In this post, we’ll share 20 wonderful things to do in Dominical Costa Rica, a beach town on the Central Pacific Coast. We’ll also cover travel information like where to stay, how to get there and get around.
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About Dominical Costa Rica
Sitting pretty on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast in the Costa Ballena (Whale Coast) region, Dominical still flies under the radar for most tourists.
First and foremost a surf town, Dominical has developed into a bit of a haven for hippies, yogis and organic eaters. All that aside, this small beach town is made up of just a handful of dusty streets, a gorgeous arc of golden sand with pumping waves, and a laidback vibe without any of the crowds.
There is still a real jungle feel, and within minutes of arriving in Dominical, we saw a huge group of scarlet macaws hanging out in the trees by the beach. We were reminiscing about our time at Macaw Mountain in Honduras. It’s not unusual to see monkeys swinging around town, and toucans flying overhead.
Whether you’ve been drawn by the waves, or are seeking adventure in the jungle-clad hills around town, there are plenty of great things to do in Dominical Costa Rica. It’s not hard to see why it’s growing in popularity as one of Costa Rica’s best beach towns.
We’ll share 20 things to put on your itinerary, both in Dominical and its immediate surroundings, as well as day trips to other areas on the Pacific Coast, if you’re choosing to base yourself in Dominical and branch out from there.
Dominical Costa Rica quick facts
- 🚙 How to get there – drive your own rental car, bus from San Jose or Quepos, or tourist shuttle from various destinations around Costa Rica
- 🛏️ How long to stay – 2 – 3 nights if you’re also visiting other destinations on the Pacific Coast. Up to a week if you’re choosing Dominical as a base and doing day trips from there.
- 🗓️ Best time to visit – is during the dry season, which is typically November – April.
⚠️ Dominical and the wider Costa Ballena has sadly become a hot spot for theft. Most crime is opportunistic, and we didn’t feel any threat to our personal safety, but your belongings are definitely at risk.
Be very careful with what you leave on the beach. I would suggest carrying anything valuable with you in a waterproof bag and not leaving your towel and things unattended for a long period of time.
If you have a car, do the best that you can to not leave anything inside, or at least nothing visible. We were camping in a Nomad America 4×4 so of course, everything was always in our car, but we kept valuables out of sight and always locked up. If you’re camping on the beach, don’t leave anything (even your shoes!) unattended if you step away for any period of time.
You will be warned by locals and expats as it has become a big problem in recent years. Be smart and cautious and you shouldn’t have any issues.
Things to do in Dominical and surrounds
- Things to do in Dominical
- 🏄🏽♂️ 1. Learn to surf
- 🏖️ 2. Laze on Playa Dominical
- 🛍️ 3. Browse the artisan markets at the beach
- 🌮 4. Eat at some of Dominical’s great restaurants and cafes
- ✨ 5. Visit the incredible Nauyaca Waterfalls
- 🌴 6. Check out Playa Dominicalito
- 💧 7. Swim at Cascada Poza Azul
- 🏝️ 8. Explore Rocas de Amancio at low tide
- 🌞 9. Catch a sunset at the beach
- 🧘🏼♀️ 10. Take a yoga class
- 🦜 11. Visit Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary
- 🐒 12. Go hiking at Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge
- 🚣🏼♂️ 13. Kayak or SUP through the Matapalo mangroves
- 🥾 14. Trek to the Diamante Waterfall and Cave
- Day trips from Dominical
Things to do in Dominical Costa Rica
In this section, I’ll share things to do in Dominical that are in the immediate town or close vicinity, a maximum of 30 minutes away.
1. Learn to surf
Surfing is what put this town on the map, and it still remains one of the best things to do in Dominical.
Playa Dominical is one of Costa Rica’s best surf spots, with consistent waves year-round. The beach is a long, sandy stretch over 2 km / 1.2 mi long, so there are plenty of waves to go around. However, Playa Dominical is considered a more advanced break, and depending on the tide and conditions can be pretty big and intimidating!
