What to do in Dominical? ⋆ Practical Guide to Dominical in Costa Rica

What to do in Dominical? A practical guide

Practical information about Dominical

If you like surfing, biking or hiking in the mountains, Dominical Costa Rica’s coast has a variety of outdoor activities for you. Dominical is not the best option for swimming as there are strong waves on the main beach most of the time. But it’s perfect for surfing and relaxation on the beach.

What to do in Dominical?

You might be interested in signing up for a canopy around the coast or a kayak ride through the Rio Barú mangroves. You can explore the mountains or visit the Marino Ballena National Park with its unique coral reefs and tropical animal species. This is a fantastic option for a beach holiday. Dominical is an international surf community and many foreigners have stopped here in search of a new life.

Dominical in Costa Rica
Dominical in Costa Rica

Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary in Dominical

It is a rescue and rehabilitation center with a veterinary clinic for sick, injured and orphaned wild animals. Its mission is to free as many animals as possible, but to provide lifelong care only to those who cannot return to nature. The center is located upstairs in the heart of the jungle, within walking distance of the Villas Alturas, which boasts spectacular views of the South Pacific. You can get to know the animals that live there with a guide who will tell you all about the history, biology and needs of such a reserve.

Dominical in Costa Rica
Foto: alturaswildlifesanctuary.org

ATV Tour Eco Chontales Waterfall

This is a 7-hour adventure tour that begins at Playa Dominical Beach. You will cross rivers, jungle and finally find yourself at the beautiful ECO-CHONTALES waterfall. After reaching the waterfall, you will go to the natural pools. You will spend about 2 hours there where you can swim, slide and jump into the refreshing pools. It is also a good activity for families.

Hacienda Baru near Dominical

One of the best places you can go. What makes this property so special is the variety of habitats, including primeval forests, mangroves and even beaches. The 7 km of trails in Hacienda Baru are spectacular, so take a walk with a local guide or use the help of the reserve’s experienced guides.

Rio Baru kayak tour

Are you looking for a shorter rowing option? At Dominical, a tour of the majestic Barú River takes place. You start at the mouth of the river and work your way up the river. The wildlife that wanders around this river lives around.

Mangrove river tours are perfect for all levels. As you navigate the calm waters, you can learn about the ecology of this important ecosystem and see some of its inhabitants. In natural channels you can see monkeys, herons, kingfishers, crabs, raccoons and sometimes even crocodiles and sloths.

Rowing board tour – rio Baru

Come and explore some of the mangroves of the South Pacific. You will discover the beauty of its channels and you will enjoy the great variety of flora and fauna that this estuary offers. Along the way you will have the opportunity to see different types of mangrove trees and learn the importance of their ecosystem. Easy and relaxing paddling.

SCUBA DIVING
Marino Ballena Diving Tour Scuba Diving from Uvita

Marino Ballena Diving Tour – Scuba Diving from Uvita

Scuba diving in Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita is a great way to try diving.
FromCRC ‎76,000
(1 Review)
View Details

Diamond Waterfall and Caves.

Like many waterfalls in Costa Rica, the Diamond Falls are on private property. For security reasons, the family that owns the land asks you to arrange a guided tour. You will go up the mountain by following a steep and rocky path. At this time, the guides lead and teach about the surrounding forest. This land is still primeval rainforest, meaning it has never been cut down. You can observe soaring trees, decades of years, wild animals such as monkeys, as well as many species of birds and many animals. It is a strenuous 2.5 hour hike up a mix of loose gravel, slippery clay, and muddy steps. The best solution is to take mountain boots or galoshes.

The Nauyaca Falls

In one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific, the majestic waterfalls are one of the southern region’s main attractions. This is not only because of the natural beauty of the landscape, which offers great moments of recreation and fun, but also for participating in various activities. Here you can go for walks, go horse riding, swimming, climbing and observe the beauty of the rainforest. It is an ideal place not only for people looking for peace and nature, but also for those who love adventures and emotions. It is an important point of ecotourism which is extremely important in Costa Rica.

The Nauyaca Falls costa rica, dominical
fot: nauyacawaterfallscostarica.com

Reptilandia park

Anyone who appreciates nature will love this place. This park is located in the open air where there are various places to see reptiles from Costa Rica and from all over the world. Snakes make up the majority of the exhibits, but they also have other interesting creatures like turtles, crocodiles, and lizards. This park also offers the opportunity to see poisonous frogs so if you want to see these cute amphibians Reptilandia is the place to go. It’s a fun place to visit for a few hours and a relevant activity for kids.

What to do in Dominical? Yoga!

They offer a variety of daily yoga and other exercise activities open to the public at Dominical. Classes are held in the wonderful Bamboo Yoga Play studio. The owners tailor the sessions to ensure something for all levels, from beginners to experienced. The trainers will help you listen to your body, find yourself in every moment and encourage you to deepen the bond with your body, breath and creative spirit. Feel the nature around you.

