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After hiking through the rain forest for about 30 minutes you pop-out to this breath taking waterfall, seemingly all by itself.
After hiking through the rain forest for about 30 minutes you pop-out to this breath taking waterfall, seemingly all by itself. - Photo by Asap Story

Experience Incredible Beauty and Adventure in Dominical, Costa Rica

About Dominical, Costa Rica

Dominical is a hidden gem in Costa Rica, with stunning beaches and a charming small-town feel. Visitors can enjoy surfing, hiking, and exploring the local wildlife in the lush rainforest. With its laid-back vibe and abundant natural beauty, Dominical is a must-visit destination in Costa Rica for any traveler seeking an authentic and unforgettable experience.

Dominical, Costa Rica is a hidden gem located on the country's southern Pacific coast. This small beach town is the perfect destination for travelers looking to escape the crowds and experience the beauty of Costa Rica's natural surroundings.

Whether you are looking to surf, hike, or simply relax on the beach, Dominical has something for everyone. The town boasts a wide variety of accommodations, from luxury villas to cozy guesthouses, and everything in between. The area is also home to a number of excellent restaurants, serving up fresh seafood and local Costa Rican cuisine.

Dominical is perhaps best known for its world-class surfing. The beach is a popular spot for surfers of all skill levels, with consistent waves year-round. Surf lessons and board rentals are readily available, making it easy for beginners to get started. For more experienced surfers, there are plenty of challenging breaks to explore.

In addition to surfing, there are plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy in Dominical. The nearby Nauyaca Waterfalls are a must-visit, with crystal clear pools perfect for swimming and a stunning 45-meter waterfall. The area is also home to a number of national parks and reserves, including the Marino Ballena National Park, where visitors can see humpback whales during their migration season.

Dominical is also a great place to simply relax and unwind. The town has a laid-back, bohemian vibe that is perfect for slowing down and enjoying the moment. Whether you're sipping a cocktail on the beach or taking a yoga class, it's easy to embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle here.

Overall, Dominical, Costa Rica is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle of this incredible country. With its world-class surfing, stunning natural attractions, and relaxed vibe, it's the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy a truly authentic Costa Rican experience.

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Popular Stays in Dominical, Costa Rica

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Dominical, Costa Rica

Your dream destination in the south of Costa Rica. The boutique Cristal Ballena Hotel Resort & Spa, with its open café style pool bar and restaurant 'Pura Vida', is located near the Marino Ballena National Park on Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast, perfectly situated on a hill between the Pacific Ocean and rainforest covered mountains. All rooms —, which compromise of 15 junior suites, two master suites and 2 family suite — have spectacular ocean views from a private balcony. Rooms are spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed with four-poster beds, air-conditioning plus ceiling fan, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, telephone, mini-bar, security safe, coffee maker and private bathrooms with hair-dryer. At the beautiful Spa Cristal, you will be pampered and well-cared for. Experience bliss and complete relaxation. Other hotel features include a full-size swimming pool, room and laundry service, souvenir shop, pool table, secure parking, beach shuttle service, tour organization, gorgeous gardens, hiking path and fitness trail. The conference area with air-conditioning is perfect for seminars, events and receptions.
This hotel is nestled in a private and remote area, and looks over the treetops and deserted sandy beaches towards the crystalline Pacific Ocean, which is about 500 m away. It is 9 km south of Dominical, in Puertocito, between the coastal road and the Pacific Ocean in the south of Costa Rica. The hotel, which was renovated in 2008, features 16 rooms in total spread across 2 floors. It has a unique ambience and typical colonial style. It prides itself on great attention to detail and offers personalised service with a smile coming from the heart. Each room is named after an angel and richly decorated with colonial and Asian details. They are equipped with all modern commodities including air conditioning, ceiling fans, cable TV, WLAN access, a minibar, safe and hairdryer. Breakfast is included in the rates. The hotel has a wonderful restaurant serving great gourmet food. The chefs pride themselves on meeting the demanding tastes of a discerning clientele whatever the time of day.