Somewhere better for beginner and early-intermediate surfers is Playa Dominicalito. Just a few minutes up the road, this smaller bay is sheltered by off-shore reefs and rocks, making it much gentler. This is one of the best places in Costa Rica to learn or improve your surfing, and if you’re taking lessons in Dominical, they will probably bring you here.
If don’t need a lesson, you can rent boards from a number of places in town and along the beach. There’s a good chance your accommodation may offer rentals too. Expect to pay around $15 USD for a day, but negotiate for a longer-term rental. There are one or two small shacks renting surfboards at Playa Dominicalito, but if you have the means to transport a board, it’s best to organise your rental in Dominical as their hours can be unreliable.
If you’re just starting out surfing, or you want to brush up on your skills, there are a lot of different surf schools in Dominical offering lessons. Dominical Surf School and Costa Rica Surf Camp are top-rated. Expect to pay around $50 – 65 USD for a 2-hour lesson. Just be sure to confirm how many people will be taking the lesson, and what the instructor-to-student ratio is.
2. Laze on Playa Dominical
Even if you’re not interested in surfing, Dominical revolves around its wide, sandy beach, Playa Dominical. Whilst the waves offshore can be big and rough, it’s still possible to have a good splash around in the shallows.
There isn’t a lot of shade on the beach itself, but the line of palm trees comes near to the sand, so you can find some shelter to lay down your towel.
Considering Dominical is still a pretty quiet destination, you won’t find rows of beach chairs or umbrellas for rent. You might get lucky and find a local renting some, or your accommodation may have some they lend to guests, but don’t count on it.
Be very cautious of your belongings on the beach.
3. Browse the artisan markets at the beach
One of the most iconic things to do in Dominical is to browse the artisan markets that are set up right behind the beach.
In a gorgeous grove of palm trees, there are rows of stalls selling all kinds of souvenirs and trinkets. You can find homemade jewellery, clothing, beach accessories and Costa Rica-branded presents to take home.
There are no set hours for the market, and each vendor sets up when they like. But it’s pretty much guaranteed there will be at least some stalls to browse, all day, every day. You can find the markets on the road behind the beach here.
4. Eat at some of Dominical’s great restaurants and cafes
For a town this small, Dominical has some seriously good dining options! Cute cafes, a craft beer brewery, and even authentic Thai food! We were shocked at how many great choices there were for food in Dominical.
These were some of our faves:
- Phat Noodle – delicious Thai food in the middle of Costa Rica? Was not expecting that. The Pad Thai at Phat Noodle is delish, their curries are amazing, and they shake up some great cocktails.
- Café Mono Congo – this charming little café overlooks the Baru River and has some of the best wifi in town. Their coffee is good, they make healthy smoothies, a range of bowls and the coconut French toast is to die for!
- Fuego Brewing Co. – craft beers freshly brewed in Dominical! The brewery is designed like a treehouse, elevated with open-air seating overlooking the jungle. They have a rotating range of beers on tap, some delicious food options like fish tacos, ceviche and tuna poke bowls, and even a coffee roastery on-site too.
- El Pescado Loco – if you want tacos in Dominical, head here for some delicious fish and shrimp options. Pretty affordable for Costa Rican standards too.
- Bar Jolly Roger – tucked away in the hills behind Dominical, you’ll need your own 4×4 vehicle to come here. But this quirky bar serves up typical American cuisine like wings, burgers and pizza, with a great range of cocktails and beers. All with an incredible ocean vista and jungle vibe.
5. Visit the incredible Nauyaca Waterfalls
If you can only do one of the activities on this list of things to do in Dominical, it HAS to be a visit to Nauyaca Waterfalls.
These stunning waterfalls belong in a jungle fairy tale! Although people come from all over the country to visit the falls, Dominical is the closest town. If you’ve got a rental car it’s just 15 minutes drive away, and there is also a public bus from Dominical.
