They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So when it comes to convincing you as to why you should consider living in Dominical, Costa Rica, all I should really have to do is show you this.
Josh Linnes
That’s the view from what will be the site of our next development, high on a hill overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean and arguably the best surfing destination in Costa Rica.
Still not convinced?
Well, just in case you need a little additional persuasion, here are 4 more great reasons Dominical, Costa Rica, is THE best place to live and invest in Central America.
It’s Quintessential Costa Rica
When most people think about Costa Rica, they picture magnificent lush green mountains teeming with wildlife that tumble directly down onto sandy white beaches where impressive waves wash up under the shady palms.
It sounds like a postcard. And it’s exactly what you’ll find on the shores of Dominical.
Not only does it look like the Costa Rica ideal, it has the same natural, laid-back feel you’d expect from a top tropical destination. From all the surf schools and yoga studios to the rainforests and caves to explore.
Dominical also boasts enough development and consumer options to get you by, but it’s far from becoming North Americanized or touristy. Most of the streets in town are unpaved, giving it a quaint, rustic feel.
PROVíctor Bautista
Dominical Is in a Great Spot Development-wise
On that note, it’s also worth mentioning that Dominical is currently at a crucial turning point in its development. While most of the roads within the city limits are dirt, the highway leading TO Dominical has been recently paved.
As a result of this improved access, things just got a lot more interesting in and around Dominical, Costa Rica. Property values are on the rise. New developments are being planned all over the area, ours included. This little town is really taking off.
But, wait. Don’t freak out and think that Dominical is riding some bubble that’s about to burst or that it’s on its way to becoming a tourist trap. Dominical has a long way to go to catch up with some of the other popular destinations in Costa Rica. And there are still some great deals to be had on real estate in Dominical.
So, its rapid development doesn’t mean it’s time to get outta Dodge. It means that big things are happening in Dominical, and you could be a part of them.
Surfing Is Only the Beginning of What Dominical Offers
If you’ve considered Dominical as a possible destination, but worried that it’s only appealing to surfers…think again. Yes, surfing is the number one draw for the majority of people who visit Dominical, but it certainly isn’t a requirement for those who want to live in this coastal paradise.
There are a ton of other things to see, do, and enjoy around Dominical. Here are a few:
- Mangrove exploration – These habitats are disappearing rapidly across the planet, but there are plenty to explore near Dominical. You can hop in a kayak and get up close and personal with all manner of birds, reptiles, and plants that are indigenous to these environments.
- Corcovado National Park – Ranked the third best national park in the world by National Geographic, this 103,000 acre park is home to 140 different mammals, 400 types of birds, plus monkeys, jaguars, and sea turtles.
- Fresh seafood – If you’re into fishing, the waters off Dominical are prime for catching sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and more. If you don’t want to reel in your own, there are plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy the fresh catch while you sit beachside with your toes in the sand. There’s also plenty of fresh produce sourced from the mountain farms.
- Jungle tours – Hop on an ATV or even a horse and head inland to enjoy the beautiful rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife. The Nauyaca Waterfalls are a popular destination nearby, and zip lining through the canopy is a favorite activity of land adventurers.
- Whale watching – The Marino Ballena National Park is an incredible place to see humpback whales. This marine park is a short distance from Dominical.
- Diving and Snorkeling – Another popular day trip from Dominical is Cano Island, which offers some of the best adventure diving in the world. This island boasts an incredible variety of marine life.
Christian Haugen
But the Surfing Is Hard to Beat
I can’t talk about all those other things without at least letting the surfing in Dominical have its fair mention. Because it’s incredible.
With waves over 10 feet high, four kilometers of sandy beach, and warm water, Dominical is a surfer’s paradise. It has long attracted surfers from all over the world.
And, even if you’re not quite ready to tackle some monster waves, there are plenty of surf schools that can help you get the hang of it. And, if not, at least you know that there are plenty of other activities to keep you occupied in Dominical.
