If you’re a surfer then likelihood is you’ll have heard of Dominical, Costa Rica, one of many widespread seashore cities on the South Pacific coast. Its pristine seashores with their superior waves, some 10-feet tall, convey surf lovers from everywhere in the world.
However there may be a lot extra to this little beachfront city on the South Pacific shoreline.
Nestled about 44 km south of Quepos and the Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park, Dominical affords every part you would need out of your journey to Costa Rica. Its wealthy and various nature, lovely seashores, waves, and tranquility, has put Dominical Costa Rica high of many journey itineraries!
Finest Time to Go to Dominical
Dominical Costa Rica climate is fairly fixed. It’s by no means so chilly as to damage your trip plans and there are many browsing and sunbathing alternatives on Dominical seashore all 12 months spherical.
On common, the temperature in Dominical hovers round 29℃ (85℉) throughout the day and 23℃ (75℉) at evening.
The area follows the identical Costa Rica’s moist and dry seasons as the remainder of the nation, however it’s typically extra humid and moist as an entire. Even should you’re visiting Dominical throughout the dry season, be ready for rain and humidity.
One other side of the seasons value maintaining a tally of is the mating season of the humpback whales and the nesting season of the turtles.
- From December to April, you’ll be able to go whale watching within the space. Head to Marina Ballena Nationwide Park to catch a glimpse of humpback whale migration.
- From Could to November, the Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles enter their nesting season and may be noticed on the seashores close to Dominical.
Attending to Dominical
You may get to Dominical from San Jose by automotive, by bus, or by shuttle, although getting there by automotive is probably the most handy possibility.
- By bus, you’re as a substitute taking a look at a 7 hour journey. A shuttle will probably be quicker than the bus, but in addition rather more costly.
- A shared shuttle from San Jose will most probably value round $60 per particular person.
- By automotive, the easiest way to go is Route 27 to Route 34, and it’ll take about three and a half hours. Except for being quicker, having a rental automotive additionally means you’ll have higher choices in Dominical. There are buses on the primary freeway, however none that can take you directly to sights. It’s a reasonably spread-out space, so direct transportation will probably be very useful.
Finest Issues to do in Dominical, Costa Rica
1. Chill Out on Playa Dominical
Playa Dominical, a small, lovely seashore city on the Pacific coast, simply 20 minutes North of Uvita affords vacationers a laid-back vibe the place seashore life dominates the checklist of day by day actions.
Dominical Seashore has glorious waves that welcome surfers of all ranges whereas its lack of sights and sights makes it an ideal vacation spot for people who simply wish to spend days stress-free in a hammock with a guide in hand.
Oksana having fun with the waters at Playa Dominical
2. Give Browsing a Strive
There are all types of browsing classes supplied in Dominical, together with particular person non-public classes, surf colleges, and surf camps. The choices can be found to newcomers seeking to study the fundamentals, in addition to to skilled surfers simply on the lookout for a refresher.
Any Costa Rica surf camp sometimes affords group surf classes however lets you clock in additional hours within the water, than a one off session. So your alternative relies on how a lot time it’s important to spend browsing in Dominical. Count on to spend round $65 to $70 per lesson.
Able to hit the waves!
3. Go to Nauyaca Waterfalls
If you happen to begin to get stressed after stress-free on Dominical Seashore, there are a number of mountaineering choices in round Dominical Costa Rica to get your physique shifting.
Nauyaca Waterfalls are an absolute should for nature and journey lovers. Regardless of being positioned deep within the tropical rainforest, the start of the path is simply 20 minutes from Dominical.
The falls’ location is on the non-public property of the Lulo Household. It may be reached by mountaineering, horseback driving, or by decide up truck.
The waterfalls have two ranges. The tallest is over forty meters excessive and the smallest is just a little over 20 meters. We have been fortunate to expertise the waterfall early within the morning and spent a number of blissful hours admiring the breathtaking views effectively earlier than the crowds rolled in!
