1 / 64This premier beachfront commercial estate in Bahía Ballena, within the Osa canton, presents an unmatched investment opportunity priced at USD 1,490,000. Spanning a generous 1,615 square meters of oceanfront land, the property features 10,764 square meters of construction, currently configured as a highly successful surfside hotel and restaurant. The layout comprises ten individual guest cabins designed as charming surf shacks, which consistently secure high occupancy rates. These accommodations are complemented by five and a half bathrooms, a popular beachfront bar, and an active restaurant that stands as one of the only dining establishments located directly on the sand in the Playa Dominical area.
Shaded by mature mango and almond trees, the grounds are regularly visited by local wildlife, including individual monkeys and brightly colored tropical birds that delight visitors. Built utilizing sustainable, locally sourced materials, the existing structures are offered in turnkey condition, though the property holds immense potential for expansion. Investors can easily construct additional premium cabins or add a second story to the main structures to unlock panoramic sunset and ocean views. This fee-simple property allows foreign buyers to secure a thriving, fully furnished business in a world-renowned surfing destination, with local transaction costs including a transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% and a total closing bundle covering notary, registry, and legal fees ranging from 2% to 4% of the purchase price.
This turnkey commercial estate in the Bahía Ballena district of the Osa canton is situated on a prime 1,615-square-meter beachfront parcel. The property features 10 individual guest surf shacks, totaling 10,764 square meters of sustainable construction. Built utilizing locally sourced, eco-friendly materials, the structures are designed to minimize environmental impact while offering authentic coastal charm. The layout currently includes 5.5 bathrooms, a fully operational beachfront restaurant, and a highly popular bar.
The outdoor areas are shaded by mature mango and almond trees, which regularly attract local wildlife such as monkeys and tropical birds. The grounds offer direct beach access, allowing guests to step straight from their rooms into the surf. With ample space on the 1,615-square-meter lot, there is significant potential to expand the footprint by constructing additional premium cabins or adding a second level to capture elevated ocean and sunset views.
Acquiring this USD 1,490,000 property involves standard Costa Rican transaction costs. Buyers should budget for a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared value, alongside a comprehensive closing bundle covering notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps that typically totals between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing ownership is subject to an annual municipal property tax calculated from the registered cadastral value. Fee simple ownership is fully permitted for foreign investors, and this transaction size meets the threshold for residency-by-investment programs.
Positioned in the southern zone of Puntarenas, the coastal enclave of Bahía Ballena, Osa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, represents one of the most dynamic real estate markets in Central America. For buyers looking to buy property in Costa Rica, the regional appeal of the Costa Ballena region lies in its dramatic meeting of rainforest-covered mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This specific micro-location in Playa Dominical is globally renowned for its consistent, world-class surf breaks, attracting a steady stream of international visitors, eco-tourists, and remote workers year-round. While historically a quiet haven for adventurous surfers, the area has evolved into a vibrant destination where travelers explore the surrounding jungle on horseback, embark on nature walks, or board whale and dolphin watching excursions.
This location bridges the gap between raw natural beauty and essential convenience. Situated within the canton of Osa, the property enjoys straightforward access to regional hubs like Uvita and San Isidro de El General, placing medical services, organic markets, and dining options within an easy drive. The regional infrastructure easily connects to the international airport in San José, making it highly accessible for North American investors seeking premium real estate Dominical Costa Rica.
The local ecosystem is a major draw for tourism; the property itself is shaded by mature mango and almond trees, which regularly attract tropical birds and local monkeys. For those analyzing the broader Costa Rica real estate landscape, purchasing property Uvita or Dominical involves navigating specific local regulations. Foreign buyers enjoy fee-simple ownership rights here, though coastal concession rules apply to beachfront parcels. Investors should account for standard transaction costs, including a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared value, alongside a closing bundle covering notary, registry, and legal fees that typically ranges from 2% to 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing holding costs include an annual property tax calculated on the registered cadastral value. At this investment level, buyers may also explore residency-by-investment pathways, securing a long-term stake in one of the most celebrated Costa Ballena homes and commercial hubs.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
Priced at $1,490,000, this commercial property in Bahía Ballena offers a strategic entry point into the Dominical hospitality market. The acquisition includes a ten-room hotel and an active beachfront bar and restaurant set on 1,615 square meters of land. This configuration provides immediate cash flow with significant room for expansion. Investors can pursue a dual-income strategy, leveraging short-term lodging rates alongside consistent food and beverage revenue.
