“If we are truly to create lasting solutions to the environmental problems facing the planet, we have to do MORE than plant trees for global warming. . . . Ideally, we also have to find ways to preserve local communities and cultures, while immediately rebuilding deforested soils, wildlife corridors and protecting watersheds and old growth forests. Especially in countries like Costa Rica where the real estate development business threatens to destroy some of the last healthy, remaining coastal rainforest and whale breeding waters left in all of Central America.”
Although high season is December 15 to April 15, Dominical is never overcrowded except from Christmas to New Years and Easter Week. Then hundreds of locals come to visit, party, and camp on the mile long beach. All of the hotels will help you with arranging tours. They all have someone working who speak English (possibly French and German, too) Your car is pretty safe if you park it in front of the hotel, but take your stuff inside and keep the room locked when not there. Don't forget the mosquito repellent and the umbrella since you are in the rainforest. My favorites are listed below, including the best restaurants in the area.
This YouTube video gives you a great taste of Dominical. Created by: camerriman
Location
Where the Talamancan mountains reach the sea, the town of Dominical is located 45 kms. south of Quepos, and 36 kms. west of San Isidro de General. There are over 15 waterfalls located between Dominical and Uvita (15kms. south) with breathtaking views of the numerous emptypoint and beach breaks along the coastal highway. The main break is a beachbreak with a strong rip current at times and a rivermouth separating the village from the Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge which expands 4 kilometers to the north.
If you need to find an internet cafe, there are three in town, and there's now an ATM at the top of the hill in the Playa Pacifica shopping center, across from the entrance to town.
How to get there
There are two direct routes. From the San Jose airport - I recommend driving west to the coast and then south through Jaco and Quepos. This route takes only three hours by car because of the new highway connecting San Jose to Caldera. Also, the road from Quepos to Dominical is now paved and so the last leg takes only 35 minutes. Drive slow to watch out for monkey and pizote crossings.
The other way to go is better if you are coming from the east or south side of San Jose. Then you would take the three hour "Cerro del Muerte" or Interamerican Highway route over to San Isidro, make a right at the McDonalds, and then follow the signs west to Dominical, which is another hour from the turn. It is a very scenic drive so try to do it in the morning when there is less cloud cover. From the top of Tinamaste you can see the highest peak in Costa Rica - Mount Chirripo - plus the Pacific coastline. Then just past Platanillo to the south you can see the Tinamaste waterfall amidst the surrounding primary and secondary rainforest.
Visit the Marina Ballena National Park and see Uvita's Whales Tail Beach
(map courtesy of MINAE and the Corcovado Foundation)
CR Surf is raising funds for a A.E.D. to give to the Dominical Lifeguard program. Even one life makes it a worthy cause, but this device will save many lives each year. Read more.
New Years Eve Party at Tortilla Flats! Thursday night Chuck spinning tunes and then Friday night with Aussie George Rex Jennings. Then New Years Eve is DJ PANTHER and CACA la VACA a great local band from San Iz. So come wiggle your toes in the sand and get your GROOVE ON!!! BEACH PARTY!!!! :)
9/19 -From Jazzy's River House: The Dominical Lifeguards have had a great week: Thanks to the generous volunteer work of local lawyer Kristi Penland the process of forming an Association and opening a new bank account are nearing completion while up North, Atlanta based lawyer Jeff Berry has successfully completed the formation of securing a U.S. based non-profit 501 (c) 3 status for our lifeguard program - a very longstanding, very important goal.
Friend and founder of Community Carbon Trees, Costa Rica, Jennifer Leigh-Smith, was featured in the karmic blog - Where is my Guru Now. She helps plant native trees along the Osa Peninsula. You can sponsor you own tree here for only $25 - LINK
*** SPECIALS ***
EasyRide Costa Rica is offering transportation from San Jose to Dominical for $49 pp
ISLS Specials: For all of our Youth Camps we offer Long Term and Multiple Student discounts. The Long Term Discount applies to all students that study for four or more weeks. For the teen camps we are offering Free Round Trip Airline tickets from the continental US. Contact us directly to find out more about the rules and restrictions for this offer. For the Children’s camp we are offering $50/week off the standard price. The Multiple Student Discount is for any two or more students, from the same family or not, that sign up together for the same camp or camps. This discount can apply to family members, friends or groups. The discount for Multiple Student is $75/week for our Teen Spanish Camps and $50/week for our Children’s Spanish Camp. Pick up a FREE brochure and CD today by clicking here.
Support the Dominical Lifeguards, a community supported private effort to save lives on the beach. Visit www.dominicallifeguards.org for more information and to donate to their cause.