If you happen to plan on visiting, put on a great pair of mountaineering boots and lightweight, breathable garments. Both put on a washing swimsuit below your garments, or convey one to alter into when you get to the falls. Carry bug repellent, sunscreen, a towel, some snacks, and water.
The fantastic thing about the Nauyaca Waterfalls
Max having fun with the chilly morning waters on the Nauyaca Falls
4. Get a Therapeutic massage on the Seashore
It’s not onerous to discover a spa in Costa Rica. Nonetheless, discovering an important spot for a therapeutic massage that received’t value greater than your day by day price range generally is a problem.
You may be stunned to search out that you may get knowledgeable therapeutic massage for below $50/hour proper on the seashore in Dominical. Simply rock up and discover the masseus arrange on the seashore. You possibly can’t beat that in Costa Rica!
Therapeutic massage Parlour on Dominical Seashore
5. Be a part of a Yoga Class
For an additional stress-free possibility, there are a number of spots on the town providing yoga lessons.
Many spas and resorts that supply therapeutic massage remedy additionally supply yoga lessons. Grateful Surf affords yoga and therapeutic massage remedy, at your property or on their property, so you’ll be able to obtain most consolation. Danyasa Eco-Retreat affords yoga, therapeutic massage remedy, dance lessons, journey excursions, and extra.
Laid again vibes at Playa Dominical
6. Go to the Beachside Market
Costa Rica’s markets are at all times a enjoyable place to get a style of native tradition and the beachside market in Dominical shouldn’t be an exception.
The market is opened day by day and options dozens of stalls promoting garments, jewelry, and souvenirs, turning this widespread seashore city right into a customers paradise. Fill up on Costa Rica t-shirts, seize a brand new sarong or decide up some souvenirs for family and friends again residence.
Beachside market in Playa Dominical
7. Go to Diamante Verde Waterfalls
Situated simply 35 minutes south of Playa Dominical, Diamante Verde is residence to 10 completely different waterfalls, together with Diamante Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Costa Rica.
Plunging 600 toes off the Tinamaste ridge, Diamante Waterfall with a lush rainforest surrounding affords gorgeous views overlooking the coastal mountains and the Central Pacific Shoreline.
You possibly can hike to the waterfall, spend the day swimming in magnificent pure swimming pools beneath the falls, strive rappelling, canyoning, and cliff leaping.
Excursions to Diamante Verde are supplied by Wherever Costa Rica and so they look unimaginable!
The excursions begin at 8:30 within the morning and final for eight hours. This consists of mountaineering, data on vegetation, and rappelling down the face of the waterfall. So long as you’re feeling courageous, no expertise is required. There’s inclusion of a information, rappelling tools, and a vegetarian lunch. Nonetheless, you’ll must convey anything you want.
8. Examine Out Dominicalito, Costa Rica
You possibly can get away from the crowds of Dominical by heading 3 km south of Dominical city to the marginally smaller and rockier Playa Dominicalito. Earlier than you go, be sure you convey a packed lunch and loads of water, as there are not any shops or eating places on Dominicalito seashore.
Dominicalito Costa Rica is a good spot for newbie and intermediate surfers and since it’s nestled in a bay, it’s additionally good for swimming. Simply watch out for the rocks at high-tide!
Dominicalito from above
9. Go to Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit group positioned close to Dominical. The sanctuary was based in 2014 with the mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured or displaced animals again into their pure habitats.
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary is residence to all kinds of animals, together with monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles, and wild cats. Most of the animals have been rescued from the unlawful pet commerce, whereas others have been injured or displaced attributable to human exercise, equivalent to deforestation or looking.
The sanctuary offers a protected and pure atmosphere for the animals to dwell in whereas they endure rehabilitation. Guests to Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary can take a guided tour of the ability and study in regards to the animals which are being cared for. The tour offers a singular alternative to see the animals up shut and study their particular person tales.
10. Go Whales Whatching in Uvita
There are wonderful alternatives to see go whale and dolphin watching in Marino Ballena Nationwide Park in Uvita.