SNORKELING
Snorkeling in Uvita Snorkeling Tour for the Whole Family

Snorkeling in Uvita – Great Snorkeling Tour for the Whole Family

A snorkeling tour from Uvita will allow you to see the underwater beauty of Costa Rica.
FromCRC ‎57,000
(1 Review)
View Details

Dominical Restaurants

It’s amazing how many restaurants we can find here. Everything from healthy food, gourmet and fast food, to typical Costa Rican cuisine. You can also find a small brewery that has a specific way of offering its dishes. You may also find several options for breakfast. Seafood is an offer that you will surely love in every restaurant. From some places you can enjoy your food while being right by the sea.

Souvenirs on the main boulevard in Dominical

If your family reminds you to bring something special, or you just want to take a souvenir from this beautiful country, be sure to visit the gift shops. Along the beach at Dominical you will find various options where you can buy souvenirs.

The locals gather among the palm trees every day right in front of the beach and sell everything from T-shirts, beach dresses, sarongs and towels to jewelry, handmade wooden items and even hammocks.

Diving on Caño Island

Diving around Caño Island is one of the most recommended tours in Costa Rica. Caño Island is a nature reserve and is also protected as a national park. Diving there is an amazing opportunity to meet manta rays, dolphins, sharks and even whales face to face.

Isla del Caño - practical tourist information national park
Isla del Caño – practical tourist information

The Caño Island Nature Reserve is often recognized as one of the best diving sites in Costa Rica. The area is very famous for its good visibility and warm water, which together make it a good place to dive. Diving on the island of Caño will be an amazing adventure. We can help you coordinate your transportation so you can spend a day or two with Costa Rica Divers.

Poza Azul waterfall

It’s much smaller than Nauyaca Waterfall, but it’s much easier to get to and it’s free to enter. The enchanting waterfall Poza Azul is nestled in the Dominicalito jungle. It has a nice natural swimming pool and the trees provide shade. Perfect for cooling down in the water on a hot day. Remember, however, that this river can (almost) dry up in the summer months – January, February and March. There is now a sign saying “Poza Azul”. It is a very short walk, but you can visit the nearby town and take a refreshing swim. However, due to the fairly steep climb, some people will find it difficult to walk on the roots of trees. Admission is free and no 4 × 4 car is needed.

What to do in Dominical? Summary

As you can see, there are many attractions in Dominical and you will certainly not be bored. It is a very nice and friendly place to spend a short or longer vacation. Any water activities will make you well rested. When it comes to diving or snorkeling, our diving school will be happy to help you with this. Please contact us if you have any questions

Tours in Costa Rica

Check our tours

CORCOVADO TOUR

If you like surfing, biking or hiking in the mountains, Dominical Costa Rica’s coast has a variety of outdoor activities for you. Dominical is not the best option for swimming as there are strong waves on the main beach most of the time. But it’s perfect for surfing and relaxation on the beach.

What to do in Dominical?

You might be interested in signing up for a canopy around the coast or a kayak ride through the Rio Barú mangroves. You can explore the mountains or visit the Marino Ballena National Park with its unique coral reefs and tropical animal species. This is a fantastic option for a beach holiday. Dominical is an international surf community and many foreigners have stopped here in search of a new life.

Dominical in Costa Rica
Dominical in Costa Rica

Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary in Dominical

It is a rescue and rehabilitation center with a veterinary clinic for sick, injured and orphaned wild animals. Its mission is to free as many animals as possible, but to provide lifelong care only to those who cannot return to nature. The center is located upstairs in the heart of the jungle, within walking distance of the Villas Alturas, which boasts spectacular views of the South Pacific. You can get to know the animals that live there with a guide who will tell you all about the history, biology and needs of such a reserve.

Dominical in Costa Rica
Foto: alturaswildlifesanctuary.org

ATV Tour Eco Chontales Waterfall

This is a 7-hour adventure tour that begins at Playa Dominical Beach. You will cross rivers, jungle and finally find yourself at the beautiful ECO-CHONTALES waterfall. After reaching the waterfall, you will go to the natural pools. You will spend about 2 hours there where you can swim, slide and jump into the refreshing pools. It is also a good activity for families.

Hacienda Baru near Dominical

One of the best places you can go. What makes this property so special is the variety of habitats, including primeval forests, mangroves and even beaches. The 7 km of trails in Hacienda Baru are spectacular, so take a walk with a local guide or use the help of the reserve’s experienced guides.

Rio Baru kayak tour

Are you looking for a shorter rowing option? At Dominical, a tour of the majestic Barú River takes place. You start at the mouth of the river and work your way up the river. The wildlife that wanders around this river lives around.

Mangrove river tours are perfect for all levels. As you navigate the calm waters, you can learn about the ecology of this important ecosystem and see some of its inhabitants. In natural channels you can see monkeys, herons, kingfishers, crabs, raccoons and sometimes even crocodiles and sloths.

Rowing board tour – rio Baru

Come and explore some of the mangroves of the South Pacific. You will discover the beauty of its channels and you will enjoy the great variety of flora and fauna that this estuary offers. Along the way you will have the opportunity to see different types of mangrove trees and learn the importance of their ecosystem. Easy and relaxing paddling.

