The town of Dominical in the South Pacific area of Costa Rica is still considered a little known paradise off the beaten track. As such there are still some great pieces of real estate available in the area at low prices compared to the North of Costa Rica.

A great example of a good buy would be this bargain priced piece of ocean view land for sale in Dominical. At the moment there is a good selection of well priced plots in the area but popularity is growing. There is more interest in this area now than in anytime over the last four years.

Dominical has a unique all round appeal and atmosphere that cannot be found in other parts of Costa Rica. There is a great relaxed and easy paced way of life. The surf is uncrowded and improved roads make year round access no problem.

As the economy starts to pick up and horizons broaden idyllic pieces of land like this are dreams come true for many people. Self sustained living is a reality in your very own piece of paradise.

Sea swimmer in Dominical

The beaches, Ocean and surf can give hours of fun and enjoyment for everyone. Swimming, skim boarding, sea kayaking, playing in rock pools and surfing are just a few activities. Swimming on the beaches is generally safe however it is important to bear in mind that the planets Oceans and Seas are a huge natural force that is wise to have a healthy amount of respect for.

If you want to have fun in the Ocean please learn to swim.

Rip currents and how to exit from them

When swimming in the Oceans or Seas people should always be aware of the currents. One should not be scared of rip currents just be aware of how they work and where these currents occur. It is best to identify and locate a rip current before you enter the Ocean. Rip currents are a force of water that depending where one is located in the current, the force will pull either sideways and then divert flowing outwards into Ocean or pull directly outwards. A rip current does not pull a swimmer under the water it pulls the swimmer away from the shore out towards the Ocean via a narrow channel. The rip current is like a moving pavement that a swimmer cannot swim out of if swimming in the direction immediately to the shore. If a swimmer finds himself or herself in a rip current they must remain calm, breath deeply and in rhythm and focus on swimming parallel to the shore or look for breaking waves, which is generally where there are no rip currents, and keep swimming until he or she feels the current subside.

If the swimmer cannot swim away from the rip current they should stay calm and float or tread water to maintain energy and repose. As the current gets into deeper water the current will subside and disperse. Then the swimmer can re evaluate his or her location and decide the best way to swim back to the shore.

Rip currents can be easily spotted from the beach once one knows what to look for. A rip current is identified generally where waves don’t break and the surface of the water is gently agitated. Rip currents are found in all large bodies Ocean & Sea and are used by boats, surfers and lifeguards to get out quickly and safely beyond the breaking waves. Rip currents are not a danger they only can be dangerous if not understood and panic sets in.

Below are some useful pointers to remember.

• Don’t swim alone and closely supervise children.

• Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol

• Before a swimmer enters the water they should turn and look at the shoreline and make a mental note of anything that is permanent on the shore and easy to spot (not a car). This way the swimmer can tell when swimming if they are getting pulled down the shore or are caught in a current.

• When swimming or playing continually check on your location in relation to where you entered the Ocean

• Never turn your back to the Ocean; larger waves can come without warning.

• If you are caught in a rip current or think you’re in danger. Your first thought should be “Don’t Panic” and breath calmly and regularly.

• If seized with cramp don’t panic just float and keep the affected parts of your body completely still.

• To identify a rip current on a beach with waves. The rip current will be where the waves don’t break and in calm but gently agitated water.

• Some rip currents are permanent on some beaches and others come and go or move along the beach.

• A rip current is stronger on the surface of the water than below.

• A rip current is generally less that 100 meters in width and dissipates 50 to 100 meters from shore.

• Rip currents are generally stronger when the waves are big, the bigger the waves the stronger the rip current.

• If you can’t swim don’t go deeper that thigh depth.

• If you want to swim long distances swim parallels to shoreline

• Dominical has a lifeguard’s service so if in doubt ask the lifeguards for safe area to swim.

• Have fun and enjoy

The beach and Ocean are enjoyed by all that live and own real estate in Dominical and safety is a concern for everyone. Dominical has had a lifeguard program for many years and is ongoing that is paid a sponsored by the Local businesses and residents.

This news promises to add to the safety and security to the residents and owners of real estate in Uvita.

There was a huge amount of local support from volunteers and people donating food a drink to the cause.

The event was very popular with a large number of people that turned out.

The entertainment was live music by local musicians and a DJ spinning a variety of musical genres enjoyed by the appreciative and lively dancing crowd.

Among the various initiatives to raise funds for the lifeguard program food was on sale in the form of delicious barbeque ribs and chicken and for desserts there were stalls selling homemade snacks and sweets. The local barmen and women were showing their skills at the special margarita bar much to the enjoyment of the clients who sampled the drinks.

Local services, hotels, restaurants and tour operators offered their services or activates for the raffles or the highest bidder of the silent auction.

All the proceeds went to the lifeguards of Dominical, which is the first professional lifeguard service in Costa Rica. The lifeguards in Dominical are on duty 365 days of the year from 8am to 5pm and is now the fourteenth year of dedicated service.

