Dominical

Pockets of caramel-colored beaches and rocky tide pools hide between the Pacific swells and tropical rainforest that run up and down the Dominical coastline. While most surfers head out to Dominical Beach for the surf, they'll find a wealth of other secluded spots nearby. Hermosa and Dominicalito both offer challenging swells for experienced surfers, while the surf at Pinuelas in Ballena National Marine Park is more suited to swimming and relaxing on the beach.

Dominical's more than a surf destination though, visitors can trek through the rainforest searching for monkeys and three-toed sloths at Hacienda Baru, go whale watching/kayaking in Ballena National Marine Park, cliff diving on the the Nauyaca Waterfall tour, or travel to Cano Island for snorkeling and diving tours among tropical fish, white-tipped reef sharks and manta rays.

Air

The closest airports to Dominical are in Quepos and Palmar Sur. Both are serviced by regional airlines Sansa and Nature Air.

Bus

Direct buses from San Jose depart from the Tracopa Station at Plaza Viquez (Calle 5 and Avendia 20) in San Jose : $9; 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.; 5 to 6 hours travel time via the Route 34 and Route 1.. Tel. 2223-5567.

Dominical to San Jose: $9; 5:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., departs Uvita and passes through Dominical.

San Isidro del General to Dominical: $2.55; 7:00 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.; 1.5 hours. Departs two blocks south of the church – look for the bus stop. Transportes Blanco Tel. 2771-4744.

Car

Route 34 from San Jose takes about four hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. Take Route 34 west past Orotina, then follow signs for Jaco and Quepos via the Costanera Sur. Continue south, following signs to Dominical and Uvita. The road between Quepos and Dominical is completely paved, and the single lane bridges are in relatively good condition.

If the Route 34 is closed, another option is to take the longer, but more scenic route over the Cerro de la Muerte. Plan on five to six hours behind the wheel.  Note that this drive is best done during daylight hours as fog, rain and road conditions are unpredictable on this winding, mountain road. From San Jose, take the Route 2 south toward Cartago, following signs to San Isidro del General and Dominical.

Collective Shuttle

Bus Private shuttle companies Interbus and Grayline service between Dominical and San Jose, but they have a two-person minimum. Shuttles have A/C, seat 10 to 15 people and have a bilingual driver. . There are morning departures for Dominical from San Jose, and fees average $78 per person, each way.

The Dominical region encompasses a large area starting in the small surf town of Dominical and stretching all the way down to Ojochal – a small international community known for its restaurants and fine dining. In Between, you'll find accommodations in every price range. Most hotels and hostels are located in Dominical, Uvita or Ojochal, but you'll also find a variety of places to stay just off Route 34 as it runs along the coast.

Dominical

The small beachside town of Dominical is a haven for surfers, backpackers and families. Low and mid-priced hostels and hotels line the tropical dirt roads. Dominical is the best place to stay for visitors looking for a party, experienced surfers wanting to catch some waves and anyone looking for a relaxing beachside town to get away from it all.

• For about $15-$20, you can find hostels with private rooms with bathrooms, hot water and fans close to the beach.

• For about $50-$100, you can find hotel rooms with full-size and single beds with A/C, hot water, Wi-Fi and breakfast, close to the beach.

Uvita (12 miles south of Dominical)

Uvita captures the imagination of outdoor enthusiasts and honeymooners looking for adventure among beaches and waters off the coast of Ballena National Marine Park. Just 11 miles south of Dominical along Route 34, Uvita's a small community, but with a more local atmosphere than Dominical. Uvita has a range of low, mid and high-end hotels and hostels to choose from.

• For about $10, you can find hostels with shared dorms and bathrooms, hot water, a common kitchen and Wi-Fi.

• For about $15-$20, you can find hostels with private rooms with bathrooms, hot water, common kitchens and Wi-Fi.

• For about $50, you can find hotel rooms with double and single beds, A/C, hot water, TV and Wi-Fi.

• For about $100, you can find eco-lodges with private rooms with fans and hot water with breakfast.

• For $200-$500, you can find luxury hotel rooms with king-size beds, private patios and every amenity including but not limited to mini-fridge, security deposit box, A/C, WiFi, TV, and breakfast, huge pools and ocean views.

Ojochal (19 miles south of Dominical)

Ojochal is another small town across from Playa Tortuga along Route 34. Less frequented than Uvita or Dominical, Ojochal has an international community with an extraordinary reputation for the more than 15 restaurants found around town. Foodies and escapees looking for a more secluded experience will enjoy all that Ojochal has to offer.

• For about $50, you can find rooms with double beds, A/C and hot water with breakfast.

• For about $100, you can find room with single and double beds, A/C, cable, fans and patios with breakfast

Expect fresh seafood up and down the Dominical's coast. The local catch includes Mahi-mahi, snapper and tuna caught daily for most of the restaurants around the Dominical region while fresh blackberries, tomatoes, lettuce and other fruit and vegetables come from farms in the mountains around San Isidro del General.

