Dominical is small but boasts several great places to stay for all budgets, from surf camps to higher-end eco-lodges and rentals. 

Dominical offers year-round action with some of the most consistent waves in Costa Rica. Also, Dominical has some of the best whale watching opportunities globally and is close to the Marino Ballena National Park.

<h2>Best Time to Travel to Dominical</h2>There's no wrong time to travel to Dominical. Since the coast highway was finally completed in 2010, it's easier to reach than ever - plus, there's easy access by air, through either Quepos Airport to the North or the closer Palmar Sur Airport.&nbsp;If you're coming to Dominical, you're coming to surf. Dominical is all about the surf, after all. This means you're in luck, whatever time of year you come - Dominical has some of the most consistent waves in Costa Rica.&nbsp;But if you're looking for big waves, come in the rainy season (May to November). The dry season is still great surfing, but the waves are smaller from December to April.&nbsp;Outside of surfing, you'll enjoy this little town year-round. It never gets too crowded (apart from Christmas/Easter), and it's always laid back - even over Christmas and Easter. You might find the months of September and October a little dreary if you're not surfing - rains can get heavy then. But other than that, come anytime!&nbsp;Surfers and non-surfers alike might enjoy whale watching season. Dominical lies close to the Marino Ballena Park, famous for hosting migrating humpback whales. September and October are the best months for catching a glimpse of these magnificent animals.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1658937656/hotel_villas_rio_mar_beach_general_view_dominical_c14693bee6.jpg" alt="hotel-villas-rio-mar-beach-general-view-dominical.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1658937656/thumbnail_hotel_villas_rio_mar_beach_general_view_dominical_c14693bee6.jpg 245w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1658937657/small_hotel_villas_rio_mar_beach_general_view_dominical_c14693bee6.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1658937657/medium_hotel_villas_rio_mar_beach_general_view_dominical_c14693bee6.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1658937656/large_hotel_villas_rio_mar_beach_general_view_dominical_c14693bee6.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw">&nbsp;<h3>The Weather in Dominical</h3>There's no denying that Dominical catches a lot of rain. Most of the Southern Zone of Costa Rica does, so the area is the lushest, greenest, most biodiverse part of the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rainy season runs from May to December in this part of Costa Rica. The months of May, June, July, August, and November will typically see sunny mornings and a powerful shower in the afternoon. Locals say these months are the best months to come, not least because of the surf at that time. However, September and October can be stormy.&nbsp;The rest of the year is hot, sunny, and perfect for being outside on the beach or exploring. Dominical is humid so expect 75% humidity in the dry season and up to 90% during the wet season.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1658937497/hotel_cuna_del_angel_toucan_close_up_dominical_a8928f25c7.jpg" alt="hotel-cuna-del-angel-toucan-close-up-dominical.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1658937498/thumbnail_hotel_cuna_del_angel_toucan_close_up_dominical_a8928f25c7.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1658937499/small_hotel_cuna_del_angel_toucan_close_up_dominical_a8928f25c7.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1658937498/medium_hotel_cuna_del_angel_toucan_close_up_dominical_a8928f25c7.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1658937498/large_hotel_cuna_del_angel_toucan_close_up_dominical_a8928f25c7.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw">&nbsp;<h3>Is Dominical Safe?</h3>In short, yes. Dominical is a small, sleepy town where crime is low. Like beach towns all over Costa Rica, you need to take care of your belongings and never leave your gear on the beach, but outside of that, you're okay. Avoid getting drunk in the bars and causing trouble, and don't get caught walking around alone at night. These rules apply all over Costa Rica.&nbsp;The most significant danger is the ocean. The waves are strong and rips and currents. This is a beach for experienced surfers, not for beginners or swimmers. Be extremely cautious here.&nbsp;<h3>Top Restaurants in Dominical</h3>El Pescado LocoAn excellent seafood place with some of the best fish and chips on this side of the Atlantic Ocean and some of the best fish tacos you'll find anywhere.&nbsp;Cafe Mono CongoBest breakfast spot in Dominical, a veggie/vegan-friendly restaurant with great views of the Baru River.&nbsp;Fuego Brew CompanyIf you're looking for the best craft beer in Costa Rica's Southern Zone, you'll find it at this brewery-come-restaurant in Dominical. Oh - and the food is excellent as well!&nbsp;Del Mar Taco ShopA simple Mexican and Latin food by the ocean. Try the homemade tortilla chips with guacamole.&nbsp;Phat NoodlePhat Noodle is Dominical's standout Asian/Thai option. You won't find better food from this part of the world for miles and miles around.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1658937656/hotel_villas_rio_mar_beach_horseback_riding_tour_dominical_a737720b96.jpg" alt="hotel-villas-rio-mar-beach-horseback-riding-tour-dominical.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1658937656/thumbnail_hotel_villas_rio_mar_beach_horseback_riding_tour_dominical_a737720b96.jpg 245w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1658937657/small_hotel_villas_rio_mar_beach_horseback_riding_tour_dominical_a737720b96.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1658937657/medium_hotel_villas_rio_mar_beach_horseback_riding_tour_dominical_a737720b96.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1658937656/large_hotel_villas_rio_mar_beach_horseback_riding_tour_dominical_a737720b96.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h2>How to Get to Dominical</h2>Juan Santamaria Airport (Airport Code SJO), outside the capital city of San José, is the closest international airport to Dominical.<h3>Distance &amp; Driving Time to Dominical</h3>From SJO Airport: 120 miles (193 kilometers), about 3.5 hours&nbsp;Those planning to drive to Dominical from the airport should allow around 3.5 hours driving time, plus an hour or so to arrange your car rental. Make sure you arrive in Costa Rica early enough in the day to not drive at night - something we don't recommend.&nbsp;Once you have your car, get onto the InterAmerican Highway and head to El Coyol. Turn off there to get onto Ruta 27, the toll road to the coast. Keep on until the big junction takes you to Jaco and head south over the Rio Tarcoles bridge (you can stop here to check out the crocodiles).&nbsp;You're now on Ruta 34, the Pacific Coast road. Keep heading south, past Punta Leona, Jacó, Esterillos, and Quepos. After Matapalo, you'll cross the Rio Baru and be in Dominical.

