There are many types of views in Costa Rica's dynamic South Pacific landscape, where bright green mountains dive into the deep blue ocean. The type of a view that a property in Costa Rica has can distinctly enhance the quality of life on that property in different ways. Realtors and property managers in South Pacific Costa Rica report that buyers and renters are most often looking to have the classic ocean view property, with vistas over a rolling green valley leading to a whitewater coastal horizon that is the perfect frame for the colorful sunsets that bless this region. This is the general consensus of the ideal view... that is, until people live here for some time. However, even among ocean views, the quality and the associated traits that come with a type of view can drastically change how you experience a property. There can be so much more to be desired than the traditional ocean view, depending on who you are and the quality of life you seek. Here is a list of some of the different types of property views you can expect to find in Costa Ballena, Costa Rica, and the traits associated with each.

The Standard Ocean View Property

The ocean view property in Costa Rica is what this region of Costa Rica is most known and loved, mainly because an ocean view in Costa Ballena tends to mean that you are at a high elevation, where the air is fresher and breezier, while being surrounded by a sea of green that reaches out towards the azure blue Pacific Coast. Costa Ballena is a special part of Costa Rica, where the mountains meet the sea, creating a dynamic coastline that has wild, palm-lined beaches and rocky outcroppings. Being located in the foothills of the Talamancas can have you seeing the ocean from around 300m elevation and the higher you go, the more expansive of an ocean view you are likely to see. Dominical’s foothills are the closest to the coast and many roads up to the homes in neighborhoods like Escaleras or Dominicalito have sharp inclines that require serious 4x4 vehicles to get up to the incredible ocean view homes. Uvita and Ojochal’s elevated neighborhoods are a bit further away, putting more focus on the green valleys alongside the ocean view. Ocean view properties are the most likely to receive the delicious ocean breezes that bring freshness to the daily heat of this tropical climate. [caption id="attachment_52933" align="aligncenter" width="1536"] This is just one of the many different types of ocean view properties in Costa Ballena — see this Ojochal lot listing here.[/caption]

The Luxury Ocean View Property

Costa Ballena is a tri-town coastal region that includes Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal, also encompassing some of the smaller surrounding communities. This dynamic coastline is dotted with hundreds of properties at various elevations. The higher you go, the more of the intricacies you can see of the swirling coast from the luxury ocean view properties. There are several iconic natural features along the coast, including the twice-daily visible Whale’s Tail beach formation (seen in the picture below). There is also the Ballena Rocks off-shore outcropping, which includes the Three Sisters rock formation off the coast of Marino Ballena National Park. Luxury homes in Costa Ballena will almost always be facing one of these iconic views. The closer you are to the coast, and the higher up you are, the more premium your ocean view is likely to be. Sunset view homes in Costa Rica are some of the most sought-after property types in Costa Ballena. That is because sunset views from a house in Costa Ballena can be truly magical, with all of the colors of the rainbow illuminating the sky, with the dark velvet landscape stretching out to meet it. What many people don't realize about the sunset-view properties is that bedrooms facing the setting sun will heat up intensely just before dark, requiring the increased usage of A/C in sunset-view homes. [caption id="attachment_52934" align="aligncenter" width="998"] The Whale's Tail in full view is one of the main luxury ocean view features that can be seen from premier ocean view lots like this one for sale in Uvita.[/caption]

The Mountain View Property

The Cordillera de Talamanca is Costa Rica's oldest and southernmost range and it creates the most incredible backdrop to our coastal mountain communities in Costa Ballena. This rolling green mountain range includes Mt. Chirripó, Costa Rica’s highest mountain at 3,820 meters (12,500 feet). Although some remarkable properties have both ocean and mountain views, some property owners recognize the awe-inspiring potential of a mountain view property and have opted to forego the ocean view for a less expensive price. Ocean-view land is some of the most expensive in the area but mountain-view land has just as much appeal to some and sometimes more magic than its more popular counterpart. By facing the mountain view, your property is confronted with a wall of green – a color that is known to have therapeutic healing properties. These towering monuments to the forces of nature blow down refreshing breezes throughout the night — exactly when you most want cool, fresh air inside your home. Topping all that off with a view of the gorgeous dawn rising over the mountains makes the mountain view property one of the most underrated in the region. [caption id="attachment_52935" align="aligncenter" width="1460"] With a bit of landscaping, this undeveloped land for sale will have encompassing mountain views surrounding it with flowing mist and a rolling green backdrop.[/caption]

