Dominical Surf Town: Places To Visit & Things To Do

Whale’s Tail

About a 20-minute drive south down the coast, you’ll find the town of Uvita, home to Marino Ballena National Park. Here you can see one of Costa Rica’s natural wonders: a large sandbar shaped uncannily like a whale’s tail. Given that the park is also a common whale-watching spot, this tail-shaped geographical feature is especially notable. You can typically explore the park by land or sea, with options to hike to the sand bar or board a whale-watching tour boat. Whether you want to relax on the park’s pristine beaches or ride out into the surf to spot some of the hundreds of humpback whales that gather here each year, there’s a way to see the Whale’s Tail for everyone.

Nauyaca Waterfalls Scenic Hike

Tucked away in the rainforest about 45 minutes away from Dominical, the Nauyaca Waterfalls tower is 200 feet (61 meters) above a pool of pristine water. These two falls have captured the imagination of locals and tourists alike with their stunning beauty and grandeur. To visit, you’ll need to plan on a little bit of a trek, as there is no direct vehicle access to the falls. Instead, you’ll need to either take a horseback riding tour or hike on foot. Be sure to keep an eye out for tropical flora and fauna native to the area on the approximately 1.25-mile (2-kilometer) walk. You’ll want to bring a change of clothes as well, because the pool beneath these two combined waterfalls is a lovely spot to swim, especially after a hike or ride through the rainforest!

Corcovado National Park

If you want to venture outside of the Costa Ballena region, you could go a little further south to the remote Osa Peninsula for a day tour of Corcovado National Park. Established in 1975, Corcovado National Park is the largest park in Costa Rica and covers almost a third of the peninsula. To enter this park, you must be accompanied by a certified guide, so we recommend booking a guided tour to ensure park access. Besides, you’ll want a guide to help you spot the multitude of varied plants and animals that make up the biologically diverse ecosystem of the tropical lowland forests found here. If you’re interested in seeing wildlife and exploring a truly unique corner of the world, Corcovado National Park is a must.

Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands

South of Dominical, located at the outlets of the Terraba and Sierpe Rivers, sit these sprawling wetlands and mangroves. Home to a wide variety of birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals, the Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands were established in 1994 to protect the multitude of species found here. It is the largest mangrove system in Costa Rica and one of the largest in Central America, and it is vitally important to maintain the habitat that in turn protects the Terraba and Sierpe River systems. Take a boat or kayaking tour through the wetlands and have a guide help you spot all sorts of wildlife. Depending on the day, you could see sharks, crocodiles, herons, sloths, monkeys, and an innumerable amount of other wildlife that call these wetlands and mangroves home.

Things to Do in and Around Dominical:

Surfing is a highlight.

Dominical is renowned for its excellent surf conditions, making it a must-see destination for experienced surfers. Rent a board to catch some waves and experience the thrill of surfing in the Pacific Ocean. If you’re a beginner, we’d recommend taking surf lessons at a beach with calmer waves closer to Uvita.

Beach days are a must.

Spend time relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Dominical, such as Playa Dominical and Playa Hermosa. Take a walk along the shore, soak up some rays, and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific. 

Wildlife watching is top-tier.

Go on a nature tour or hike through the rainforests surrounding Dominical to catch sight of the abundant wildlife. Keep an eye out for howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and other tropical birds. You may also spot dolphins and whales during certain times of the year—visit the nearby Marina Ballena National Park for some of the best whale watching! 

Adventure activities are plentiful.

Join a rappelling tour that takes you to stunning waterfalls or sign up for a canopy ziplining tour to get a bird’s eye view of the rainforest. Experience the thrill of rappelling down cascading waterfalls or ziplining through the trees and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding jungle. Dominical is a haven for those who are more adventurous. 

Hiking is eye-opening.

Explore the nature reserves and national parks in the region, such as Manuel Antonio National Park or Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge. These might make a great day trip! Follow hiking trails or sign up with a guide that can lead you through diverse ecosystems, including forests, mangroves, and coastal habitats. 

Water sports are fantastic.

Take some time to engage in water sports like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or snorkeling. Explore the coastline, rivers, or nearby Marino Ballena National Park. 

Yoga and self-care treatments will bring the zen.

Dominical is a hub for yoga and wellness retreats. Join a yoga class or indulge in spa treatments to relax and rejuvenate in the tranquil surroundings. 

Best Time To Visit Dominical

The best time to visit Dominical depends on your preferences for weather and activities:

Dry Season (December – April)

This is the peak tourist season in Costa Rica, and for good reason. The weather is sunny with minimal rain, making it perfect for beach activities, surfing, and exploring the surrounding national parks. Expect warm temperatures and dry, clear skies, with January to March offering the best conditions for outdoor adventures. However, it can be more crowded and accommodations may be pricier during this time.

Green Season (May – November)

The green season brings lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife, with occasional afternoon showers that keep things cool. This is a great time for those who want to avoid crowds and enjoy discounted rates. The rains typically don’t last all day, and Dominical’s rainforests and waterfalls are at their most beautiful. July and August provide a brief break from the rain, offering sunny days and ideal conditions for surfing and other outdoor activities.

For the best mix of sunny weather and fewer crowds, visiting between December – April is ideal, but those seeking a more tranquil experience and vibrant nature may prefer the green season.

How to Get to Dominical, Costa Rica

Dominical is located on Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast. Our vacation packages include all in-country transportation which is coordinated by a Costa Rica Expert. Here are some possible ways to get to Dominical:

By Car:

• From San José: The drive takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. Head out of San José on Route 27 (Caldera Highway) and then connect to Route 34 (Costanera Sur), which takes you directly to the South Pacific coast. Continue south on Route 34 to reach Dominical. The road is paved, but some areas may be winding.
• From Manuel Antonio or Quepos: Dominical is about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive south on Route 34. Follow the signs toward Dominical, and you’ll be there in no time.

By Air:

• The nearest airport to Dominical is Quepos/Manuel Antonio Airport (XQP), located about 45 minutes away by car. You can fly there from San José or Liberia on a domestic flight and then take a car to Dominical.

Once you arrive in Dominical, you’ll find it easy to explore the area by foot, bike, or taxi!