Inside the aircraft is an Airbnb. Visitors can observe these animals in their natural habitats by taking guided tours through the surrounding forests or by simply walking along the beaches and listening for their calls. It all started about 10 years ago with an amazing two-week vacation . Uvita. Speaking of fish, world-class charter fishing is available 30 minutes north on the coastal highway in Quepos. Zoos are forbidden in Costa Rica, but animals which cant be released into the wild because of previous domestication or injuries can be displayed and cared for. Up in the mountains, in the Escalares neighborhood, is Dominicals only fine dining restaurant. Get 10% off and free extras with our discount. Learning Spanish is beneficial but not necessary, as many locals and business owners speak English. The healthcare system in Costa Rica is of a high standard, with clinics and hospitals easily accessible from Dominical. In Front Of The Soccer Field, Tip: Unless you are staying right in town, you will want a rental car to get around the Dominical area. Medical care is another hot topic when retiring, and Costa Rica is very proud of its facilities. The cost of living is relatively affordable, with a variety of housing options available, from beachfront villas to jungle hideaways. Located right off the highway south of Dominical, up a steep road. Visitors can choose from properties located in the heart of town or those located outside of town, in more secluded and peaceful areas. Immigration & Customs Information|Central America, Bird Watching Paradises of Central America, Study in Central America|The Universities. By the way, youre getting these annoying little square ads blocking some of you text on almost all you pages. Visitors can participate in farm tours, workshops, and even volunteer programs, gaining insights into sustainable food production and connecting with the local farming community. We spent nearly five years living near Dominical. Dominicals beaches are some of the most beautiful in Costa Rica, with miles of pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. One of the best things about Fuego is the ambiance. Accommodations in Dominical are fairly spread out. This is a common car here, they are reliable, and the parts are usually available. A variety of tiny coastal villages extend up and down the peninsula. This hotel has six spacious, tastefully decorated rooms. Cost of Living in Costa Rica - 2023 prices. - Expatistan Miscellaneous: Most people practice yoga, average $10 a class, twice per week. Dominical boasts a vibrant food scene that showcases the regions fresh, organic produce and sustainable dining practices. Dont freak out and think that Dominical is riding some bubble thats about to burst or that its on its way to becoming a tourist trap. Costa Ricas Southern Pacific coast, renowned as the Southern Region, is a location of authentic, natural beauty. | 7 Comments Dominical is a small, laid-back beach town on Costa Rica's southern Pacific Coast. Also along the main street is a new plaza with a doctors office, medical lab, and pharmacy. The Marino Ballena National Park, located just south of Dominical, is a protected area that is home to humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles, which can be seen during certain times of the year. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. On her off days, Kelly says, I go to the beach all the time and I try to discover new beaches that Ive never been to. Although the main drags of Dominical still evade the big hotel chains and resorts, Dominical is more than your average lazy beach town. Though not great for swimming, the beach is backed by lofty palm trees, perfect for lounging. It embodies the pura vida essence of an old Costa Rican beach town but with new vigor. Closer to town (in Dominicalito) is a smaller waterfall called Pozo Azul. *We value your privacy. El Avion translates to the plane, and next to the restaurant, you will indeed find a full size passenger plane set in the jungle. Attracting a mix of hippies, surfers, digital nomads, local Ticos, and long-time expats, Dominical has a truly unique vibe. Explore: Stop by Reptilandia if serpents from around the world beckon to you. Right at the entrance to town is a plaza with. Hospitals and private treatments are also reasonable and can be balanced with the availability of insurance. Fortunately, the coastal highway (La Costanera) was completed in 2010 and now you have smooth well-maintained pavement the whole way. Whale and dolphin watching tours typically leave from the beach in Uvita and are a fun way to see the beautiful green coastline. These pools are about a half-hour into the countryside, surrounded by lush jungle and next to a rushing river. We stayed here recently and loved it. The much-adored small coastal town vibe brings in many tourists, backpackers, and surfers looking for more than just great surf. But, wait. Since Lapazul is surrounded by thick jungle, there are a lot of birds and wildlife. No-hype updates & resource guides. Dominical is the first village that can be accessed in this zone when youre traveling south on the southern highway. $100-170/night. And its exactly what youll find on the, Dominical Is in a Great Spot Development-wise, But, wait. Your email address will not be published. In the next few years, this area will grow exponentially as its only a three-and-a-half-hour drive to the airport in San Jose or a 20-minute flight to San Jose from Quepos on Sansa, the 12-passenger puddle jumper. Someone is squatting on your digital real estate. Beginner and intermediate surfers prefer the waves here. Beginner and intermediate surfers prefer the waves here. Despite its remote location, Dominical has a reliable internet connection, making it a suitable place for digital nomads. This is a place to take your time and to peruse the various offerings in the back-to-back restaurants, bars, souvenir stores, hostels, and cabins. Tip: Be careful parking in town along the paved road. Hi John, let me address your issue of bugs in the tropics. Each has a private balcony to take advantage of the ocean and sunset views. Also nearby are the Eco-Chontales Waterfall and Diamante Waterfall. Some bite, some dont, some just buzz your face. Dominical is part of a larger area known as the Costa Ballena (Whale Coast). Required fields are marked *. This is only really enforced along the paved road. Yes, surfing is the number one draw for the majority of people who visit Dominical, but it certainly isnt a requirement for those who want to live in this coastal