SCUBA DIVING
Marino Ballena Diving Tour Scuba Diving from Uvita

Marino Ballena Diving Tour – Scuba Diving from Uvita

Scuba diving in Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita is a great way to try diving.
FromCRC ‎76,000
(1 Review)
View Details

Diamond Waterfall and Caves.

Like many waterfalls in Costa Rica, the Diamond Falls are on private property. For security reasons, the family that owns the land asks you to arrange a guided tour. You will go up the mountain by following a steep and rocky path. At this time, the guides lead and teach about the surrounding forest. This land is still primeval rainforest, meaning it has never been cut down. You can observe soaring trees, decades of years, wild animals such as monkeys, as well as many species of birds and many animals. It is a strenuous 2.5 hour hike up a mix of loose gravel, slippery clay, and muddy steps. The best solution is to take mountain boots or galoshes.

The Nauyaca Falls

In one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific, the majestic waterfalls are one of the southern region’s main attractions. This is not only because of the natural beauty of the landscape, which offers great moments of recreation and fun, but also for participating in various activities. Here you can go for walks, go horse riding, swimming, climbing and observe the beauty of the rainforest. It is an ideal place not only for people looking for peace and nature, but also for those who love adventures and emotions. It is an important point of ecotourism which is extremely important in Costa Rica.

The Nauyaca Falls costa rica, dominical
fot: nauyacawaterfallscostarica.com

Reptilandia park

Anyone who appreciates nature will love this place. This park is located in the open air where there are various places to see reptiles from Costa Rica and from all over the world. Snakes make up the majority of the exhibits, but they also have other interesting creatures like turtles, crocodiles, and lizards. This park also offers the opportunity to see poisonous frogs so if you want to see these cute amphibians Reptilandia is the place to go. It’s a fun place to visit for a few hours and a relevant activity for kids.

What to do in Dominical? Yoga!

They offer a variety of daily yoga and other exercise activities open to the public at Dominical. Classes are held in the wonderful Bamboo Yoga Play studio. The owners tailor the sessions to ensure something for all levels, from beginners to experienced. The trainers will help you listen to your body, find yourself in every moment and encourage you to deepen the bond with your body, breath and creative spirit. Feel the nature around you.

SNORKELING
Snorkeling in Uvita Snorkeling Tour for the Whole Family

Snorkeling in Uvita – Great Snorkeling Tour for the Whole Family

A snorkeling tour from Uvita will allow you to see the underwater beauty of Costa Rica.
FromCRC ‎57,000
(1 Review)
View Details

Dominical Restaurants

It’s amazing how many restaurants we can find here. Everything from healthy food, gourmet and fast food, to typical Costa Rican cuisine. You can also find a small brewery that has a specific way of offering its dishes. You may also find several options for breakfast. Seafood is an offer that you will surely love in every restaurant. From some places you can enjoy your food while being right by the sea.

Souvenirs on the main boulevard in Dominical

If your family reminds you to bring something special, or you just want to take a souvenir from this beautiful country, be sure to visit the gift shops. Along the beach at Dominical you will find various options where you can buy souvenirs.

The locals gather among the palm trees every day right in front of the beach and sell everything from T-shirts, beach dresses, sarongs and towels to jewelry, handmade wooden items and even hammocks.

Diving on Caño Island

Diving around Caño Island is one of the most recommended tours in Costa Rica. Caño Island is a nature reserve and is also protected as a national park. Diving there is an amazing opportunity to meet manta rays, dolphins, sharks and even whales face to face.

Isla del Caño - practical tourist information national park
Isla del Caño – practical tourist information

The Caño Island Nature Reserve is often recognized as one of the best diving sites in Costa Rica. The area is very famous for its good visibility and warm water, which together make it a good place to dive. Diving on the island of Caño will be an amazing adventure. We can help you coordinate your transportation so you can spend a day or two with Costa Rica Divers.

Poza Azul waterfall

It’s much smaller than Nauyaca Waterfall, but it’s much easier to get to and it’s free to enter. The enchanting waterfall Poza Azul is nestled in the Dominicalito jungle. It has a nice natural swimming pool and the trees provide shade. Perfect for cooling down in the water on a hot day. Remember, however, that this river can (almost) dry up in the summer months – January, February and March. There is now a sign saying “Poza Azul”. It is a very short walk, but you can visit the nearby town and take a refreshing swim. However, due to the fairly steep climb, some people will find it difficult to walk on the roots of trees. Admission is free and no 4 × 4 car is needed.

What to do in Dominical? Summary

As you can see, there are many attractions in Dominical and you will certainly not be bored. It is a very nice and friendly place to spend a short or longer vacation. Any water activities will make you well rested. When it comes to diving or snorkeling, our diving school will be happy to help you with this. Please contact us if you have any questions

Tours In Costa Rica

Check our tours

CORCOVADO TOUR