Visitors to Dominical enjoy convenient access to beaches, eco-adventures and nature tours, and a variety of shopping and dining experiences in a friendly, uncrowded and natural setting. As guests at Villa Bahá, you can easily participate in all the area has to offer while enjoying the benefits of living in a private and comfortable luxury home. After you book your reservation at Villa Bahá, we will send you detailed information on all of the area activities so that you can plan and prearrange desired activities before beginning your trip. Once you arrive at Villa Bahá, you will find our Guest Information Book which includes area maps, brochures, menus from local restaurants and other helpful literature.

Beaches:

With its reputation as a surfers’ haven, many come to Dominical specifically for its beaches. Playa Dominical has some of the most consistent waves in the country and the expert surfers here put on a spectacular show. Surf lessons are available for all levels of experience. Just footsteps away from the beach, is the laid back town of Dominical, with its surf shops, restaurants, internet cafes and shops.

Heading south are many other beaches, each with its own personality. Playa Dominicalito has smaller waves and is good for beginning surfers and families. Further south, are the beaches of Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, including  Playa Uvita, Playa Ballena and Playa Bahia. The national parkcovers 15 km of coastline and extends 15 km out into the ocean. Playa Uvita features the interesting whale tail shaped tombolo – a sandy bridge that can be crossed only at low tides. Marino Ballena is a stop on the migratory route of the humpback whales and from October through March, and it’s common to see mother whales with their babies and adult males breeching the surface.

A favorite of many of Villa Bahá’s visitors, about 20 minutes south of Dominical, is Playa Ventanas which gets its name from the intriguing sea caves that line the north and south ends of the beach. Islands off shore and mist-covered mountains rising up behind the palms, adding to the beauty of this peaceful beach. 

North of Domincal, and visible from Villa Bahá, are miles of sandy beaches, many unnamed and unmarked. Playa Guapil, only 15 minutes to the north, has consistent, often unridden waves and is often deserted.  

Ecotours and other day trips:

Costa Rica is a world-class destination for EcoTourism and Dominical has much to offer. Southern Expeditions and other local companies provide a variety of adventures, such as ocean kayaking, white water rafting, diving, snorkeling, whale watching and more.  Guided or self-guided tours are available at both Hacienda Baru and Rancho Merced. Don Lulo’s Nauyaca Waterfall Horseback tour is a classic Costa Rican day trip, combining leisurely horseback riding, a cooling swim in a waterfall-fed natural pool, and authentic Tico meals.  Other day trip options include visits to nearby national parks, zip lines, a butterfly farm, a serpentarium, and deep-sea fishing expeditions.

Shopping and services:

Dominical is 45 minutes from San Isidro, Costa Rica’s fastest growing town. It is an easy trip from Dominical if you want to stock up on supplies, see a movie or do some banking. Thursday is the day for the popular farmers’ market where you can purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and even locally-made wines. 

Dominical itself has several small markets and fruit and vegetable stands, so that you can enjoy fresh produce at any time. The town has shops and boutiques where you can buy jewelry and other works of local artists. It also has a recently-opened bank with a convenient ATM machine.

If you feel the need for pampering after a few action filled days, you can arrange for massages, facials and other personal services at several local spas.

A variety of restaurants can be found in the area, offering everything from $2 casadas at Tico sodas to pricier gourmet meals in exotic settings. As expected, Dominical is home to many reasonably priced eateries that cater to the surfer set – where surf videos and music play all day.

This page was last updated 27 March 2007.

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