Things to do in Costa Rica

Map of Dominical Beaches
About Dominical Beaches
Map of Dominical
About Dominical
Things to do in Dominical

Things to do around Dominical Costa Rica

Water and Land Activities
The Dominical area offers an amazing array of activities and adventures. Regardless of the activity, or inactivity, you choose, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience in a spectacular setting.

Water Sports
Dominical is known as a surfer's Mecca, with the second longest left wave in Costa Rica. Surfers enjoy good waves year-round. Further south near Golfo Dulce, Pavones and Matapalo, are excellent surfing locations. Pavones, near the Panama border, has one of the longest left waves in the world. Several surf schools provide lessons, which include equipment. Although some rentals are available, experienced surfers bring their own equipment.

Snorkeling/Diving
Pristine coral reefs, together with an abundance of spectacular tropical sea life make for some of the best scuba diving in the world. Twelve miles west of Drake Bay, Cano Island offers some of the most exciting diving within reach of the mainland. Porpoises, schools of rays, and white-tip reef sharks are commonly seen on most dives. Water temperatures in the Pacific are typically in the upper seventies to low eighties throughout the year.

River rafting and Kayaking
River rafting tours are available at different rafting levels. The Savegre River, a class III river in the mountains outside of Quepos, runs through the cleanest river in the country. Participants go through class II/III/IV rapids with a chance to enjoy great swimming holes and a large variety of birds in the 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 about Quepos 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 southern Pacific coast, where kayakers can travel through shoreline caves (depending on tidal conditions) and view pre-Columbian inscriptions on the walls. The caves are rumored to hold to treasures of explorer Sir Francis Drake. Age requirements are eight to 12 years, depending on the difficulty of the waters. Rafting/kayaking trips are generally unregulated. Use only reputable operators with skilled guides, good quality and well-maintained equipment, and a history of safe operations. For the participant seeking slow-moving tranquility, other boating experiences are available. Take a ride on a two-story paddlewheel boat up the longest river in Costa Rica. Or, ride a launch through the Rio Terraba mangroves to a beautiful island. Enjoy a private picnic and hike along trails to admire flora and fauna.

Sport fishing
Costa Rica's Pacific coast is world famous for its sport fishing. Bill fishing 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. Offshore fishing in the Dominical area is an excellent economic value. The Dominical area also includes the second largest mangrove system on the Pacific coast of Central America, providing some of the best fly fishing in the world. Inshore action includes roosterfish, snook, snapper, and sea bass. Half-day and full-day charters are available from Quepos, Dominical, Uvita, Drake Bay, Cano Island, and Golfito.

Bicycling and Mountain Biking
An adventurous alternative way to see the country, mountain biking has experienced a boom in popularity in recent years. Most tour companies offer biking trips as part of their regular packages. Rental equipment is excellent. Cyclists will encounter a huge variety of breathing terrain - leisure country paths, grueling mountain trails, and open beaches. Cyclists from Costa Rica have excelled on the international cycling circuit, and top cyclists from around the world gather here annually for two major races.

Horseback Riding
One of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Costa Rica is on horseback. Guided horseback riding tours may be scheduled from several 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. Costa Rican horses are fit and sure-footed. Stables rent horses by the hour, day, or week. Avoid steep, rocky trails during the rainy season. Excessive mud makes trails dangerous for both horse and rider

Canopy Tours
Adventurous participants may enter the forest canopy and see jungle life from a unique and different perspective. Many canopy or "tree-top" tours exist throughout the country. Go with a professional canopy guide to a tree platform or along a suspended footbridge high above the floor of the forest. You can also zip from platform to platform - the adrenaline rush is an unforgettable experience. Before taking flight, check the company's safety record, scrutinize your harness and make sure you have a back-up line connecting you to the zip line.

Bird Watching
Costa Rica has almost 850 species of birds. It’s hard not to become enthused about the variety of feathered creatures one encounters in Costa Rica. An experienced nature guide will make any bird watching expedition an educational experience. Sunny Tour offers birding tours and guiding services in the area of Dominical.

Whale Watching
Ballena Tour offers whale and dolphin watching tours in the Ballena National Park, where Humpback Whales are said to gather to breed and have their young. Migrations from the north and south Pacific Oceans means possible sightings in late July through late October and early December through late April. Commonly spotted are the Spotted & Bottle-nosed Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, Pilot Whales and Bryde's Whale. On occasions it will be possible to hear the whales sing, or swim with the dolphins

Waterfalls
The Nauyaca Waterfalls are located some 12 kilometers from Dominical on the highway to San Isidro de El General, these lovely waterfalls are also known as the Santo Cristo or Don Lulo waterfalls. Visitors arrive on horseback to enjoy the beautiful falls surrounded by greenery, and to swim in the large, safe pool.

