Costa Rica Real Estate
Dominical
LOCATION, MAPS & ACTIVITIES
Again and again you'll find yourself, here.
Dominical is for the traveler seeking an authentic experience. A place where the smiles are as wide as the beaches are long, and the unspoiled rainforest and shore is home to locals, ex-pats from around the world, and more bird and animal species than can be counted.
Dominical isn’t for everyone. But it might be just perfect for you. We’re building a small number of high-quality resort homes for people who think this part of the world is just this side of heaven.
GETTING HERE
More than 40 direct flights are available daily from U.S. cities, including Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta. Situated in the Central Standard time zone, the time in Costa Rica varies by no more than two hours from any U.S. location. Two commuter airlines, Nature Air and Sansa, serve two airports that are within an hour’s drive of Dominical.
LOCAL FLIGHTS
Several flights leave from San Jose, Liberia and other towns in Costa Rica to either the Quepos Airport which is about 1 hour North of Dominical (soon to be just 30 minutes once paving of the highway is complete), or to Palmar Sur which is about 40 minutes South of Dominical (the highway from Palmar Sur is paved and in great condition making for an easy drive). Cars or shuttle can be arranged to meet visitors at the airport.
DRIVING
If you are driving from San Jose it is a 3 to 3 ½ hour drive depending on your route. It is 3 ½ hours if taking the mountain road through San Isidro de General. It is 3 hours if you take the coastal route through Jaco and Quepos. Look on the Pacific Coast Map below to get a better idea of where Dominical is located.
For more information and useful links look under Contact Us & Useful Links.
Click on the maps below to see exactly where we are located in the world, in Costa Rica.
Dominical is an easy-going surf town situated on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, just 28 miles (45 kms) south of Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park.
Explore Dominical
The Dominical area offers endless activities and adventures. Regardless of the activity (or inactivity) you choose, you are guaranteed a wonderful experience in a spectacular natural setting.
Visitors come to Costa Rica for nature and it’s easy to experience. Approximately 30 percent of Costa Rica is protected as national parks, biological and archeological reserves, and wildlife refuges.
Dominical is one of the few spots along the Pacific coast of Central America where the mountains descend into the deep blue waters of the ocean. The punta (point) is a favorite spot for viewing spectacular sunsets.
Hot Spots
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Located only 25 miles north of Punta Dominical near Quepos, this park is relatively small in area (only 1,687 acres), but it is rich in inhabitants. Over 100 species of animals and nearly 200 species of birds live in the park. All three species of monkeys found in Costa Rica reside in the park - the white-throated capuchin monkeys, the endangered squirrel monkeys, and the white-faced monkeys. In addition to monkeys, you can expect to see colorful birds, iguanas, sloths, and other animals. Because the number of visitors is limited, it is best to visit the park in the morning and during the week, if possible. The park is closed on Mondays.
Just off the beaches of Manual Antonio lies another world worth exploring. Snorkeling reveals bright, florescent colored fish swimming among the corals. Further out, the park encompasses twelve islets just off the coast where it is possible to see dolphins and migrating whales.
BALLENA NATIONAL MARINE PARK
Only 10 minutes south of Dominical by car, is the 13,344 acres (including 11,120 acres of ocean) Ballena National Marine Park. The park extends along 13 kilometers of sandy shores and rocky coast and is the home of the Pacific coast’s largest coral reef.
There is excellent snorkeling close to shore at low tide. You can also reach the island at the tip of Punta Uvita to discover corals, sponges, and sea anemones. Make sure you take time to explore the caves here as well. Isla Ballena and the rocks known as Las Tres Hermanas (The Three Sisters) are a haven for frigate birds and boobies as well as pelicans and even ibises.
Whales tend to congregate near Las Tres Hermanas. Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles nest on these beaches during May to November.
CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK
Looking south from Punta Dominical to the Osa Peninsula, this park, comprising 134,771 acres on land and 5,930 acres of sea, is home to the country’s largest tract of virgin forest. Within a one hour boat ride of Punta Dominical, Corcovado is widely regarded as one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions. The park is home to at least 400 species of birds, 140 of mammals, 116 of amphibians and reptiles, 500 of trees, and 6,000 of insects. The park’s six distinct ecosystems shelter scarlet macaws, jaguars, pumas, tapirs, poison-dart and golden frogs, the harpy eagle, and other endangered species. Punta Dominical actively supports the efforts to conserve this unique natural resource. See www.osacampaign.org for more information.
