Discover a world where vibrant culture blends with stunning natural beauty. Each community in Costa Rica’s South Pacific offers something unique:
- Jacó: A lively hub perfect for surfers and investors seeking dynamic opportunities.
- Manuel Antonio : Home to world-class beaches and ecotourism ventures, ideal for those seeking a luxurious lifestyle or sustainable business opportunities.
- Ojochal : A relaxing getaway known for its exceptional culinary scene, attracting expats and entrepreneurs with a taste for tranquility and fine dining.
- Dominical : A bohemian paradise for adventure lovers and eco-conscious investors, offering opportunities in eco-lodges and sustainable ventures.
- Uvita : Famous for its iconic “Whale’s Tail” beach, this peaceful town is a haven for wellness-focused businesses and eco-friendly accommodations.
Whether you are looking to make this tropical paradise your home or invest in Costa Rica’s thriving tourism industry, these communities embody the true essence of Pura Vida.
Introducing Our South Pacific Communities
Jacó, Manuel Antonio, Ojochal, Dominical, and Uvita. Our diverse southern region, ready to be explored.
Jacó
Historically, Jacó was a kind of hidden refuge. From Columbus’s time in 1502 until the early 1990s, it was a place of slow development and the secret favorite getaway spot for Costa Ricans seeking relaxation. In the late 20th century, Canadian tour groups discovered the town. Then surfers came for the breaking Pacific waves. Soon, retired expatriates discovered Jacó’s advantages. The town grew, but without major resources to drive it.
Finally, William Royster sailed his private yacht into Herradura Bay. He saw the enormous potential of the beautiful waterfront property in Costa Rica. After the devastating 1991 earthquake, he acquired 445 hectares of land around Herradura Bay, just north of Jacó. His forward-thinking vision created the Master Plan for the Los Sueños Resort and Marina, which would transform the surrounding area for the better.
Manuel Antonio
If you only had one day to enjoy Costa Rica, exploring Manuel Antonio might be your best option. Except for a volcano, Manuel Antonio has almost everything people come to Costa Rica to experience. The landscape, wildlife, and beaches are a microcosm of the best Costa Rica offers.
The La Luna Restaurant at Hotel Gaia is a fine dining spot. Enjoy first-class service upon arrival, as friendly staff take you by golf cart to the open-air restaurant atop the hill. Enjoy a gourmet dinner or come between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to enjoy cocktails and tapas in the lounge during happy hour.
Ojochal
Ojochal is one of the oldest and largest expatriate communities, with a truly international atmosphere. Famous for its excellent restaurants and large hillside homes with magnificent ocean views, this town has a strong North American community. Just south of the area is an 80,000-square-foot hospital. The southern zone has strict zoning laws that prohibit skyscraper construction. Also, you’ll find more animals, plants, and birds from lowland forests here than anywhere else. Being a less touristy area, this region experiences less crime than most others. The downsides are that it’s about a three-hour drive from the nearest international airport and has less nightlife than any other region except the Lake Arenal area.
The unique town of Ojochal is located on Costa Rica’s central-southern Pacific coast, about 30 minutes south of Dominical, 15 minutes from Uvita, and 30 minutes north of Palmar Norte. Ojochal is a warm and welcoming town, with a variety of hotels, restaurants, bars, and other activities. Known as the “culinary capital” of Costa Rica, its restaurants are exceptional!
Jacó – Los Sueños:
A Model of Sustainable Development and Economic Success in Costa Rica
Working with the national government to create a concept that was ecologically feasible while maintaining economic strength, the Los Sueños project was designated a program of national interest. Costa Rica’s first Marina Law was enacted based on the principles of Royster’s planning group. While planning the entire project, staff began a reforestation program that reclaimed 200 acres of forest destroyed by intense cattle farming, bringing back many displaced native wildlife species.
The Los Sueños project includes 550 luxury residences, with work ongoing on 450 more, a large 200-slip marina, and a luxury resort hotel, alongside ongoing reforestation work. The project also includes a 6,700-yard executive-level golf course, considered one of the best of Costa Rica’s 12 courses. The development has engaged local residents in construction, providing jobs and income. The marina attracts private boaters, fishermen, and entrepreneurs offering bill fishing cruises for vacationers.
Since 2001, the growing project has attracted entrepreneurs and hotel and attraction developers, and Jacó has become Costa Rica’s premier beach resort. As vacation and tourist attractions have profitably increased, so too has permanent residency in the town and surrounding areas. Housing options range from luxurious accommodations in Los Sueños to moderately priced choices for all income levels.
