Last updated on January 4th, 2024 at 11:03 am
If you are looking for the best surf spots in Dominical, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, travel tips, and the best surf spots in Dominical.
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About Surfing in Dominical, Costa Rica
Located on the Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, only a 4-hour drive from the capital, San Jose, Dominical is one of the loveliest surf towns in the country. It used to be a small fishing village, but throughout the years, it became famous for its fantastic waves and turned into a well-known surf destination. Dominical is a calm and quiet place, so you will not find fancy resorts or kicking nightclubs. The vibe here is chill and hippie. Moreover, it managed to stay natural and authentic despite all the foreigners that come regularly for the surf and the magic of this place.
Dominical is one of the most consistent surf spots in Costa Rica, producing powerful waves almost 365 days a year. When surfing in Dominical, you can ride epic barrels, but there are also beginner-friendly waves. Therefore, anyone can surf Dominical and have a good time. Besides being a great surf town, Dominical is also a must-stop for surfers on their way south to Pavones.
Surf Spots in Dominical
Playa Dominical:
This is Dominical’s main surfing spot, located right in front of the town. It is a powerful beach break that creates huge barrels that will close out on your head unless you are fast enough to make the section. On big days, only advanced surfers should surf Playa Dominical, as it is too aggressive for beginners. The break in front of the river (Rio Baro River Mouth) tends to be the biggest, and the waves get smaller as you go south on the beach. On rainy days, it is better to stay away from the river as it brings lots of muddy water. This spot works best during high tide or mid-tide. That is to say, it is not recommended on low tide as it closes out on the shallow sand.
Dominicalito:
This beach break is situated about 2 KM south of Dominical, and it is perfect for beginners. In fact, the waves here are always smaller than in Playa Dominical. Therefore, they are suitable for surf lessons or for days when Playa Dominical is just too big. On the southern part of the beach, there is a left-hand point with a mellow break over a flat rock. On some days, you can get some pretty long rides here.
Hermosa (not the famous Playa Hermosa):
This is another beginner spot performing best during mid to high tide. Since it is relatively remote, you can enjoy soft and welcoming waves without people in the water.
Surf Seasons in Dominical
Luckily, you can surf in Dominical any time of the year. Since it is exposed to any swell direction, it produces surfable waves daily. Moreover, the waves in Dominical are always a bit bigger than in any other beach in the area.
In the wet season, between May and November, the waves can get up to 6-10 feet, sometimes even higher. However, in the dry season, between December and April, it will typically be around 2-4 feet. As always, it depends on the swell; we never know exactly what we will get.
Surfing in Dominical can be challenging, as the waves in the main spot are strong, fast, and tend to barrel often. Therefore, you better be at the top of your game to surf in Dominical. Be careful; broken boards are not a rare sight around here.
Surf Camps in Dominical
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world, you can explore Dominical’s surf scene at a surf camp. It doesn’t really matter which one of the camps you choose, as the idea is pretty much the same. The most important thing is to have proper guidance and support in the water to ensure your safety and progress.
These are the leading surf camps in Dominical:
1. Dominical Surf School- find the info at dominicalsurfschool.com.
2. Costa Rica Surf Camp– find the info at crsurfschool.com.
3. Dominical Wave Rider- find the info at dominicalwaverider.com.
4. Sunset Surf- find the info at sunsetsurfdominical.com.
5. Bodhi Surf Yoga- find the info at bodhisurfyoga.com.
6. Kalon Surf School- find the info at kalonsurf.com.
After a few days in one of Dominical’s surf camps, you will be surprised how fast you can learn to surf and how much fun it is.
For more information about surf camps in Dominical, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Dominical
When coming to surf in Dominical, you want to stay as close as possible to the waves. These are some of the most recommended surf hotels in town:
1. Hona Beach Hotel– Set right on the beach in Dominical, Hona Beach Hotel offers beachfront accommodation, a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and a garden.
2. Hostel Antorchas– Hostel Antorchas features accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking, a garden, and a terrace. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen and free WiFi throughout the property.
3. Cool Vibes Beach Hostel– Cool Vibes Beach Hostel offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a shared lounge, and a garden. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen and free WiFi throughout the property.
4. Hotel Tropical Sands Dominical– Hotel Tropical Sands Dominical features air-conditioned rooms, fan cabins, and free private parking. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property. This hotel is a 2-minute walk to the beach and a 5-minute walk to the town center.
For more surf hotels in Dominical, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Can Beginners Surf in Dominical?
As mentioned, there are various surf spots in Dominical to suit all skill levels. Therefore, any surfer, from beginner to advanced, can have fun surfing in Dominical. For instance, the waves in Dominicalito and in Hermosa are beginner-friendly and perfect for surf lessons. In contrast, advanced surfers can ride steeper waves in Playa Tamarindo, just next to the river mouth. In short, just choose your preferred break, depending on your skill level.
Dominical- Travel Information
Language– Spanish.
Currency– Costa Rican Colon.
Electricity– 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US
Population– About 1,000.
Calling code– +506.
Time zone– GMT -6.
Pros– Consistent year-round surf, warm water, quiet and peaceful, and an authentic town.
Cons– water is muddy when it rains, challenging paddle to the lineup.
Other Fun Activities in Dominical
Although Dominical is small and laid back, there is always something fun to do here. For example, between the surf sessions, you can go for a short trip to the many waterfalls around the area or eat at one of the local restaurants in town. Moreover, in the evening you can hang out in one of the bars and meet some great people. Prices here are very low compared to other beach towns in Costa Rica.
Surfing in Dominical is the main attraction, and you will probably focus on riding waves most of your days. However, if you feel like exploring the area a bit more, you can check out any of the following activities:
Nauyaca waterfalls– This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Costa Rica. With a 200-foot height drop divided into 2 sections and a deep natural pool below it to swim and jump, it is a day trip you don’t want to miss.
Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge– You can take a 3-hour guided tour for about $40 or just hike on your own.
Kayak or sup Tour at the Magrove River– A calm and relaxed flow between the Rainforest trees.
Parque Reptilandia– This outdoor park has snakes, poison dart frogs, crocodiles, and many other wild creatures. It will cost you about $12 for 2 hours.
Costa Ballena whale watching– This area is home to many species of whales and dolphins. Therefore, if you are here between August and November, it is totally worth it to go watch them.
Diving and snorkeling at Cano Island– The trip starts in Utiva, and you can see a wide variety of fish, turtles, and, if you are lucky, dolphins and sharks.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, Dominical is a beautiful surf town with consistent waves and a chill atmosphere. Therefore, if you are on a surf trip in Costa Rica, you better dedicate at least a few days to surfing here, as this place is pure fun.
We hope you enjoyed reading this guide to surfing in Dominical. Have a great surf trip!
