Dominical Costa Rica

Known for its tropical backpacker vibe, lovely beaches and great surf waves, Dominical is a paradise in Costa Rica. Surrounded by a lush jungle and stunning natural attractions, this beach town is one of the most popular for tourists to escape from the city life.

Located 4 hours from San Jose by car, the town is a small, laid back destination with a bohemian spirit. It offers a number of restaurants, souvenir stores, mini markets and hostels.

Dominical, Costa Rica – A Natural Paradise

Located on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, Dominical is a tropical paradise that blends the best of tropical rainforest life and pristine beaches. This natural paradise is perfect for adventure travelers, family vacations and romantic getaways.

The beauty of this area is that it has miles and miles of untouched beaches backed by tropical rainforest cliffs. You can expect to find some of the most spectacular views and remote jungle waterfalls in Costa Rica.

Dominical Beach is known for its challenging waves that attract experienced surfers. It is also a popular spot for beginners to learn to surf. There are surf schools in the area that offer lessons for beginner to intermediate level surfers.

Accommodations in Dominical are fairly spread out but there are some hotels and vacation rentals a short walk to the main town and beach. Most of the other accommodations are a little further away in the hills surrounding the village.

take a look at our house for rent in Dominical

Dominical beach Costa Rica

Dominical is one of the most unique beach towns in all of Costa Rica, and for good reason. It’s a laid back town that attracts surfers and digital nomads who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

It is also a great place to spot exotic wildlife. Howler monkeys, white faced capuchin monkeys and scarlet macaws are all common here.

The beach is a popular tourist destination and there are plenty of hotels in the area, both budget and luxury. There are also many tour agencies that offer day trips to some of the local attractions.

There are many restaurants and bars on the beach as well. You’ll find a variety of local stalls selling souvenirs and art crafts.

Surfing is possible at all times of year and is known for its incredibly consistent waves, especially during the summer months. There are also plenty of sandbars that offer all those fun lefts and rights!

Swimming is possible in the ocean on the main beach, but larger waves make it dangerous. Swimmers should only do so in front of lifeguards and be aware of rip currents and water hazards.

Playa Dominical Costa Rica

Playa Dominical is home to some of the best surf in all of Costa Rica. It’s a favorite among surfers from all over the world and is one of the most consistent surfing beaches in the country.

Visiting Dominical is an experience you don’t want to miss out on. You’ll see why it’s been a favorite of surfers and tourists alike for over 15 years.

Beaches

Dominical is a laid back beach town with a hippie vibe. It does not have a lot of luxury stay options but you will find hostels and budget to mid-range hotels.

The beaches are some of the most consistent in Central America and are a great place for surfing. They offer perfect waves for experienced surfers and less intimidating waters for beginners.

The beach is also known for stunning sunsets. It is a popular spot for swimming and boogie boarding. It is also the home of many surf schools.

Attractions

Dominical, Costa Rica is a popular beach town with a mellow vibe and beautiful landscapes. With a thriving organic food scene and plenty of natural attractions to explore, it has everything you need for your Costa Rica vacation.

If you’re a fan of wildlife conservation, head to Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary to visit injured and orphaned animals. The 60- to 90-minute tour is fun and educational, and proceeds go toward supporting the sanctuary’s many residents.

The enchanting Poza Azul waterfall, tucked into the rainforest jungle, is also worth visiting. It has a natural swimming pool, and a short hike will take you to the upper and lower falls. The water is emerald blue and crisp, making it an ideal place to cool off.

Weather

Dominical Costa Rica weather is usually pleasantly warm all year round with highs averaging 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit) and lows averaging 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit). The sea remains nicely warm all year round, too.

Rainfall is moderate with October being the wettest month on average. However, it usually only lasts a few hours and you can enjoy sunny days during this time too.

Winds are typically moderate with January being the windiest month on average. Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their peak in late January and early February with average top sustained speeds reaching 19.1 knots.

Food

The quirky beach town of Dominical continues to captivate travelers from all over the world for its big waves and relaxed vibes. It’s also home to a growing community of expats who are bound by their love for nature and eco-friendly living.

While there, don’t miss out on the chance to eat some fresh, authentic Costa Rican food at one of many local restaurants. From seafood dishes to fusion cuisine, you’re sure to find something for every taste.

If you’re craving a little Asian fusion, check out Phat Noodle, which opened in 2016 in a cozy open rancho. The restaurant offers affordable Thai food, gluten free options and a nice variety of healthy meals for vegetarians.

Nightlife

Dominical is one of Costa Rica’s old beach towns still untouched by the big resorts and hotel chains. It has kept its pura vida essence, and it resonates with surfers and those who want a laid back place to escape.

There are many small beaches to choose from in the area, like Playa Dominicalito and Playa Pinuelas, which are perfect for swimming and relaxing. You can also make long walks to the longer, stretched out beaches of Playa Linda or Playa Matapalo, which are surrounded by natural caves and are ideal for exploring.