Costa Ballena Real Estate: Infrastructure Boom Making This Costa Rican Paradise More Attractive Than Ever

Introduction: A Region on the Rise

The Costa Ballena region of Costa Rica—encompassing the picturesque coastal towns of Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal—is experiencing an unprecedented infrastructure renaissance. While current road construction may temporarily inconvenience residents and visitors with 15-minute highway delays, these improvements signal something much more significant: substantial investment flowing into this once-hidden gem on the Pacific coast.

For potential property investors and homebuyers, these developments represent not just improved quality of life, but potentially significant appreciation in property values as the region becomes increasingly accessible and amenity-rich while maintaining its natural beauty.

Major Infrastructure Improvements

Transportation Networks

• Highway 34 (Costanera Highway) Upgrades: Comprehensive improvements including new asphalt, clearly painted lines, and reflective road markers are making travel safer and more comfortable, especially for nighttime driving.
• New Bridge in Ojochal: Currently under construction, this expanded bridge will significantly improve traffic flow in and out of town, including a pedestrian walkway, creating new commercial opportunities at this strategic entry point.
• Paved Community Roads: Many local roads throughout the region have received upgrades, including the Whale's Tail road in Bahia/Uvita, enhancing accessibility to previously remote areas.
• Rumored International Airport: Persistent reports suggest a new international airport may be developed, either in the Osa Peninsula near Puerto Jimenez or in the Sierpe region. Archaeological surveys have already been conducted with favorable results, suggesting this project may move forward.

Ojochal bridge being built, February 27, 2025

 

Essential Utilities

• Upgraded Water Systems: The region has invested in wider, thicker pipes delivering better water pressure and cleaner water. Most areas are now served by ASADAs (community water associations) providing non-fluoridated spring water with minimal chlorination treatment.
• Expanded ASADA Coverage: These community water systems now serve almost every part of Ojochal, Uvita, and Dominical, with newer formations reaching smaller surrounding communities.

Community Development

Educational Facilities

• The Journey School: Recently opened in Hermosa, this institution currently serves approximately 200 students up to high school age, with plans to expand to full high school curriculum next year. This is currently the only institution in this region to be accredited by the International Baccalaureate (IB), the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), Dirección de Educación Privada, Cognia, and the Middle States Association (MSA).
• Life Project Expansion: This established school in Ojochal has added a new building to accommodate its growing population, including high school students.

Journey School of Costa Ballena promotional photo from their website https://journeyschoolofcostarica.com/costa-ballena/

Public Spaces

• New Playgrounds: Family-friendly recreational areas have been built in Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal, complete with shaded seating for parents.
• Sidewalk Installations: Pedestrian infrastructure is expanding, with new sidewalks on Avenida Principal in Ojochal and on the main road through Bahia, as well as other key areas.
• Crosswalk in Central Uvita: The busiest intersection in Costa Ballena now features a pedestrian crosswalk with flashing lights to allow for pedestrians to cross this busy artery more safely.
• Community Center: The Happiness Project has opened a permanent location in Ojochal, offering language classes, support groups, and community activities.

Parque Ojochal being constructed back in January 2024.

Bahia roads being paved and sidewalks installed, February 26, 2025

Commercial Growth

Retail Expansion

• New Commercial Plazas: Dominical Uvita, and Ojochal have all seen the opening of new commercial centers hosting diverse businesses.
• Specialty Services: The region now boasts high-end salons, spas, bike stores, apothecaries, delis, private banking facilities, auction houses, art studios, boutiques, dermatological clinics, and pet stores, among many other stores and services.
• Expanded Grocery Options: A new BM supermarket has opened in Dominical, complemented by specialty stores like Eco Mercado Oro Verde offering premium organic products.

Farmers Markets & Local Commerce

• Expanded Market Schedule: New farmers markets have been established throughout the region:
  • Monday afternoon market at Ojochal Racquet Club
  • Monthly flea market at Plaza Munay
  • Saturday morning market at Tagua
  • Multiple existing markets throughout the week
• Fresh Produce Access: These markets provide daily opportunities to purchase farm-fresh produce and artisanal products without visiting traditional grocery stores.

Healthcare and Wellness Innovations

Medical Marijuana Legalization

• Recent Regulatory Approval: In February 2025, Costa Rica's Ministry of Health approved new regulations facilitating the sale of medical cannabis products, marking a significant healthcare shift. These regulations establish registration, control, and labeling requirements to ensure product safety and differentiation between pharmaceutical and natural products.
• Prescription Access: Medical cannabis products will be available through pharmacies with a prescription, providing legitimate access for patients with qualifying health conditions.
• Industry Development: While the initial legislation passed in 2022, these new regulations finally enable the registration process for medical cannabis products, opening opportunities for pharmaceutical and research industries in the region.

Dining & Entertainment Scene

Culinary Excellence

• World-Class Dining: A few of the new restaurant options include:
  • Seba's Restaurant, rated among the top pizza establishments in the world
  • Memento Sushi, offering creative and high-quality Japanese cuisine
  • Beyan Cafe in Hermosa serving a high-vibe menu
  • Dolce Vita in Bahia, a long-time staple in the region, now features authentic Italian gelato

Entertainment Venues

• Playa Nickell Development: This private-yet-public-accessible beach now features a professional performance stage with proper lighting and risers, hosting weekly concerts by popular local bands.
• Rumored Marina Project: Plans for a grand marina in Dominicalito Bay could attract luxury yachts and high-net-worth individuals, potentially transforming the regional economy and real estate market.

Nickell's Beach stage with Eliminator (ZZ Top cover band) performing February 21, 2025

Investment Outlook

The Costa Ballena region has undergone remarkable transformation over the past five years, evolving from a hidden paradise to a thriving community with modern amenities while preserving its natural beauty and charm. The infrastructure improvements and commercial developments suggest strong potential for property appreciation in the coming years.

For investors and prospective residents, the entrance to Ojochal presents particularly promising commercial opportunities, with its new bridge, existing upscale establishments, and the Ojochal Racquet Club creating an attractive gateway to this increasingly sophisticated community.

Located right at the entrance of Ojochal, this incredibly priced property is poised to be a commercial jewel in this fast-growing town that's large enough for an L-Shaped plaza with lots of parking, including the existing commercial structure.

Conclusion

While maintaining its lush, green landscapes and abundant natural water features, Costa Ballena now offers significantly enhanced infrastructure and amenities. For those who visited more than five years ago, the region would be nearly unrecognizable—though in the best possible way. The human element has been thoughtfully integrated into the natural environment, creating a harmonious community where residents enjoy exceptional quality of life.

For real estate investors and homebuyers seeking both natural beauty and modern convenience in Costa Rica, Costa Ballena represents one of the most promising and rapidly developing regions on the Pacific coast.