Location: Dominical, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Central America (One Kilometer South of Dominical on Playa Dominical) View Map
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 3.5 Baths (Sleeps 7)
Keywords: Beach house, home, beach rental property,
Caballitos del Mar is a unique property located on the beach south of Dominical in Puntarenas Province. Located in the "Zona Maritima", it is as close as you can be to the gorgeous Playa Dominical, with its broad sand beaches, monument rocks, and world-class surfing. The property has towering trees over 100' tall which are the homes for kinkajous, toucans, and monkeys. The one acre parcel is fully landscaped, but nature is the predominant theme, with natural foliage and wildlife at your doorstep.
There are actually three homes on a common piece of property, each with a private pool, and identical amenities, so the property is ideal for 2-3 families who want to vacation together, but who also want the privacy of a small compound of gorgeous homes on a semi-private beach. The property is large enough for weddings, yoga retreats, family reunions, or surf camps. The homes are owned by friends who can accommodate multiple bookings, subject to availability.
Dominical is a small village on the South Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, and is known for its consistently excellent surfing. The beach is broad and shallow, and allows swimming, surfing, and just cooling off. The lifestyle in the area is reminiscent of Kauai or Maui, with wonderful small restaurants with a variety of cuisines, surf shops with instruction, and renowned Spanish language school called AEC (Adventure Education Center).
The school, shopping, and central Dominical is a 20 minute walk on the beach (low tide) or on the jungle paths. Quality restaurants are also easy walking or biking distances, or just a few minutes by car.
Each home has two stories, with a full kitchen, dining room, living room, bathroom, and master bedroom on the first floor. The second floor has two more bedrooms, two full baths, and a loft area which can accommodate additional guests.
Each bedroom is air-conditioned, and there are 7 fans throughout the home for additional ventilation. All windows are opening, and there are sliding glass doors in each bedroom and the living room. All windows and sliding doors have screens.
The pools are gorgeous, with blue tile basins and crystal clear water. They are the perfect way to cool off in the afternoon and to enjoy a glass of wine at sunset.
Eco-tourism is the only kind of tourism in Costa Rica, and the best excursions are on the South Pacific Coast. In less than an hour, you can be horseback riding towards Nayuca Waterfalls, or on a boat on Rio Sierpe headed for the Osa Peninsula, or riding a zipline in nearby Hacienda Baru. A variety of excursion booking services are located in Dominical or at one of the excellent resorts in the area like Villas Rio Mar, Roca Verde, or Cuna de Angel. Rates are very reasonable, and we've never been disappointed by the quality or hospitality of the tours.
While many properties may claim to be "unique", we make that claim with confidence. We spent several years going through the permitting process that allows us to build in this very special, very protected Zona Maritima, and you'll not find a property within 50 miles that has the privacy, easy access to the beach, and jungle surroundings as Caballitos del Mar.
Dominical is now only three hours from San Jose and the Costa Rica's main airport (which is served by American, Continental, Frontier, Taca, and other major airlines.) From the US, gateway cities include Los Angeles, Pheonix, Denver, Dallas, and Miami. Rental cars are easily available for $40 to $80 per day from major companies, and the driving is courteous but the roads vary in quality.
Two main highways connect San Jose to Dominical, one of which takes approximately 3 hours (airport to home, along the coast) and the other takes 4 hours (over a 10,500' mountain pass). There are also regional airlines which serve Quepos (1 hour north) and Palmar Norte (1 hour south) from San Jose. You can also arrange private bus service from San Jose and for larger parties and the cost is very reasonable.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : The three bedrooms are each Air Conditioned, and all rooms have fans and screened opening windows.
- Linens Provided
- Washer : Full Size Stacked Washer/Dryer Unit in Separate Laundry Room.
- Dryer
- Garage : Single Car Garage with Automatic Opener.
- Off Street Parking : Parking for additional cars is available on a gravel driveway, inside a gated security area.
- Beds
- Queen Bed : A queen bed is located in the downstairs bedroom and one of the upstairs bedrooms.
- Double Bed : The Double Bed is Located in the Third Bedroom Along with a Twin Bed.
- Twin/Single Bed
- Convertible Bed : This is more like a large couch, but it's fine to sleep on. Located in the loft area upstairs. Also a second large couch in the living room.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : Large flat screen TV with cable. Tons of channels, in both Spanish and English. Haven't counted them yet...
