Dominical Beach - Costa Rica
In the past Dominical Beach was a small fishing village, but in time it became well known among surfers and backpackers. It is a common stop on many people's Costa Rica surfing trips. There are various surf camps in Dominical Beach and if you didn't bring your own surfboard you can get a used surfboard. You can try the surf shop, ask someone on the beach or ask in a surf bar for a used surfboard that is for sale. Indeed Dominical Beach is not a surf spot for beginners, the thick, poweful waves regularly break boards. Swimmers shouldn't underestimate the waves and should be aware of currents. The beaches southwest of Dominical Beach are better suited for swimmers, the Dominicalito reef protects those beaches from the strong surf.
In the opposite direction, northwest of Dominical Beach, is a good place for birdwatching. Many rare bird species come to the estuary of the river Baru.
Bathing in the Pozo Azul and in the Cataratas de Nauyaca...
Occasionally it is possible to spot wales and dolfines from the beach. Those who want to have a closer look at the underwater world of Costa Rica should book a trip with a diving school in Dominical Beach. There are dive spots close by and it's possibe to make a dive trip to Cano Island. There you can encounter: surgeon fish, king angel, moorish idol, snapper, barracuda, barber fish, parrot fish, damsel fish, turtles, rays, reef sharks and a variety of eels. The well known Cataratas de Nauyaca are situated furhter upcountry, close to Platanillo. It is possible to swim at the bottom of those two, 60 meter high, waterfalls. The Cataratas de Nacuya can be reached by foot or on horseback. To get there you have to turn in the direction of Libano in Platanillo. The Cataratas de Nauyaca is also known by the name of Don Lulo's or Santo Cristo.
Another beautiful place to bath is in the southeast, close to the village Escaleras. From there a trail leads to Pozo Azul, the blue hole. Pozo Azul is a blue lagoon, the water is supplied by a waterfall.
Dominical Beach on the map
Facts about Dominical Beach, Costa Rica
- Dominical Beach is located in the province of Puntarenas.
- The road along the coast (Costanera) from Dominical Beach towards the southwest is paved. Since 2010 the road in the opposit direction till Quepos is paved, too.
Driving times and distances
- Distance from San Jose to Dominical Beach: 214.9 kilometers respectively 133.3 miles.
- Travel time from San Jose to Dominical Beach: 3.38 hours.
- Distance from Liberia to Dominical Beach: 297 kilometers respectively 184.4 miles.
- Travel time from Liberia to Dominical Beach: 5.06 hours.