Visiting the waterfalls is actually quite complicated, as there are two competing businesses with separate entrances. Don Lulo’s Nauyaca Waterfalls and the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park. No matter which entrance you choose, you have a second choice to make in how you will actually reach the falls. Neither of the ticket offices is actually at the falls, so you have to decide between hiking, taking 4×4 transport or a horse riding tour.
We wrote a complete guide to visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls, with an in-depth breakdown of the two entrances, and all the different ways to reach the falls. Although it’s a bit complex, it is SO worth visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls. They are picture-perfect, and definitely one of the most beautiful waterfalls we saw in all of Costa Rica.
6. Check out Playa Dominicalito
Playa Dominicalito is a neighbouring beach just south of Dominical. Known as the cool little sister to Dominical, Playa Dominicalito is a smaller, calmer bay.
In Spanish, adding ‘ito’ to a word indicates small or little, so Dominicalito is ‘little Dominical’
As I mentioned above, this beach is a sheltered bay that is protected by offshore rocks and reefs, so it is much calmer for beginner surfers and swimmers. If you want to have a lazy beach day swimming in the ocean, or you’ve got kids, this is a much better alternative.
The bay is flanked by rocky capes at either end and backed by lush green rainforest. The shore is lined with palm trees in typical Costa Rican fashion, and although it might not be a Caribbean island-type beach, it’s pretty damn beautiful!
There isn’t a whole lot of development on the beach. There are a couple of small shacks selling coconuts, ceviches and other drinks. Usually, you will also find a guy with a tent full of surfboards to rent. But other than that, there aren’t too many other amenities. I would suggest packing some drinks and snacks if you want to spend the day on the sand.
If you need a proper meal, there are a couple of options. There is an amazing café just across the highway behind the beach, Kunjani Café, which we can personally vouch for. We have also heard great things about La Parcela Restaurant at the very southern end of the beach.
If you’ve got your own wheels, you can drive here from Dominical in 5 minutes. It is possible to walk from beach to beach, but I would only suggest attempting this at low tide, with shoes on as the beaches are quite rocky. We didn’t do it, but we read there was possibly one section where you would need to divert to the highway, and then re-enter the beach at the next access road. It’s about 3 km / 1.8 mi in total.
We personally preferred Dominicalito much more than Dominical, and we spent a few days camping right up on this beautiful beach!
7. Swim at Cascada Poza Azul
While you’re in Dominicalito, don’t miss Cascada Poza Azul. This gorgeous jungle waterfall is totally free (like the hot springs in La Fortuna) and there’s a good chance you’ll have it all to yourself!
The waterfall is pretty small, but there is a large, deep pool that is perfect for swimming. There’s also a rope swing tied up on an overhanging tree if you’re up for the challenge! The setting is gorgeous, and despite walking just a few minutes off the highway, you’re in the middle of the jungle.
We walked up here from Playa Dominicalito while we were camping, and it was the perfect morning shower! It’s definitely not as impressive as Nauyaca Waterfalls, or some of the falls around Bajos del Toro. But Poza Azul earnt its place as one of our favourite waterfalls in Costa Rica purely for the ambience, with no crowds and no entry fee!
8. Explore Rocas de Amancio at low tide
This is something that we unfortunately didn’t have time to do, but wanted to include it here anyway as it looks gorgeous! Rocas de Amancio is a unique rock formation off the coast between Dominical and Dominicalito. (The photo below is of a similar formation off Playa Dominicalito, not Rocas de Amancio)
Essentially a small island, it is a huge rock that you can walk out to and climb on at low tide. There are palm trees and other plants growing on the rock, and little rock pools and inlets at ground level. It’s a gorgeous place to watch the sunset, just be sure you check the tides.