- DVD
- Private Pool : Beautiful Blue Tile Pool with Automatic Sweeper. Just Steps from the Living and Dining Room. Ideal for cooling off during the day or enjoying a glass of wine before dinner.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Brand New Appliances, Marble Countertops. Large refrigerator, full size range, dishwater, microwave, coffee maker, toaster oven.
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator : Icemaker in door with chilled water.
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio : Large Covered and Open Area with Stone Patio surrounds the pool. Fan for Calm Days. Table with six chairs for outside dining.
- Balcony (2) : Each upstairs bedroom has a private balcony that's perfect for coffee in the morning, or checking email during the day.
- View/Location
- Beachfront : Semi-private beach is only a few steps away. Property is as close to the water as the law allows. Technically, it's 50 meters from the mid-tide line. At high tide, the water is about 50' from the property.
- Communications
- Cell Phone : While a Cell Phone is Not Provided, There is Excellent GSM Phone Coverage from ICE, the National Utility Provider. T-Mobile Phones Work Well. Local SIM Cards Are Available.
- Broadband Internet : The Internet connection is via a cable modem, which works well. Typical speeds are about 900 mbps download, and perhaps 100 mpbs upload. Our kids watch videos on Netflix without a problem.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Works great with Skype phones, or with iPhones that have the Skype app.
- Other Amenities
- This property is located on a single piece of land along with two other homes. They are separately listed on VRBO, but you can arrange to rent two or three at a time at a discount. Each home is virtually identical, so no one gets the "bad" home! This is ideal for families that want to attend the AEC Language School, or if you want to all take surf lessons from the excellent surf schools and surf camps in Dominical.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations) : First Floor Has Easy Access.
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations) : First Floor is Wheelchair Accessible, But There Are Two Steps Between the Driveway and Front Door. No Barriers Between the First Floor and the Pool.
- Kid Friendly : Safe Beach, Extensive Wildlife, Shallow Pools. Note: Like All Pacific Beaches, the Surf Can Be Dangerous, and Rip Tides Are Possible. All Children Should Be Supervised While Swimming, and Should Understand Rip Currents and How to Deal with Them.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : Renter Must 25 Years Old or Older.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Tennis
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Horseback Riding
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Other Activities
- Daily Expeditions to Jungle Wildlife, Ecological Reserves, Zip-Lining, Waterfalls, Horseback Rides, Sport Fishing, Volcanoes, and Expert Surfing Instruction.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Holidays - $500/night (Thanksgiving week; Dec 15 - Jan 7; Weeks bef & aft Easter)
Peak Season - $300/night (January 8 to September 1)
Green Season - $200/night (September 2 to November 17)
10% discount/one week; 15% discount/two weeks; 20% discount/three weeks.
Additional 10% discount for renting two homes at the same time.
Paypal, personal check, and wire transfer accepted.
50% down to confirm dates, 50% on arrival.
Please add 13% Costa Rican occupancy tax.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2005
Why the Owner Chose Dominical
We fell in love with Dominical during a vacation to AEC, the local language school. After deciding to investigate a second home, we were only mildly interested in what was available until we found this oceanfront property. Now, having visited Dominical and the South Pacific Coast over 15 times, we still cannot believe how lucky we were to find Caballitos del Mar. It is truly beachfront property in a gorgeous jungle setting.
The Unique Benefits at this House
Immediate beach access. Wildlife including monkeys, toucans, and lizards. Swimming pools and a modern home. World-class surfing and access to the ocean. Rural, with good roads for access to Quepos/Manuel Antonio, San Isidro de General, and San Jose/Cartago.
Owner's Map of Dominical
We live in Santa Cruz, CA on the west coast of the United States. We are raising five daughters. We enjoy traveling, although we're spending a ton of time in Costa Rica for obvious reasons!
Property Photos
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- View from the terrace looking towards the ocean. - Dominical, Costa Rica Beach Front Vacation Home
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- Feet from the jungle, yards from the ocean. - Dominical, Costa Rica Beach Front Vacation Home
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- Downstairs bedroom, with access to the pool and terrace. - Dominical, Costa Rica Beach Front Vacation Home
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- Upstairs bedroom nearest the beach. Private bathroom.
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- The pool is a great place to cool off in the afternoon. Beach is seen in back.
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- Playa Dominical is only 50' from the homes, and offers great surfing and walks.
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- Wildlife in your front yard. Toucans, monkeys, macaws are common.
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- Dominical is considered among the best surf spots in Costa Rica.
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- Jungle and beach in one location. Nothing else like it on the South Pacific Cst.
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- One of the many primary forest trees on the property.
