Costa Rica

Dominical Attractions

Beaches: 

Baru Beach

Just north of Dominical lies Baru beach – a two-mile stretch of cocoa sand, scattered driftwood and powerful surf. The lonely shore, which is part of Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Refuge, has a wild and raw feel about it and is not safe for swimming due to strong riptides. 

Dominical

Popular with surfers over the years, Dominical is a place of spectacular scenery and killer waves. Unusual conditions formed by Rio Baru ensure consistent beach breaks year-round. The intense waves usually draw a more experienced crowd. Powerful currents and riptides are fairly common; visitors should use caution and heed the red safety flags on the beach. A lifeguard tower is usually manned daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dominicalito

A mile south of Dominical, the rocky shore of Dominicalito offers smaller waves for the beginning boarder and a decent place to swim. There are plenty of surf shops in Dominical, all of which offer board rentals/sales and surf lessons.

Playa Hermosa

Continuing south, Playa Hermosa is the perfect beach for swimming and sunbathing. The long, arcing shore is relatively empty compared to Playa Dominical. 

Costa Ballena

Beginning with Playa Uvita and including a number of beaches to the south, the Costa Ballena encompasses a stretch of beautiful and rugged shoreline, where lush mountains form the backdrop to a chain of tranquil seaside communities. At low tide, visitors to Punta Uvita can walk out to the famous rock and reef formation that perfectly resembles a whale’s tail.

Much of the coast is protected by Ballena National Marine Park, which shelters the fragile marine ecosystem. Many visitors have fallen in love with Playas Uvita, Ballena and Ojochal and relocated permanently. Canadians, Germans, French and Americans make up the bulk of the expat population. One benefit of such an international community is a selection of fabulous bakeries and restaurants nestled along the coastal highway.

National Parks, Reserves and Wildlife Refuges:

Ballena National Marine Park

In this underwater park, named after the humpback whales that migrate there from August - October and December - April, visitors can explore pristine beaches, mangrove forests and coral reefs. Located south of Dominical on the Costa Ballena, it protects more than 13,000 acres of ocean and nine miles of coastline and also serves as a nesting site for endangered Olive Ridley and hawksbill sea turtles. Bottle-nosed dolphins, humpback whales, iguanas and nesting sea birds are frequently observed.

Damas Island Estuary

This mangrove forest and estuary is home to caimans, sloths, iguanas, aquatic birds, and white-faced monkeys. Take a kayak tour or river boat tour of this peaceful wetland. Naturalist guides provide a wealth of information regarding native flora and fauna. Daily excursions include beverages, guides, and transportation.

Diamante Verde Reserve

Just 11 miles east of Dominical, the Diamante Verde Reserve is located in Las Tumbas, a region named for its abundance of natural "tombs" – hollowed-out stones that once served not as grave markers, but as indigenous tools for grinding flour. The reserve is home to some of the country's most secluded rainforest and cloud forest, and also the spectacular "Casa de Piedra." This so-called stone house is actually a large cave, surrounded by petrified palm trees and1,200 feet of roaring waterfalls. Waterfall rappelling, cliff jumping, hiking, and swimming in natural pools are popular activities at the reserve

Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Refuge 

Wildlife enthusiasts will love nearby Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Refuge, where sloths, monkeys, coatimundi and toucans are frequently spotted in the rainforest. Ecotourism is the primary source of income for the refuge, which attracts travelers with a variety of nature and adventure tours including a tree-climbing adventure, rainforest hike, canopy tour and several bird-watching excursions.  In addition to Baru beach, the refuge includes 4.5 miles of self-guided trails, a bird-watching tower, orchid gallery and butterfly garden. Travelers can lodge at Hacienda Baru in one of their six airy cabins which each accommodate up to six people. Tel: 2787-0003