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CAP is for every person living or visiting in our area who wants our region to be safe and crime free. Get involved with the CAP initiatives to be part of the solution for putting a “CAP on Crime”.
Please visit us at:
website: caponcrime.info facebook: caponcrime
Playa Dominical is known as the most consistent surf spot in Costa Rica. There is almost always a wave worth riding. It is also known as a powerful break. I've been on much bigger waves at other breaks, but I've never been hammered quite as hard as by a big, mid-tide wave at Dominical. It is almost impossible to surf at dead low tide as the waves close out into very shallow water. I recently broke my back at a lower tide by doing a head butt into the sand. The mid-tides are great for more advanced surfers. The waves at mid-tide are faster and hollower and always less crowded. The high tide wave is the most popular but on smaller days is too mushy and frustrates short boarders. This is a good condition to pull out the long board and frustrate the short boarders even more. The bigger the wave, the more you should focus on high tide.
On big wave days the current can be strong. It is usually best to walk to the end of the beach at the foot of the current and let it push you up or down as the case may be. The beach runs from the south east to the north west. Looking straight out to sea perpendicular to the beach you are looking at an angle of 210 degrees south west. This means that a swell coming from 210 degrees is most likely going to be closing out, where a swell coming from under 200 degrees or over 220 (rare) will have better form. Usually, but not always, when the waves come from less than 210 degrees the current flows south to north. When it rains, the river can act up and dump some pretty nasty, cold and muddy water. So, if it is raining, most people tend to stick further south near the cell tower.
Playa Matapalo
Not to be confused with the Matapalo on the Osa Peninsula, this is just an average beachbreak with no one around surfing it for miles in either direction. Perfect for seclusion and riding chest to overhead high surf, any bigger and the sets close out. The best tide is an hour before high tide. At low tide the beach is very wide and fun for just playing around or bodysurfing.
Dominical
Playa Dominical is known as the most consistent surf spot in Costa Rica. There is almost always a wave worth riding. It is also known as a powerful break. I've been on much bigger waves at other breaks, but I've never been hammered quite as hard as by a big, mid-tide wave at Dominical. It is almost impossible to surf at dead low tide as the waves close out into very shallow water. I recently broke my back at a lower tide by doing a head butt into the sand. The mid-tides are great for more advanced surfers. The waves at mid-tide are faster and hollower and always less crowded. The high tide wave is the most popular but on smaller days is too mushy and frustrates short boarders. This is a good condition to pull out the long board and frustrate the short boarders even more. The bigger the wave, the more you should focus on high tide. On big wave days the current can be strong. It is usually best to walk to the end of the beach at the foot of the current and let it push you up or down as the case may be.
Dominicalito
Dominicalito is about 2 km. south of Dominical. It is a beachbreak with rocks offshore so at low will close out and can be trickly getting past the rocks. At high tide it can hold waves up to head high, any bigger and it closes out. Best tide is around high tide. Good for beginners since is usually small, knee to waist high for most swells.
Dominicalito - The Point
This left hand point break is about 3 km. south of Dominical. You can see it break from the road, but parking here is not always safe. It needs a big southwest or SSW swell to break, and can hold waves up to triple overhead with rides 300 meters or more, no barrels just big lined up walls. Breaks over a shallow rock ledge, best tides are low to mid tides. At high tide it mushes out.
Punta Achiote
Punta Achiote is at the north end of Playa Hermosa (not the one by Jaco but near Uvita). It breaks best from chest high to overhead, most bigger sets close out. At the right tide, there is a nice right that goes about 100 meters and a left that heads into a shallow cove. Never really crowded.
Playa Hermosa de Uvita
Playa Hermosa is a 2 km. stretch of beach that breaks best at higher tides. It is good for beginner to intermediate level surfers since it is usually smaller and less powerful than Dominical. It is very remote, with no development, and is never crowded.
Playa Ventanas
Playa Ventanas 'Windows' is named for the two caves at the northern end of the beach. At low tide you can walk through them to see waves breaking inside the cave. (At high tide during big surf it will shoot spray out of the mouth of the cave) There is access to parking on the property of the only landowner there, but don't leave any valuables in the car. The beach is protected by offshore rock outcroppings, so most of the time the surf is knee to waist. Good for beginners when it's small, at all tides. When it is any bigger than chest high it closes out, with only a few makeable waves at higher tides.
After a long trip, I've found the BEST massage therapist - Fabiola Gomez
Call for her at Villas Rio Mar (2787-0052) or she will come to your room or rental - cell: 8829-6125
Description: Uvita Surf Camp Costa Rica provides Daily surf lessons, surf coaching holidays, and surf rentals in Uvita- Dominical. Luxury & standard all inclusive packages for different necessities are just some of the options they offer for your surfing vacations in Costa Rica's Southern zone. An Uvita surf camp is unlike any others. For the best in surf lessons visit Tito’s Uvita surf school and learn to surf in the right way!