With 10,764 square meters of total construction, the price per square meter represents exceptional value for rare, direct beachfront real estate in this region. The ideal buyer is an owner-operator or an investment group looking to capitalize on Costa Rica's growing tourism sector by adding a second story to capture sunset views or building additional premium cabins on the underutilized land.
Transaction costs include a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared value, with total closing expenses—encompassing notary fees, registry filings, legal services, and stamps—typically ranging from 2% to 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing ownership incurs a modest annual property tax calculated on the registered cadastral value. Because this purchase price exceeds the minimum threshold for the country's residency-by-investment program, buyers may also pathway toward official residency. This turnkey asset presents a clear exit strategy, as titled beachfront commercial land in high-traffic surf destinations continues to face extreme supply constraints.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
Acquiring this beachfront hotel in Bahía Ballena involves a straightforward legal process, as Costa Rican law grants foreign buyers the same property ownership rights as citizens. Because this is a premier oceanfront commercial property, ownership structure typically follows the specific regulations governing maritime concession zones rather than standard fee simple titles. Our legal team assists you through every step of this transition, ensuring all operating permits for the hotel and restaurant transfer seamlessly.
When budgeting for this USD 1,490,000 investment, expect total closing costs—which bundle notary fees, land registry charges, legal services, and documentary stamps—to range between two and four percent of the purchase price. This includes the property transfer stamp tax, which generally accounts for about one and a half percent of the declared transaction value. Ongoing holding costs are highly manageable, with annual property taxes calculated as a modest fraction of the registered cadastral value. Furthermore, an acquisition at this price point easily surpasses the financial threshold required to apply for Costa Rica’s investor residency program, offering a direct pathway to legal residency for you and your family.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
The allure of Bahía Ballena and the legendary coastline of Playa Dominical represents the ultimate realization of the Costa Rican dream, drawing a sophisticated class of global travelers and visionary investors who crave an authentic connection to nature without sacrificing vibrant community life. For decades, this dramatic stretch of the Osa Peninsula was a whispered secret among international surfers and intrepid explorers, cherished for its powerful waves, misty coastal mountains, and untamed beauty. Today, while that raw, bohemian spirit remains fully intact, the region has evolved into a highly desirable destination where the laid-back surf culture seamlessly blends with eco-luxury living. Buyers drawn to this market are not merely looking for a real estate transaction; they are seeking a profound lifestyle alignment. They envision a life where the daily rhythm is dictated by the tides, where mornings begin with the therapeutic crash of the Pacific Ocean just steps from their pillow, and where the warm sea breeze replaces the frantic energy of metropolitan life. This location captures the very essence of the "Pura Vida" philosophy, offering an environment where wellness, adventure, and social connection converge.
To own a premier business in this thriving enclave is to become a central pillar of a tight-knit, welcoming community that celebrates both conservation and celebration. The modern investor in Bahía Ballena aspires to curate unforgettable experiences for guests who journey from across the globe to witness humpback whales breaching in the nearby national park, trek through ancient rainforests, or ride the legendary breaks of Dominical. There is a deep, emotional satisfaction in providing a sanctuary where travelers can transition effortlessly from a day of jungle exploration to an evening of stargazing on the sand, cold drink in hand, listening to live local music. This property appeals directly to the entrepreneurial spirit that yearns to escape the corporate grind and step into a legacy role—running a profitable, turnkey beachfront establishment that serves as the social heartbeat of the town. It is an opportunity to inherit a beloved local landmark and elevate it into a world-class eco-retreat, capitalizing on the region's growing popularity while preserving the sustainable, nature-first ethos that makes Puntarenas so incredibly special.
Bahía Ballena, Osa, Puntarenas
Osa, Puntarenas
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
