Places to Visit & Things To Do

Dominical & Uvita

Dominical and Uvita are two neighboring beach towns located on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

Dominical is a small, laid-back surf town known for its consistent waves and stunning natural beauty. The town has a relaxed atmosphere with a handful of restaurants, bars, and accommodations, making it a popular destination for surfers, backpackers, and eco-tourists. The beach itself is long and picturesque, with palm trees lining the shore and the lush jungle-covered hills in the background.

Uvita, on the other hand, is a slightly larger town located about 20 minutes south of Dominical. Uvita is home to the famous Marino Ballena National Park, which features a unique sandbar formation in the shape of a whale's tail, which is visible during low tide. This area is also a popular destination for snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water-based activities. In addition to the national park, Uvita also has a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and shops, making it a more developed tourist destination than Dominical.

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Dominical & Uvita

Things to do

01.
Marino Ballena National Park

This beautiful park is located in Uvita and offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding rainforest. The park is named after the humpback whales that migrate to the area every year, and you can take a boat tour to see them up close.

02.
Surfing

Dominical is known for its consistent waves, making it a popular spot for surfers of all levels. There are many surf schools and rental shops in the area where you can rent equipment and take lessons.

03.
Nauyaca Waterfalls

This stunning waterfall is located just outside of Dominical and is accessible by a short hike. The falls have a 45-meter drop and there are several pools where you can swim and relax.

04.
Whale watching

Between December and April, humpback whales can be spotted off the coast of Uvita. There are several tour operators in the area that offer whale watching tours.

05.
Yoga and wellness

Both Dominical and Uvita have a thriving wellness community, with many yoga studios and retreat centers in the area. Take a yoga class, get a massage, or indulge in a spa treatment.

06.
Horseback riding

There are several horseback riding tours in the area that take you through the rainforest, to the beach, or to nearby waterfalls.

07.
Sunset at Punta Dominical

This rocky point in Dominical is a popular spot to watch the sunset over the ocean. Bring a picnic and enjoy the view.

08.
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary in Uvita is home to many rescued animals, including monkeys, sloths, and birds. You can take a guided tour to learn about the animals and their stories.

09.
Scuba diving and snorkeling

The waters off the coast of Dominical and Uvita are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and rays. There are several dive shops in the area where you can rent equipment and take a guided tour.

10.
Explore the local cuisine

Dominical and Uvita have many excellent restaurants and cafes, serving up fresh seafood, Costa Rican classics, and international cuisine. Don't miss the chance to try some of the local favorites, such as ceviche, plantains, and casado.

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Lush green rainforest with a distant volcano under a colorful sky