When describing our villas, we’re often at a loss for words for they are located in a relatively unpopulated area of the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Major cities include Quepos and Jacó to the north, but Dominical and Uvita and Ojochal are much different, and are sometimes referred to as the South Pacific Coast. They’re also in the Province of Puntarenas, and the Canton of Osa, but that is almost worthless as a locator because Puntarenas stretches for most of the Pacific Coast and is not terribly specific.
Thus, we rely on descriptions like “we’re 40 minutes south of Quepos” or “three hours from the main airport” or “right on the coast in a cute community called Dominical”. With only 700-1000 residents, Dominical is not a major city on the coast, in fact it probably doesn’t qualify as a “city”, but it does lie at the intersection of La Costanera (Coast Highway, similar to California’s Highway 1) and the road that leads to San Isidro de General, one of the hubs in this part of the country. So, it would be considered a crossroads if, indeed, the two highways crossed (they meet in a T.)
We think that NOT being a city has a lot to do with why people seek out Dominical and the area. Sure, there are restaurants, super markets, one gas station, surf shops, and a few small resorts, but it’s very laid back compared to the cities to the north, especially those in Guanacaste. The town is low-rise, with virtually no buildings taller than two stories, and not many of them. Until recently, there were no paved roads in town, but a few have cropped up in the last few years, which is fine with us (less dust in the dry season, and less mud in the “green'“ season.) Businesses come and go, but there’s been a general upgrade over time with some “finer” dining places and a new BM Supermarket. But at its core, Dominical is a small tropical town on a spectacular beach on the Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. And it’s location is perfect for those who want to explore the extraordinary forests, habitats, geography, wildlife, birds, etc. that are found in our midst.
What do you do in Dominical?
The two main activities from our perspective are eco-tourism, via half- and day-long tours and excursions, and surfing. This area is one of the best in Costa Rica for surf, and if the surf isn’t good in Dominical, it’s generally a short drive to some place that’s got just the right break for your preferences.
Many of our visitors do surf right outside our villas, about 100 yards from the semi-private beach. I say “semi-private” because it’s actually a public beach with no access restrictions, but there are so few people here that it feels like a private beach. Regardless, you don’t have to travel far if you want good surf much of the year. Serious surfers will rely on Surfline or similar websites that provide a wealth of information about myriad breaks and beaches along the coast. Our resident owner/surfer, Bruce, has added his personal insights in our web pages and Beaches and Surf, so check it out.
There are a variety of professionally-run companies that offer reasonably priced excursions (adventures?) that will suit the desires of your group. From nature walks in nearby Hacienda Barú, to boat rides on Rio Sierpe, to ATV tours that climb up into the clouds above Uvita, to sea kayaking and whitewater river trips, you can find an activity that meets your need for adrenaline at reasonable prices. And, if you want to DIY your own adventure, start by checking the tides and walking to Dominical from our villas on the beach at low to medium tide. It’s a gorgeous beach along a tropical forest that leads to a cool surf-town. Sounds like paradise. (See our web pages on Activities for specifics, and feel free to contact YouGetHere, our property managers, to have them book your tour.