You can find Rocas de Amancio here. If you don’t have a 4×4, I would recommend parking somewhere close to the highway and walking down. Don’t turn down the side road as it is very steep and bumpy. If you’re up for a walk I think you could easily walk here from Dominical or Dominicalito.
9. Catch a sunset at the beach
I’ll admit, the Caribbean Coast is my preferred beach vibe in Costa Rica and Central America. I’m not a surfer, and I don’t like big waves, so Pacific Coast towns like Dominical are never usually my favourite.
But they do have one thing going for them – sunsets!
Being on the west coast, watching the sun go down each evening is one of the best things to do in Dominical. Each afternoon people flock to the beach to enjoy the sun turning golden and the sky lighting up in brilliant colours.
It’s such a beautiful ritual to end the day with your toes in the sand and your eyes on the water. Bring a beer, or take a quiet moment to reflect. We loved sitting and watching the surfers catching waves as the last light fades, and watching doggos zooming around the beach playing.
Pretty much anywhere along Playa Dominical or Playa Dominicalito is a good vantage point for the sunset.
10. Take a yoga class
Dominical has a reputation as a bit of a hippy spiritual town, so what better way to immerse yourself than a yoga class?
There are a number of great studios both in Dominical town and in nearby Dominicalito.
The Shala is a popular option in Dominicalito, on the same grounds as Kunjani Café (perfect for post-yoga breaky!). They have a gorgeous, jungly space and offer drop-in classes seven days a week. At the time of writing, it is 8,000 Colones ($15 USD) for a single class, with cheaper 5 or 10-class passes available. Check the schedule here.
In Dominical, Danyasa Yoga Retreat is a top-rated option. While they mainly focus on multi-day retreats at their on-site accommodation, they do offer daily classes. You can check the schedule and book the classes online here.
11. Visit Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary
If you haven’t had much luck seeing Costa Rica’s wildlife in the wild, and you want to support an ethical cause, Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary does fantastic work.
This non-profit sanctuary was founded in 2014 with a rescue, rehabilitate and release ethos. They provide care to sick, injured or mistreated native wildlife. They aim to release as many animals back into the wild as possible but also provide a permanent refuge for any animal that has been domesticated or is too badly injured to survive in the wild.
They offer tours of the sanctuary where you can learn more about the different species, their care needs and conservation concerns. They do not allow any touching or handling so you can be confident this is an ethical experience.
Located just 10 minutes from Dominical, it’s an easy drive or taxi ride. Tours run from Tuesday – Sunday (closed Monday) at 9:00 am, 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Bookings are essential and can be made online here. They keep the groups small to minimise stress and disturbance to the animals, so be sure to book in advance. The cost of the tour is 100% donated back to the sanctuary, and the current price for foreign adults is $33 USD and $17 USD for children.
12. Go hiking at Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge
Part ecolodge, part wildlife refuge, Hacienda Baru is the best place to hit the jungle trails around Dominical.
This large property contains a diverse range of ecosystems, from primary to secondary forests, wetlands and swamps, you have a good chance of seeing lots of native animals in their natural habitat. Like monkeys, sloths, coatis, lots of different birdlife, snakes and caimans.
The cheapest option is to do the self-guided trails. It is currently $15 USD per person and gives you access to over 7 km / 4.3 mi of trails all over the property. The trails are varying lengths, but you’ll get a handy map when you arrive. They also have a tall 7-metre (23 feet) birdwatching tower on top of a hill, giving you an aerial view over the canopy.
Hacienda Baru also offers a number of guided hikes and tours, if you want to learn more about the forest and increase your chances of spotting wildlife. Spending a night at their ecolodge is also a really unique experience, and guests have free access to explore the property at their leisure.
The lodge is just a few kilometres north of Dominical on the highway here. An easy drive or taxi ride. You could even walk there if you wanted to. The self-guided trails are open from first light to dusk (around 6:00 am – 5:00 pm). For the best chance of spotting birds and wildlife, visit first thing in the morning, or after 3:00 pm in the afternoon.
