Dominical, a beach-front town, is located in Bahia Ballena de Osa district in the province o Puntarenas, Costa Rica. It is nestled about 27 mi (44 km) south of Quepos and the gorgeous Manuel Antonio National Park. This tiny coastal town is a surfer’s paradise where waves can reach over 10 feet high. This laid back beach town is surrounded by plantations, mangroves, estuaries and marshes. It began as a small fishing village but has grown into a tourist attraction, mostly for the surfers. This are not only attracts surfers from across the country but also from all over the world and it is a great place to lie back and enjoy different types of activities and water sports.
Get in:
To reach Dominical town, you can choose from one of the three ways to follow except the sea path. Most commonly used way is from the east via San Isidro. From San Jose International airport you can either drive a rented car or take a bus and go to the south to San Isidro. You will travel through the river valleys, mountain ridges, and cloud forests, and after driving for four hours by car or traveling by bus for six hours from San Jose, you will reach Dominical. It takes one hour drive to reach Dominical from Quepos. From San Jose you can make a reservations for Sansa air flight to Palmar Sur. From there you will find the best road to the Dominical. It will take only 45 minute drive to reach Dominical from Palmar Sur airport.
Accommodations:
Hotel Cuna del Angel:
Surrounded by rainforest, this exclusive and cozy boutique hotel is featured with infinity swimming pool, spa, bright rooms which features Caribbean, colonial and Asian-inspired decor. Those rooms overlook amazing views of the surrounding rainforests and wildlife. All rooms are equipped with air conditioner, free WiFi, cable TV and a mini bar. It has also an on-site restaurant that serves 100% gluten-free gourmet dishes.
Call: (506) 27874343
http://www.cunadelangel.com/
Hotel Villas Rio Mar:
This eco-lodge resort or hotel is featured with 52 rooms including free WiFi, refrigerators and balconies. It has a small terrace, seating area and private bathroom. This hotel property also features an outdoor pool, spacious tropical gardens and a quality restaurant. Set right on the banks of River Baru, amidst a tropical garden, this hotel is also within walking distance from the beach. At this hotel you can will also find a wet bar that serves tropical cocktails.
Call: +506 2787 0053
http://www.villasriomar.com/
MAVI Surf Hotel de Dominical Costa Rica:
This hotel is set in walking distance to the beach. It is situated close to the downtown Dominical and it provides complete privacy and tranquil atmosphere. It is featured with rooms with private bathroom and some of which also with seating area. At this property, you will find shops, an outdoor pool and a bar where you can enjoy drinks. This hotel is 37 km from the Manuel Antonio and 10 km from Playa Hermosa.
Call: +506 2787-0429
http://www.mavi-surf.com
Villas Alturas is situated in the Escaleras mountains. It is featured with rooms and villas including air conditioner and overlooking amazing views of ocean, tropical gardens and mountains. It also has an outdoor pool with amazing views of the Pacific coast of the country. Its rooms are decorated in warm colors, tiled floors and features private bathroom. Villas are featured with modern kitchenette with a hob, living room, coffee maker and microwave. In its restaurant you can enjoy free breakfast and there are also BBQ facilities on site. It is set only a 5-minute drive from unspoilt beaches. Manuel Antonio National Park is a 35-minute drive away.
Call: (011) 506 2200 5440
http://www.villasalturas.com
Costa Paraiso:
http://www.costa-paraiso.com
Restaurants:
Cafe Mono Congo:
This restaurant serves vegetarian dishes for breakfast, lunch or dinner along with a selection of craft beers, wine and ciders. It also serves espresso, cold-pressed juices, and tea. You can join this restaurant and enjoy the work of talented local and traveling musicians at sunset (6:00 start) on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Call: +(506)8384.2915
http://www.cafemonocongo.com
Del Mar Taco Shop:
In this place you will enjoy authentic Mexican food and at the same time enjoy watching beach front ocean view and feel sea breeze. It is situated in the south main street in Dominical about 50 meters South of the police station. It specialize in beer battered fish or Shrimp, Pollo asado, Carne asada and Vegetarian Tacos, fresh made tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa fresca, giant burritos, taco salad and BBQ. It also serves mixed natural berry ice tea with free refill, Kids menu, fresh natural fruit smoothies and many more.