Jacó:
A Versatile Retirement Haven with Ideal Climate and Healthcare Facilities
No single place can check every box on your retirement wish list, but Jacó comes very close. This city offers everything from laid-back solitude to partying into the early hours, all enjoyed in a “bright lights” town setting, a cool beach, or eco-friendly natural wilds. And if you want big-city excitement, Costa Rica’s capital and largest city is less than an hour away.
At sea level on the Pacific coast, warmth and tropical humidity are tempered by pleasant Pacific breezes. Daytime temperatures range between 75°F and 90°F, and nighttime temperatures stay between 75°F and 79°F. There are two seasons, with temperatures remaining steady. The dry season lasts from December to late April, and the rainy season is from May through November.
Another major concern for retirees is medical care, and Jacó has that covered. In the middle of town is the CAJA Ebais. CAJA is the government-backed healthcare system, and Ebais is the local clinic with pharmacy services. Hospital and specialist care is available in San José at one of six hospitals. There are also private doctors and clinics in town if you prefer them over the government system. The private medical community generally accepts insurance from several companies.
Jacó:
A Shopper’s Paradise and Outdoor Haven
Shopping in Jacó is a fun experience. Basic necessities such as food and clothing are provided by many stores, including leading Costa Rican supermarkets. Clothing and accessory stores range from specialized independents to well-represented chains. There is also an outstanding weekly feria, or farmers’ market, selling locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, and the highest quality produce.
The first word that comes to mind when deciding to live in Jacó is “outdoors.” You have the beach for swimming, surfing, lounging, and billfishing from shore or fishing boats. In town, many open-air stores like Jacó Walk and eateries of all types let you enjoy Pacific serenity.
Jacó:
Embrace Nature, Culture, and Safety in Costa Rica’s Vibrant Coastal Gem
Stunning natural and ecological sites lie less than an hour’s drive away, including four national parks. With a cup of Costa Rica’s finest coffee, you can extend your day trip to see half a dozen more.
Dining and entertainment fit right into the party atmosphere all around you. While 90-mph nightlife may not be your thing, relaxing open-air dining on warm, balmy evenings with friends, chatting while listening to waves breaking on the beach, may be just perfect.
Socially, you can fit into many facets of a friendly and peaceful community. There is an active and welcoming expat group, as well as friendly locals interested in getting to know you as much as you are curious about them.
Safety in this tourist town is not a serious issue. The country overall is very safe, ranked number one in peacefulness among 12 Central American and Caribbean nations and number 23 out of 163 worldwide. Jacó’s crimes are mostly petty, so precautions like not flashing cash and locking cars are advised.
Manuel Antonio
Culinary Adventures in Manuel Antonio: A Flavorful Journey from Falafel to Billfish Sports Bar
If you’re looking for Middle Eastern food, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find authentic options at the Falafel Bar. Choose delicious falafel with hummus and tahini, or shawarma and kabobs! On the town’s main beach, Playa Espadilla, stroll into Buena Vista Beach Club Bar & Grill and grab a table on the sand to watch surfers while sipping rum and tonic. They’re open for three meals a day.
Pizza lovers can hit El Wagon for a taste of locals’ favorite. Try their Caprichosa with prosciutto, salami, artichokes, and ham for about $14. Next door is the famous El Avion, where one of the Iran-Contra supply planes used for smuggling contraband into Nicaragua has been converted into a restaurant centerpiece and bar. It’s a great family restaurant, and you can even rent a studio apartment just below it!
Emilio’s is another spot with ocean and jungle views. They serve exquisite breakfasts and lunches, with eggs Benedict under $8 and brioche French toast, plus homemade baked goods and rich coffee. Café Agua Azul is an upstairs open-air restaurant with a mix of great gringo and “tico” food at reasonable prices. The view is unforgettable!
El Patio de Café Milagro features live music from local musicians Monday through Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and offers delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. If you miss your hometown sports bar, catch the action at Billfish Sports Bar and Lounge. You can also play pool, foosball, or wrestle with their life-sized Jenga set!
Manuel Antonio:
A Paradise of Entertainment and Wildlife Wonder
In the evening, a fun place to chat with local expats is Dos Locos. You’ll find them swapping stories over cold Imperial beers and good Mexican food. Live music plays Wednesday nights and Saturdays at noon. You can play trivia at Dos Locos on Thursday evenings. To get your dance groove on, grab a cab and head down the hill to Quepos. The Cuban Republik Disco Lounge rocks late into the night!
And now, the real reason over 150,000 people from around the world visit Manuel Antonio every year: the park! Even along the busy main trail, you’ll see sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds at every turn. The park is open every day except Tuesday. If you’ve visited before, you’ll be pleased with recent improvements.
First, buy tickets online at the SINAC government website. For foreigners, adult tickets are $18, children 2 to 12 are $5.75, plus 13%