Humpback whales are identified emigrate to the nice and cozy waters off the coast of Costa Rica between the months of December and April, making this the prime time for whale watching excursions in Uvita. Throughout this time, guests have the chance to witness these majestic creatures breach the floor of the water, in addition to watch them swim and play of their pure habitat.
There are a number of whale watching tour corporations in Uvita that supply whale and dolphin watching boat excursions. The excursions normally final a number of hours and are led by skilled guides who can present details about the whales and their conduct. Some tour operators additionally supply snorkeling and scuba diving excursions, for a chance to see whales, dolphins, sea turtles and extra type a unique perspective.
11. Go to Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park
If you happen to’re hoping to see the wildlife, there are few locations higher than Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park. Carry a digicam or a smartphone and prepare to gather recollections in your day journey to this Nationwide Park. Be ready to identify howler monkeys, white confronted capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, sloths, white-nosed coati, and loads of birds and bug species.
To be sure you get probably the most out of your go to, plan to reach early to beat the crowds and catch the animals at their most energetic. You possibly can guide the tickets on-line at SINAC Costa Rica as much as 24 hours earlier than your go to.
As soon as on the entrance of the park, you may as well get a information. A skilled, educated information will be capable to level out wildlife you’d by no means have even thought to search for by yourself.
Oksana standing on a suspension bridge
Squirrel Monkey in Manuel Antonio Park
12. Go to Baru Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge is a non-public nature reserve positioned close to the city of Dominical. The refuge covers over 330 hectares (815 acres) of land. It’s residence to a wide range of ecosystems, together with mangrove swamps, major and secondary rainforest, and pristine seashores. Guests to Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge can take guided excursions of the reserve, which embody hikes by the rainforest, birdwatching, and wildlife commentary.
Hacienda Baru is residence to all kinds of wildlife. This consists of over 365 species of birds, in addition to monkeys, sloths, anteaters, and lots of different mammals. The reserve can also be residence to a lot of reptiles and amphibians, together with crocodiles and snakes.
Along with its ecological significance, Hacienda Baru has performed an vital function in neighborhood growth within the area. The reserve employs native individuals as guides and help workers, and has additionally helped to ascertain sustainable tourism within the space. The reserve additionally has various academic packages geared toward native colleges and communities, selling the significance of environmental conservation and sustainable growth.
Inexperienced moss progress on Hacienda Baru.
The place to Keep in Dominical: Finest Dominical Lodges
Waterfall Villas: This eco-luxury retreat is positioned on 22 acres of tropical rainforest with its non-public waterfalls, natural gardens, and gorgeous ocean views. The villas are constructed with pure supplies and are designed to mix with the encircling atmosphere.
The retreat additionally options an eco-spa. The spa makes use of pure and natural merchandise and in addition practices sustainable residing. This consists of the utilization of solar energy, composting bathrooms, and rainwater harvesting. Friends may get pleasure from yoga lessons, meditation, and wholesome vegan meals made with regionally sourced elements. The meals was undoubtedly the spotlight of our keep right here!
Finest Eating places in Dominical
La Junta Dominical is a high rated restaurant in Dominical. They serve lunch and dinner and have a full bar, and so they concentrate on seafood and comforting pub meals with a twist. Their elements are regionally and sustainably sourced, the restaurant is dog-friendly, and so they typically have dwell music.
For some good craft beer, we’ve to advocate Fuego Brew Co. On high of being a brew pub, in addition they supply Costa Rican and Caribbean meals, pizza, and seafood, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. The menu is fairly priced and the ambiance is laid-back. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and late into the evening. If you happen to’re seeking to spend a while chilling on the bar, that is the right possibility.
For some fast bites and one thing to drink, Cafe Mono Congo is an efficient place to cease. They’ve low-cost, small Central American fusion bites which are fast and simple to seize and go and embody vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. Cafe Mono Congo additionally affords espresso, tea, cold-pressed juices, and smoothies.
If you go to Dominical is, you’ll see that it’s a lot quieter than Guanacaste within the north of the nation nevertheless it doesn’t lose something. It affords quick access to all that makes a Costa Rica trip the best choice for nature and journey lovers, seashore bum and surfers alike.