Call: +506 8428 9050
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Del-Mar-Taco-Shop/1586706271581545
Jolly Roger:
Perched up on the hill side, overlooking the Pacific ocean, this rustic place serves chicken wings in 19 different flavors. It has an open-aired seating arrangement. It has one of the best selections of Tequilas and import beers in the area. Its menu also include burgers, tortilla pizzas, and homemade Caesar salads.
Call: +506 8706 8438
https://www.facebook.com/Bar-Jolly-Roger-Costa-Rica-138649072821477/
Phat Noodle:
Phat Noodle serves delicious healthy Thai food which are prepared with natural and fresh products. Meals include chicken, herbs, fish, lots of spices and fresh local vegetables.
Call: (506) 27870017
https://www.facebook.com/phatnoodlecostarica
El Pescado Loco:
At this place you will enjoy the area’s best fish and chips, fish tacos, shrimp, tofu tacos and also vegetarian dishes. El Pescado Loco is nestled on the river with covered seating arrangement that will allow you to escape the heat while you will enjoy your food.
Call: +506 8632 3553
https://www.facebook.com/Elpescadoloco
Nightlife:
Roca Verde:
It is a great place to enjoy drinks and food and amazing nightlife. It is popular for Friday night when this place arranges live music. You will have to reach there before 6:30 PM if you want to order food. As its owner Mike Witte continues to attract more live entertainers, Wednesday nights are also now getting popular.
Call: +506 2787 0036
http://rocaverde.net/
Que Nivel:
Located in the center of town just steps from the beach in Playa Dominical, Costa Rica, Que Nivel as happy hour every night from 6 pm to 8 pm. It also arranges weekly events Monday is set as a Movie Night, Ten Thousand Tuesday (Costa Rican Dice Game), Thursday is Ladies 80’s Night, and Saturday you can enjoy preparty for Roca Verde with Power Hour.
Maracatú:
It is a world music bar where you can enjoy tropical cuisine including delicious vegetarian dishes. It plays very loud music that attracts more of the younger travelers. It also arranges weekly ladies night.
Call: 2787.0091
http://maracatucostarica.com/
Activites:
Yoga:
Danyasa:
Dominical’s Danyasa is also known as ‘Bamboo Yoga Play’ that is just set in just two minutes driving destination from the beach. It offers yoga retreats, classes, Yoga teacher training and other movement arts as well as surfing and adventure excursions. This boutique retreat center has the mission to provide everything the guests need to explore both the wonders of their inner landscape and to explore both the wonders of Costa Rica’s abundant nature.
Call: +506-2787-0229
http://www.danyasa.com
The Waterfall Villas:
It is situated in a secluded place yet only a 3 mile/ 5 minute drive to Dominical Beach Town. It offers different types of yoga packages, workshops and teacher training programs.
Call: +(506) 2-787-4137
http://www.waterfallvillas.com/
Manu Yoga Retreat and Spa:
This center is situated just 10 min from Dominical. It offers different types of Yoga retreats which are taught by some of the best yoga instructors. These retreats include array of yoga practices and teachings.
Surfing:
Costa Rica Surf Camp:
This surf camp provides the perfect surf camp in Costa Rica. It offers the very best surfing vacation designed for all ages with any surf skills. It ensures its guests learn surfing safely as well as enjoy fun. A variety of packages are offered by the camp so that you choose the package you find match with your needs and desires. These packages also include accommodations, transportation and adventure tours. Its instructors are local and have had lifeguard training.
Call: +(506) 8812-3625 & +(506) 2787-0393
http://crsurfschool.com
Costa Rica Dive and Surf:
It is the first and only PADI Dive School in Dominical. Not only in Dominical, it will also take you to other surf spots close to the area. Its instructors will take you to remote beaches a short drive away and will help you to advance you surfing skill.
Call: (506) 2787 0362
http://www.costaricadiveandsurf.com/
Green Iguana Surf Camp:
It is the longest running and highest quality surf camp in Costa Rica. At this camp you will meet some of the expert professional surfers and also some of the experienced trained lifeguards. They will give thorough instruction on the ocean, tides, waves, ocean safety, currents, surfing equipment and also introduce you to some of the surfing techniques. It is a budget friendly place providing different packages which include a daily transportation to beaches, surf breaks and airports. Guests can enroll themselves in Green Iguana’s surf camp and have access to surf equipment, surfboards and stand-up paddling gear.
Call: 011-(506)-8825-1381
http://www.greeniguanasurfcamp.com/
If you want to know about some of the best surf spots in Dominical, you can read this article: Dominical Region Surf Spots
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