalls, beaches, and mangroves form a constant, living backdrop. Wildlife moves through it all, reminding you that nature isn’t just nearby—it’s everywhere.

The rhythm of the region plays out in sound: green season thunder, dry season cicadas, monkey chatter, jungle birdsong, crashing waves, and the soft burble of creeks. These are the voices of Costa Ballena.

A typical work commune may involve helping a Sloth cross the road!

5. Culinary Delights

Our diverse residents brought their culinary treasures with them! Within minutes in any direction, you’ll find French bistros, Mexican cantinas, Mediterranean kitchens, and Italian trattorias. We also have Spanish tapas bars, fusion spots, Chinese takeout, American-style diners, and beloved Costa Rican sodas. The diversity is staggering—and delicious. It’s no wonder Costa Ballena is often called the culinary capital of Costa Rica. From roadside ceviche stands and breezy beach cafés to burger joints, themed eateries, and elegant hilltop restaurants with sweeping views, the choices are endless. Whether you’re craving comfort food or haute cuisine, you’ll find it here—and probably discover a few new favorites along the way.

The culinary options of Costa Ballena are endless.

From roadside ceviche stands to elaborate fusion creations, you will be spoiled by choice!

6. Proximity to National Parks and Eco-Tourism

The world-famous Corcovado National Park is a bit outside Costa Ballena, but its rainforests and hills are visible in the distance – National Geographic called this gem the ‘most intense place in the world in terms of biodiversity’. Uvita’s Marino Ballena National Park features the spectacular ‘Whale’s Tail’ sand and rock formation as well as some of the most photographed beaches in Costa Rica – in addition to world-class whale watching, sport fishing, surfing and other fun activities.

The Terraba-Sierpe Wetland is a maze of mangrove-lined passageways and a favorite spot for wildlife and bird-watching – there are plenty of small operators who conduct daily tours int the thicks of the wetlands. Manuel Antonio National Park, to the north of Costa Ballena, is one of the top eco-tourism destinations of Costa Rica, featuring some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, a concentration of native wildlife, breathtaking jungle trails and endless accommodation and dining options. And let’s not forget Caño Island – this biological reserve, visible from our shores, is a world-famous whale-watching and scuba diving Mecca. It is readily accessible from Uvita where numerous boat operators offer a variety of daily trip options.

Whale watching tours departing from Marino Ballena National Park rarely disappoint!

7. So Much To Do!

Costa Ballena offers endless ways to stay active: tubing, hiking, deep-sea fishing, ATV rides, horseback treks, ziplining, bird and whale watching, yoga sessions, whitewater rafting, mangrove tours, surfing, and the vibrant energy of the Envision Festival. There’s always something to dive into.

Uvita and especially Dominical are world-renowned for their surf. Dominical has evolved from a sleepy beach town into a lively family destination, with surf schools teaching kids while seasoned pros tackle the famous breaks nearby. Its bustling beach market is a highlight all on its own.

A morning scene just to the north of Dominical.

8. Investment Potential

Costa Ballena has come into its own. Since the Quepos–Dominical road was paved around 2010, interest in the region has steadily climbed. Today, Costa Ballena is one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after destinations—for tourists, expats, and property investors alike.

For those seeking a more natural side of Costa Rica, this is it. Towering mountains, untouched beaches, national parks, and thriving wildlife surround the area, yet modern amenities are never far away. It’s a rare blend of raw beauty and real-world convenience—the best of both worlds, fully realized. And with Costa Rica’s investor-friendly laws, especially for foreign buyers, it’s no wonder people are paying attention. Costa Ballena isn’t just growing—it’s thriving.

There is no better location in Costa Rica - where residential and commercial development options exist in such a close proximity to countless natural wonders and tourist attractions. Pictures is Uvita, with her beaches and activities to th eleft and restaurants to the right. c/o google maps. — There is no better location in Costa Rica – where residential and commercial development options exist in such a close proximity to countless natural wonders and tourist attractions. Pictured is Uvita, with her beaches and activities to the left and restaurants to the right. c/o google maps.

One major game-changer on the horizon is the proposed third international airport—on the doorsteps of Costa Ballena. If built, it would slash travel time from the current 4–6 hour journey down to a breezy 30 minutes. That kind of access could redefine the region’s connectivity, making Costa Ballena more reachable than ever for international travelers, investors, and expats. For more details, see the section below.

9. Did Someone Say NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT near Costa Ballena?

Costa Rica’s two main international airports—San José in the Central Valley and Liberia in Guanacaste—are both located in the north, which is one reason Costa Ballena stayed under the radar for so long. Investors and travelers tended to stick close to the terminals, avoiding the long drive south.

But that’s changing fast. Costa Ballena’s stunning landscapes and unique charm are drawing more attention, and many visitors now see the journey as part of the adventure. Expats and tourists alike are making the multi-hour drive from San José or Liberia, winding along the coastal highway to reach this extraordinary region.

Currently, the small domestic airport in Quepos is the main air gateway to Costa Ballena. It is about a half hour's drive from Dominical. — Currently, the small domestic airport in Quepos is the main air gateway to Costa Ballena. It is about a half hour’s drive from Dominical.

Imagine the transformation: if Costa Rica’s third international airport opens near Ojochal, Costa Ballena could shift from remote gem to global gateway. The proposed Brunca region Airport, currently undergoing archaeological studies, is part of President Rodrigo Chaves’ vision to boost socio-economic development in the South Pacific region.

Designed to accommodate aircraft like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families, the airport could welcome up to 200 passengers per flight—connecting Costa Ballena directly to hubs across Canada, the U.S., the Caribbean, Central America, and much of South America. For travelers, this means bypassing long drives and multiple transfers. For local communities, it could mean expanded tourism, new jobs, and increased investment. And the ripple effects could be profound: easier access to the region’s biodiversity, culture, and real estate opportunities—all while reshaping Costa Ballena’s role on the international stage.

9. All the Animals Costa Rica is Famous For

Macaws. Toucans. Sloths. Whales. Sea turtles. Jaguars. Blue Morpho butterflies. The list goes on—and in Costa Ballena, it’s not just a list, it’s a daily reality. With jungle, cloud forest, and ocean packed tightly together, wildlife is never far. Look up into the canopy, down along the trail, or out toward the surf—there’s always something extraordinary waiting to be seen.

Six types of Toucans you can see in and around Costa Ballena.

Our sloths are EVERYWHERE - but they can be very hard to spot! — Our sloths are EVERYWHERE – but they can be very hard to spot!

Baby sea turtles awaiting release at Playa Hermosa.

SEE YOU IN COSTA BALLENA!

RE/MAX WE SELL PARADISE has been serving the Costa Ballena area for over 13 years – our team includes local Costa Rican property experts as well as real estate professionals from California, Canada, and Europe. We are exactly where a global brand with a global reputation meets extensive local knowledge and experience – contact us TODAY to let your Costa Rican dream take flight! And in the meantime, feel free to browse our hundreds of local property listings.