Description: They get people to improve their surf sustainably -not only in the week while they are here, but also after they leave. Their aim is to get you to understand how you can continue to improve and enjoy surfing at your next destination or at your own local beach. It is at the core of their operations: from the instructors selected, with the methods and tools used (e.g. video analysis), to the products they have chosen to provide: Santa Cruz surfboards, Watermans Sun Block, and West Surfing Rashguards. All premium quality brands that will help you to develop even quicker and be protected while you do.
Recipient of Sustainable Trip's "Making a Difference" award (January 2011), Bodhi Surf School’s goal is to awaken your inner surfer. They do this by helping you develop or improve your surf skills with specialized lessons and sharing their knowledge on what surfing entails, including philosophy and ocean awareness. The Bodhi Surf Instructors are both experienced and motivational, and will ensure that you are “stoked” on surfing by the time you leave. Bodhi Surf will be hosting a variety of surf retreats in 2012 that include yoga and other specialized activities. Join them in scenic Uvita for a unique surfing experience.
The Essentials - A Yoga and Surf Retreat: February 18-24, 2012 / March 3-9, 2012 / April 21-27, 2012 / July 14-20, 2012
Flow - A Women’s Retreat: February 11-18, 2012 - with True North Adventures
The Empowered Self – Yoga & Surf Retreat: March 24-30, 2012 - with coach Megan Coatley, M.A., BCBA
Dominical WaveRider surf instructors are drawn from the Dominical Lifeguards team to provide safe lessons geared to your skill level, who are friendly, patient and extremely committed to what they do. They will also teach you all you need to know about ocean conditions and water safety. They are dedicated to a fun and highly effective surf experience that will get you riding our waves in no time.
Description: The Surf and Spanish program is popular for those who want to surf early in the morning and later in the afternoon, while getting quality spanish lessons during the middle of the day. Programs include lodging and lessons, plus include opportunities for surf lessons, adventure tours, and volunteer opportunities. ISLS also has campuses in Tamarindo, Turrialba, and San Jose for a complete Costa Rica experience.
Description: A truly local surf school run by guys who grew up surfing Dominical. Many instructors are also trained as lifeguards, so you can feel truly safe when out on the water with them. Packages can be single day lessons to all inclusive surf tours.
Description: Tucked away just off the Plaza In the center of town down a shady little lane along the south bank of the Rio Baru. Their upstairs balconies look out over the Baru estuary, the sandy beach, and breaking surf beyond. They are a tree sheltered garden. Protected. Secure. Affordable. And Convenient. No car necessary. Beaches are a pleasant 5 minute walk away. Get one on one basic or advance surf instruction from a veteran surfer with over 35 years experience.
Description: The hotel has a large swimming pool with wet bar and Jacuzzi, a tennis court, an in-house tour agency, and a romantic palenque style restaurant featuring many local and international dishes. Furthermore, we offer Internet access, International telephone, Conference Center, Spa, and Transportation Services. Our Standard Bungalows will sleep up to 2 people and have a private, terrace like living-room and are equipped with private baths with hot water, refrigerator, fans, and telephone. They also have superior rooms, junior and superior suites.
Read our review. CST Hotel (Certificate of Sustainable Tourism)
Description: Beachside location on a rocky peninsula where the surf pounds relentlessly, sending 30-foot blasts of water into the air - the perfect setting for countless hours of inspired relaxation. All suites come with High-speed wireless internet, Simmons Beautyrest beds, Air Conditioning, In-room safe, Daily Housekeeping, Laundry Service, 120 Volt Electical Outlets, and Hot/Cold Showers. Free form pool for all guests to share, and a new kitchen serving breakfast. Delicious menu items can be enjoyed on the patio in the mornings from 7am to 10am.
Description: Cabinas are popular among couples. It holds 2 people (some can accommodate 3 people). It has a double bed, private bathroom, private shower on the terrace with hot water, ceiling fan, reading lamps and a private terrace with hammocks. The Casa Prefabricado is perfect for families or bigger groups travelling together. It holds up to 7 people. Adelante Hotel has two separate areas for an open-air bar and restaurant. You can also sit back and relax in our stress-free and cozy lounge with hammocks. The restaurant offers a fusion of intercontinental cuisines with the bar complementing the dishes with a wide selection of cocktails and drinks. The closest private beach, Playa Tortuga, with palm and coconut trees is just 5-minutes walk away from the hotel.
