Coastal community
Begin with Dominical
Use the Dominical guide to consider this coastal community within a wider South Pacific route.
Explore DominicalCosta Rica’s South Pacific
South Pacific Coast of Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s South Pacific brings together coastal communities, Osa Peninsula gateways and inland stops in one broad region. Compare the nine destination guides below to decide which places deserve a closer look.
A broad region, nine distinct guides
Choose the South Pacific destinations to explore next
The South Pacific Coast is best planned as a collection of distinct destinations, not one interchangeable zone. Dominical and Uvita, Drake Bay and Puerto Jiménez, Sierpe, Golfito, Cabo Matapalo, San Vito and the Osa Peninsula each have their own guide. Use this hub to narrow those choices before working out current transport, access and timing separately.
Choose a destination guide
Compare the South Pacific collection
Move from the regional overview into the destination guides that match the places you want to explore more closely.
Osa gateway
Explore Drake Bay
Consider Drake Bay as one of the relationship-owned gateways in the South Pacific collection.
Explore Drake Bay
Osa gateway
Explore Puerto Jiménez
Use the Puerto Jiménez guide to compare another Osa Peninsula gateway.
Explore Puerto Jiménez
River gateway
Consider Sierpe
Explore Sierpe as a distinct gateway within the wider South Pacific collection.
Explore Sierpe
Golfo Dulce
Look closer at Golfito
Use the Golfito guide to consider this Golfo Dulce destination within a focused route.
Explore Golfito
Osa coast
Consider Cabo Matapalo
Explore Cabo Matapalo as one of the South Pacific collection’s Osa-area destination guides.
Explore Cabo Matapalo
Inland destination
Discover San Vito
Consider San Vito as an inland choice within the broader South Pacific destination set.
Explore San Vito
Regional overview
Orient yourself on the Osa Peninsula
Use the broader Osa Peninsula guide before comparing its individual gateways and communities.
Explore the Osa Peninsula
Coastal community
Explore Uvita
Use the Uvita guide to compare this coastal community with other South Pacific choices.
Explore UvitaYour shortlist, one custom vacation
Shape a focused South Pacific route
Tell Pacific Trade Winds which South Pacific destinations interest you, and a travel expert can help turn those choices into a custom Costa Rica vacation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Costa Rica's South Pacific Coast a unique travel destination?
The South Pacific Coast is a less-traveled region known for its unspoiled natural beauty, abundant rainforests, and pristine beaches. It offers a unique blend of rugged landscapes and serene environments, ideal for nature enthusiasts, whale watchers, and those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Which key destinations should I explore on the South Pacific Coast?
The region features distinct destinations such as Dominical, a renowned surf village; Uvita, famous for its Whale's Tail formation and whale watching; Drake Bay and Puerto Jiménez, gateways to the biodiverse Corcovado National Park; and the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biologically intense areas globally. Other notable spots include Sierpe, Golfito, Cabo Matapalo, and the inland town of San Vito.
What activities are available for visitors in Costa Rica's South Pacific Coast?
Visitors can enjoy world-class surfing in Dominical and Uvita, whale watching in Uvita's Marino Ballena National Park, and exploring the rich biodiversity of Corcovado National Park from Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez. Other activities include hiking, birdwatching, kayaking through mangroves, visiting the Wilson Botanical Gardens in San Vito, and sport fishing in Golfito.