Surfing:


Swimming:

The beach directly below Canto Del Mar is Dominicalito.  It is a great swimming beach that is expansive and fantastic for running and walking.

There is a unique  beach nearby called Playa Ventanas.  It is about 20 minutes south of Dominical and has naturally formed caves which pass completely through a rocky hill to the ocean on the other side.  At low tide you can walk into the caves in a foot or two of water.  The beach there is very nice for swimming and is favored by locals.

Another refreshing spot is only 10 minutes walk from Canto del Mar.  There is a great swimming hole underneath the jungle canopy with a 10 meter waterfall.  The water is fresh and cool, but not cold.  Bring a picnic lunch and join the locals there on weekends.  The water is deep in the middle of the pool and it is not uncommon to see some of the locals diving from the top into the water.  It is a great way to rinse the salt water off after a hot day at the beach.

Fishing:

Fishing in Costa Rica is World Class.  Marlin, Pacific Sailfish, Roosterfish, Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Dorado, and Robalo just to name a few.  Best of all, many restaurants will cook what you catch but fresh fish is available nearly everywhere.  For fishing near Dominical try Cuna del Angel and ask for Zuly.  Zuly will set up a fishing trip you will cherish forever.
The  road to Quepos is almost completely paved and the charters there are numerous at the new Marina Pez Vela.  The guy holding the sail in the picture is my friend.  He and two other guys caught this one and four more like it on on a half day trip out of Quepos.

Zip Line Canopy Tour:

This is a must if you are interested in nature and bio diversity that exists here.  Hacienda Baru is the product of ecologist Jack Ewing (Monkeys are made of Chocolate).  A cattle rancher turned ecologist Jack has an impressive history of living in Costa Rica for many years and fighting for the proper management and preservation of its resources.  Hacienda Baru provides thrilling and educational canopy tours among many other fascinating things.  Highly recommended.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling:

Cano Island lies about 20 miles off shore of Costa Rica.  It is in the Ballena Marine National Park which is protected from fishing.  Marine species that live there are numerous and it is an excellent dive.  There are also local dives and species that you may see are:  Manta Rays, Sharks, Dolphins, Whales, Whale Sharks among many others.

ATV Tours:

ATV tours are available in Dominical and Uvita.  Uvita is about 10minutes south of Dominical.  Will Trotman owns Jungle ATV and I recommend his tour.  His machines are in good shape and the routes available to him take you from sea level to high elevations with views you cannot believe exist.  Waterfalls abound on the tours.  Time permitting a swim in one is refreshing.

Hikeing:

There are numerous trails and dirt roads to walk.  The scenery can change very fast and many different ecosystems can be passed through.

Mountain Biking:

Mar y Selva Ecolodge:(2786-5670) has mountain bikes and helmets for rent and we can help you with trails and planned outings or training of groups.  Tours of the area can also be arranged on mountain bikes with support wagon and food included. This must be prearranged during your reservation process and at least two weeks prior to your arrival.

Ultra Light Tours:

Ultra light Tours:  Take wing aboard a super-light aircraft and fly over mountains and miles of unspoiled shoreline. Located near the beach in Uvita, trips range from a 20-minute introductory flight to a 45-minute exploration of Marino Ballena National Park and its adjacent mangrove forests.

White Water Rafting:

Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world for rafting. Dominical Surfadventures provide rafting and kayak tours.(2787-0431 or 8897-9540)The rainforests form heavenly rivers that are excellent for this sport. We choose rivers without dams for a natural ride. The rivers’ spectacular scenic beauty and tranquility combine with emotions and adrenaline, making it the perfect balance for an experience you won’t forget).
The rivers are good for beginners and experts.

Horseback Riding:

Don Lulo's horseback tour to Nauyaca Falls in an unforgettable experience.  The ride is through the rainforest to pristine waterfalls.  The guides set up ropes to help those brave enough to climb up the falls for the exhilerating jump into the deep pool below.  Tico Times Article can be found here.

Whale Watching:

 Ten minutes south of Dominical lies the National Marine Park of Ballena (Whale).  The migration of Humpback whales through the area is spectacular during the months of December thru April before heading back up north as far as Alaska.

Bird Watching:

Costa Rica's unique position between the America's has given it some of the largest biodiversity in the world.  The birds of Costa Rica are numerous and the colors are astounding and mesmerizing.  Toucans are a daily sight in Canto Del Mar but the other species are equally impressive.  Hacienda Baru has an excellent guided tour for bird watchers.

Dancing & Night Life:

Make no mistake.  While Dominical is a "small" town, Saturday night at Roca Verde on the beach is the place to be.  People turn out from miles around for the live music, dancing and festivities.  San Clemente bar and restaurant in Dominical also has a great night life as do other restaurants and bars in town.  Ask around and the locals will know the hot venue for the evening.