There’s a lot more to love about Dominical, Costa Rica, but there’s nothing that compares to experiencing it firsthand. Just think, if that one photo can evoke such strong emotions, what must it be like to see it for yourself?
Something we at VivaTropical get asked all the time is “Where is the best place to live/invest/retire in the tropics?” And the answer to that is…we don’t know.
I mean, we know a LOT of really great places down here. We just don’t know the one that’s best for YOU.
So, while we can’t tell you exactly where you should move or retire to, we can give you a lot of really great options. In fact, we recently did just that when we listed the “Top 57 Places to Live and Invest in the Tropics.”
It’s a free download of over 200 pages of facts and amazing photos detailing what we think are the best overall places to live your life, invest your money, or both.
It’s based on a lot of different factors, such as the cost of living, quality of life, and real estate outlook for each area. I suggest you check out the whole ebook, or at least the places that interest you in the table of contents.
Meanwhile, here are our top three picks, as well as a few others that we think are great up-and-coming destinations.
#1 Nosara, Costa Rica
Nosara, Costa Rica is the perfect example of development done right. When the town was first established in the 1970s, the developer had a master plan to make it a top notch destination, and the residents have carried it out for decades. Most notably, the beach remains free of any high-rises to block the incredible sunsets.
Nosara has top-notch surfing, first-world amenities, and modern conveniences you won’t find elsewhere. Yet it’s not overcrowded or touristy. It’s clean, healthy, safe, and has great schools, making it ideal for young families. And did I mention that it’s breathtakingly beautiful?
Mihai
#2 Cuenca, Ecuador
One thing that attracts a lot of people to Ecuador is its affordable cost of living, but that’s far from being the main reason you should consider Cuenca. While it is less expensive than many expat destinations, it delivers big on amenities, culture, and community.
The best of both worlds, Cuenca offers big city conveniences in a quaint little small-town atmosphere. Its architecture is striking, and it’s rich in history. The town’s many colleges and language schools make it a virtual melting pot of unique people and ideas.
Dark Times Press
#3 Boquete, Panama
One of the neat things about Panama is its incredible infrastructure. And you won’t find many places in Central America as well developed as this expat haven. Decades of North American influence have paved the way for a first-world experience for expats living in Boquete.
But before you think it sounds too much like the U.S., consider the incredible nature that surrounds you in Boquete. Known as the “Valley of Flowers,” the hillsides around the town boast orchids and coffee farms. The rivers offer world-class whitewater rafting. And the rainforests are home to a variety of birds and other wildlife.
Some Honorable Mentions
photo by VivaTropical
#8 Boca Chica, Panama
Though it’s still relatively unknown, or more likely BECAUSE it’s so unknown, this destination scores off the charts on our Real Estate Prediction Meter. This coastal town and its 50+ islands in the Gulf of Chiriqui deliver all the things people love about ocean adventure and island living, but at a fraction of the cost.
As it becomes more and more accessible, we think this area is really going to take off. Its close proximity to David, plus new roads and a newly expanded airport mean big appreciation for real estate investors in Boca Chica.
#13 Dominical, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is truly an amazing place to visit or live. And Dominical has the best of everything this country has to offer. From the unparalleled surfing to the breathtaking panoramic views, this is one place not to be missed.
The town is really growing, but not in a manner that takes away from its natural beauty or the whole idea of what the place is really about. The incredible opportunities to experience nature, plus the renewed interest in the area make it a great option for expats and investors.
You can find out more about these and the other 52 destinations that made our list by downloading our ebook. Take a look! Which one of the top 57 places to live and invest is right for you?
Ever dream about a laid-back beach town where you can forget about it all and surf to your heart’s content? Do you envy the people kicking back in their ocean view homes, watching the world pass them by? You can have all of this and more in Dominical, Costa Rica, a town four hours away from San Jose by car and lining the Pacific Coast. Ever want to know more about Dominical? Here’s your article. We hope to cover all the basics of this paradise in paradise.