13. Kayak or SUP through the Matapalo mangroves
Not to be confused with the town of Matapolo further south on the Osa Peninsula, Playa Matapalo (aka Playa Linda) is a gorgeous, practically deserted beach just north of Dominical.
Flowing into this beach is a series of estuaries and mangroves, a rich environment full of birds, sloths, monkeys and reptiles. Local tour company Pineapple Tours offers kayak or stand-up paddleboard tours through the mangroves.
It’s a very relaxing and easy paddle through shaded estuaries, and the local guides have incredible wildlife-spotting abilities. Mangroves are such an important and unique ecosystem, and you’ll learn interesting facts about them.
Tour timings are based on the tide times. At the time of writing, it cost $70 USD per person which includes all transport from Dominical, guide, kayak or SUP, use of extra gear like drybags, binoculars etc., drinks and snacks. Find out more and book the tour here.
14. Trek to the Diamante Waterfall and Cave
One of the most unique things to do in Dominical is visit the Diamante Waterfall and Cave. We didn’t do this due to budget and time constraints, but it looks like an incredible experience and we didn’t see anything like this all over Costa Rica.
The Diamante Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in Costa Rica at over 180 metres (600 feet). Behind this thunderous fall is a cave, where you can spend the night! The hike to the waterfall is strenuous, and this activity is only recommended for those physically fit and up for the challenge.
Situated on private property, the waterfall is only accessible by a tour with Pacific Journeys. They offer day tours starting from $72 USD, where you will hike to the waterfall, enjoy lunch in the cave behind the falls and have plenty of opportunities for swimming and cliff jumping in different pools. You can add a rappelling option to the tour for some extra thrill.
But for a really memorable experience, opt for the overnight tour where you will sleep inside the cave! Three gourmet meals are included, prepared in the kitchen inside the cave (where else would a kitchen be?), and you’ll get to enjoy the sunset from the top of the waterfall, overlooking the lush jungle.
Day trips from Dominical Costa Rica
There are plenty of great day trips you can take from Dominical to surrounding destinations. Whether or not these suggestions are relevant to you depends on how you are planning your Costa Rica itinerary.
If you’re choosing to base yourself in one place (Dominical) and cover the entire Pacific Coast region from there, you’ll want to take a fair few of these day trips! But if you’re moving around more frequently, and staying in multiple destinations (such as Manuel Antonio, Uvita and Drake Bay), then these activities are best saved for their respective destination.
We travelled around Costa Rica on a road trip style itinerary, staying at many different places (including all those mentioned above), so we didn’t do these activities from Dominical. Although we can recommend them as fantastic activities!
But if you’re travelling in a different way, you can and should do all these things from your base in Dominical. Because the town is still quite ‘off the beaten path’, there aren’t a ton of tours offered from Dominical. Most of these day trips are best done with your own vehicle, but if there are tour options, we’ll include them below.
15. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park
Just one hour north of Dominical, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the best places to see wildlife in all of Costa Rica. With a network of trails, stunning unspoiled beaches and an abundance of animals, it’s one of the best national parks in the country, even though it can be a little crowded.
It is best to arrive at the park as soon as it opens at 7:00 am, which is why we do recommend staying in Manuel Antonio. But if you’re up for an early start, you can still beat the crowds from Dominical.
The park is closed on Tuesdays and you must book your tickets online in advance (unless you take a tour that specifically includes the entrance tickets). Bookings can be made on the Costa Rican National Parks website, SINAC. You can set the language to English, and you’ll need to make an account to buy the tickets.
It’s not mandatory to have a guide, but it will vastly increase your chance of spotting wildlife. The guides are trained naturalists, and have a telescope so you can get a close-up look at any animals hiding in the forest. They have insane eyesight and know exactly where to look for sleepy sloths, birds high up in the trees and agoutis running along the forest floor.
