Small town, cute vibes, lush jungle, beachfront, laidback vibes. Sound nice? Then you probably want to check out Dominical, on the Southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
This little town, located in the Puntarenas Province, only about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from San Jose, is still under the radar of mass tourism and is a charming place to spend a few days, or more. Located right on the beach, with the Baru River creating the border along the north side of town, Dominical blends surf town with wellness chic while still maintaining laidback Pura Vida vibes.
The dramatic coastline of the impressive Talamanca Mountain range that juts out of the jungle right at the coastline creates a stunning backdrop to the entire area. Hang at the beach or head up into the mountains for some more adventure. Dominical isn’t for everyone, but it might just be for you.
9 Fun Things to Do in Dominical, Costa Rica
While the town of Dominical is rather small, spanning just a few blocks right along the river and the beach, the surrounding area is full of fun things to see and do. There’s a nice mix of laidback and adventure happening in this area, so most people will find something appealing to their vacation style.
1. Walk Dominical Town
The town of Dominical is small and walkable, with the entire town being flat and just two roads: the beachfront road and one road behind the beachfront. It’s a cute little town, and you can start on the riverside, seeing the wide open of Rio Baru emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Grab an iced coffee from Cafe Mono Congo and head down the main road, checking out the cute shops and restaurants along the way.
At the end of the paved road, you can curve to the waterfront and explore the few places right by the water. Listen overhead for the sounds of Scarlet Macaws that live in the area and frequent the trees right along the beach. Watch the surfers catch waves, and end your stroll with a bite to eat at Tortilla Flats. You’ll feel like a regular in no time.
2. Head to Playa Hermosa
A ten-minute drive down the coast takes you to Playa Hermosa (A note: Costa Rica has many Playa Hermosas, don’t get confused! This one is just down the road, so be careful when using Google Maps or Waze.) This small beach is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. There are some stands selling beach souvenirs and a few small trucks with food and smoothies, but otherwise, there’s not much infrastructure. It’s still a very popular spot with surfers and beach enthusiasts alike, though. You can rent beach chairs and big umbrellas for the day or by the hour, or walk along the beach to find some shade, though locals snag those spots early on. Playa Hermosa can get crowded on the weekends, but it’s always a good time. Parking is free, but limited. It’s just a turn off from the main road, with only a small sign to mark the beach entrance, so be on the lookout!
3. Nauyaca Waterfalls
Perhaps one of the most unforgettable things to do in the Dominical area is a trip to Nauyaca Waterfalls. The entrance to this impressive waterfall is located about 15 minutes up the mountain from Dominical. You’ll see the sign on Highway 243, which connects the coast to the inland city of San Isidro.
Please note: There is another access entrance to Nauyaca Waterfalls past the town of Platinillo. Different operators run the two entrances, have different pricing, and offer slightly different experiences through the different ways to reach the falls.
Once you stop at the front office and pay your entrance fee ($32 per person for the pick-up option, $10 per person walking), you’ll head down to the parking area. This drive is very steep, but the road is paved, so 4×4 is not required here. If you don’t have a car, you’ll start your walk from the main office.
From the parking area, you either ride in a 4×4 pick-up truck with the back converted into covered seating, or you walk the rest of the way. The walk is 3.5 kilometers from the main office, and it is very hilly and hot. If you plan to walk, be prepared; the walk takes at least one hour in and one hour out, so allow for plenty of time to enjoy the waterfalls.
There are restrooms at the falls, but nothing else, so pack some snacks and plenty of water. The waterfalls have a nice, big swimming area, so you’ll be able to cool off in the fresh water and lounge about on the rocks. Nauyaca is an absolute must if you are in the area and will likely be one of your highlights of any Costa Rican vacation.
Another waterfall to consider carving out time for is Diamante Waterfall, the highest falls in Costa Rica. Accessible only by hiking through primary rainforest, this canyon offers stunning views and relaxing waters. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, immerse yourself in waterfall rappelling. In our Spirit Trekker itinerary, travelers also experience another adventure: glamping inside a cave whose doorways are the falls themselves.
