Yes, Dominical is perfectly safe for the majority of travelers. The town has a low crime rate and is popular with backpackers and ex-pats who come here because of its low-key atmosphere, and proximity to natural landmarks like Nauyaca Waterfalls, Uvita National Park, and some of the best surfing beaches in Costa Rica.
Where is Dominical?
Dominical is a small beach town on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, in the province of Puntarenas. It is known for good surfing and a relaxed atmosphere. Dominical is 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Manuel Antonio National Park, and approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of San José, the capital of Costa Rica.
Where is Dominical on a map
My experience in Dominical:
I never felt unsafe in Dominical during my 4-day stay. I walked around during the day, spent time on the beach, and took several guided tours. The town consists of a narrow road dotted by tour companies, restaurants, and some hotels, and the beach area. Many places in Dominical are within walking distance from each other, and if you plan to spend your time surfing and enjoying the beach, you can get around on foot.
Is Dominical Costa Rica worth visiting?
Yes, Dominical is worth a visit. Dominical is a quiet beach town with spectacular landscapes and quick access to some of the most scenic places in Costa Rica. It makes a perfect base for your adventures whether you want to surf, hike, or visit some of the best national parks in the country.
Although Dominical is remote, it’s getting more discovered, as more travelers come here to enjoy everything that it has to offer.
Safety tips for Dominical:
1. Keep A Close Eye On Your Belongings
Whether you are in a restaurant, bar, or any public place, always watch your belongings. Dominical is a safe place, but petty theft can happen in popular areas.
2. Be careful in the water
Although Dominical is famous for surfing, it doesn’t have good swimming beaches because of the strong waves. There are a couple of beaches down the shore like Playa Dominicalito, where you can dip your feet in the water. Be aware that lifeguards are not always present on Costa Rica beaches, even during the high season. Always check the weather and see if there’s a red flag on the beach, which means that you should stay out of water.
3. Leave your wallet in your hotel
When you go out, take a credit card and a small amount of cash with you to cover the expenses.
4. Stay away from the beach at night
Dominical beach is completely dark at night, and while wandering around might sound cool, it’s best to avoid it, because you never know who you might run into.
5. Don’t swim at night
Dominical Beach doesn’t always have lifeguards, and if you swim at night, you are significantly increasing your chances of getting in trouble, because there will be nobody to come to your rescue.
6. Carefully review tour operators before booking a tour
Most people come to Dominical because of its location near some of the best beaches and national parks in Costa Rica like Manuel Antonio and Uvita. Taking a guided tour from Dominical is a fun experience, but you should always vet a tour operator who is selling you a tour to make sure they have good ratings.
7. Use plenty of sunscreen
If you plan a lazy beach day, don’t forget to put on plenty of sunscreen. The sun on the Pacific side of Costa Rica can be very strong, and you can easily get a sunburn, especially if you spend your afternoon at the beach. Get a reef-safe sunscreen that won’t bleach corals or hurt the marine environment when you go swimming, snorkeling, or diving.
8. Don’t forget about a mosquito repellent
Using a mosquito repellent in Dominical is a good idea. The town is located in the middle of the jungle and there are plenty of mosquitoes, especially in the jungle. If you plan on hiking or wildlife watching, put a mosquito repellent in your bag.
9. Keep someone back home posted about your plans
One of the best safety tricks that you can use during your trip to Costa Rica is keeping someone back home posted about your plans. This way, you will always have someone who knows about your whereabouts.
10. Trust your gut
While you can take necessary precautions to ensure your safety, it’s important to trust your instincts. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Do I need insurance for my trip to Dominical?
I always recommend buying travel insurance for your trip, whether you are going to Costa Rica or anywhere else. You can take all safety precautions in the world, but you never know what might go wrong.
Whether you lose your documents, need to visit a hospital, or reschedule your flight due to an emergency, good insurance can save you thousands of dollars. I recommend SafetyWing to my readers, my top choice for travel insurance that offers great plans as low as $30, which is ideal for budget travelers and digital nomads in Costa Rica.
Why choose Safety Wing?
SafetyWing has a variety of different plans that are suitable for long-term and short-term travel, and you can choose from different types of coverage. I’ve used SafetyWing several times and always had a positive experience with them, so I recommend you check their rates.
Safe things to do in Dominical
There are plenty of fun and safe activities to keep you busy in Dominical, starting with surfing lessons to taking guided tours. Here is a quick look at some of the best activities in Dominical:
1. Surfing
Surfing is what attracts so many travelers to Dominical in the first place because the town boasts consistent waves perfect for experienced and newbie surfers. If you are new to this sport, there are multiple surfing schools in town like Sunset Surf School, and Dominical Surf School, which has been in business for over 15 years.
2. Visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls
A top highlight of Dominical, Nauyaca is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica. Nauyaca waterfalls are about 10 km (6 miles) from Dominical, and the best way to get here is by car rental, because public transportation is not always available, and taxis could be very expensive considering that it’s a popular tourist place. If you want a less crowded spot, check out Polo Azul, a small swimming hole popular with locals.
3. Exploring Uvita National Park
Home to the famous Punta Ballena, Uvita is a must-stop during your stay in Dominical. Here you can walk around the beach, spot wildlife, and take whale-watching tours to see the majestic whales splashing in the Pacific Ocean. Uvita is about 18 km (11 miles) from Dominical.
4. Snorkeling at Caño Island Biological Reserve
A small island in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, Caño Island is one of the best places for diving and snorkeling in Costa Rica because of its remote location and pristine coral reef teeming with wildlife. Here you can spot colorful fish, turtles, and even dolphins.
5. Trekking through Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge
This underrate refuge was one of my favorite stops in Dominical. I arrived early and enjoyed its trails before everyone else arrived. I spotted monkeys, sloths, and a couple of birds. They also have guided tours and other fun activities for their guests.
How to get to Dominical:
Traveling to Dominical requires some planning because the town is fairly remote and is off the beaten path for many visitors. The majority of tourists come to Dominical after visiting other destinations in Costa Rica, and a trip to Dominical is often combined with a stop at Nauyaca waterfalls and Uvita National Park.
How to get to Dominical from San Jose Airport
The journey to Dominical from San Jose Airport takes about 3,5 hours, and possibly longer, depending on the type of transportation.
Getting to Dominical by car
Traveling to Dominical by car is the fastest and most convenient option, it allows you the most freedom, as you can drive at your own pace and make as many stops as you want. You can rent a car at San Jose Airport in take Route 27 toward the Pacific Coast and then Route 34, which passes through Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. Don’t forget to have cash or credit cards, because you will need to pay for several tolls on your way from San Jose.
Private shuttle
A private shuttle is a good option for those travelers who are looking for a convenient, stress-free ride. You need to book a private shuttle ahead of your trip. Private shuttles from Costa Rica Airport usually cost around $150-200
Domestic flight to Quepos Airport from San Jose
You can fly from San José to Quepos (Manuel Antonio Airport) with domestic airlines such as Sansa or Nature Air. The flight is 25 minutes and usually costs between $80-120. From Quepos, you can take a taxi or bus to Dominical, which is about a 45-minute drive and costs around $60.
Public bus
The most affordable option is the public bus from San José to Dominical. Tracopa offers daily buses that pass through Dominical with buses leaving from the Tracopa Terminal in downtown San José. You will pay $10-$15 per person but will spend most of the day on the road, so be prepared for a long ride.
Where to stay in Dominical?
Most hotels in Dominical are located either along the main drag or a short distance from it in the jungle. If you are looking for a perfect stay in a tranquil setting, book a stay at Hotel Villas Rio Mar located along the banks of the Baru River within walking distance from Dominical. This popular eco-hotel has amenities including an airport shuttle, restaurant, and swimming pool, and it also serves a delicious breakfast.
Best hotels in Dominical
- Nona Beach Hotel – The best hotel in Dominical if you want to be close to the beach. It has a daily buffet breakfast with vegan and vegetarian options and also has an outdoor swimming pool and free parking.
- Pacific Edge Eco Lodge – A perfect stay in the Costa Rican jungle, Pacific Eco Lodge provides cute bungalows where you can enjoy the sounds of wildlife and stunning views all around you. They can help you to book tours in Dominical and book an airport shuttle. Daily breakfast available.
Is Dominical safe: FAQ’s
Can I drink water in Dominical?
While you can drink water in Dominical, it’s better to stick to bottled water. Many towns in Costa Rica have filtration systems, but even filtered water can sometimes have a high concentration of minerals which can give you a bad stomach, especially when you drink it for the first time.
Which side of Costa Rica is safest?
The Pacific side of Costa Rica is safer than the Caribbean side. It has better infrastructure and amenities and better transportation options, making it easier to get around.
Can you swim in Dominical Costa Rica?
Although you can swim in Dominical during the low tide, it’s not the best beach for swimming due to the strong waves and rip tides common here. Swim only if there’s a lifeguard at the beach.
Can you drink tap water in Dominical Costa Rica?
Yes, you can drink tap water in Dominical, but you should always carry your water bottle with you.
Is Dominical safe for swimming?
While the beaches in Dominical are gorgeous, particularly at low tide, the beach itself isn’t the best for swimming. The waves are consistently large and we’d recommend leaving the tides to the surfers of the area. However, excellent swimming beaches can be found just a bit south at Dominicalito, Playa Hermosa, and Ballena Marine National Park.
Dominical safety: final word
I hope you got a good idea about Dominical’s safety, and now can plan your adventure. While Dominical is small, it offers plenty of opportunities for adventure, and as long as you take reasonable safety precautions, you should reduce your chances of risk.