Dominical

Dominical is a small yet tourist-friendly town that is located amidst the lush and still-largely untouched region of the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Less known than the likes of Tamarindo and Jaco, it is a different breed of traveler that decides to spend time in Dominical. This region of Costa Rica is much less crowded than the North-Pacific part of the country and while it has been known as a harder area to access, road improvements have greatly reduced driving time by an hour or more — making it worth it if you want to get away from the throngs of tourists. Also notable, this town has a more mellow and laid-back atmosphere than places like Tamarindo and Jaco. If you would rather take part in the plethora of activities and see all of the breathtaking sights of the area than party, then Dominical and the Costa Ballena region is the place to go.

Most people who visit Dominical come to experience the surf. Dominical is known for its consistent waves, but there are many other activities to choose from, in and around the area. Dominical is located in a very gorgeous part of Costa Rica, where various rivers feed into the ocean, such as the Rio Baru. It is also the end point of the Talamanca mountain range. Dominical itself is located on a 4 km-long stretch of luscious, tropical beach.

The best time to visit Dominical depends on what your preference is for weather, activities, and prices. Dominical is in a very tropical part of Costa Rica, expect hot temperatures in the dry season (November-April) and cooler and damper temperatures in the rainy season (May-October). That said, the best waves are in the rainy season. If you are more interested in staying on land, keep in mind that rain may affect the different activities you want to participate in. Prices go up in the more common travel times, such as the American Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break holidays.

Tourist Attractions & Activities in Dominical

While Dominical is primarily known for its waves and numerous surf camps, there are plenty of activities for those who do not want to spend all of their time on a surf board. In the immediate area, one can explore the dense, jungle-covered mountains, hills, and valleys and potentially witness the exotic wildlife, including whales and turtles, in their natural habitat. One can also make the hour and 45 minute boat trip to Isla del Caño, the island and biological reserve that is South West of Dominical. There is also a variety of other activities to take part in:

  • Zip Lining
  • Canopy Tours
  • Surfing/Surf Tours
  • Kayaking
  • Sport Fishing
  • Surf Lessons
  • Snorkeling Tours
  • Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours
  • Nature Hikes
  • Yoga Classes
  • Diving Tours
  • Horseback Riding
  • Visit to Waterfalls

Accommodations in Dominical

There are several places to stay in Dominical, for travelers of all different budgets and preferences: from ecolodges, to hostels, to simple hotels and higher end boutique lodging. Here are some of the hotels in the area:

  • Hotel Villas Rio Mar
  • DiuWak Hotel and Beach Resort
  • Coconut Grove
  • Cuna del Angel Hotel
  • Costa Paraiso
  • Hotel Domilocos
  • Roca Verde
  • Hotel Arena y Sol

Where To Eat In Dominical

There are a variety of places to eat in Dominical. Not only can you experience the food of the region, there are also international options:

  • Kabob Divino
  • Ruby’s Homemade Ice Cream
  • Maracatu
  • The Refuge
  • Cuna del Angel
  • Las Palapas
  • Cafe Ensuenos
  • Hotel Domilocos and ConFusione Italian Restaurant
  • El Coco

How To Get To Dominical

A relatively easy town to get to from San Jose, Dominical can be traveled to by plane, bus or car.

The quickest way to get to Dominical is to take a domestic flight from San Jose to Quepos, and then either rent a car or take a bus south on the Costanera Highway. It is roughly a 45-minute drive from Quepos.

Another option is to rent a car in San Jose and drive to Dominical, and there are two route options. First is to drive towards Jaco and then continue south on the Costanera Highway. Dominical is approximately a 2 hour and 45 minute drive from San Jose by car. The second option is to drive over the mountains towards San Isidro El General ,and from there drive west towards Dominical. The second route is about a 3 hour 30 minute drive.

Finally, one can take the bus directly from San Jose.

Other Tourist Services in Dominical

Tourists can find all of the necessary services in or near Dominical. Restaurants, internet cafes, banks, ATMs, and car rental services are all available. Medical services and a police station are available in town as well.

Nearby Attractions

Other popular activities for those staying in Dominical include:

  • Visiting Isla del Caño
  • Hiking or horseback riding to the Nauyaca Waterfalls
  • Surfing at Playa Hermosa
  • Visit to the Whale Tail in Bahia Ballena