4. Poza Azul
Just south of Dominical, heading down the main highway, Ruta 34, there is a small community called Dominicalito. There’s a beach here, also worth checking out, but not much else. But if you turn to the mountainside of the town and head up a ways, you’ll find a place to park your car and a small path that takes you to a natural swimming hole, Poza Azul.
This is classic, traditional Costa Rica. No signs, no fee, no bathrooms, no restaurants, just a swimming hole on the side of the road. Sometimes there is a local man who will watch your car for you in exchange for 1,000 colones. But other than that, Poza Azul is free and natural. You likely won’t spend a long time here, but it’s a lovely way to cool down and to feel like you’re living like a tico, at least for a little while.
5. Marino Ballena National Park
Thirty minutes south of Dominical is the town of Uvita, home to the Marino Ballena National Park. Ballena means whale in Spanish, and the name is fitting two-fold. First off, this is a great place for whale watching, as Humpback whales migrate here every year to mate and raise their young in the warm waters. The name Ballena also refers to the famous whale tail, a rocky outcropping that extends out from the beach and forms a whale tail when viewed from above.
The Marino Ballena National Park covers 5,000 marine hectares and includes all of the beaches in Uvita, from the whale tail to Playa Uvita, Playa Chaman, and Playa Colonia. Note that because these beaches are part of the national park, you have to pay to access any and all beaches from the town of Uvita. Your entrance to the park can be applied to access the beaches, but only for that day. The cost for foreigners to enter the national park is $6, while locals pay 1,000 colones.
6. Whale Watching
This area of Costa Rica takes great pride in their whale migration, and Uvita even has a whale festival every year in September. The best time of year to see whales is from July to November for the southern migration, and January to February for the northern migration. In addition to Humpback Whales, you might also spot: false Killer Whales, Bryde’s Whales, Bottlenose and Pacific Dolphins, as well as sea turtles, rays, and sharks. Most tours range in price from $75 to $95 and last around three hours.
7. Dualia Healing Center
In the heart of downtown Dominical is a small and beautiful space called Dualia Healing Center. Dualia offers biohacking treatments as well as a bathhouse experience featuring four cold plunges and a 10-person sauna. The center has lockers and showers and offers 2-hour passes, so you can take your time alternating between hot and cold. It’s a great way to soothe sore muscles after hiking waterfalls or surfing all day.
8. Surfing in Dominical
While Dominical draws a wide range of travelers these days, it used to be–and still is–known for its surf. With consistent waves at the main beach of Playa Dominical and the rivermouth, as well as Dominicalito just down the road, and Playa Hermosa, surfers flock here year-round to catch waves and chill out. Beginners might want to head to Uvita and Playa Chaman for lessons and a more gentle wave, but surfers of all levels will be happy to spend some time in Dominical in rainy or dry season.
9. La Cusinga Lodge
Just south of Uvita, about thirty minutes south of Dominical, you’ll find La Cusinga Lodge. This private reserve protects 242 hectares of rainforest and has been working on reforesting the area since 1991. You can stay at the eco-lodge or simply visit for the day to enjoy the beautiful hiking trails and the natural swimming hole. You can pay $15 to explore the private reserve or spend $15 in the amazing restaurant on site, Aracari Restaurant, and hike for free. The views alone are worth the price of admission. It’s a lovely way to spend a day and support sustainability in action.
Areas in Dominical, Costa Rica
Dominical Town
Dominical might not feel like much a town when you see it on a map, and when you take the turn to enter, you’ll also be shocked at just how small it is. But somehow it manages to pack a lot into a little, leaving a small footprint on this still wild stretch of land. Listen to Sarlet Macaws squawk overhead as you meander down the one paved road. You’ll be impressed by how clean and modern it is, while at the same time feeling small, manageable, and down-to-earth.
Dominicalito Beach
Just down the road, south on the Costanera Highway is the even smaller and more traditional town of Dominicalito. This is where you’ll find Poza Azul, another beach popular with surfers, tourists, and locals alike. The town itself is very small, and the vibe is puro tico. It’s a fun place to go to get in touch with the roots of this area.
Uvita
Uvita is the larger of the two towns, (Uvita and Dominical are something of sister cities). Many people travel back and forth between the two, to explore the area, eat at different restaurants, and handle daily tasks. Dominical has limited town resources, like banks and gas stations, but Uvita offers what Dominical lacks. Uvita is more spread out, with the town bisected by the Costanera Highway. If you’re looking for more of a big town feel outside of Dominical, Uvita is for you.
