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8 Reasons a Family Vacation in Dominical is Wonderful

Family Vacation in Dominical

Dominical, Costa Rica, is a great place to visit for a family vacation because it offers a variety of activities and experiences that can be enjoyed by all ages. From surfing and beach activities to wildlife watching and cultural experiences, there is something for everyone in Dominical.

family vacation in dominical
Costa Rica is a wonderful family friend vacation spot.

1. Beautiful Beaches.

One of the main attractions of Dominical is its beautiful beaches. The area is home to several beaches, including Playa Dominical, Playa Dominicalito, and Playa Hermosa, all of which offer differing types of sand and Pacific Ocean water for swimming, boogie boarding, and sunbathing. Families can spend a day on the beach building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, or simply relaxing in the sun. It is definitely recommended that every family vacation in Dominical involves some time at the beach.

Playa Hermosa, located south of Dominical

Playa Hermosa is one of just a handful of beaches in all of Costa Rica that is handicap accessible. This feature allows visitors who are wheelchair bound the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful Costa Rica beach.

playa dominical family vacation
Miles of sandy beach at Playa Dominical

2. Surfing

For families who are interested in surfing, Dominical offers a variety of surf schools and camps that cater to different levels of experience. Parents can take lessons or rent equipment to try surfing for the first time, while more experienced surfers can challenge themselves on the powerful waves of Dominical Point. Surfing is a great way to bond as a family and create lasting memories.

surfing at dominical beach
Dominical beach is a great place to learn to surf, and popular with experienced surfers also.

3. National Parks

In addition to beach activities, families can also explore the nearby national parks and wildlife reserves. Marino Ballena National Park, located just south of Dominical, is home to humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Families can take a whale watching tour or snorkel to see the marine life up close. Manuel Antonio National Park, located about an hour north of Dominical, offers hiking trails through rainforests, beaches, and viewpoints where families can see monkeys, sloths, and a variety of bird species.

It is definitely recommended to visit a National Park during a family vacation in Dominical

manuel antonio national park
Manuel Antonio National Park has amazing wildlife, several beaches and about 45 minutes from Dominical.

4. Cultural Experiences

Dominical also offers cultural experiences that families can enjoy together. Families can also visit nearby towns and villages, such as Uvita and Ojochal, to learn about traditional Costa Rican life and culture. There are also cultural experiences, such as the “Pre-Columbian Chocolate Tour/Experience” where visitors will learn where chocolate comes from and the importance of the cacao fruit in the history of Central America.

pre-columbian chocolate tour dominical
Enjoy a hands-on experience at the pre-Columbian chocolate tour.

5. Restaurants

The town is home to several restaurants and cafes that offer traditional Costa Rican dishes, including gallo pinto (rice and beans) and ceviche (marinated seafood). There are also several restaurants next to the beach, providing a great place to enjoy some cocktails during the sunset on the beach, as well as pizzarias, vegetarian, sandwich shops, coffee shops…for the small size of Dominical, the number of restaurants and speciality restaurants is quite large.

6. Logistics of Traveling with Kids

Dominical’s location is also convenient for families who are traveling with children. The town is located about three hours from San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city, and there are several shuttle services and buses that make the journey. The closest airport is Quepos La Managua Airport, which is about 45 minutes from Dominical, and there are several domestic airlines that offer flights from San Jose.

7. Lodging in Dominical

Everyone here at Costa Rica Las Villas would prefer visitors rent a vacation rental home from us while in Dominical, however, for some guests, hotels are a better choice. The good news for those visitors is that there are plenty of wonderful boutique hotels in Domincal, as well as more affordable options. Regardless of your budget, there will be a wonderful lodging option in Dominical for your family vacation in Dominical.

dominical vacation rental gema escondida
There are luxury vacation rentals in the Dominical area.

8. Safety in Dominical

In terms of safety, Dominical is generally considered a safe destination for families. However, like any destination, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Don’t leave valuables in your vehicles.

Families should also be aware of the potential for strong currents and rip tides in the ocean and should always swim in designated areas. Playa Dominical has lifeguards at the beach and guests should only swim in approved areas with lifeguard coverage.