You'll find restaurants of just about every caliber and prestige around the region, but it depends where you're at. Dominical and Uvita have a wide variety of low- to mid-range food while Ojochal caters to a variety of reputable high-end restaurants.

Dominical

There's Costa Rican typical food in every restaurant in town, but for the traditional style restaurants with cheap eats check out Nayoa or Salon Cocal where you can find casados (choice of meat, rice beans, salad and plantains) for about $6. For beachside comfort food, parties, ice cold beers and cocktails stop by Tortilla Flats. If you're looking for a little variety, check out one of these: San Clemente's serves up Mexican, Confusione cooks Italian, Coconut spice makes Thai/Malaysian and Maracatu's vegetarian (and one of the more popular night spots in town).

Uvita (12 miles south of Dominical)

You won't have to wander off Route 34 to find good food on your way into Uvita. Costa Paraiso, just south of Dominical, offers excellent, affordable sandwiches, pizzas and nightly specials for affordable prices (with Oceanside views) while Cuna del Angel offers Italian and traditional American gourmet cuisine. In Uvita, you'll find a few traditional Costa Rica, restaurants, a bakery, Scooby's pizzeria and Road Shack, an American-style deli that roasts its own beef and pastrami.

Ojochal (19 miles south of Dominical)

Ojochal's well-known throughout the country for its spectacular restaurants. This small international community has more than 15 different restaurants including Citrus, Exotica and Ylang Ylang. Each restaurant implements high standards when it comes to the quality of their food, service and atmosphere.

Take your time. There's no rush. Enjoy the sun while sitting on a log of sun-bleached driftwood staring out into the Dominical surf. Watch the waves crash against the shore, surf board at your side. Dominical's waves are among the most consistent in the country. And the perfect set is waiting for you.

And if the surf's not up, it's time to explore. Jump on a  snorkeling and diving tour to Cano Island and swim with manta rays and reef sharks, paddle through the white water while rafting along the Coto Brus and Savegre rivers, or, kayak along the Whale's Tail, a sandbar famous for its tail-like shape.  Explore the rainforest on a horseback tour to Nauyaca Falls, stop by Hacienda Baru for family-friendly canopy tour and treks through the rainforest, or, try out waterfall rappelling through Baldy Canyon.

The town of Dominical consists of two main dirt roads lined with hotels, restaurants, bars, corner stores and surf shops. Everything in town is in walking distance, so forget about the rental car for a few days and enjoy walking around this lazy beachside village.

However, if you want to visit Ballena National Marine Park and its series of beaches, Nauyaca Waterfall, or, you want to drop in on Ojochal for some of the best dining Costa Rica has to offer, then we suggest you rent a vehicle. Everything runs along Route 34, the coastal highway, making it easy to get around.

Public Bus

Public buses run every two to three hours between Dominical and San Isidro, costing less than a $1: 7:00 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.; 1.5 hours. Departs two blocks south of the church – look for the bus stop. Transportes Blanco Tel. 2771-4744 . Buses between Dominical, Uvita and other southern destinations are much less frequent and not very reliable.

Taxi

Dominical doesn't have any official taxi company; however, there are two locals running taxis in town. They charge based on the meter, but we suggest you negotiate the fare before you get into the taxi, or, at least make sure they turn on the meter to make sure they get the best deal. Also, they charge for pick-up, so make sure you really want a taxi before you give them a call. His name is Mainor Vargas (aka Gilligan) these are cell phone numbers so they are miss and hit (8847-0231 or 8317-4089).

Dominical – San Isidro $50

Dominical – Marino Ballena National Park $30

San Jose Airport – downtown Dominical $200

Dominical – Jaco $130

Dominical - Quepos $70

Quepos airport – Dominical $60

Dominical – Dominicalito soccer field $6 - $8

Dominical - Sierpe $100

You'll probably be able to find what you need among Dominical's assortment of corner stores and mini-marts, but just to be sure, you're better off getting what you need before visiting  (unless it's sunscreen, chips or beer). 

Cell Phones

Local cell phones work in the Dominical area, but reception's not great. You can buy a cellphone and SIM chips with a prepaid card for about $40.

Internet

Several restaurants, bars and hotels offer patrons free wireless service.

Banks

Cash traveler's checks, exchange money or use the ATM at Banco de Costa Rica, Dominical's only bank. You'll find it across the highway, just past past Dominical's primary entrance after the Baru River. Three more banks can be found in Uvita, ten miles farther south on the Route 34. All have ATMs for cash withdrawals.

Gas Stations

There is a full-service gas station one mile north of Dominical, on the road toward Quepos. Several others can be found near Uvita and Ojochal.

Medical Facilities

The closest major hospitals are found in Quepos and San Isidro del General. Several doctors operate out of Dominical, and a private clinic in Pueblo del Rio offers non-emergency care and minor surgery (Tel. 2787-0129 or 8865-4064). For all major emergencies, dial 911. Dominical also has several dental offices and a chiropractic clinic with bilingual staff.