Wikimedia
What Is Dominical Costa Rica?
Dominical opportunistically lines the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, right along the South Pacific Highway that runs all the way to Panama City, Panama. It is famous for its surf culture, with plenty of surf schools aiming to get you upright on the waves, as well as the thriving marine life off the coast, like whales.
The people here are very much in tune with the earth, appreciating the surrounding rainforest full of flora, fauna, waterfalls, and caves, all there waiting for you to explore.
For those that want to get more in tune with themselves, yoga studios have popped up in town, and the rainforest provides the perfect backdrop for some soul-searching. For more information on some great communities in Costa Rica, check out our Costa Rica page.
Where Is Dominical?
Roman Königshofer
As stated earlier, Dominical is located along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, 27 miles south of Quepos. The town itself existed before the highway that has been paved in the recent decade. That was quite a change in the town.
Better Access Leads to More Expats and Tourists
The positives of all this paving is that the town is more accessible to you, but the downside is that more people other than you have access to this town now!
However, Dominical still has dirt roads within the city limits, even some of the main roads, which adds to the laid-back charm of the city.
Casa Ramon
Head to the Hills
Another charming aspect of the city are the plunging cliffs into the sea, a beautiful blue that you only find in Costa Rica. It’s in these hills, areas known as Escalaras or Hatillo, and Legunas, that most expats live.
Here you’ll find the other side of the coin when it comes to what’s amazing about Dominical. The out of this world views from a jungle perched above the ocean are the magic of the area.
Around the town are plenty of natural estuaries and mangroves that are rapidly disappearing across the planet. This naturally lends itself to some great bird watching. For a more general overview, you can check out this site.
What’s the Weather Like?
Similar to other beach towns close by to Dominical, the dry season runs from December until April, and wet season from May until November. The surfing season, however, runs year round, with the premium waves during June through September. The sandy bottom of the sea here makes worries about crashing into rocks drift away.
Temperatures year-round range from 25 degrees Centigrade to 31 degrees Centigrade, typical of the region. There is a lot of rain during the rainy season, with months averaging 22-25 days of rain, but in the dry months of January and February, only 3 days of rainfall on average.
How Did Dominical Come to Be?
The town was first put on the map by the rest of the world by, you guessed it, surfers. In the 1970s, they found this town with reliable waves and settled in.
Besides the random group of surfer-types in the village, not many others traveled to Dominical, Costa Rica. That is, until about fifteen years ago, when naturists started arriving in droves for Dominical, which was at one time a few fishing huts on the beach. The natural beauty remains, though, and you can still walk end-to-end in less than ten minutes.
Now, there are over 700 residents settled here full-time, with high season filling some of the bed-and-breakfasts and cabanas in town. The sleepy village vibe hasn’t been completely lost, though.
What’s the Life Like?
Sergio Quesada
The town itself is decidedly a surfing village, due to the consistent waves found off-shore. That vibe, coupled with the extreme natural beauty surrounding the village, have brought a certain person to settle here.
As mentioned earlier, most expats live above the water in the hills, with supreme ocean views, but others choose to live near the beach, catching the early morning swells. The town appreciates the beauty that is Dominical, trying to carve out an existence within it without detracting from what brought them there in the first place.
What Can I Do in Dominical?
If you haven’t gotten the point so far that there is surfing in Dominical, you should check your glasses! Surfing is KING here in Dominical, and with plenty of places aiming to teach you just how to do it. If you’re looking for lessons, check out Dominical Surf Adventures or Costa Rica Surf Camp. The surf season runs year-round here, but summer months are best with the tropical storms in the Pacific bringing the high tides.