CHIRRIPO NATIONAL PARK
Approximately one hour east of Punta Dominical by car, near San Isidro, is Chirripo National Park, which boasts the country’s highest peak (3,820 meters/12,530 feet). No technical climbing is required to hike Chirripo, but altitude and a rugged trail make for a strenuous trek. The hike to Los Crestones base camp takes six to 12 hours, half that time coming down. Most hikers allow two to three days to make the entire trip. Los Crestones base camp shelter is the only permitted lodging in the park (no camping allowed). Once at the shelter, day hikes to the peak, lakes, and high altitude meadowlands are available. Call at least a month in advance to reserve a bed at the shelter. Chirripo treks are most popular during December to May.
CANO ISLAND BIOLOGICAL RESERVE
Located about an hour’s boat ride from Dominical, this uninhabited island is known as an excellent diving spot – rated as being one of the best underwater diving spots in the world.
Trails on the island lead to a pre-Columbian cemetery and several of Costa Rica’s mysterious stone spheres. Mystery shrouds the history of these hand carved and perfectly rounded spheres, which measure from one to two and a half meters in diameter and are found mainly in the Palmar region and on Cano Island.
WILSON BOTANICAL GARDENS
Located approximately an hour’s drive south of Dominical, near San Vito, these gardens, cover 25 acres. They have a vast collection of bromeliads, orchids, and more than 700 species of palms. Recognized as the most important tropical gardens in Central America, the gardens provide overnight lodging for a limited number of visitors and scientists.
Beaches and Surfing
Playa Dominical offers dramatic sunrises to the southeast, as well as some of Costa Rica’s most fabulous Pacific sunsets to the northwest. Regardless of the season, you’ll be hypnotized by the beauty of this unique spot.
But, there’s more. The Dominical area, from Playa Guapil to the north to Punta Ventanas to the south, provides a stretch of countless beaches, each unique in its own way, for you to explore. You can swim or wade in the surf, stroll on golden sands, kayak through caves, enjoy a picnic under the shade of coconut palms, or watch the pelicans and water fowl that inhabit the shorelines.
Water temperatures in the Pacific are typically in the upper 70s to low 80s throughout the year – perfect for water sports.
PLAYA DOMINICAL
Playa Dominical is considered by both Ticos and tourists to be the most consistent wave in Costa Rica. Wave heights rarely drop below waist-high with ideal sandbars producing quality lefts, rights, and plenty of good barrels. Playa Dominical is the focal point for surfing in the area and normally sees between ten and thirty surfers in the water in the high seasons (Dec-Mar and Jun-Aug).
THE POINT
The Point also known as "Cambutal" is a long, peeling left-hand reef break that is rarely too small to surf, and can handle swells up to 15 feet and larger without closing out. When small it's a great wave for beginners, but when it gets big, the point is best left to experienced surfers. There's also an "unnamed" wave across the bay - it's a long easy right-hander, just right for beginners.
PLAYA VENTANAS
Playa Ventanas (Windows Beach) gets its name from the beautiful sea caves that line the north and south ends of the beach. The two caves on the north end extend from the beach out to the ocean, a distance of about 50 meters, and during certain tides create a sort of "blowhole" effect. Pressure from each wave blows a large cloud of steam out onto the beach. The caves on the south end of the beach tunnel deeply into the rock and inspire thoughts of hidden pirate treasure.
PLAYA HERMOSA
or "Beautiful Beach" in English, truly lives up to its name. An incredibly scenic tropical beach, Hermosa is bordered by a spectacular forested cliff on the north, Marino Ballena National Park to the south, and backed by a palm-lined beach and rainforest covered mountains. Playa Hermosa’s waves are generally half the size of Dominical with crystal clear water and very good wave form.
PLAYA DOMINICALITO
Playa Dominicalito is a five minute drive south of Dominical, and is a popular beach for beginning surfers. Waves here are small and gentle – normally about a third the size of Dominical’s waves – but there are a few rocks spread out along the bottom so this spot is best surfed at higher tides. A pretty beach and a popular weekend spot for Ticos, Playa Dominicalito is also where local fishermen bring in their daily catch.
