Dominical

A rustic surf village on the southern Pacific coast with powerful waves and a bohemian atmosphere. Nearby waterfalls and jungle trails add to its appeal for adventurous travelers.

Things to do

• Surf Dominical Beach — Ride the powerful, consistent beach breaks that made this village a legendary surf spot, best suited for intermediate and advanced surfers.
• Nauyaca Waterfalls — Hike or take a horseback tour to these towering twin waterfalls with a large swimming pool at the base, one of the region's most spectacular natural sights.
• Explore Dominicalito — Head to this calmer cove just south of town for tidepools, gentler waters, and rocky outcrops good for beginners and families.
• Marino Ballena National Park — Visit the nearby whale-tail sandbar at Uvita for whale watching, snorkeling, and long empty beaches.
• Poza Azul Waterfall — Take a short jungle walk to this small but refreshing waterfall and swimming hole tucked into the rainforest near Dominicalito.
• Sunset at San Clemente — Gather with locals and travelers on the beach at day's end to watch the Pacific sunset, a nightly ritual in this bohemian village.
• Reserva Biológica Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary — Tour this rescue center in the hills above town to see sloths, monkeys, and other rehabilitated Costa Rican wildlife.

Food to try

• Casado — The classic Costa Rican plate of rice, beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of fish, chicken, or beef, served at nearly every soda in town.
• Fresh ceviche — Locally caught fish or shrimp cured in lime juice with onion and cilantro, a perfect light meal after a morning surf.
• Gallo pinto — The traditional breakfast of stir-fried rice and beans served with eggs and tortillas, often paired with Costa Rican coffee.
• Fresh coconut water — Sip a chilled pipa fría straight from the shell sold by vendors along the beach road.
• Batidos — Tropical fruit smoothies made with mango, papaya, or pineapple blended with water or milk, a refreshing staple in the heat.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the strong currents — Dominical's waves and rip currents are powerful and there are no lifeguards, so swim cautiously and heed local warnings.
• Embrace Pura Vida — The relaxed 'pure life' attitude means slow service and flexible schedules, so bring patience and go with the flow.
• Bring cash — Many sodas, tour operators, and small shops don't accept cards, and ATMs in the village can be limited or run out of money.
• Dry versus green season — December to April brings sunny beach days while the green season from May to November means afternoon rains, fuller waterfalls, and fewer crowds.

Nearby

• Nauyaca Waterfalls — 8 km
• Uvita and Marino Ballena — 17 km
• Manuel Antonio National Park — 35 km
• Tapantí National Park (Cartago) — 52 km