Parque Reptilandia

Housing more than 65 species of reptiles and amphibians, Parque Reptilandia is a bonanza of forked tongues, claws and scales. Located on the outskirts of Dominical, the park features a myriad of creatures from petite poison dart frogs to enormous lizards and snakes. Guests can glimpse Mexican beaded lizards, eyelash pit vipers, fer-de-lances and giant boa constrictors. The star attraction is a fearsome-looking Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard. Every Friday is feeding day. Tel: 2787-8007

Oro Verde Nature Reserve

Located 11 miles south of Dominical, Oro Verde is a family-run reserve overlooking Ballena National Marine Park. Visitors can join birding, hiking or horseback tours and observe a variety of wildlife in the private sanctuary. Tel: 2743-8072

Rancho La Merced Wildlife Refuge

Situated near Punta Uvita, this 1,250-acre refuge offers horseback riding and nature hikes through primary rainforest and secondary growth. The refuge hosts over 300 species of birds that can be observed on guided tours. Tel: 2743-8032

Waterfalls:

Baru Waterfalls

Located in Santo Cristo, Baru Falls features two picturesque cascades – one 60 feet tall and the other towering at 120 feet. Hike 30 minutes along a panoramic mountain ridge to reach the secluded location. Waterfall rappelling is top-notch at the Baru Falls, where visitors also enjoy a refreshing dip in a 20-foot deep natural swimming hole.

Nauyaca Waterfalls

Six miles outside of Dominical, Don Lulo’s Horseback Tours is a family-run affair with over 80 horses that are rotated regularly. Visitors travel four miles on horseback into a scenic valley where the Barucito River flows. After a traditional breakfast, guests continue on to the 130-foot high waterfall for an hour of swimming and relaxation. Tour includes guides, Costa Rican-style breakfast and lunch, and horses suited to all riding levels.

Tocori Waterfalls

Don Gilberto and his daughter Dyala host horseback riding tours to the spectacular Tocori Waterfalls. The two cascades tumble into a cool swimming pool, and after a refreshing dip guests are treated to fresh fruits and a natural smoothie. The horseback riding tour continues, traversing Tocori streams and finally ending at Don Gilberto's home, where his wife serves a delicious, traditional lunch.

Day Trips: 

Cano Island

Visitors can arrange a day trip to visit Cano Island Biological Reserve, famous for its coral reefs and marine life. A full-day tour includes round-trip boat transportation from Dominical, bilingual guide, snorkeling and /or scuba diving, beverages and lunch on the beach. Humpback and pilot whales, dolphins and manta rays are frequently spotted.

Corcovado National Park

Observe four species of monkeys and the country’s largest scarlet macaw population on a day trip to Corcovado National Park. Considered one of the most biologically diverse places on earth, the park hosts many rare and endangered species including the Baird’s tapir, at least four species of wildcat and white-lipped peccaries. The tour includes round-trip ground transportation from Dominical, lunch, naturalist guide and park entrance fees.

Manuel Antonio National Park

This stunning park is Costa Rica's most visited – a testament to its beauty, biodiversity, and sustainability. Manuel Antonio's top attractions are its white sand beaches, oceanfront rainforest, wildlife, and network of interesting trails. The park protects a stunning variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, coatimundi, and the highly endangered squirrel monkey. Note that Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Mondays. Tel: 2777-0644 or 2777-5185

Terraba-Sierpe Wetlands

Eight species of mangrove trees populate the picturesque Terraba-Sierpe Wetlands, home to aquatic bird species including spoonbills, tiger-throated herons, black-necked stilts, and mangrove black hawks. Half- and full-day hiking tours can be arranged, but the wetlands' true allure is kayak or motorized boat tours through the serene mangrove swamps. Tel: 2735-5036

Violines Island

Located just off the coast of Uvita, Violines Island is bordered by palm-lined beaches and turquoise waters. Tours depart daily to the island that include a jaunt through mangrove forest and whale watching on the high seas. On Violines Island, guests can participate in nature hikes or simply relax on the pristine beach.

Dominical Travel Guide