Casa La Big Sur: Costa Rica Beach Attractions

#1 Playa Ballena

Marino Ballena National Park is one of the stops on the humpback whale’s migratory routes.

During the winter months, October through March, it’s common to see mother whales, their babies and adult males breaching the surface. The beach is long and great for walking and turning out! Swimming is great for currents are little to none and the water is always warm! Marino Ballena National Park and has one of the best beginner’s waves in the area. Long, peeling waves break gently on the outside and then roll for a long distance in toward the beach. This wave never gets very big, usually only about a third the size of Dominical’s. It also is a great longboarding spot.

#2 Playa Uvita

Is a beautiful, well-known beach with a town full of restaurants, bars and souvenir shops.

#3 Playa Hermosa

Truly lives up to its name. An incredibly scenic tropical beach, Hermosa is bordered by a spectacular forested cliff on the north, Marino Ballena National Park to the south, and backed by a palm-lined beach and rainforest covered mountains. Playa Hermosa is about half the size of Dominical, with crystal clear water and very good wave form.

#4 Playa Ventanas

Earns its name from the beautiful sea caves that line the north and south ends of the beach.

The two caves on the north end extend from the beach out to the ocean, a distance of about 50 meters, and during certain tides create a "blow hole" effect. Pressure from each wave blows a large cloud of spray out onto the beach. The caves on the south end of the beach tunnel deeply into the rock and inspire thoughts of pirate treasure rumored to have been hidden here.

#5 Playa Tortuga

Is at one of the mouths of the Río Terraba, the longest river in Costa Rica. It is a place of wild beauty.

#6 Playa Dominicalito

Is a 5-minute drive south of Dominical and a popular beach for beginning surfers. Waves here are small and gentle – normally about a third the size of Dominical proper’s waves. But there are a few rocks spread out on the bottom so this spot is best surfed at higher tides. A pretty beach and a popular weekend spot for Ticos, Playa Dominicalito is also where local fishermen bring in their daily catch.

#7 Playa Dominical

Is 35 km from San Isidro El General (Pérez Zeledón) (see location link for map) via the highway that crosses The General's valley to the south amid beautiful views.

You also can get to Dominical from Quepos driving south on the coastal road (about 40 km). Dominical is a long beach of sedimentary sand of brownish tones with good waves for surfing. Swimmers should beware of strong currents. It is recommended to swim at low tide when coral rocks can be seen on the bottom.