The Eco Life
Ecotourism abounds here in Dominical, with a whole jungle plunging into the sea. Corcovado National Park is nearby, a 103,000 acre park rated by National Geographic as the third best national park in the world. There are 140 different mammals here, and 400 different types of birds. You can hike around, seeing jaguars, sloths, anteaters, monkeys, and amazing sea turtles along the beach. Tours leave from the city, taking a 1.5 hour boat ride to reach the park, and includes about three hours of hiking inside the actual national park.
If you’re into fishing, the healthy ocean awaits you! You can fish for mahi-mahi, sailfish, marlin, and yellow in tuna just outside the borders of Marino Ballena National Park.
Like to be in the ocean rather than on top of it? Well there’s plenty of snorkeling options near Dominical, with many tours making all-day trips of the adventure. You can even combine the excursion with whale watching, knocking out two activities in one! Snorkel through sea caves, alongside dolphins and turtles, all within a national park.
How about the Cuisine?
You’ll find plenty of seafood up and down the coast near Dominical (and we’d expect that, wouldn’t we?). As mentioned in the fishing tour paragraphs above, mahi-mahi and tuna should be a common site on menus. Land-based food is also plentiful, with fresh vegetables coming from farms up in the mountains.
For Dominical (and neighboring Uvita, 12 miles south), you’ll find low to mid-ranged priced food, very typically Costa Rican. Nayoa and Salon Cocal have casados (which is meat, rice, beans, salad and plantains), all for less than $7. Other internationally-focused restaurants include the Mexican restaurant San Clemente’s, Thai restaurant Coconut Spice, and vegetarian Maracatu.
If you’re looking for more expensive dining options, Ojochal, 19 miles south of Dominical, has what you’re looking for, with more fine dining rather than beachside fare.
How Developed Is Dominical?
Roman Königshofer
Dominical is rapidly catching up with the world, though still lags in many of the creature comforts of home. However, most basic needs can be found in town. There is constant electricity in the area, as well as internet and phone services. There is no major hospital in town, but one in Cortés (3o minutes away) is due to be completed soon. For now, a doctor’s office for minor emergencies and a pharmacy should suffice. Blood testing can be done 40 minutes away in San Isidro, which also offers CAT scans.
There is a Bank of Costa Rica branch in town, which also features an ATM machine, accepting VISA debit cards. For internet junkies, you can hook up service to your home, or there are two internet cafés in town.
For security, you’ll find a 24-hour checkpoint at the beginning of town, manned by police. There are about five police officers based at the police station in town.
You’ll find the eco-friendly and arts-centric town offers recycling programs, as well as movie nights and English-language theater!
One major benefit of living in this area is that the entire “Southern Zone” as this area is dubbed is not overrun with development, at least not yet. Despite it growing in popularity over the past decade, there isn’t a major chain hotel to be seen to spoil the virgin coast.
What Do I Need to Live in Costa Rica?
As a North American, you can stay in Costa Rica for at most, three months at a time. You won’t need to get a visa before traveling here, but proof of onward travel is required to gain entry. Though, don’t worry if you run out of days, you’ll just have to leave the country for 72 hours and then return back for another three months! You can even own a car, property, business and be self-employed. How’s that for friendly service?
If you want residency, you’ll have to have at least $1,000 coming in the door. Investment income must be above $2,500 a month. However, you can get around all of this by investing $200,000 in something like property. After three years of this, you can receive unrestricted residency, which requires a $1100 fee for adults and $600 fee for children, and must be renewed each year.
If you earn money outside Costa Rica, that isn’t taxed. Inside Costa Rica, personal taxes are very low. Sales tax is high, at 13%, and you can face import duties of up to 90% for a vehicle. Property taxes are quite low here as well. If you want to leave the country, you’ll have to pay a $25 exit fee.
Map of Dominical, Costa Rica
Dominical, Costa Rica Fast Facts
- Population: A few hundred residents
- Typical temperature: Average temperature is 80 degrees
- Nearest airport with U.S. flights: San Jose, Costa Rica
- Nearest U.S. consulate: San Jose, Costa Rica