 

Where to Find

Seafood:

Most restaurants in Dominical serve seafood in one form or another.  My favorites are La Parcela for an international menu and an upscale meal.  La Parcela is located on Punta Dominical 3km south of Dominical.  For a casual meal try Tortilla Flats located on the beach in Dominical where surfers, both Ticos and Gringos have enjoyed fresh fish and cold beverages for many years.

Steak:

Steak in Costa Rica will taste different than the average American is used to.  The local beef is healthy, very arguably much more healthy than that found in the US.  The cattle have no hormones or antibiotics added to make them produce grow fatter or faster.  This can make the meat tougher if not prepared correctly and have a "gamey" taste.  La Parcela has a good steak and I must mention Cuna Del Angel's surperb restaurant which would fall into the gourmet category.  The owner of Cuna de Angel lives next door to the Boutique Hotel and regularly dines there.  His attention to detail and demand for the finest can be seen throughout.  Highly recommended, Cuna has a full and various menu of fine foods, wine and spirits.  Walk-ins are welcome but a call before dinner is a good idea to secure a reservation.

Pizza:

Pizza?  In Costa Rica?  Oh yes!  New York style!  Find it at the Rum Bar 100 meters after you turn off of the Costaniera into Dominical on the right.  Very good pizza, wings and cool drinks.  If taking out, call ahead (2787-0028)and allow at least 30 minutes.

American Food:

OK.  We got past the pizza now on to the American.  The Bar Jolly Roger has the best hamburger in the area.  It's that simple.  Only 2 issues to overcome, the ride there (just keep going) and the owner.  One thing at a time.  Head south from Dominical about 10km until you see the entrance to Cuna De Angel on the right....but you turn left, up the hill on the dirt road and you keep going up and up and up for about 1.7km.  You will come to the Bar Jolly Roger on the left.  It is hard to miss so just keep going until you get there.  That's one issue.  The Owner, Storm is from the US and has spent time in Boston and Charleston, SC. as a Radio DJ.  He is a Pittsburgh fan (nut).  Complete with Steeler paraphernalia everywhere.  All the Steeler games are shown on the satellite TV and Storm is just one heck of a nice guy.  Just don't be caught cheering for the other team.  The burgers are great and the beer is cold and the patrons the best.

Italian Food:

One of my favorite places, Confusione has a great menu of Italian dishes with their own twist.  The owner is from Italy, the chef, a master and the Bananas Flamb

é awesome.  It is a little more pricey than some of the other restaurants but the atmosphere and food are worth it.  Drive into Dominical and stay on the main road past the police station and continue along the beach until you come to a straight road on the left.  Go down that road about 100 meters and the restaurant is on the left.

Thai Food:

Coconut Spice is located in the small plaza that is straight ahead as you enter Dominical.

This is a gourmet quality small restaurant that has a definite Thai feel.  I recommend the curries.  The owner is usually there and the food is good.

Sushi:

The Dominical Sushi Restaurant is small on the inside, air conditioning keeps the room comfortable and you can also sit at a table outside.  This restaurant is open from 5 p.m. and accepts both reservations and take-away options. Phone: 8826-7946.

Breakfast:

Breakfast can be found in a number of places.  I recommend San Clemente.  Although the sign specifies  Mexican cuisine, the breakfast includes American entrees such as eggs, bacon sausage, pancakes and French toast.  To get there follow the road into Dominical, bear left and continue for about 150 meters.  You will find it on the left side of a small plaza.    La Parcela also serves a good breakfast but is more expensive.

Bakery:

Cafe Deliciosa.  This is one of my favorites also.  Very good pastry and delicacies.  They will also take orders for cakes, ect.  One year they made a birthday cake for my daughter that was fantastic.  Immediately on the right as you enter Dominical.

Grocery:

There are a few grocery stores in Dominical.  The one I recommend is on left up the hill just south of the entrance to Dominical about 75 meters.  The owner runs the place and has most of the essentials.  Uvita about 15 minutes south of Dominical has a larger store with more to choose from but for a large, American style grocery go to San Isadro.

Car Rentals:

For Car rentals in San Jose if you are driving to Dominical use AAdvantage/Economy Rent a Car. Call Carlos from the US for reservations.(011-506-8882-1616)  Carlos will make sure you get the car you want and at the best price and can also have a car delivered to you in Dominical for a small charge from their Quepos office.  The main office is right by the airport and very convenient.  Tell him "Michael Cook sent you and you want the airport special".