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- Beach immediately in front of the home looking south.
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- Low tide, looking to the north.
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- It's a jungle out there. Truly where the jungle meets the ocean!
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- Dominical is only a 20 minute walk on the beach, or minutes by car.
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- Kayaking in the nearby (10 minutes) mangrove forest. Excellent birdwatching.
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- Horseback rides to Nayuca Falls are a favorite expedition.
Traveler Reviews (7)
A Dream Vacation in a Tropical Paradise
Guest: CJ CTDA
(Kansas City)
Date of Stay: 01/02/12
Review Submitted: 01/30/12
We had the most amazing experience vacationing in Costa Rica and staying at the Hawley's home. Of all the beach vacations we have taken (Hawaii, California, Florida...) this beats them all by a wide margin. The house is easy to find but is situated in a park-like setting. The house is very comfortable, well kept, and has everything needed to enjoy the stay. The beach is amazing by any measure -- beauty, water quality, privacy, quality of sand, and ability to have fun. There's lots of activities to choose from in the local area. We highly recommend this to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. We tried Osa Mountain Canopy Tours zip line (Excellent), Nayuca Waterfall horseback riding (also excellent) and 4X4 ATV tours in Quepos (Good).
Owner response:Wow, we're delighted that you enjoyed your stay. Glad to hear that the attractions worked out well. We're always looking for new activities that our friends enjoy, and it's helpful to have first hand accounts. I hope you can stay with us again.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, families with teenagers.
Second stay even better than the first!
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/07/11
Review Submitted: 08/21/11
After staying at the Hawley's house last summer we just had to come back and share it with our traveling buddies. With three bedrooms and 4 bathrooms there was more than enough room for 2 couples to spread out. We enjoyed watching the toucans in the trees while sipping our coffee from the ocean view patio in the morning, taking dips in our own private pool throughout the day, long walks on spectacular Dominical beach and all the wonderful restaurants in the area. Our favorite is Exotica in Ojochal (reservations recommended). It's a bit of a drive but well worth it. If you are looking for a relaxing place to stay on a secluded beach in Costa Rica, look no further. We'll be back.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, families with teenagers.
Second stay at Caballitos Del Mar even better than the first!
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/07/11
Review Submitted: 08/21/11
After staying at the Hawley's house last summer we just had to come back and share it with our traveling buddies. With three bedrooms and 4 bathrooms there was more than enough room for 2 couples to spread out. We enjoyed watching the toucans in the trees while sipping our coffee from the ocean view patio in the morning, taking dips in our own private pool throughout the day, long walks on spectacular Dominical beach and all the wonderful restaurants in the area. Our favorite is Exotica in Ojochal (reservations recommended). It's a bit of a drive but well worth it. If you are looking for a relaxing place to stay on a secluded beach in Costa Rica, look no further. We'll be back.
Owner response:Neil, We agree that Exotica is not to be missed! Yes, it's a bit of a drive, especially in the "green season", but the food and the service are wonderful. We're especially glad that you returned for a second visit. Let us know in advance, and we'll reserve "your" week for you in perpetuity!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway, families with teenagers.
One word: Paradise.
Guest: Cali-KC
(San Diego, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/02/10
Review Submitted: 06/22/11
This house is simply amazing. Beautifully decorated, excellent location... absolutely perfect. It is set just far enough back from the beach the the jungle obscures the property from passers-by on the beach, but you are merely steps from the lovely dark sand and crystal clear water. We liked lying out by the pool in the morning, and then moving out to the beach as the sun relocated for the afternoon. You feel as if you have your own secluded private beach, because typically there is not another human as far as the eye can see. A short 15-20 minute beach walk puts you right in the village of Dominical for surf lessons, shopping, restaurants, bars, and more. We are now completely spoiled and can't imagine ever staying anywhere else in Costa Rica. FANTASTIC! 5++++ stars!
Owner response:Thank you so much for your review! Our goal was to create a place that our family would enjoy for many years. We're so delighted that other families are able to enjoy it as well. The "road" was a lot longer than we originally thought, but comments like yours make it worthwhile. Please stay with us again.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Awesome!
Guest: Ken
(Scotts Valley, CA USA)
Date of Stay: 08/07/10
Review Submitted: 10/20/10
What an amazing place! Beautifully furnished new home with full security in an stunning setting. Extremely clean. Location could not be better - close to beach, very quiet, but just a short walk to the nightlife in Dominical. We had a great time boogie boarding on the beach, lazing in the private pool, local hiking, horseback riding, river raftting and ziplining - all booked through the locals in Dominical. Great family location with the right mix of adventure and luxury. WE WILL BE BACK!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, families with young children, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.