Taking a Family Vacation in Dominical, Costa Rica is a great idea! Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities and memory building experiences for guests of all ages. From beach activities and surfing to wildlife watching and cultural experiences, there is something for everyone in Dominical. Families can enjoy quality time together while creating lasting memories in a beautiful and safe destination.

Top 10 Things to do in Ojochal, Costa Rica

Ojochal is a small town located in the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. We’ve put together this list of the ‘Top 10 Things to do in Ojochal, Costa Rica” to make planning your trip easier. Let our full-time Concierge know if you’d like help planning a visit or making a reservation to any of these locations.

Things to do in Ojochal

1. Visit Playa Tortuga

Playa Tortuga is a beautiful beach located just a few minutes from Ojochal. It is known for its pristine waters and the turtle conservation project that takes place there. You can take a guided tour to learn about the project and watch the turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean.

reserva playa tortuga ojochal

2. Go Horseback Riding

Enjoy horseback riding on a Costa Rica farm and explore the Ojochal area. Just a generation ago, horses were still the primary method of transportation in the area.

things to do in ojochal horseback riding
Go horseback riding in Ojochal.

3. Enjoy a World-class Restaurant

Ojochal is known throughout Costa Rica for its amazing and world-class restaurants. There are several high-end gourmet restaurants and several local restaurants. Be sure to enjoy the amazing culinary offerings at a couple of the restaurants. The gourmet restaurants we recommend are ‘Citrus’, ‘Exotica’ and ‘Fusion’. Enjoying a wonderful restaurant should be on everyone’s personal “Things to do in Ojochal” list.

fusion restaurant ojochal
Enjoy world-class restaurants in Ojochal. Above is from Fusion.

4. Visit Finca 6 and the Mysterious Pre-Columbian Spheres

Finca 6 is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are still plenty of mysteries about who, and how, these almost perfectly round spheres were formed, and what their purpose was. It is Costa Rica’s Stonehenge-type immersive museum. Here’s a video with more photos and information. Although not actually in Ojochal, Ojochal is a great launching point to visit the museum as it is approximately 35 minutes away and an easy drive.

finca 6 spheres Costa Rica
The mysterious spheres found on ‘Finca 6’.

5. Enjoy Live Music

The Los Gatos Locos (‘the crazy cats’) bar and restaurant has live music every week. They also have a full menu and bar, along with pool tables and darts. Enjoy the fun atmosphere while you enjoy the views from the second floor ‘tree house’ area (or on the ground floor where the billiard tables are located).

los gatos locos ojochal live music

6. Visit El Pavon Waterfall and Restaurant

pavon waterfall activities to do in ojochal
During the dry season, enjoy a swim at El Pavon.

7. Spend the day at one of the beaches

Ojochal is home to several amazing beaches. Playa Tortuga has miles of beach available to walk and to explore. It is where Reserva Playa Tortuga is located. Playa Ventanas is another beach that is located in Ojochal. It is a wonderful beach, with some available amenities on the beach. Ventanas is Spanish for ‘windows’. Visit the beach to see the naturally occurring windows that have been naturally cut into the nearby mountain. Visiting the beaches are one of the most popular things to do in Ojochal.

playa ventanas ojochal Costa Rica
Playa Ventanas is a wonderful beach in Ojochal.

8. Private Hiking and Wildlife Tour

Hire a local guide to take you into the jungle and explore the amazing wildlife. Poison dart frogs, toucans, scarlet macaws, monkeys and snakes are the most commonly found reptiles, mammals and birds seen on the tours.

9. Go Kayaking

Kayaking is a great way to explore the nearby rivers, mangroves and beaches. You will go on a guided tour to see amazing vegetation, wildlife and make lifelong memories. It is a peaceful and relaxing way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area around Ojochal.

ojochal kayaking

10. Yoga and Wellness

Ojochal is also a great destination for yoga and wellness retreats. There are many yoga studios and wellness centers that offer classes, workshops, and retreats. You can connect with your mind, body, and spirit in the peaceful and natural surroundings of Ojochal. Akka Institute has on-site, overnight, lodging options that Costa Rica Las Villas manages. Guests love waking up and walking to their yoga class.

akka institute ojochal yoga relaxation
Large and beautiful yoga studio at Akka Institute in Ojochal, Costa Rica

Ojochal is a beautiful and diverse destination in Costa Rica with plenty of natural beauty and activities to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both, Ojochal has something to offer for everyone. These are just some of the Top 10 things to do in Ojochal. We could have listed many other activities – and probably will very soon. But if this is your first time, visiting, use these list of recommendations to start your exploration in Ojochal. You will love it!

