Dominical, Costa Rica, Central America

Usually people only need directions from the San Jose airport, SJO. There are three ways to get to Dominical, not counting the sea. The most common is from the east, via San Isidro (de General). San Jose is where you fly in and either bus or rent a car and head south to San Isidro del General. There you can buy some groceries at reasonable prices and head west (just ask for Dominical). This entire route takes you through cloud forests, mountain ridges, and river valleys and takes about four hours by car and 6 hours by bus (San Jose to Dominical). Coming in from the northern route is always bumpy and in the rainy season is most advisable to come by 4x4. San Jose to Quepos is paved and from Quepos south unpaved. If not distracted by bright lights and shiny cities you'll get here in 5 hours by car and six by bus (direct only). From the south what people do is fly into SJO, then make reservations for Sansa air flight to Palmar Sur and get a car rental to meet them there. From Palmar Sur to Dominical is the best road in the country, thought to support the future plans of an international airport in Palmar Sur. It only takes 45 minutes to drive from the airport to Dominical this way.

The Best way and easiest way to get to Dominical, Uvita and Ojochal from San jose is using Easy Ride Shuttle Services and avoid long "milk run" buses and taxis that almost always, "take you for a ride!", Easy Ride goes directly daily at 8AM from San Jose Hotels to Dominical, this a Door to Door service so its very safe, the drivers well experience travelling in el cerro de la muerte. Check easyridecr.com [1], they come back daily from Ojochal, Uvita and Dominical to San Jose Downtown and San Jose Airport.

The number one attraction in Domincal is the beach and ocean. There's all the ammenities to help you enjoy a safe and exhilarating time. Lifeguards are not a given in Costa Rica yet the Dominical Lifeguard program is world class, including certified lifesavers, jetski, and quad. Fishing and waterfalls tie for second in area attractions. Ziplines, parasailing, caves, horseback riding, yoga, massage, socialising, and hiking are as well favorites here. Parque Reptilandia has local snakes and frogs as well as a crocodile and a Komodo Dragon for a unique experience. Hacienda Baru has very interesting eco tours including a night venture.

How to Get to Dominical?

Dominical beach is famous for its surf, and on any given day you will see local surfers as well as foreign surfers hunting for perfect waves or just hanging out in a very relaxed atmosphere. Dominical is recognized by the surfing community as world class, and every year local and international surf championships are held here. There are several businesses to help you accomplish this. Green Iguana Surf Camp is the oldest running full service camp, followed by Dominical Surf Camp with surf pro Rony Obando, next oldest is Alejandro Cerdes and pro Jose "Gato" Montoya's Costa Rica Surf Camp. Tres Olas Surf Camp offers a slightly different package more tailored to good surfers wanting to get better. For one-on-one Steve Fergus at Jazzys River House [3], 16 year old Debbie Zec (506-344-2582) is 2nd in the National Circuit Women's category and gives lessons to young girls wanting to learn. For Surf Tours, Thrusters Surf Compound, El Tubo Surf Shop, and Dominical Surf Adventure Tours for the complete tour packages specializing in surfing, kayaking, and rafting. When the surf's down and you need some relaxing check out The Back Porch Cafe in Pueblo del Rio. They offer a huge book exchange selection and DVD rental as well as a great friendly environment to just hang out in.

Looking to possibly relocate to Dominical after an amazing adventure vacation in the area? Maybe interested in buying some real estate in the area? Dominical Costa Rica real estate has shot through the roof in the past 4 years or so. Prices are expected to rise even higher when the completion of the Costanera Highway takes place in 2009. As a result it can be difficult to find those great deals of days gone by. However, BuyingCR has many exclusive properties located in the Dominical area and besides, who better to call than the experts in Dominical real estate?

Also worth considering is the possibility of a Dominical Vacation Rental home where you and your family can enjoy life on the beach without restrictions and predetermined activities. Your time....your vacation. Read this article on the benefits of Dominical Vacation Rentals

Restaurants are varied and many. "Tipical Comida" is found in every restaurant.

• The Back Porch has vegetarian choices and stateside food
• San Clemente has Mexican American
• Maracatu has Natural Food
• ConFusione has Italian and live music
• Coconut Spice has Thai
• Tortilla Flats has beach seafood
• Thrusters has Extreme bar food
• Rio Mar has steak and seafood
• Nanyoa has budget Costa Rican
• La Parcela has international cuisine in an exquisite setting
• La Macha has seafood

All grocery stores have sandwich makings and dinner preparations. Que Nivel has great food and serves until 2AM. Their food is different from everywhere else. Everyone goes there late night to drink and get a good late night meal.

And for drinks Dominical has plenty to offer in that department.

• The Back Porch has vegetarian choices and stateside food
• Roca Verde. Most popular even if it is only one night a week (Saturday) as the nearby San Isidro city parks itself there
• Tortilla Flats closes early (9pm) but serves it up from breakfast until then and is perfect for a surf and a beer or three.
• ConFusione often has violin music on Saturday nights
• Maracatu has ladies' nights, reggae nights, and live nights
• Thrusters is pretty much on all the time
• Cocos is all about the Tico flavor and terrific for sports nights with the big screen TV
• San Clemente has Friday night covered with a discoteque rockin
• Que Nivel has happy hour every night from 6pm-8pm. Also they have weekly events

For the Top 10 list of things to do in Dominical, please refer to our blogpost here. (Top 10 Things to Do in Dominical)

There's even a delivery service, NightFlight, in town to get booze and food to your vacation home until three in the morning.

If you are a business owner in the Dominical beach area and would like us to link to your web site within our "About Dominical, Costa Rica" section, please contact our advertising department for more information on our "Link 4 Link" program.

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