Community and Lifestyle
Ojochal is situated in an ecologically diverse area near the very south of Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast. The mangroves along the water are home to countless species of birds and aquatic creatures, making it a highly desirable destination for bird watchers especially. Marino Ballena National Park is known for the tail-shaped sand bar that appears just off the coast during low tide. Visitors can walk out onto the sand and try spotting the whales and dolphins that famously occupy the waters just off shore here.
Along the coast by Ojochal there are several beautiful beaches. Few tourists ever venture to this corner of the country, so don't be surprised if you find that you have the entire beach to yourself. Playa Ventanas is known for its one of a kind sea caverns. Just up the coast, Playa Piñuela is known for its calm waters, which are perfect for swimming and sea kayaking. Further north, Dominical is a low key surfers' destination that attracts the most devoted of surfers who don't mind getting banged up a little while trying to conquer some of Costa Rica's most notorious waves.
Activities & Amenities
Ojochal, which houses the largest population of French expats in Costa Rica, is earning a reputation as Costa Rica's leading culinary destination. The new "El Sabor de Ojochal" organization has begun planning four major, culinary-focused events each year in this unpretentious community. These tasting events highlight the innovative work done by local restauranteurs and chefs and feature menus inspired by Vietnamese, Thai, and French influences, just to name a few. What was once a sleepy little town has turned into perhaps the best dining experience one can have in all of Costa Rica!
Those looking for a relaxed family life or retirement in Costa Rica may find that Ojochal is the perfect place for them. There are no major cities nearby, no shopping malls, no hordes of tourists. Instead, small towns are sprinkled throughout the hills and along the coast. Horseback riding, gardening, and spending time with fellow expatriates–new friends–are all inviting ways to spend the day. Beach lounging, sport fishing, boating, and surfing are popular activities for those who prefer to spend their time at the sea. This area also boasts some of Costa Rica's best snorkeling and SCUBA diving zones. Just off the coast, a chain of islands called "Las Tres Hermanas" is a beautiful spot for underwater exploration.
Though small in size, the town of Ojochal has the basic amenities one needs on a regular basis. Locally owned businesses include a salon, hardware store, supermarket, doctor's office, supermarket, and more. A greater variety of stores, banks, and other businesses can be found in the larger town of San Isidro de El General. For medical care, one can depend on the state-of-the-art Osa Hospital, which just opened in 2010. The hospital has an emergency room, pediatric department, 24-hour pharmacy, laboratory, and all the other medical services and departments one would expect from a modern medical facility.
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