Things to do in Dominical, Costa Rica

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Dominical, Costa Rica

Pick up at cruise port terminal and/or hoteles in Puntarenas area. We run small group tours with dedicated and very knowledge guides. this tour includes the highlights of the area with the minimal driving time. you will learn a lot of the country.
I want to invite you to have a wonderful day with us. Discover the beauty of bird watching whether you are an amateur or a professional in the company of expert birding guides. Costa Rica is a favorite destination for bird watching enthusiasts. An eager disposition and readiness to spot some tropical birds and some great binoculars are all you need to see some of the most beautiful birds in the world in some of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica. Come prepared to encounter a colorful array of endemic and migratory birds like the Quetzal, black-bellied hummingbird, Trogons, Macaws and Toucans. All our groups are small. Travelers can choose between one of the areas mentioned above (1. Monteverde, 2. San Gerardo de Dota, 3. Carara National Park).
Come adventure down the pacific coast on this full-day tour to Nauyaca waterfall. This tour includes three other unique stops not included by any other tour company in the area! • Portalon waterfall: this is a cool place where you can swim in the rainforest fresh river. • Playa Linda: a deserted beach where we can pick coconuts fresh off the tree. • Dominical: a surf town that provides a calm and relaxed vibe where we will get coffee or smoothies & explore the town. • Nauyaca: our main event! this two-tiered waterfall provides a breathtaking experience while swimming in its fresh blue turquoise waters. Get ready for a day that makes you feel free and Pura Vida! This tour has a maximum of 10 people, so we operate on a smaller scale compared to other similar tours, which allows for a more unique experience.
Explore the pristine natural beauty of this “World Famous” National Park filled with exotic wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles and butterflies.
Our tours are offered only in private or small groups. This way we ensure you have the best experience. Our main goal is to see you enjoying and having fun during our tours. Therefore, we are flexible with adjusting the tours depending on your needs and your availability.
Are you ready to Explore the high lands of Costa Rica? San Gerardo De Dota is the home and nesting area of the Resplendent Quetzal, which is considered as one of the most beautiful birds of Central America We will start our adventure early morning cause quetzals they sleep on lowlands and the move into upper lands looking for food early in the morning, you will have the opportunity to enjoy hummingbirds, flycatchers, woodpeckers, haws, wrens, tanagers, and many others ,It is a great place to visit if you’re looking for peaceful hikes and birding thanks to locals that as private owners keep untouched the beauty and forest. After of some birding and enjoy the quetzals, we will take you to have breakfast, to later to descent to lowers lands to spot others birds, as the day goes by with will provide you water and snacks to gives the energy to continue birding Don’t miss the opportunity to see and enjoy Resplandazent Quetzal and all the beauty of San Gerardo de Dota as to offer.
Once we get to know each other, each person must pay their own ticket which has a cost of $15 p.p. which will be paid to Hacienda Baru on the day of the tour. We will begin early in the morning in an exclusive and private place, we will walk through places where there are not many people and we will go looking for local flora and fauna of the place, we will have the opportunity to take photographs of the animals through the HD telescope of any smartphone you have.
On this adventure tour, you will be taken to 2 waterfalls, a scenic rocky beach and a secret mountain lookout to see the sun set. You will be able to swim, jump and slide into a beautiful fresh water river, see ocean waves crash on picturesque rocks and see unparalleled views of the Uvita valley and Whale's Tale as the sun goes down, all while being surrounded by Costa Rican jungle. We believe that tourism can promote acceptance, cultural understanding and environmental consciousness. Encountering a new country is one of the best ways of opening one's mind. We hope you join us in experiencing what this tour has to offer.

Why People Love Dominical, Costa Rica

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Dominical, Costa Rica

SR
Shelley R
5
Aug 2023
Great small tour. Came in on a cruise ship and were there to meet us. Al was our guide. He was full of knowledge and answered a lot of questions. A great way to spend a few hours in Costa Rica!
K
K5595BCkristinm
5
Oct 2023
What a wonderful way to see so much of the area in a short time! Our tour guide, Albert, was absolutely wonderful, so informative and kind. We really enjoyed talking with him and he went out of his way to do things that passengers asked about. He also knew just where to go to see the different...
R
robertdawnb
5
Mar 2024
AR tours is a must to use. Arturo looks out for his clients. He is well experienced and knows what people want.Supplied with water and beer

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Frequently Asked Questions about Dominical

What are some of the must-do activities in Dominical?

