Explore Dominical and the Coast
LOCAL FARMERS MARKET
Every Friday morning there’s a farmers market in Dominical. Not only are there local fruits and veggies but local artists come from all over the area to sell their unique jewelry, furniture, art and clothing. It’s really a one of a kind delight not to be missed.
GROCERIES
The local mercado has been overshadowed by the very large BM chain, but between these two stores you will be able to stock up on everything you need.
Super Dominical
They often have fish tortillas and always a decent wine selection as well as a very helpful staff. These are the local guys and we like to support locals! Right off the highway as you travel from the Villas to the town.
Mama Toucan's
A large organic and natural food store featuring a wide range of products, including vegan and gluten-free items, fresh bread, prepared foods, and local chocolate. It’s right downtown near Mono Congo.
Surfing and water safety
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 localized currents will take you away from shore, and they have been responsible for many drownings. The recommendation is: don’t fight the current by swimming against it, swim parallel to the beach, and realize that the current dissipates with distance from the shore.
See the Surfing section of this site here.
Spa
Sore from your surf lesson and zip line adventure? Algeria Soul Spa is a must visit. While we highly recommend the rice massage and banana leaf wrap there are all sorts of treatments provided at Algeria. They’ll even come to the villa and set up for a massage on your veranda while you relax all your senses to the sound of the rolling waves. alegria soul spa
BM Supermercado
A larger store that in addition to food has a large selection of toiletries, office supplies, cleaning and cooking items. Sort of like a very small Target.
Ceviche Stands
Be on the lookout for fresh Ceviche sold at little stands on the highway both both north and south of Dominical. Fresh and Delicious!
Eco-Tourism and adventures
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 100" (250 cm) of rain per year, so it is lush and gorgeous.
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.
The Villas
There are lots of lovely places to stay in Costa Rica, yet very few are on the beach, and have direct access to the ocean. When we found a piece of property nestled in the forest but very close to the beach, we bought it despite the many complications of owning* property in the “Maritime Zone.” Regardless, we’re delighted we did because the proximity to the beach is vital to making full use of the beauty of Costa Rica