Taxi Service:

Easy Ride Shuttles (2253-4444) provide personal friendly travel in small modern minibuses and Buses Deluxe. We are based in San Jose and love having the opportunity to show off this beautiful country we call home. We service Manuel Antonio, Quepos, Jaco, Puerto Viejo de Limon, Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal, Sierpe, Palmar Sur, Palmar Norte, Coronado,Volcan Arenal, Tamarindo and Monteverde and many other destinations.

Gas and Diesel:

Gas stations are not on every corner as you will find in the US.  There is one in every direction though.  In Uvita, about 15 minutes south of Dominical on the right hand side.  Toward Quepos about 5 minutes north on the left hand side (still a dirt road as of this writing.  In San Isadro about 45 minutes on the mountain road toward San Jose.  They will all take credit cards (if their phones are working).

Spa, Massage, & Yoga:

Bamboo YogaPlay.  Sofiah Thom, the owner, grew up living the healing arts.  The daughter of  healers, and authors, (Solihin & Alicia Thom, Being Human)  Sophia has an extensive resume of  training and education in alternative healing arts.  This becomes appearant in her yoga studio and dedication to helping others achieve balance and well being.  The studio at Bamboo YogaPlay is as nice as you will find anywhere.  The view of the grass and river are tranquil and rejuvenating.  Classes are offered regularly.  Massage is an art and Sophia is an artist giving of herself, absorbing the negative energy of her client.  One of the most dedicated practitioners I have ever met.(8841-7954)

The spa at Cuna del Angel is full featured. Ten minutes south of Dominical.  Massage is also available.(2787-8012 ask for Zuly)

Language Instruction:

Learn Spanish at  Adventure Education Center, located in the heart of Dominical. They offer a range of intensive immersion courses ranging from one week to several months. The center combines small group Spanish instruction with cooking classes and Latin dance, as well as lots of adventure activities.

Surf Lessons:

For those who have never surfed try taking lessons with Janice from Dominical Surf Adventures.  I have advanced faster than I thought possible with the help of Janice and she also helped my two teenage daughters and her friends with their first lessons.  Everyone had a great experience and I highly recommend her instruction.

Internet Access:

Free access is available at Tortilla Flats restaurant or on the beach just in front of the restaurant if you have your own device.(My iPhone worked great)  Or at one of the local Internet Cafes.  The one above San Clemente restaurant is the one I prefer and the rates are reasonable but the speed is not blazing.

Banking:

There is a Banco de Costa Rica and an ATM in the strip plaza, on the hill 75 meters south of Dominical.  Other Banks are present in Quepos and San Isadro.

Pharmacy:

The pharmacy is well stocked and conveniently located in the plaza directly ahead of you as you enter Dominical.

Doctor:

The Doctor in Dominical is fantastic.(2787-0129 or cell: 8865-4064. Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM)  My family has only had one experience when we needed a doctor and it was 7:00 Wednesday night.  My wife went to the pharmacy to see if they could help.  The pharmacist was more than happy to but suggested we ask the doctor as she had not left the office yet.  After speaking with Flora (the doctor) and describing the problem, Flora thought she should see the patient and returned with my wife to our villa.(Yes, a house call).  She was there for quite awhile and her charge was much, much (so low I would feel bad to disclose it, but we did tip her well)less than anyone from the US would expect.  Flora is not the Doctor in charge at the office in Dominical.  That would be Dr. Gonzales.  I have not had the opportunity to meet Dr. Gonzales but some of my friends have and have had excellent experiences.  The consensus here is that the local Doctors are caring and spend much more time with patients than Americans are used to.  Their training and education are superb and is reflected in the average Costa Rican living longer and healthier than their US counterpart.

Dentist:

There is a dentist in Uvita, 10 minutes south of Dominical.(2743-8418 or cell: 8885-8728)  I have not used this dentist so I cannot comment on her practice.

Emergency Medical Care:

There are three Hospitals with Emergency Rooms nearby.  One is south on the Costanera about 30 minutes away in Cortez (ambulance 2788-8177)on the right hand side of the road.  It was finished in 2008 and is considered the most high tech hospital in Costa Rica.  This being said I do not know if it has a trauma center as we know in the US and serious cases may have to be transported to San Jose.  This is the closest right now (fastest to get to) from Dominical.

Quepos has an ER as well.  It is on the Right hand side of the Costanera as you drive from Dominical.  It has been there many years but as of this writing you have to drive on the rough dirt road for a little while before the new asphalt takes over.

San Isadro is about 45 minutes on the mountain road toward San Jose.  There is a large hospital there also.

My choice in an emergency would be Cortez.

Police:

There is a Police Station in Dominical.(2787-0011)  The office is about 300 meters from the Costanera.  Enter Dominical and bear left at the stop sign.  Continue ahead just past the ICE antenna tower.  The office is on the left hand side.

Fire Department:

The Fire Department(2786-6983) is located in Palmar Norte about 45 minutes south of Dominical.