Description: The guest house is a 960 sq.ft. two story river front house, fully furnished, handcrafted from native hardwoods and colorful tiles. It includes a full kitchen with oven, fridge, blender, coffeemaker, and cookware. The full bathroom includes a luxurious tiled sunken bath-shower. Laundry facilities on site. Clean towels & linens provided. Housekeeping services optional.
Description: This cabina was designed by a Miami architect for sustainable living. With an open plan it feels spacious, airy, with the feeling of being outside. The location is secluded but not too remote and easy to get to on the newly paved road. Beautiful pasture, jungle and mountain views, close to many excellent surf breaks. Relax, renourish, or recoup from too much good surf, all while listening to the waves less than a kilometer away. Full kitchen, bathroom w/ tub/shower, 2 twin beds, 1 king bed, large living room/dining room, fully furnished with 2 hammocks on the big front porch.
More photos of Olas Verde. And it's for sale!! Only $50K or best offer!
Villas Rio Mar Restaurant - 3-star restaurant with international and local chefs. 52" screen T.V. for football season, and a pool bar for those who want to be outdoors.
Restaurante Argentina - Original cuisine from the chefs native Argentina, with a great view overlooking the Baru River, in the Pueblo shopping strip.
San Clemente Bar & Grill (and the Sandwich Shack) - The buses drop you off right in front. Broken boards line the ceiling and the discos are the place to come dance on Fridays. Good mexican food and great waitresses. Pool, foosball, surf videos, and CNN with endless coffee in the morning. The "snack shack" is part of the cabinas on the beach and has frozen shakes and pitas.
Restaurante Su Raza (Tico) - Good food all around and the best club sandwich you'll ever have. It is where you will see everyone watching Futbol on the weekends.
Restaurante Nanyoa (Tico) - The owner takes great pride in providing good meals with a local flair. Located right across the street from Hotel Posada del Sol, inexpensive breakfasts and casados.
Thruster's Surf Bar and Restaurant - Pool tables, foosball, and surf flicks. Good pizza y big casados. A locals hangout. There's even a sushi bar right next door.
Tortilla Flats Restaurant - Right across from the ocean, they open at 7 a.m. with hot coffee while checking the surf.
Post surf they offer delicious breakfast options, and it stays busy for lunch and dinner, with a full bar, happy hour, and weekly ladies night.
Roca Verde Bar & Restaurant - Expect high quality dishes every night, plus they have a great party every Saturday night with DJs and occasional live performances. Roca Verde also is the top supporter of the Dominical Lifeguards.
Description: The choice for sea kayaking, white water rafting, snorkeling Cano Island, and trips to the Osa Peninsula. Excellent customer service and lots of guide experience.
Description: Known for its zipline tour through tracts of primary and secondary rainforest, the protected reserve is home to sloths, pizotes, and monkeys. Also has some great hiking trails and tree climbing, and night in the jungle tours.
Description: Easy paced tours up through the jungle to oceanview vistas OR hard core adventures with river crossings, horse trail switchbacks, waterfalls, and even more amazing views.
1/23 - Family day at Dominical! Blue sky overhead with small but clean and fun waves all day. A lot of hip high sliders and rollers brought out the longboards and sup's. Mildly crowded, especially for a Monday, both in the water and on the beach. With low tide all morning it was just right for kids and sand castles but the afternoon rising tide washed the sand castles out to sea and offered up plenty of long rides for short and longboards alike. A fine summer day and a safe one.
It's too small to be exciting anywhere around here but Hermosa and Dominicalito have been clean and small time fun.
Dominical Lifeguards received a very generous donation from Mike McGinnis at Restaurant/Cabinas San Clemente today and J.J. Clark together with Jenn and Tortilla Flats made a generous donation as well resulting from their recent football pool. A safe beach is assured for one more crowded high season week. Check www.dominicallifeguards.org for more information and to make a contribution.
1/24 - Currently we are in between swells and the surf is pretty small. Best surf will probably be on the incoming tide just after mid tide. Glassy summer conditions lately have made for good mid day sessions. Dominical has some defined banks and wholes that given a good swell direction, are putting off some great rights and lefts. The beach is surfing well from the rivermouth to south of The Refuge, so if it seems crowded, paddle to find an empty peak. This week there is not much swell in the forecast, but late in the week there will be some small swells mixing in that could be fun. Dominical doesn't need much swell, so there will surely be some fun surfable windows.
Dominical and maybe Playa Hermosa will be breaking with the small swell.
The Dominical Life Guards need funding. The only funding is provided by local donations. Tortilla Flats is selling shirts with all procedes going to the Life Guards. The Green Leaf Surf Property of the week is here - LINK.
