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Dominical appeals to visitors interested in surfing, eco-tourism, and the town’s excellent access to the Corcovado Peninsula and the southernmost regions of the country. The town is not built-up like some of the coastal cities to the north, and has fewer than 1,000 residents. There are only about four roads in town, and two of them have recently been paved which makes the town seem cleaner, especially in the “green season”. It has the feeling of Kauai or some of the South Pacific island chains, with a laid-back tempo and friendly people. Choose from a dozen restaurants, half a dozen surf shops, and miles of gorgeous beach.
From our villas, it’s about a 20 minute walk to the start of the town by beach, and it’s accessible during all but high tide when the surf at Roca Verde makes it a little sketchy. You can also walk along the highway which takes about 30 minutes, but it’s not nearly as nice. By car, it’s not more than five minutes.
The businesses in town are constantly changing, frequently for the better, and due to COVID, a number of our favorites have gone away. The following is by no means a comprehensive list of businesses, but it’s a good start. Feel free to suggest you favorites, or if you have a business, let us know.
Surfing in Dominical
Many, perhaps most, people visit Dominical for the surf. Depending on the tide and swell, you can have surf that is great for anyone from beginners to experts, and it is extremely accessible by just paddling out from the beach. It can also be a little overwhelming, so know the conditions and consider taking lessons from one of the many excellent surf schools and surf camps in town. We like Costa Rica Surf Camp, but others are very good as well.
It is possible to surf immediately in front of the villas. However, and this is true for most of Costa Rica, you have to be careful of the rip currents. These away-from-the-beach localized currents will take you away from shore, and they have been responsible for many drownings. The key is twofold: swim parallel to the beach, and know that the current dissipates with distance from the shore.
Eco-Tourism
In Costa Rica, the word "tourism" is inevitably preceded by "eco-" The Costa Ricans are justifiable proud of their gorgeous country, and offer hundreds of excursions and activities that allow visitors to see the jungle, rain forest, waterfalls, and biodiversity.
Dominical is ideally suited as an eco-tourism mini-hub of sorts because of the gorgeous ocean and beach, the coastal mountains that rise immediately behind it, and the generous rainfall. The area gets about 150" (400 cm) of rain per year, so it is lush and gorgeous.
Restaurants and Businesses in Dominical
Tortilla Flats
You'll find everything from delicious fish tacos, to vegetarian and vegan fare, to relaxed fine dining in Dominical and in the immediate area to the south. We've listed our favorite places on the restaurant page, but the list is always changing, so walk along the main streets of Dominical (there are only three) and see what looks good to you.
Del Mar Taco Shop
Very close to the beach, this taco shop has yummy tacos and burritos, nice service, and good prices.
Mama Toucan’s
Mama Toucan’s is a wonderful organic food store near the entrance to Dominical. Fresh produce, Kombucha in a dozen varieties, prepared frozen meals, spices, and everything else you’ll need to prepare healthy meals.
This is one of the reasons that so many young adults come to Dominical. Sure, there’s surfing, but there’s also a healthy lifestyle with yoga, good food, good exercise, and the sounds and oxygen of the rainforest.
This gorgeous waterfall and swmming hole is only 10 minutes from the villas. It's a little bit of a hike, but so, so worth it.