Most guided tours start from the park entrance. This tour is a highly rated, premium option that is capped at 10 people and includes the park entrance tickets. This option is for a 2-hour guided walk, and you will need to buy your own tickets. The guides will normally leave you at the beach, so you can continue to enjoy the park after the tour.
The best way to get there from Dominical is with your own rental car. It’s also possible to take the bus from Dominical to Quepos and switch to a local bus that runs between Quepos and the park frequently throughout the day.
16. Take a whale watching tour in Uvita
Just south of Dominical is the larger and more popular neighbour, Uvita. Considered the best places to go whale watching in Costa Rica, each year two separate migrations of humpback whales pass through the area.
One of the only places in the world that hosts two annual migration events, you can see whales for up to 10 months a year, making this one of the best things to do in Uvita!
Whales from northern areas like Alaska migrate south during the northern hemisphere winter, from December – mid-April. Whales from Antarctica in the south migrate north during the southern hemisphere winter, from mid-July – November.
The entire coastline and marine area are protected under the Marino Ballena National Park. There is a $6 USD fee to enter the national park, but some tours include this in the cost.
The whales don’t come near the shore, so the only way to see them is via a boat tour. This tour is highly rated and includes the national park entry fee. You will spend approximately 3 hours looking for whales, as well as other marine life like dolphins and turtles. Tours depart from Uvita, and generally won’t pick up from Dominical. But if you’ve got a rental car it’s an easy 20-minute drive, buses also run between the two towns frequently.
17. See the famous whale tail at the Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita
Uvita is famous for whales in more ways than one. A crazy coincidence, in the very waters visited by humpbacks throughout the year, lies a peninsula shaped like a whale tail!
At low tide, this rocky peninsula appears just off the coast of Playa Uvita, shaped exactly like the tail of a whale. You can walk for miles into the ocean along a sandbank, with waves breaking on either side of you. It’s a very unique experience, even though you can’t really appreciate the shape of the tail without a drone.
Playa Uvita, and a string of neighbouring beaches, are part of the Marino Ballena National Park. This means you need to pay an entrance fee of $6 USD to access the beach. If you’ve taken a whale watching tour that morning, you can use the same ticket for the remainder of the day, so it’s worth coordinating the two.
The rest of the beach is absolutely gorgeous, and it’s worth visiting even if you aren’t going whale watching. Because the beach is protected by the national park, there is no development. It feels raw and wild, lined with thousands of palm trees, with misty mountains rising up in the distance.
18. Explore Uvita town and Uvita Waterfall
If you’re in Uvita to go whale watching, visit the whale tail or both, you should allocate a couple more hours to have a look around the town. Uvita is quite disjointed, and honestly, we didn’t love the town itself all that much. But there are some fantastic restaurants and cafes that are worth a visit:
- Soda Ranchita Doña Maria – a much-loved local soda with delicious food and affordable prices.
- Uvita Gastro Park – a really cool, shipping container-style outdoor food park, with all kinds of cuisines, from Asian to ribs and meat, sushi, burgers, pizza and more!
- Le French Café – an amazing café with great coffee, wonderful French bread and pastries, and crepes. Must visit for breakfast or brunch!
- Whale Tail Brewery – a range of beers brewed on-site, and tasty bar snacks like sliders, pizzas etc.
- Sibu Café – another great café that doesn’t look like much from the outside, but has quality coffee, a variety of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and an adjoining bakery and ice cream shop with delicious pastries.
Don’t forget to check out the Uvita Waterfall too, aka Cascada Verde. Just outside of town nestled into the jungle, this waterfall is a fun and affordable stop. At the time of writing, the entrance was just 2,000 Colones. The waterfall is nothing huge but there is a big pool to swim in, and you can slide from the upper level down a natural rock slide. This is a great place to spot wildlife too, and we got lucky to see green poison dart frogs after a heavy rain storm! (Which is why the waterfall looks so brown here, I promise it’s not always like that!)