Playa Dominical

Dominical

Casa Solaz

Panoramic Vistas

Swimming Pool

Fully Equipped Kitchen

WiFi

Villas Alturas

Bar/Lounge

Laundry service

Restaurant

Cuna del Angel

Breakfast Included

Kids Activities

Villas Rio Mar

See a Sloth

Nature & Wildlife

Quepos

Golfito

Drake Bay

Manuel Antonio

Rio Celeste

Puerto Viejo

Pacuare

Upala

Puerto Jiménez

Cahuita

Corcovado

Arenal Volcano

Tortuguero

Savegre Valley

Uvita

Mangrove And Estuary Boat Ride

Mangrove And Estuary

Santa Teresa

Esterillos

Tamarindo

Scuba Diving 

Beach Fun

Conchal Beach

Las Catalinas

Papagayo

Hermosa Beach

Flamingo Beach

Surf Lessons

Adrenaline

Jaco

Playa Hermosa (Jaco)

Nosara

Manuel Antonio National Park

National Parks

Horseback Riding to a Waterfall

Waterfalls

Monteverde

Kayaking in Costa Rica

Kayaking

Isla Chiquita

Punta Islita

El Jobo

Snorkel & Dive at Caño Island

Marino Ballena National Park  - Guided Hike

Marino Ballena - Marine National Park

Nauyaca Waterfalls Hike

Beach

Surfing and Volcano Adventure

Chasing Waterfalls and Surfs

Best Surf on Pacific

Cross-Country Surf

'Pura Vida' Beach Break

Dominical and Santa Teresa

Surf and Turf

Jungle and Surf Adventure

Cross Country Surf Combo

Hike and Surf

Surf and Turf Classic

Misty Mountains to Ocean Bliss

'Pura Vida' Cool 

Embrace the Wild

Two Weeks in Costa Rica

My sons and I wanted to plan a surf trip to Costa Rica! Vanessa Nichols, my travel agent from CRV, completely set us up! We definitely want to do this every year, Vanessa will be the first person I contact. I feel like I made a friend. Thanks so much!

Amanda Rucker - Vanessa Nichols

The staff was top notch. We were able to also visit the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary where we saw many of the animals they are rehabilitating - sloths, toucans, howler, spider and capuchin monkeys, parrots, etc. What a treat it was to see them up close and personal. We were terribly sad to leave Costa Rica. Everything that Rebecca arranged for us went flawlessly!