The Jungle View Property

Although Costa Rica is known for its tropical forests that are filled with wildlife and biodiversity, the jungle view property is one of the most undervalued. When tourists rent properties in Costa Ballena, they will typically be staying in an ocean or mountain-view property. Those who have traditionally owned jungle view rental properties in Costa Ballena have not been met with the same popularity as those with AirBnB pictures of the bright blue ocean view or the towering green mountains in the backdrop. As properties in Costa Rica grow in popularity, more and more buyers are choosing to invest in jungle-view properties. And these creative and inspired property owners are turning their tree-line land into truly spectacular places to live. What makes jungle properties so special is that they are often much more private, being surrounded entirely by thick foliage protecting property owners from prying eyes and perked ears. And you will be treated to the live-action nature show that will be different every day – from toucans to sloths to monkey troupes traveling through. Add some mountain almond trees and you are likely to be a main stop for local scarlet macaw families. [caption id="attachment_52939" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] This newly built, modern, jungle-view home is a tropical property dream with incredible privacy, tranquility and nature sightings all day long. It has not yet hit the market but you can get more details by email here.[/caption]

The River View Property

Flowing water burbling gently in the background creates a relaxing white noise effect that our brains interpret as us being in a non-threatening setting. This type of natural ambiance fosters the feeling of peace and tranquility, creating a soothing soundtrack to everyday life. River view properties are often used for retreat centers and yoga studios because they are conducive to producing a meditative effect that helps guests tune out of their monkey mind and tune into the gentle sounds of nature. Having a river cross your property also means that you have access to fresh water, which is a feature that more and more buyers are looking for in this era of burgeoning self-sustainability. The higher the elevation the property and the closer to a spring or aquifer, the more desirable the property is today. On top of self-sustainability, river view properties receive a breeze corridor that captures both ocean breezes in the day and mountain breezes at night. [caption id="attachment_52938" align="aligncenter" width="1460"] There are hundreds of rivers flowing down the mountains across the Costa Ballena. Those at a higher elevation, like at this Lagunas riverfront property, are clean and clear — perfect for a refreshing dip.[/caption]

The Waterfall View Property

A step up from the river view is the waterfall view property, which creates even more of the white noise effect while adding the beautiful drama of a powerful natural water feature. However, a waterfall-view property can be an intense setting for a home. Depending on the size of the waterfall and how close the home is located to the water feature, the sound of the rushing water can be quite loud for everyday life. Costa Rica properties with a waterfall will most typically not have a home right near it because of the magnitude of the sound. But having a lookout spot and a nice trail down to a private swimming hole makes waterfall properties a very special snag, especially for those who want to opt out of the expense and hassle of having a man-made pool on their property. [caption id="attachment_52937" align="aligncenter" width="1460"] This may not be the biggest waterfall you have seen in Costa Rica, but having access to a private waterfall property with a swimming hole can make life extra enjoyable, especially for families with adventurous kids![/caption]

The 360-Degree View Property

Saving what many would consider the best for last, properties in Costa Rica with a 360° view will typically be situated at the pinnacle of a hilltop, in full view of the sights in all directions. In Costa Ballena, a 360° view will likely feature the top of the Osa Peninsula, Cano Island, the Whale’s Tail, the Terraba River Valley, and the Talamanca Mountain Range. Add to that the privacy of being surrounded by jungle, as well as having a river flowing nearby, and you have one of the premier properties that you can find in all of Costa Rica, as seen below in this Escaleras 3.5 acre land for sale. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6UM9lIznfA

Final Thoughts On Property Views In Costa Rica

Aside from the near-ubiquitous ocean, mountain, and river view properties in Costa Ballena, there are also homes and lots for sale located in more commercial areas. These central properties will have easier access to services and amenities while also being closer to the highway noise and busy atmosphere that most foreigners are trying to escape. There are also oceanfront properties in Costa Rica that cannot be legally owned in full by a foreign national. We have chosen not to include these in this list for these reasons. We recommend that anyone with further questions about choosing one type of view over another contact us for more information via the form below.