The Only Article You Need to Read about Dominical, Costa Rica
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?
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How much does it cost to rent a house.
Do you guys every answer the posts and questions here?
Hi John, Certainly! Have a question?
Can anyone help me find a rent home willing to do a long term lease. Looking for 2-3 rooms need a pool.
I thought you put Nosara as the number one place. So which is it, Dominical or Nosara?
By the way, you’re getting these annoying little square ads blocking some of you text on almost all you pages. Someone is squatting on your digital real estate.
I hope you answer here. I see you rarely if ever comment on your reader’s posts, even if they are asking you a question.
I’d like to ask one more question, this time about Panama. I’ve read that many of the beaches there are unfortunately subject to incoming waves of Pacific garbage. Coronado is one such place. Is this true?
Also, in your opinion, which are the best boogy board beaches in C.R., Nica. and Panama.
I’d also like to request a really in-depth comparison between the above three countries for living.
Thanks for a great blog!
Hi John, let me address your issue of bugs in the tropics. Yep, we’ve got bugs, you’ve got bugs in the USA, and just about everywhere in the world. Some bite, some don’t, some just buzz your face. But honestly, these bugs are no reason to dissuade an individual to live in the tropics. As always, we suggest you take 6 months and live in the place you are interested in relocating. See how those bugs treat you. As for garbage on the Pacific coast of Panama, I have visited those beaches frequently. If, and that is if, there is trash on the beach, it mostly likely did not wash up and was more likely left by individuals visiting the beach. Everyone should take out what they take in, but there does exists a cultural factor of the tropics in which not everyone is responsible for their personal trash. Thankfully there is growing movement to take better care of Panama’s natural resources. Meanwhile, I will check on those boogy board questions, that would make for a great lifestyle article.