👉🏼 Read more about the Uvita Waterfall and other great things to do in Uvita here
19. Go snorkelling at Caño Island
The Caño Island Biological Reserve is considered one of the best places in Costa Rica to go snorkelling and diving. A protected marine reserve, the area is home to crystal clear waters, thriving coral and reef systems, and an abundance of marine life like turtles, rays, sharks and countless colourful fish!
Although Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula is the closest jump-off point for Caño Island, tours do depart from neighbouring Uvita. You’ll spend longer on the boat (around 90 minutes v 45 minutes from Drake Bay), but if you want to go snorkelling while you’re in Dominical, there is no better place.
This tour includes two snorkelling stops and a visit to Caño Island with a picnic lunch on the beach. Again, you’ll have to get yourself to Uvita as tours don’t depart from Dominical. It’s only a 20-minute drive, which is easily done in your own rental car, taxi or bus.
20. Day trip to Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park is hands down the best thing to do in Costa Rica. We would highly recommend dedicating a few days on your itinerary to travel to Drake Bay (the closest jump-off point to the park) and even consider staying overnight inside the park.
But, if you’re short on time and really prefer to base yourself in Dominical, it is possible to take a day trip. It will be a long day, and possibly feel a little rushed, but if it’s this or nothing, Corcovado is worth seeing!
As with all the other tours heading south, most depart from neighbouring Uvita. You’ll have to get yourself to Uvita and join a tour of the park from there.
Due to the distance, tours from Uvita only go to the San Pedrillo Ranger Station, not the Sirena Ranger Station as it is a shorter boat trip. Sirena is considered the best station to see wildlife and we wholeheartedly recommend visiting this section of the park. But again, if it’s this or nothing, San Pedrillo is still worth visiting.
This tour is a well-rated (and one of the only!) option. You’ll leave Uvita very early in the morning for a 90+ minute boat ride to the San Pedrillo Ranger Station inside Corcovado National Park. Once you land on the beach, your guide will lead you on a hike around the trails for approximately 3 hours, pointing out wildlife with their telescope. They provide some snacks, before taking the boat back to Uvita, where lunch is waiting in the office.
Where to Stay in Dominical Costa Rica
In Dominical town
There are a number of great options in the heart of Dominical town. You’ll be within easy walking distance of the beach, and all the restaurants and cafés. If you don’t have a car, we would recommend staying in town.
- 💰 Cool Vibes Beach Hostel – a great hostel that is loved and highly rated by all travellers. Offering both dorms and private rooms, the hostel has a pool, a communal kitchen and plenty of hang-out areas.
- $20 USD + per night check prices here
There is another hostel in Dominical, but we do NOT recommend it. The ratings and reviews are terrible, and it looks dark, dirty and even unsafe. Avoid Piramy’s Hostel and be sure you’ve booked in advance for Cool Vibes if you’re looking for a dorm bed!
- 💰💰 Hona Beach Hotel – a stone’s throw from the beach, this no-fuss hotel receives rave reviews at a great price. Rooms are spacious and well equipped, there is a pool onsite and breakfast is included.
- $85 USD + per night check prices here
- 💰💰 Bamboo River House and Hotel – if you’re looking for convenience and amenities, this is a fantastic option! All the rooms here come with a fully equipped kitchen, and the grounds have lovely gardens and a pool, all for a very affordable price.
- $90 USD + per night check prices here
- 💰💰💰 Hotel Villas Rio Mar – situated on the banks of the Rio Baru, this hotel is a short walk to the centre of Dominical. Each room has a private outdoor patio area, and the property has two large pools, surrounded by jungle greenery.
- $120 USD + per night check prices here
- 💰💰💰 Tribe Boutique Hotel (Adults Only) – the place to be in Dominical. Tribe is a chic boutique hotel with tropical minimalist décor. The outdoor area hosts a pool, hammocks, lounges and a yoga deck – all with no kids around!
