Finding Your People in Costa Rica: Where Your Tribe Is Waiting

When people dream about moving to Costa Rica, they imagine sunsets, wildlife, waves, waterfalls, lush mountains, and the slow rhythm of Pura Vida. But beneath all of that is something deeper — the quiet hope that when they arrive, they’ll find their people.

People who understand why they left a complicated life behind.
People who share their values, their pace, their dreams, their humor.
People who feel like home.

The beautiful truth is: Costa Ballena is rich with many “tribes,” each one vibrant, welcoming, and continuously evolving. While the specific businesses and faces may shift, the heart of this region stays the same — community is everywhere.

This guide walks you through the most common personality-based communities people join when they move here, with examples that have been part of Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal for years.

(This is not an exhaustive list — Costa Ballena changes quickly. But we can always recommend the best current spots if you reach out.)

For the Wellness & Spiritual Seeker

Where your soul feels understood.

Costa Ballena is a magnet for people who crave depth, healing, and conscious living. You’ll meet them at sunrise yoga, cacao ceremonies, sound healings, and circles that honor nature and community.

Where your people gather:

Yoga studios tucked into the jungle
Breathwork circles
Meditation and kirtan nights
Ecstatic dance gatherings
Full-moon beach events

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Long-standing examples:

Danyasa Eco Retreat in Dominical
Awake in Uvita hosts yoga retreats, cacao ceremonies, and a weekly Sunday dance church in a bamboo temple

These are friendships formed in shared breath, shared vulnerability, and shared intention.

For the Social Butterfly & Community Builder

Where life feels full and laughter is easy.

If you love being around people — dinners, live music, creative gatherings, wine nights, new faces — you will thrive in Costa Ballena. This region is a hub for connection.

Where your people gather:

Restaurant event nights
Sunset beach meetups
Expat social groups
Volunteer events
Live music venues

Long-standing examples:

Fuego Brew Co. in Dominical (a social epicenter for years)
Bahía/Uvita’s legacy of social cafés and backpacker hubs
Citrus and Los Gatos Locos in Ojochal, both strong community anchors that feature live music and events

People here are friendly, curious, and excited to meet newcomers. One night out and you’ll recognize half the room the next time.

For the Introverted Nature Lover

Where connection comes gently and quietly.

If you prefer deep, slow friendships rather than busy social scenes, this region respects your pace.

Where your people gather:

Morning hiking groups
Nature meetups
Birdwatching circles
River walks
Beach cleanups

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Long-standing examples:

Walking groups around Playa Hermosa, Marino Ballena, and the Ojochal rivers
Nature lovers who hike near Dominical’s many ridge trails

These friendships bloom softly — through silence, awe, and shared love for nature.

For the Foodie, Explorer, & Culture Lover

Where connections happen over flavors and stories.

Costa Ballena is one of the culinary gems of Costa Rica. Whether you like farm-to-table, fresh produce, coffee culture, gourmet dining, or local sodas — this is where bonds form at the table.

Where your people gather:

Farmers markets
Artisan fairs
Cafés and bakery tables
Cooking classes
Weekly culinary events

Long-standing examples:

Dominical Farmers Market
Uvita Farmers Market (Wednesday & Saturday)
Numerous bakeries and cafes populating all 3 main towns
Long-loved restaurants like Citrus and Exotica

These communities are warm, sensory, and grounded in shared discovery.

For the Adventurer & Outdoorsy Type

Where adrenaline brings you together.

If you love surf sessions, waterfall hikes, boating days, ridge trails, or free diving, you’ll instantly find your tribe.

Where your people gather:

Surf groups
Guided adventure tours
Waterfall exploration groups
Diving and snorkeling clubs
ATV and mountain trail meetups

Long-standing examples:

Surf scenes at Dominicalito and Playa Dominical
Waterfall meetups at places like Eco Chontales
Freediving groups around Marino Ballena

Nature here is the icebreaker — the conversations happen naturally.

For the Pickleball Player & Sporty Socialite

Where friendships form faster than your serve.

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing communities in Costa Ballena — not just a sport, but a true social ecosystem. Many newcomers meet their first friends here.

Each center tends to attract its own “tribe” — some more social, some more competitive, some a mix. Wherever you land, you’ll be welcomed immediately.

Where your people gather:

Local pickleball centers
Morning and sunset play sessions
Round robins
Weekly clinics
Social mixers and friendly tournaments

Long-standing examples:

The welcoming members courts in Ojochal, like Ojochal Racquet Club and Jungle Pickleball, are both known for easy social integration

Many movers say:
“I met my entire friend group through pickleball.”

It's movement, connection, rhythm, and routine — and for many, it becomes the anchor of their new life.

For the Entrepreneur, Thinker & Digital Nomad

Where big minds gather in small cafés.

Costa Ballena attracts remote workers, creatives, builders, and dreamers — people who love reinventing life on their own terms.

Where your people gather:

Coworking cafés
Entrepreneur meetups
Networking breakfasts
Crypto or investment groups (check out Bitcoin Jungle in Uvita)
Remote work clusters

Long-standing examples:

Uvita’s coworking-friendly cafés
Dominical’s surf-meets-digital-nomad culture

These are the people who talk ideas, share resources, and build community through collaboration.

For the Family-Focused Mover

Where kids forge connections first — and parents follow.

Families move here for safety, nature, and community, and it’s incredibly easy to meet other parents.

Where your people gather:

International schools
Parent WhatsApp groups
Weekend beach days
Sports clubs and playgroups
Community classes

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Long-standing examples:

Strong parent communities at Uvita Christian Academy, Life Project Education, and Journey School, to name just a few and each offering something slightly different
Family meetups at Playa Ventanas, Dominicalito, and Bahía Ballena

New families are embraced quickly — there’s always room for one more.

How to Ease Into These Communities Without Feeling Like an Outsider

Everyone feels shy during their first weeks. Truly — everyone.

A few truths that help:

Go once — but then go again.
Say yes more than you say no.
Introduce yourself openly:
“Hi, we just moved here — how long have you been in the area?”
Join the WhatsApp groups (this is where most things really happen).
Volunteer whenever you can.
Don’t rush friendships — they evolve naturally here.

Your people are already here. You just haven’t met them yet.

We Can Help You Find Your People, Too

Costa Ballena changes quickly — new cafés open, new classes begin, new communities form.
But the heart stays constant: connection, belonging, and the shared dream of a better, more meaningful life.

Whether you’re already here or still in planning mode, we can help you:

understand the types of communities in each town
find the places that suit your personality
discover where people like you tend to gather
connect with groups that make this move easier and more joyful

Reach out anytime.

Because moving here isn’t just about finding a house.
It’s about finding your people — and we’d love to help you do exactly that.