Playa Dominical

Tip

Watch the surfers from the shade at sunset; if you want to swim, Dominicalito, 5 minutes south, is calmer.

Be careful

Heavy shore break, strong rips and a bottom that drops off quickly. Swim only near the lifeguard tower when it's staffed and ask the lifeguards where it's safe; keep away from the river mouth.

Places nearby

• Del Mar Taco ShopFood & CoffeeA super casual outdoor taco and burrito spot just off the main beach in Dominical, at the south end of town near the police station.
• Dominical Surf AdventuresSurf, Boats & Diving · from $67Local guides running white water rafting (Savegre, Guabo, Chorro, Coto Brus), surf lessons at Playa Dominical, river tubing and mangrove kayaking since 2005.
• Costa Rica Surf Camp (Dominical)Surf, Boats & DivingSurf school and camp steps from Playa Dominical; reviewers praise patient instructors, small-group attention and a family-friendly, safety-first approach for all levels.
• Soda y Restaurante El Rincón de DomiSodas & Local FoodFamily restaurant that has been running for about 37 years in Dominical, serving fish, casados, soups, empanadas and smoothies in a calm setting at local prices.
• Fuego Brew Co.Food & CoffeeTreehouse-style craft brewery in Dominical where the Barú river meets the Pacific: house beers such as mango IPA, cocktails, coffee and a kitchen serving Baja tacos and ceviche, with parrots and iguanas around the open-air bar.
• Restaurante Su RazaFood & CoffeeFamily-run restaurant in the center of Dominical known for traditional Costa Rican food at reasonable prices: chicken casado and arroz con pollo are the usual orders.