- $130 USD + per night check prices here
Around Dominical
If you have your own rental car, there are some gorgeous properties hidden away in the jungle in the hills behind Dominical. Because they are so remote, you would feel trapped without a vehicle. But if you want to immerse yourself in the jungle environment, stay out of town! There aren’t too many budget-friendly options though.
- 💰💰 Casa del Toucan – nestled in the rainforest, this property is frequently visited by toucans, other birds and wildlife. Rooms are simple but clean and modern, and the gardens and grounds have a tropical feel. Delicious breakfast included daily.
- $100 USD + per night check prices here
- 💰💰💰 Villas Alturas – one of the top-rated stays in all of Dominical, this gorgeous property sits up in the mountains with spectacular ocean views. Rooms are villa-style with fully equipped kitchens, but a delicious breakfast is included each day.
- $230 USD + per night check prices here
- 💰💰💰 Lapazul Boutique Hotel – this stunning boutique hotel is fresh and modern. Their infinity pool overlooks the ocean and rooms have balconies enjoying the same view. The staff go above and beyond and the food is fantastic.
- $300 USD + per night check prices here
⛺️ If you’re camping in Costa Rica as we were, we highly recommend Playa Dominicalito! This is a gorgeous and quiet beach, and we spent three days parked up under the palm trees! Get more info about this free camp spot on iOverlander.
How to get to Dominical Costa Rica
- 🚙 By car – like everywhere in Costa Rica, getting to Dominical is best done with your own rental car. It will give you a lot more freedom when choosing somewhere to stay, and as you can see from this list, will be invaluable for many of the best things to do in Dominical.
- 🚌 By bus – if your budget doesn’t allow a car, you can get to Dominical via bus. There are multiple daily departures from San Jose with Tracopa. They have their own terminal in San Jose, located here. There are also buses from Quepos to Dominical if you are coming from Manuel Antonio.
- 🚐 By tourist shuttle – more expensive than the bus, but far more reliable and stress-free, a shuttle will pick you up from your accommodation and drop you off in Dominical. There are direct shuttles from many different destinations around Costa Rica, like San Jose, Monteverde, Montezuma and Manuel Antonio.
How to get around in Dominical Costa Rica
- 👣 On foot – if you choose accommodation in the town itself, you can easily get around to the beach, restaurants and cafés on foot. But the problem is, so many of the best things to do in Dominical are spread in the surrounding areas.
- 🚌 On the bus – the bus can be helpful as many attractions are located just off the highway, and buses run up and down throughout the day. But you may need to take taxis if you’re going further off the main road or have a tight time schedule.
- 🚙 With your own car – your own rental car is by far the easiest option, especially if you are using Dominical as a base to explore the broader Pacific Coast area.
I hope this post has helped plan your Dominical itinerary! There are so many great things to do in Dominical and its surroundings, you will easily fill your days with beach time, jungle adventures and wildlife spotting. Tell me what’s at the top of your Dominical to-do list in the comments.
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The Comments
Daniel Hare
Currently on day 5/7 in the Dominical area and strongly agree with everything noted in your list. Will come back for other travel recommendations / itineraries for other Central American trips. Thanks!
Sally Rodrick
Daniel HareI’m so glad the post was helpful Daniel! Sounds like you’re having a great time. Enjoy! Sally
Daiana
Planning a week stay on Dominical soon and this list is GREAT, thank you so much for the information!
Sally Rodrick
DaianaI am so glad it was helpful Daiana, I hope you have a wonderful trip! Sally x
Felicitas
I’m the worse, a whole post with beautiful landscapes and what caught my eye the most was the food! XD Thanks for the tips, Sally!
Sally Rodrick
FelicitasDon’t worry Felicitas, I’m the same!! Always thinking about food and planning out the best cafes and restuarants 🤣 Glad it helped, x