Costa Ballena

Costa Ballena is the southern Pacific coastal region of Costa Rica that stretches from Dominical to Ojochal. It is a unique stretch of coastline where the mountains meet the surf and beautiful, pristine beaches abound. Unlike the northern region of Costa Rica, the natural beauty of the Costa Ballena area has been mostly untouched by large-scale development, making this an ideal area for nature lovers and eco-tourists to explore and enjoy.

Among the notable beaches that make up the coastline of Costa Ballena are:

Activities in Costa Ballena

Costa Ballena, or Whale Coast, gets its name from the large number of whales that migrate to the area to give birth. Whale and dolphin watching tours are one of the most popular activities in the area. For nature lovers there are butterfly gardens to visit, waterfalls to hike to, and plenty of wildlife to observe. Adventure enthusiasts can kayak their way through waterways, explore the underwater-world on diving tours, or take a surf lesson. Eco-tourists can learn about pre-Columbian sphere stones located in the area, snorkel off the Cano Island Biological Preserve, or visit the Ballena Marine Naitonal Park, a protected area that encompasses 110 hectares of coastline and 5,300 hectares of ocean.

How To Get To Costa Ballena

There are a number of ways to get to the Costa Ballena area, the most common include:

1. Fly from San Jose to Quepos and then rent a car and drive, or take a bus, South to Dominical, Uvita, Bahia Ballena, or another destination in the Costa Ballena area.
2. Renting a car in San Jose and driving. There are two possible driving routes: a) take the Inter-American highway to San Isidro del General and continue to Dominical where you can take the Costanera Sur highway South; b) from San Jose head West towards Jaco and take the Costanera South until you reach Dominical, the beginning of the Costa Ballena region.
3. Taking a bus from San Jose to Dominical. The bus will take you via Quepos, approximately a six hour bus ride.

Renting a car and driving gives visitors the greatest freedom to explore the entire area of Costa Ballena. For more detailed tips and suggestions feel free to contact us.

Where To Stay in Costa Ballena

The lodging options in the Costa Ballena area are diverse. Travelers of all tastes and budgets are sure to find something that suits their needs, from simple cabinas to affordable eco-lodges and luxury resorts. Camping is also an option for those more adventurous; however, camping is not highly recommended during the rainy season.