Dominical
Last Updated: Mar 14, 2012
If the crowds of Jaco are not your style, Dominical -- a tranquil beach town just south of Quepos -- might become your favorite hideaway. A place of breathtaking scenery and killer waves, Dominical has escaped the mass development so prevalent on other Pacific Coast beaches.
Quick Facts
Location: 28 miles south of Quepos
Average Temperature: 78-85°F
Altitude: Sea level
Photo Gallery
Popular with surfers over the years, Dominical has only recently seen a rise in tourism. The intrepid will find mountains that jut up from the coastline and frame long stretches of palm-fringed beach. The spectacular vistas may inspire lots of hammock time, where non-surfers can watch boarders tackle big waves.
Wildlife enthusiasts will love nearby Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Refuge, where sloths, monkeys 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 tours, including a tree-climbing adventure, rainforest hike, canopy tour and several birdwatching excursions.
At Ballena National Marine Park just south of Dominical, swimmers and snorkelers can enjoy calmer waters. The park is also a hotspot for dolphin and whale watching. In this watery realm, named after the humpback whales that migrate there from August - October and December - April, visitors can explore miles of deserted beaches, mangrove forests and coral reefs. Protecting more than 13,000 acres of ocean and nine miles of coastline, the park also serves as a nesting site for endangered Olive Ridley and hawksbill sea turtles.
Tour companies in Dominical offer a variety of trips for thrill-seekers, including sea kayak adventures and day trips to Cano Island and Corcovado National Park. Sport fishing is also taking off, and anglers can fish both in and offshore for roosterfish, marlin, tuna and sailfish.
New hotels, surf camps and language schools are popping up in town, a sure sign that Dominical is an up-and-coming tourism destination.
Dominical Snapshot
Summary: Tranquil beach town popular among surfers; home to Ballena National Marine Park.
Landscape:
Beaches,
Rainforest
Attractions:
Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge,
Nauyaca Waterfalls,
Reptile Park,
Waterfalls,
Wildlife
Activities:
Adventure Tours,
Dolphin & Whale Watching,
Snorkeling,
Surfing
Caters to:
Budget Travelers,
Couples/Honeymooners,
Families,
Wildlife Enthusiasts
Dominical Travel Guide
Activities
Attractions
Places to Stay
Services & Facilities
Restaurants & Nightlife
Getting There
Dominical Weather
Current Conditions
Rain
| Humidity | 84 % |
| Barometer | 29.85 in/Hg |
| Visibility | 5 mi |
| Wind | 2 mph NW |
Today's Tides
| Time | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| 03:21 a.m. | 8.07 ft. (2.45 m.) | |
| 09:18 a.m. | 1.87 ft. (0.57 m.) | |
| 03:24 p.m. | 8.53 ft. (2.58 m.) | |
| 09:43 p.m. | 1.05 ft. (0.32 m.) |
Dominical Map
Visit Dominical With Us
- Day 7: The Whale's Tail
- Day 6: Snakes and Angels
- Day 5: Ballena National Marine Park
- Day 4: Horseback to Nauyaca Waterfalls
- Day 3: The Wild Side of Hacienda Baru
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