Dominical is a beautiful coastal town in Costa Rica that offers a range of activities. Here are some must-do activities in Dominical: 1. Surfing: Dominical is known for its world-class surfing waves. You can take lessons or rent a board and hit the waves on your own. 2. Whale Watching: Dominical is a great place to see humpback whales. Take a boat tour from Uvita and see these majestic creatures up close. 3. Waterfall Hike: Nauyaca Waterfall is a 600-foot waterfall that is a must-see in Dominical. You can hike to the waterfall and swim in the pools below. 4. Canopy Tour: Go on a canopy tour and zip line through the jungle canopy for a unique perspective of the rainforest. 5. Horseback Riding: Explore the jungle and the beach on horseback with a guided tour.

What are some of the best attractions in Dominical?

Dominical is surrounded by natural beauty and there are plenty of attractions to explore. Here are some of the best attractions in Dominical: 1. Marino Ballena National Park: This park is a great place for hiking, whale watching, and snorkeling. 2. Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is home to a range of rescued animals including monkeys, sloths, and toucans. You can take a guided tour to learn more about the animals and their habitats. 3. Terraba-Sierpe National Wetlands: Take a boat tour of the mangroves and see a variety of wildlife including crocodiles, monkeys, and birds. 4. Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge: This wildlife refuge is a great place for birdwatching, hiking, and zip lining. 5. Uvita Beach: This beautiful beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and surf.

What are some of the best accommodations in Dominical?

Dominical has a range of accommodations for every budget. Here are some of the best accommodations in Dominical: 1. Oxygen Jungle Villas: This luxury resort offers private villas with stunning jungle and ocean views. 2. Rio Lindo Resort: This resort is located on a hillside overlooking the ocean and offers a range of accommodations including villas and rooms. 3. Villas Alturas: This resort offers private villas with stunning views of the ocean and the jungle. 4. Hotel Roca Verde: This hotel is located right on the beach and offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant. 5. Costa Paraiso: This hotel is located in the hills above Dominical and offers stunning views of the ocean and the jungle. They have a range of accommodations including villas and rooms.

What is the best time to visit Dominical?

Dominical has a tropical climate with two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The best time to visit Dominical is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, you can expect sunny days and warm temperatures. The rainy season runs from May to November and is characterized by daily afternoon showers. While the rainy season can be a good time to visit for lower prices and fewer crowds, it can also make some activities more difficult.

What is the best way to get to Dominical?

The easiest way to get to Dominical is to fly into San Jose International Airport (SJO) and then rent a car. Dominical is about a three-hour drive from the airport. You can also take a bus from San Jose to Dominical, but this can be a long and uncomfortable journey.

What is the food like in Dominical?

Dominical offers a range of dining options, from traditional Costa Rican cuisine to international dishes. Some popular local dishes include gallo pinto (rice and beans), ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice), and casado (a dish with rice, beans, meat, and salad). There are also plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants offering plant-based dishes.

Is it safe to travel to Dominical?

Dominical is generally a safe place to travel, but as with any destination, it is important to take precautions. Keep your valuables locked in a safe, and avoid walking alone at night. Also, be sure to check the latest travel advisories from your home country before you go.

What is the currency in Costa Rica?

The currency in Costa Rica is the coln (CRC). US dollars are also widely accepted, but it is a good idea to have some colns on hand for smaller purchases. There are also ATMs available in most towns and cities.

Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?

Most visitors to Costa Rica do not need a visa to enter the country. However, you will need a valid passport and a return ticket. Be sure to check the latest visa requirements before you go.

What should I pack for a trip to Dominical?

When packing for a trip to Dominical, it is important to bring light, breathable clothing for the warm weather. You should also bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring. If you plan to hike or do other outdoor activities, be sure to bring appropriate gear and clothing.

What language is spoken in Costa Rica?

The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. However, many people in Dominical and other tourist areas speak English as well. It is always a good idea to learn a few key phrases in Spanish before you go to help you communicate with locals.