Imagine an oceanfront paradise with sun-kissed beaches, perfect waves, prime fishing, and a variety of incredible outdoor adventures all accessible just beyond the front door of your vacation home. Welcome to Dominical, a Pacific Coastal town located in the Bahía Ballena de Osa District of the Puntarenas Province in Costa Rica.
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Yes, 9 of our Dominical homes allow dogs—so feel free to bring Fido along. (Just make sure to check individual home listings for any limits on the number and size of dogs they allow).
Browse dog-friendly homes >Yes. 26 of our Dominical vacation rentals have internet access, so you can stay connected throughout your trip.
Browse homes with internet access >Absolutely. Our local Dominical team includes professional housekeepers who care for all our homes here. They’ll clean thoroughly and restock amenities, so everything is ready for your arrival—and all you have to do is settle in and relax.
Learn more about Vacasa Premium Clean >Like Jacó, it's neighbor on the coast, Dominical has recently transformed into a popular tourist destination, access has become easier with ground transportation delivering guests from various points on the map. If traveling down from Quepos (about 30 miles north), the journey by car can take about an hour. Trips up from the south usually originate in Palmar Sur (home of the Palmar Sur Airport) and follow one of the nicest roads in the entire country. Alternatively, daily, low-cost shuttles can be hired from the Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose, about 100 miles away. This four- to six-hour trip will take you through dense forests, along mountain ridges, and across picturesque river valleys - all the fantastic sights you probably want to see anyway!
While many head to Dominical to sunbathe on the beaches and enjoy a quiet and well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of the big city, a number of visitors make the journey to experience first-hand one of the most exciting surfing destinations in Central America. Playa Dominical offers one of the largest waves in the entire country making it very appealing to experienced surfers from around the world, several of whom have actually retired to the area!
Those up for a challenge can brave the barreling waves, while others may want to take things slow and start with a class or two. Dominical is home to several surf shops and camps to help you get up and stay on your board!
If you choose to stay close to town, there are a number of restaurants and bars including Cafe Mono Congo right on the Baru River for Costa Rican specialties (and excellent WiFi), Phat Noodle for delicious Thai food, and the Del Mar Taco Shop for comida delicioso!
Head out on the water for inshore or deep sea fishing trips arranged through local charter companies. Try your hand at landing a number of local varieties including Dorado, Marlin, Red Snapper, Sailfish, and even Tuna! Or make arrangements for a whale watching tour and keep your eyes out for migrating humpback whales.
With lush jungles, rushing rivers, and mountains all close at hand, visitors can book rafting excursions, hikes to impressive caves and spectacular plunging waterfalls, as well as find excitement on a treetop zip line tour. And just five miles outside of town, be sure to visit the Reptile Park, a family-friendly zoo specializing in local snakes, frogs, and lizards!
Escape to the beachfront town of Dominical, a Costa Rican surfer's paradise, and enjoy it all from one our spectacular vacation rentals.