Weather in Dominical, Costa Rica & When to Visit
Located in the Southern Pacific Zone, Dominical sees a lot of rain during the rainy season, which starts in May and runs through October, with October being the wettest month. But the rain usually comes in the late afternoons or evenings, allowing for many daylight hours to explore and enjoy.
The dry season is from December to April, and the temperatures get very high, mid 80s to low-90s with intense sun.
The surf is good here almost year-round. The rainy season brings bigger swells while the dry season brings smaller, consistent glassy waves.
Dominical Restaurants & Nightlife
Restaurants in Dominical
- Cafe Mono Congo: Healthy, Vegetarian, Coffee House, $$
- Fuego Brewery: Brewery, Pub, Pizza, $$-$$$
- Jolly Roger: American, Pub, Wings, $$
- La Junta: Bar, Seafood, $$-$$$
- Scala: Seafood, Contemporary, $$$
Nightlife in Dominical
- Tortilla Flats: this beachfront dive serves up tacos and local Costa Rican dishes, as well as cold beers and cheap cocktails. There’s often live music and TVs to catch big games.
- Hotel Rio Lindo: live music every Sunday at this bar/restaurant/hotel. Non-guests can pay 5,000 colones per person to use the pool and apply the 5,000 colones to food and drinks.
- Rum Bar: right in the center of downtown Dominical, Rum Bar serves up food and drinks, as well as late-night DJs and live music.
Envision Festival
If you happen to visit Dominical or the surrounding area at the end of February or the beginning of March, you might find it busier than usual and see more hula hoops and fire poi than usual. That’s because every year for the past 15 years, Envision Festival has taken place in this area.
Envision Festival is a seven-day festival that takes place on the beach of Playa Hermosa. The festival is related to Burning Man and is often referred to as a mini burn in the jungle, rather than the desert. For the week or so leading up to and after Envision Festival, Dominical, Uvita, and the surrounding area are more full than usual, so either join in on the festival fun or check the dates for the upcoming Envision before you book your tickets.
Plan Your Trip to Dominical, Costa Rica
Is Dominical Safe?
Dominica is generally considered very safe. Things to watch out for are strong rip currents in the ocean and crocodiles in the rivers. Other than that, be mindful about leaving valuables unattended on the beach when you’re in the water. Dominical is still a relatively wild part of Costa Rica, so if you are staying outside of downtown Dominical, be careful of wildlife. Also, if you rent a car, be careful while driving, as there is a lot of wildlife that crosses the Ruta 34.
How to Get to Dominical
From San José to Dominical
It’s a fairly easy drive from San Jose to Dominical, first heading west out of the city, hitting the coast at Jaco, and then heading south down the Costanera Highway. Once you hit Jaco, the drive is scenic, and the roads are in good condition. It’s about three and a half hours, depending on traffic getting out of the city.
If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can take a shuttle, which costs around $70 and takes about five hours, stopping once and picking up and dropping off other guests.
There is also the Tracopa public bus, which also takes about five hours and costs about $15 a ticket.
Nearest Airports
The nearest airport to Dominical is the Quepos La Managua Airport. Sansa and Green Airways operate daily flights between San Jose and Quepos. The flight is less than twenty minutes and tickets range from $110 to $125. From Quepos to Dominical it’s only about a 30-minute drive. There are also taxis and Uber in the area, so if you want to fly to Quepos and Uber to Dominical, it’s possible to get around this way. Renting a car is recommended for exploring the greater surrounding area and all that it has to offer.
Dominical has somehow blended the best of all worlds: surfing, wellness, beach dive-bar, hippie festival, and local hidden gems. Despite this perfect blend, Dominical remains small and somewhat under the radar. Even though the town is tiny, it doesn’t feel overly packed in high season.
If you’d like to add Dominical to your Costa Rican itinerary, contact us Costa Rica Escapes. We’re happy to help you plan your ideal Costa Rican vacation, with beautiful beaches, unforgettable waterfalls, wild jungle views, and more.