Natural Diversity and Beauty
Costa Rica comprises only 0.01 percent of the earth’s landmass (less than 20,000 square miles), yet it is home to five percent of the planet’s animal and plant species. There are more species of plants and animals per acre in Costa Rica than anywhere in the world. Bio diversity is evident everywhere: 10,000 species of plants, 850 species of birds, 800 species of butterflies, 500 species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. You don’t have to travel far within the country to experience a different and unique ecosystem: mountains over 12,000 feet; active volcanoes; cloud and rain forests; waterfalls and tropical jungles; banana, sugar, pineapple, coffee, and papaya plantations; mangrove forest and coastal swamps; and beaches and marine environments that support a variety of water fowl, fish and crustaceans.

Costa Rica National Parks and Reserves
Approximately 30 percent of Costa Rica is protected as national parks, biological and archeological reserves, and wildlife refuge. Four national parks, Corcovado, Ballena, Chirripo and Manual Antonio are within a few hours drive of Dominical, while Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge is only 10 minutes away.

Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge
Distance from Dominical: Approximately 3 km.

With 330 hectares of wall-to-wall wildlife, this privately owned rainforest habitat is a rewarding ecological experience that must not be missed. Guided canopy tours, naturalist-guided rainforest hikes, bird watching, platform wildlife viewing, tree climbing, butterfly garden and jungle excursions are among the main attractions. For families and couples preferring to take things at their own pace, the 7km self-guided trails and 3km of pristine beach offer a refreshing way to spend a memorable morning or half an afternoon. On a lucky day, some visitors have been known to report non-stop sighting of wildlife in playful actions.

Ballena National Marine Park
Distance from Dominical: Approximately 20 km.

This park is 5,400 hectares of mostly ocean. It is the home of the Pacific coast's largest coral reef. Humpback whale sightings are common at Ballena Island between December and April. Several types of sperm whales are also seen near Tres Hermanas (three sisters) Islands. Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles nest on these beaches during May to November (rainy season). The ranger station is in the small seaside community of Bahia, just south of Uvita.

Manual Antonio National Park
Distance from Dominical: Approximately 35 km.

Although this park is small in area (only 1687 acres), it is rich in inhabitants. Over 100 species of animals and nearly 200 species of birds live in the park. All three species of monkey 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. Just off the beaches of Manual Antonio lies another world worth exploring. When the water is clear, snorkeling reveals bright, florescent-colored fish swimming among the corals. The best snorkeling sites are located near the rocky sections at the ends of the beaches. Further out, the park encompasses twelve islets just off the coast where it is possible to see dolphins and migrating whales.

Corcovado National Park
Distance from Dominical: Approximately 150 km.

Comprising 54,540 hectares on land and 2,400 hectares of sea, this is the site of stunning waterfalls and the country's largest tract of virgin forest. It 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. As much of the wildlife is nocturnal, the experience is even more intense after dark.

Chirripo National Park
Distance from Dominical: Approximately 50 km.

San Gerardo de Rivas, near San Isidro, is near the entry of 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. The park may close during rain and pack horses are not permitted on the trail during the rainy season. Crestones shelter has rooms with bunkbeds, shared ice-water baths, shared kitchen, and solar electricity. Temperatures can drop to as low as 20 degrees F. at night.

Cano Island Reserve
Distance from Dominical: Approximately 100 km (land and sea).

Located about an hour boat ride from Drake Bay, this uninhabited island is renowned as a diving spot. Trails on the island lead to a pre-Columbian cemetery and several of Costa Rica’s mysterious stone spheres. Mystery shrouds the 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. Some researchers believe the pre-Columbian ancestors of the Boruca Indians made the spheres to represent the earth and the cosmos. Others believe they were ancient navigational markers.

Other Local Attractions

• Botanical gardens
• Photography
• Language school
• Latin dance
• Cultural and educational opportunities
• Morning and evening walks on quiet beaches
• Sign up for a Yoga or Tai Chi session
• Massage therapy in the garden or by the pool
• Private picnic on a secluded cove
• Sunbathing on tree-lined beaches
• Sunset cocktails either with or without the company of others
• Dining in the moonlight or in more active nightspots 

Ride horseback to visit a rustic Indian village, home of the Boruca Indians; learn to weave or create art in their habitat; or spend the day learning cowboy or "campesino" living by roping cattle, mining gold, or operating a sugar mill; Other local attractions

Summing up, there are many activities available in the area. Dominical is a quaint village known as a surfing Mecca that attracts surfers from around the world. Manuel Antonio National Park is forty-five minutes north of the villa and offers sightings of many endangered species. Ballena Marine National Park, named for the whales that are sometimes sighted close to shore in the winter months, is just a few minutes south. World-class fishing, hiking, birding, kayaking and horseback riding are also at your disposal.