PLAYA BALLENA
Playa Ballena is located in Marino Ballena National Park, and is one of the best beginner’s waves in the area. Long, peeling waves break gentle on the outside, and then roll for a long way in towards the beach. This wave never gets very big - usually only around a third of the size of waves at Playa Dominical; and not just a beginners wave but a great longboarding spot as well. Marino Ballena is a stop for the humpback whales on their migratory route and during the winter months (Oct-Mar) it’s common to see mother whales, their babies, and adult males breeching the surface.
Surfing: Contributed by Jason Butler of Green Iguana Surf Camp
Activities
WATER SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES IN COSTA RICA
Surfing - The area around Dominical is a surfer’s mecca. Surfers enjoy good waves year-round. Several surf schools provide lessons, which include equipment. Dominical is also popular for swimming. (See beaches & surfing)
SPORT FISHING IN COSTA RICA
The Dominical area is world famous for its sportfishing. Billfishing is very popular, especially from December to June, with world records broken nearly every year. Numerous outfitters offer well-equipped boats and experienced, bilingual captains to provide both the rookie and the experienced angler excellent offshore fishing for marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, and dorado. The Dominical area also includes the second largest mangrove system on the Pacific coast of Central America, providing some of the best flyfishing in the world. Inshore action includes roosterfish, snook, snapper, and sea bass.
RAFTING / KAYAKING IN COSTA RICA
The Savegre River in the mountains northwest of Dominical provides class II/III/IV rapids and a chance to enjoy great swimming holes within dense primary jungle surrounding the river. The Naranjo River is a class III and IV river for physically fit, excitement-seeking rafters. The river drops steeply from the mountains through a beautiful jungle gorge, taking participants on a wild ride to sea level, passing nearby farmlands and palm plantations. Ocean kayaking is also popular along the coast south of Dominical, where kayakers can travel through shoreline caves (depending on tidal conditions) and view pre-Columbian inscriptions on the walls.
SNORKELING / DIVING IN COSTA RICA
Pristine coral reefs, together with an abundance of spectacular tropical sea life make for some of the best scuba diving in Costa Rica. About an hour from Dominical, Cano Island offers some of the most exciting diving within reach of the mainland. Porpoises, schools of manta rays, and white-tip reef sharks are commonly seen on most dives. Water temperatures in the Pacific are typically in the upper 70s to low 80s throughout the year.
Land Activities
CANOPY TOURS IN COSTA RICA
Adventurous participants may enter the forest canopy and see jungle life from a unique and different perspective. One of the best canopy or “tree-top” tours in the country is available at Hacienda Baru, about 10 minutes by car from Punta Dominical. You can go with a professional canopy guide to a tree platform high above the floor of the forest. You can also zip from platform to platform - the adrenaline rush is an unforgettable experience.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN COSTA RICA
One of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Punta Dominical is on horseback. Guided horseback riding tours may be scheduled from several Dominical locations. You can choose tours that take you along beaches and jungle trails and through river crossings to experience waterfalls, mineral pools, and spectacular mountain views.
WATERFALLS IN COSTA RICA
Ride a horse or hike to a waterfall. Swim, float, or snorkel in the refreshing waters. A choice of three spectacular waterfalls is available in the Dominical area. One, Pozo Azul, is located on the Punta Dominical property.
BIRD WATCHING IN COSTA RICA
Few countries in the world offer as many different species of birds in such a small area as Costa Rica. Toucans are commonly seen and heard around Punta Dominical. To the south, in Corcovado National Park, visitors can see the beautiful and rare scarlet macaws. An experienced field guide who knows the area and also the bird calls is essential for anyone who is seriously interested in seeing birds. A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica by F. Gary Stiles and Alexander F. Skutch, is a great resource for visiting birders.
Contact Us For More Information
All information presented here and in these sites is proposed and is subject to change or elimination by the Owner or Developer at any time without notice. The questions and answers on this website are for informational purposes only. All questions and answers proposed are subject to any change without any notice.
Costa Rica Real Estate
