The Dominical area offers an amazing array of activities and adventures. Regardless of the activity, or inactivity, you choose, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience in a spectacular setting.
Surfing
Dominical is known as a surfer's Mecca, with the second longest left wave in Costa Rica. Surfers enjoy good waves year-round. Further south near Golfo Dulce, Pavones and Matapalo, are excellent surfing locations. Pavones, near the Panama border, has one of the longest left waves in the world. Several surf schools provide lessons, which include equipment. Although some rentals are available, experienced surfers bring their own equipment.
Snorkeling/Diving
Pristine coral reefs, together with an abundance of spectacular tropical sea life make for some of the best scuba diving in the world. Twelve miles west of Drake Bay, Cano Island offers some of the most exciting diving within reach of the mainland. Porpoises, schools of rays, and white-tip reef sharks are commonly seen on most dives. Water temperatures in the Pacific are typically in the upper seventies to low eighties throughout the year.
Rafting/ Kayaking
Riverr rafting tours are available at different rafting levels. The Savegre River, a class III river in the mountains outside of Quepos, runs through the cleanest river in the country. Participants go through class II/III/IV rapids with a chance to enjoy great swimming holes and a large variety of birds in the dense primary jungle surrounding the river. The Naranjo River is a class III and IV river for physically fit, excitement-seeking rafters. The river drops steeply from the mountains about Quepos through a beautiful jungle gorge, taking participants on a wild ride to sea level, passing nearby farmlands and palm plantations. Ocean kayaking is also popular along the southern Pacific coast, where kayakers can travel through shoreline caves (depending on tidal conditions) and view pre-Columbian inscriptions on the walls. The caves are rumored to hold to treasures of explorer Sir Francis Drake.
Sportfishing
Costa Rica's Pacific coast is world famous for its sportfishing. Billfishing is very popular, especially from December to June, with world records broken nearly every year. Numerous outfitters offer well-equipped boats and experienced, bilingual captains to provide both the rookie and the experienced angler excellent offshore fishing for marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, and dorado. Offshore fishing in the Dominical area is an excellent economic value. The Dominical area also includes the second largest mangrove system on the Pacific coast of Central America, providing some of the best flyfishing in the world. Inshore action includes roosterfish, snook, snapper, and sea bass. Half-day and full-day charters are available from Quepos, Dominical, Uvita, Drake Bay, Cano Island, and Golfito
Swimming
Rugged, vegetation-covered mountains form the backdrop to Dominical beach. Mainly a surfer's beach, Dominical has gained popularity with swimmers due to the new lifeguard force. Punta Uvita and Ballena National Park offer great places to swim near a small rural village.
Bicycling and Mountain Biking
An adventurous alternative way to see the country, mountain biking has experienced a boom in popularity in recent years. Most tour companies offer biking trips as part of their regular packages. Rental equipment is excellent. Cyclists will encounter a huge variety of breathing terrain - leisure country paths, grueling mountain trails, and open beaches.
Horseback Riding
One of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Costa Rica is on horseback. Guided horseback riding tours may be scheduled from several locations. You can choose tours that take you along beaches and jungle trails and through river crossings to experience waterfalls, mineral pools, and spectacular mountain views.
Canopy Tours
Adventurous participants may enter the forest canopy and see jungle life from a unique and different perspective. Go with a professional canopy guide to a tree platform or along a suspended footbridge high above the floor of the forest. You can also zip from platform to platform - the adrenaline rush is an unforgettable experience.
Bird Watching
Costa Rica has almost 850 species of birds. It’s hard not to become enthused about the variety of feathered creatures one encounters in Costa Rica. An experienced nature guide will make any bird watching expedition an educational experience. Sunny Tour offers birding tours and guiding services in the area of Dominical.
Whale Watching
Ballena Tour offers whale and dolphin watching tours in the Ballena National Park, where Humpback Whales are said to gather to breed and have their young. Migrations from the north and south Pacific Oceans means possible sightings in late July through late October and early December through late April. Commonly spotted are the Spotted & Bottle-nosed Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, Pilot Whales and Bryde's Whale. On occasions it will be possible to hear the whales sing, or swim with the dolphins.
Waterfalls
The Nauyaca Waterfalls are located some 12 kilometers from Dominical on the highway to San Isidro de El General, these lovely waterfalls are also known as the Santo Cristo or Don Lulo waterfalls. Visitors arrive on horseback to enjoy the beautiful falls surrounded by greenery, and to swim in the large, safe pool. |
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