Best house on the beach with a pool in Domincal.
Guest: Neil
(Santa Cruz, CA )
Date of Stay: 08/30/10
Review Submitted: 09/12/10
We spent 10 wonderful days at the Hawley’s house at Caballitos Del Mar in Dominical, Costa Rica with our daughter and her boyfriend. This was the perfect place to relax and explore the beautiful southwestern coast of Costa Rica. The 3 home complex is on its own secluded end of Dominical beach. The house faces the ocean with views of the sea thru the jungle in every room. Downstairs the open floor plan kitchen, living room, dining area open onto a large patio with your own pool right in front. We sat for hours in the Costa Rican rocking chairs watching the waves, reading on the lounge chairs and enjoyed our meals on the patio dining table. Our views included the occasional toucan in the trees and iguana on the rocks. We kept cool with a refreshing dip in the pool several times a day, and enjoyed the 20 minute walk into Dominical during low tide most days. There are lots of great restaurants close by and the drive into Dominical took less than 5 minutes. Each of the three bedrooms has its own balcony or patio facing the ocean, ceiling fans and air conditioner and bathroom. The temperature was so pleasant we just slept with the ceiling fan on every night. The separate air conditioning kept everyone with different temperature requirements happy. And they have a clothes dryer! I love a dryer in the tropics. Don’t be afraid of the green season. Rates are cheaper and there is plenty of sunshine. We got a few hours of rain every day, usually late in the afternoon just in time for a siesta, which allowed us most of the day for exploring. Driving in Costa Rica is so much easier than it was when we were here 10 years ago. The main road down the coast to Dominical is brand new. Most side roads are gravel and a bit bumpy. There were only two places where we had to park and walk because we did not have a 4-wheel drive. If you want to go everywhere, get a rent a car with 4-wheel drive. It would be hard to imagine a more accessible location. We would go out and explore the local beaches, towns, take tours, etc. and then scuttle back to the lovely amenities of our beach house. There was someone on sight at all times and a very wonderful caretaker to make the experience easy and book our tours. She even brought us fresh bread and natilla one morning from San Isidro. We’ll be back and will recommend this wonderful place to our friends!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, people with disabilities, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.
Best house on the beach in Domincal.
Guest: Neil
(Santa Cruz, CA )
Date of Stay: 08/30/10
Review Submitted: 09/11/10
We spent 10 wonderful days at the Hawley’s house at Caballitos Del Mar in Dominical, Costa Rica with our daughter and her boyfriend. This was the perfect place to relax and explore the beautiful southwestern coast of Costa Rica. The 3 home complex is on its own secluded end of Dominical beach. The house faces the ocean with views of the sea thru the jungle in every room. Downstairs the open floor plan kitchen, living room, dining area open onto a large patio with your own pool right in front. We sat for hours in the Costa Rican rocking chairs watching the waves, reading on the lounge chairs and enjoyed our meals on the patio dining table. Our views included the occasional toucan in the trees and iguana on the rocks. We kept cool with a refreshing dip in the pool several times a day, and enjoyed the 20 minute walk into Dominical during low tide most days. There are lots of great restaurants close by and the drive into Dominical took less than 5 minutes. Each of the three bedrooms has its own balcony or patio facing the ocean, ceiling fans and air conditioner and bathroom. The temperature was so pleasant we just slept with the ceiling fan on every night. The separate air conditioning kept everyone with different temperature requirements happy. And they have a clothes dryer! I love a dryer in the tropics. Don’t be afraid of the green season! Rates are cheaper and there is plenty of sunshine. We got a few hours of rain every day, usually late in the afternoon which allowed us most of the day for exploring. Driving in Costa Rica is so much easier than it was when we were here 10 years ago. The main road down the coast to Dominical is brand new. Most side roads are gravel and a bit bumpy. There were only two places where we had to park and walk because we did not have a 4-wheel drive. If you want to go everywhere, get a rent a car with 4-wheel drive. It would be hard to imagine a more accessible location. We would go out and explore the local beaches, towns, take tours, etc. and then scuttle back to the lovely amenities of our beach house. There was someone on sight at all times and a very wonderful caretaker to make the experience easy and book our tours. She even brought us fresh bread and natilla one morning from San Isidro. We’ll be back and recommend this place to our friends!
Recommended for:People with disabilities, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.
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