South Pacific Coast

Considered as the most virgin region of the country, the south Pacific encompasses one of the major biodiversity in Costa Rica. This beautiful area extends from the Barú River to the Panamanian border. It is one of the most amazing and still unspoiled areas of Costa Rica.

In this large territory there are lagoons, mangroves, rivers, rain forests, lowland cloud forests, and miles of sandy coastline. The south Pacific zone is rich in flora and fauna, and its environment serves as a refuge to animals in danger of extinction such as the tapir, panther, and scarlet macaw. With its hidden treasures and the interest to conserve its scenic beauty and areas of biological importance for humanity, this area is a model of development different from any other region of the country, being the main goal to obtain a balance that generates social and economic opportunities without jeopardizing its environmental sustainability. It is a rich zone that offers the opportunity to enjoy a great variety of activities and adventures like surfing, kayaking, rafting, horseback riding, canopying, hiking, etc.

Interesting places to visit 

Marina Ballena National Park

This national park has an extension of 110 ha terrestrial and 5,375 are navy ha.,and is home of two different types of  whales during their trip from the Northern hemisphere towards the Southern hemisphere and vice versa twice a year.

This park has within its protected areas beaches of special beauty, such as Playa Ballena, Playa Uvita, Playa Ventanas and Playa Piñuelas. Very recommended is to take a short day trip to the lovely Caño Island just off the coast. This island is considered one of the best adventure diving spots in the world and is home to an impressive array of underwater marine life.

Dominical

This is a small coastal town 28 miles (45km) south of Quepos and the gorgeous Manuel Antonio National Park. Dominical is a 4 km long beach strip, with several Internet Cafes, a car mechanic, good bars & discos, restaurants, cheap but decent hotels and a very nice 3 star hotel.  Being a surfer’s paradise, the beaches are not safe for swimming.

The nearest airports are Quepos, at 45 kilometers North, and Palmar Norte at 45 kilometers South.

Uvita

Located 18 kms. south of Dominical, Uvita is a multi-cultured small town. This is  Costa Ballena’s shopping and commercial center. Uvita connects to Bahía, the entrance to Marina Ballena National Park, leading you to the famous Whale’s Tail, a nearly 700m long and 250m wide sandbank, which you will be able to walk through, just be ware of the tides!

This small multicultural population is located to 15 km. south of Dominical. The highway between Dominical and Uvita is in excellent conditions and it gives the opportunity to enjoy majestic views of the Pacific Ocean, as it winds along the coastline. This is Costa Ballena’s shopping and commercial center. You can find an internet café, a dental clinic, medical clinic, 2 banks, several mechanics, low budget hotels and a hotel 4 star hotel called Cristal Ballena, which we highly recommend. Uvita connects to Bahía, the entrance to Marina Ballena National Park, leading you to the famous Whale’s Tail, a nearly 700m long and 250m wide sandbank, which you will be able to walk through, just be ware of the tides!

Due to its wonderful attractions, many foreigners have decided to establish their residence in this area, therefore it is possible to find luxurious condominiums and residences.

Ojochal

Situated 15kms.south of Uvita, this is the residential area of Costa Ballena.

Ojochal itself offers a decent supermarket, hardware store, liquor store, and a very good selection of restaurants, of which Citrus deserves a special recommendation. From the heights of Playa Tortuga, you can enjoy overwhelming views over the ocean, Garza Island and the Terraba river.

Corcovado National Park

It includes/understands but of 41,000 hectares and it protects but of 140 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 20 of which they are endemic, 117 species of reptiles and amphibians, 8,000 species of insects, 40 freshwater fish species and 4,000 and 5,000 species of plants, including more than 700 species of trees, many of which they are in extinction danger.

Located on the untamed and wild Osa Peninsula, is considered by National Geographic as the park with the greatest concentration of biodiversity on the planet. It ranks third in the top five national parks of the world, holding 5% of the entire world’s biodiversity. It comprises 41,000 hectares protects 140 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 20 of which are endemic, 117 species of reptiles and amphibians, 8,000 species of insects, 40 species of fish and 4,000 to 5,000 species of plants, including more than 700 species of  trees. Extremely hot and humid most of the year, this park has plenty of rainfall but constitutes a real joy to hike through its dense forestation that opens up onto stunningly beautiful beaches.

The best way to see this park is to take a guided tour at Drake Bay or Puerto Jimenez so you can have the perfect adventure vacation.

Drake Bay

Simply known as Drake by the Ticos, this area is exclusively accessible by boat or by plane. Most hotels in the area are all inclusive resorts and lodges that usually offer free pick up and transportation from the airstrip, so it is important that you confirm your booking before you land here. It is not recommendable to come during the rainy season as it is extremely humid and most of the hotels are closed. SANSA and Nature Air offer at least 2 flights daily from San Jose, which only last 45 minutes.

Golfito

Golfito is Costa Rica’s most southern port town; it is located across from the Osa Peninsula in the Golfo Dulce. Golfito used to be thriving banana port for many years (from about 1938-1985), it fell from the thriving port town in 1985 due to rising export taxes and labor disputes. When United Fruit

Company, who had the major presence moved south to Ecuador it left Golfito in a state of poverty and lifelessness. Shortly after United Fruit’s departure the Costa Rican government opened up Golfito as a Duty Free Zone in an effort to bring the city back to life. Today Golfito is a popular destination for Tico's (Costa Rican’s) who are looking for a bargain on large appliances and electronics.

The Golfito Domestic Airport sits 4 km north of the center of town with regular flights by both SANSA and Nature Air.

Puerto Jimenez

Located in the southern part of the Puntarenas province in the Golfo Dulce, Pto.Jiménez is one of the main gateways to the beautiful Corcovado National Park. This tiny ‘border’ town has a good number of hotels and resorts, both affordable and luxurious, with many travel agencies in the area from where trips around the region can be arranged. You can reach Puerto Jiménez either by car or by bus, however, this journey can be as long as a 10-hour drive so, therefore it is recommendable to take the airplane from the city of San Jose.