Pura vida!

7 Advantages of Costa Rica Vacation Rentals versus Hotels

There are many advantages of Costa Rica Vacation Rentals versus renting a hotel. Below are Seven (7) advantages of Costa Rica Vacation Rentals versus renting a hotel room.

Advantages of Costa Rica Vacation Rentals

  1. More Space and Privacy: One of the most significant benefits of renting a vacation home from Osa Property Management is the amount of space available to you. A vacation home typically provides more space than a hotel room, allowing you to have more room to relax and unwind. Moreover, vacation homes offer more privacy compared to a hotel as you won’t have to deal with the hustle and bustle of other guests or staff. You can enjoy your own space and feel at home, making it a more relaxing and comfortable vacation experience.
Advantages of Costa Rica Vacation Rentals

2. Cost-Effective: Renting a vacation home can be a cost-effective option compared to staying in a hotel. Vacation homes generally have lower prices per night compared to hotels, especially when staying for an extended period. Additionally, the cost of a vacation home can be shared among a group of people, making it even more affordable. A single home can be rented for a group of eight people (4 couples), instead of renting four hotel rooms. The larger the group, generally, the more cost-effective option and advantage of Costa Rica vacation rental versus a block of hotel rooms.

3. Cooking Facilities: Most vacation homes have fully equipped kitchens, allowing you to cook your meals. This can be a significant advantage as eating out in restaurants can quickly become expensive, and it can be challenging to find healthy meal options. By having a kitchen, you can prepare meals according to your dietary needs and preferences, saving money and eating healthier.

advantages of Costa Rica vacation rental is well-equipped kitchen

4. Customer Service: Osa Property Management provides excellent customer service, ensuring that your stay is comfortable and hassle-free. You will have a dedicated team of professionals who will be available to assist you with any questions or concerns throughout your stay. This personalized service is not typically available in hotels, making it an added advantage of renting a vacation home.

5. Home-like Experience: Staying in a vacation home can provide a more home-like experience, making you feel like a local. It allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle, providing a unique experience that cannot be replicated in a hotel. Moreover, vacation homes can be located in residential areas, allowing you to explore the surrounding neighborhoods and experience the local way of life. For the homes in the mountains and in more rural areas, the feeling of “home” quickly is felt as Guests begin to absorb nature’s energy, sounds and vibes.

6. More Flexibility: Renting a vacation home from Costa Rica Las Villas provides you with more flexibility in terms of your schedule. Unlike a hotel, you won’t have to worry about strict breakfast times or limited menus. Instead, you can plan your day according to your preferences, and you won’t have to rush back to your room before a specific time. This flexibility allows you to have a more relaxed and enjoyable vacation.

7. Amenities: Most vacation homes come equipped with a range of amenities that can make your stay more enjoyable, such as private pools, outdoor grills, and comfortable lounging areas. These amenities provide a more personalized experience, allowing you to tailor your vacation to your preferences. In the southern zone of Costa Rica (from Quepos south) there are only a handful of tennis courts available for the vacation rental market. (if you enjoy tennis and want to rent one, consider Gema Escondida)

Renting a vacation home from Costa Rica Las Villas in Costa Rica provides numerous benefits over staying in a hotel. From more space and privacy to cost-effectiveness and a home-like experience, vacation homes can offer a unique and enjoyable vacation experience. So, if you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, consider renting a vacation home from Osa Property Management for an unforgettable experience.

These are just some of the Advantages of Costa Rica Vacation Rentals. There are definitely more Advantages of Costa Rica Vacation Rentals which we will highlight soon, but these are some of the most common reasons we at Costa Rica Las Villas hear from our guests.

Be sure to take a look at all of the homes Costa Rica Las Villas has available to rent and you can experience the advantages of Costa Rica Vacation Rentals for yourself!

If you own a home in Costa Rica, please consider having Osa Property Management evaluate the rental and income potential of your home.