Dominical

Dominical

About 27 mi (44 km) south of Quepos is the quaint and growing beach town of Dominical. Along the coast, before arriving in this popular surf town, the cascading cliffs converge with the deep-blue ocean, producing a scenic landscape full of small coves for truly precious views. The laid back beach town is surrounded by plantations, estuaries, mangroves and marshes. Birder beware, you may not want to leave!

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With perhaps the most consistent waves in Costa Rica, Playa Dominical is a haven for surfers. Swimming, however, can be dangerous due to the strong riptides that are found throughout the 2.5 mile (4 km) strip of beach.

The pleasant town of Dominical is relatively small but offers the beach-lover a wide variety of nearby beaches to choose from. Playa Dominicalito is just south of Dominical and is a great spot for beginner surfers and swimmers. At Punta Dominical, on the southern end of Playa Dominicalito, you'll see the lush green land merge with the rich blue Ocean. It is a great spot to watch the ocean's waves crash onto the rocky shore below and see a near perfect sunset almost year round. Other activities include treks to nearby waterfalls including the Nauyaca Waterfalls (7.5 mi from Dominical on Hwy 243), canopy tours, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, sea kayaking, scuba diving and snorkeling.

For attractions in the surrounding areasyou can access Chirripó National Park by traveling along Hwy 243 towards San Isidro about 31 miles (50 km). Access to Manuel Antonio is possible by traveling 23 miles (37 km) north along Hwy 34. To the south 95 miles (152 km) lies Golfito and access to Corcovado National Park.

Tours & Activities

Experiences in Dominical

Explore hand-picked Dominical tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.

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Manuel Antonio

Night Rainforest Tour

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Lodging & Accommodations

Where to stay in Dominical

From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Dominical accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.

Hotel Cuna del Angel

Hotel Cuna del Angel is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica, near the surf town of Domincal. The exclusive and cozy boutique hotel sits amidst the surroundings of exuberant tropical jungle and stunning beaches. This sun drenched area boasts a mixture of pristine beaches, radiant sunsets and lush forests that line the beach.

Villas Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary

VillasAlturas Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates local wildlife. This animal sanctuary has lodging for overnight guests — 7 villas with incredible views of the Escalera Mountains.

Hotel Villas Rio Mar

Two outdoor swimming pools, one built with an infinity edge and another featuring a swim-up bar, frame the central grounds of Hotel Villas Rio Mar. This 48-room hotel sits near the ocean in Dominical, Costa Rica, placing coastal wildlife reserves and surf beaches within short reach.

Casa Ramon

Casa Ramon is a large, luxurious guesthouse in the small beach town of Dominical. It has six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, and can accommodate up to 14 guests.

Hacienda Baru

Hacienda Baru is an eco-lodge located near Dominical along Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. Dominical is famous for its stellar surfing and relaxed atmosphere.

Pacific Paradise Dominical

Pacific Paradise in Dominical, Costa Rica, is a serene hotel nestled amidst the lush, tropical landscape that defines this vibrant coastal region. Ideally situated on the outskirts of the charming town of Dominical, the hotel offers guests a tranquil retreat just minutes from the pristine beaches known for their incredible surf and stunning sunsets. With an ambiance that perfectly captures the relaxed essence of Costa Rican life, Pacific Paradise provides a welcoming atmosphere where guests can unwind in comfort.

Hotel DiuWak

Hotel DiuWak is situated in Playa Domincal, found in the Central Pacific Zone of Costa Rica. DiuWak, in the native indigenous Bri Bri language, means "sun people' and that's exactly what you'll find in this popular destination: visitors soaking up the warm tropical sunshine and rejuvenating their souls. This wonderfully diverse area has both marine and terrestrial environments, from beaches and reefs to mangrove swamps and virgin mountain forest.

Trips to Inspire

Dominical itineraries

Explore hand-picked Dominical itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.

From $838 per person

9 days · Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio

Family

The trip was seamless and perfect. Our family of four had the most fantastic time in Costa Rica. The views from each place we stayed at were all beautiful and unique in their own way.

9 days · Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio

Costa Rica

Belong Anywhere

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