Since the commencement of the program it has been totally funded by local business and individual contributions and donations. The pervious year over $10,000.00 (US $) was raised from the same event.

This kind of support and community spirit is one of the reasons that draws people to live and buy real estate in Dominical and the surrounding areas.

Netflix in Latin America will only have access to Netflix online streaming service. In Latin America it is estimated that in 2012 there will be 1.25 to 3.7 million and is predicted in the future to be 40 million broadband subscribers.

This business initiative by Netflix’s shows the growing importance that Latin America is to Hollywood. In 2010 film ticket sales fastest growing market was Latin America led by the Brazil & Mexico of which total box office sales revenue grew by 25% in 2010.

A date has not been set of the commencement of the Netflix service in 2012 nor have Netflix announced a price for the service but is expected to be comparable to the online streaming it charges presently in North America for a monthly fee of $8 a month.

Many expats that live part time in Costa Rica use the Netflix service when they return to the USA. This is welcome news to people that live in Dominical real estate and surrounding areas, as DVD rentals are only presently available in bigger towns in Costa Rica. This new Internet service will bring even more creature comforts to their residences in Dominical.

Lovely house for sale on river in Dominical

Dominical is a very peaceful and natural area. If this is something you value then there are some great pieces of real estate currently available. Above is a picture of just one example of a house for sale in Dominical. This piece of real estate has real character. It is a two bedroom house on a quarter acre of land that fronts on to the Baru river. The property has 60 meters of river frontage.

The house is constructed on three floors. The base is concrete block and then wood frame. The roof is insulated against heat and noise. The interior is hardwood. There is a garage and utility area. From the property terrace you have views of where the two rivers converge. For all this you would pay $98,000, finance is available.

This is just one of a whole selection of real estate available in the coastal paradise of Dominical.

The area now has tarmac road access meaning faster and reliable year round access. The local beaches have some of the best surf waves in Costa Rica without the crowds of other beaches.

Dominical is an unspoiled area still very much connected to nature and the sea.

Uvita's Whale Tail before Tsunami damage

The famous landmark sand bar and rock formation known as the Uvita Whale tail has suffered damage from the Tsunami of March 11 2011. The sand bar part of the tail has been washed away.  A recent low tide photo shows that even at low tide the sandbar is not visible.

Whate tail now

Experts feel the tail should return over time using the same tidal currents that formed it in the first place.

Local residents of Uvita miss their whales tail and low tide walks to the end. Real Estate agents in the area feel that this event will not have any significant negative effect on property for sale in Uvita. The area is famed for its natural beauty and water life, none of which has been effected by the Tsunami.

Over the past few years more and more budget airlines have been offering cheap flights to Lanzarote. Companies like Ryanair, Easyjet and Jet2 are known as budget companies and now have scheduled airplanes arriving several days each week.

Lanzarote is an attractive destination for airlines to service as there is good weather all year round and an active tourist season. The busiest time of year for the Arrecife airport in Lanzarote are the summer months of school holidays. However the rest of the year still has a tourist season and is not dead like most other European tourist resorts.

Road maintenance in Uvita

Normally during the months of January on wards depending on the amount of clearing and maintenance needed to the drainage on the sides of the roads and culverts are cleaned of the mainly organic debris that has built up during the year. Bearing in mind the dramatic terrain of the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica this is no small task.

In November 2011 an abnormally strong storm that was named Thomas hit Costa Rica, this storm damaged and washed out many roads and bridges. Since then the various government ministries have been working hard to finish all the repairs.

In the Uvita area the municipality have said that presently work is focused on the La Union road, which is the road that runs up the mountain and along the ridge. The municipality is also building a sidewalk close to the La Union School.

This news had pleased the many people that own real estate in Uvita and especially in La Union area.

Ojochal beach

If you are considering buying real estate in Ojochal and interested in being involved in a community with an active women’s group Ojochal has a place for you. An interesting women’s group called AMO “La Asciacon de Mujeres Emprendedores de Ojochal” The Association of Enterprising Women of Ojochal.

The group is developing and creating various projects in the local community. One of these projects is the creation of a community cultural center, the women’s vision for the cultural center is to develop Ojochal in an authentic manner that will enhance Ojochal’s identity. The initiative is to set an example for rural community tourism and to help evolve equality values and to provide services that help, environment, social, cultural, and an economic benefit for the people within the Ojochal community.

The community cultural center is planned to have a cafeteria sell organic produce, archeological museum with artifacts that have been found around Ojochal and an ecological trail.

The women’s association are planning to use the currently community hall for workshops meetings, presentations, sporting events, training programs and cultural activities. The women are also planning to rebuild the current bullring and add to the current facilities with new buildings that will enable cultural events to be held there such as traditional games, music concerts and theatrical plays.

Fifteen women that have been developing this project since 2009 formed the group, since it’s inception the ladies have successfully raised funds for a cement floor in the present community hall and organized new events such as the talks about trees, a theatrical play, musical night and a track race.

This year more is planned of the same and to offer dancing lessons and with the funds that are raised to build much-needed restrooms.