paradise. There are trails for all abilities. In reality, its world-famous, attracting surf fans from around the world to this tiny village in the province of Puntarenas in Costa Rica. For good, cheap local food, head to Cafe Ensueno. Read on for comprehensive details of the pros and . Dart leagues and card nights are very popularBYOB. The two-bedroom villas are a great option for families or groups. One of the best ways to explore the magnificent mangrove ecosystems in Dominical is by kayak or stand up paddleboarding tour. Dominical town center is right off the highway, tucked next to the Baru River. Up in the mountains, in the Escalares neighborhood, is Dominicals only fine dining restaurant. A Locals' Guide to Dominical - Two Weeks in Costa Rica Its a little way up the road from Dominical in the lush green mountains, where the swirling ocean breezes keep the temperatures in the lower 80s during the day, falling to the comfortable mid-70s at night. The most popular time to visit is during the dry season (Dec. April), though during the wet season (May-Nov.) you'll find cheaper rates at most hotels and hostels. Villas Alturas is a boutique hotel with a handful of contemporary villas. The wild jungle, picturesque waterfalls, and sparkling Pacific remain the pillars of Dominical and shouldnt be missed. And there are still some great deals to be had on real estate in Dominical. Tamarindo/Flamingo/Potrero/Playa Grande/Playa Hermosa, SOUTH PACIFIC COAST The real estate in this town, whether you rent or buy, is also more affordable. While Uvita, popular with adventure travelers, has low- and mid-range hotels and the best eco lodges in the area. Dominical, Costa Rica is a small but growing town on the South Pacific coast that is best known for its waves among surfers. Embracing Sustainable Living in Dominical, Costa Rica: A Paradisiacal Likely the most popular attraction in the Costa Ballena is a hike to Nauyaca Falls, which are a bit north of Dominical, on the road up to San Isidro. Contact our expert real estate team to get all of your questions answered. Behind the beach, the breeze rolls through the trees among red, yellow, blue and green blankets ruffling in the wind along the shady market road where vendors display colorful mementos of your time spent in this tranquil beach town south of Manuel Antonio. Click one of our contacts below to send them a WhatsApp message. Pacific Real From all the surf schools and yoga studios to the rainforests and caves to explore. We dare you to try to run out of things to do! But honestly, these bugs are no reason to dissuade an individual to live in the tropics. Coronado is one such place. I see you rarely if ever comment on your readers posts, even if they are asking you a question. It is suitable for those searching for a comfortable lifestyle, with modern conveniences such as high-speed communication services and stable electricity supply, as well as conveniences such as supermarkets that are filled with fresh and sustainable items and foreign restaurants. A weekly tradition for some time now is the Eco Feria Organic Farmers Market. Learning Spanish is beneficial but not necessary, as many locals and business owners speak English. Ruths shop, on the first corner, even makes handmade clothing. Estate, All This adults-only hotel is right off main street in Dominical but is truly a peaceful oasis. Many of these accommodations utilize renewable energy sources, employ water conservation measures, and incorporate sustainable materials in their construction. Located adjacent to a protected reserve, Diamante Falls is a series of seven waterfalls beginning at 3,300 ft that cascade down a lush green rock face. Required fields are marked *. Villa Alturas features many of the regions animals, including monkeys, sloths, parrots, macaws, and many other birds and mammals. About 45 km south of Quepos, once you begin approaching Dominical, you will be struck by the wonder of the cascading, jungle-covered mountains reaching towards the azure ocean. The cultural capital of Costa Rica is also in San Jose. This beach sits in a sheltered cove so the waves arent as intense. Our office is located on the southern portion of the Costa Ballena but we are very familiar with all of the residential regions from north of Dominical all the way south to Ojochal and beyond. No-hype updates & resource guides. It is, however, important to note that the waters of Playa Dominical are most welcoming to intermediate and expert surfers who understand ocean safety and know how to read the tides and currents. .Read More, Copyright 2012-2023 Two Weeks in Costa Rica, Inc. However, these things just add to what we love about the town and even improve it. Hike up the Diamante waterfalls and sleep overnight in a natural cave. The Costa Ballena: Uvita, Dominical, and Ojochal Rental housing is limited here, so most expats rent for six months or so, while they either search for existing housing or buy property and find a contractor to build. On the opposite side of the highway is a plaza with the Dominical Market (Super Dominical). It remains a unique and beautiful region in Costa Rica. Rent: A furnished house with two to three bedrooms can be had for $900 to $1,200 a month. Other activities available in Dominical include horseback riding, zip-lining, and exploring the mangrove forests in the nearby Terraba-Sierpe National Wetlands. The unspoiled beaches, wildlife, and jungle are the essence of this region, which makes it a special part of Costa Rica. Email us today with your ideal property specs and we will put together a list of great options for sale that meet your criteria. $200-350/night. Thankfully there is growing movement to take better care of Panamas natural resources. The property has a nice pool overlooking the sea. No Spam. The most renowned of these geological formations is Whale's Tail, a rocky beach connected to a sand bar shaped like the flukes of a humpback's tail in Uvita Beach. We are proud to be a local company with an expert team that is knowledgeable in all aspects of handling your real estate transaction in Costa Rica. Real estate agents arent licensed here, but there are many experienced professionals who can speak English and will help you find what youre looking for. The Costa Ballena: Uvita, Dominical, and Ojochal This post covers the general area from Dominical south to Uvita and Ojochal. Want to know more about life in Dominical or elsewhere in the Costa Ballena? Other nearby beaches, like Playa Hermosa and Uvita Beach, offer additional opportunities for surfing, swimming, and snorkeling.