Uvita & Dominical: The Ultimate Guide

While not many tourists make it down the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica much further than Manuel Antonio, it’s actually where the real fun’s getting started. Driving South to Dominical and Uvita you’ll find remote beaches, lush jungles with an abundance of wildlife, impressive waterfalls, and empty line-ups. I’m telling you; this is where you need to be. After visiting this area several times, it’s safe to say you will find paradise if you put in the extra effort. Are you ready to explore Dominical and Uvita with us?

What to do in Uvita & Dominical

Surf in Dominical

Dominical is a proper surf town. Walking around this tiny beach village, you’ll spot many barefoot people with a surfboard under their arms, either going or coming from the surf. It’s a consistent surf spot, offering waves basically 365 days a year. While summer (December – February) offers mellow, clean waves, the swell season (March – September) can offer some pretty gnarly barrels and big waves. Along the 2 km beach of Dominical, there are several beach breaks which get better (less close-outs) closer to the river mouth. However, this is also where the currents get stronger, so do be aware of that. The waves work best with a South swell with incoming mid-high tide.

Girl surfing in Dominical Costa Rica with pelicans

Visit Marina Ballena National Park

There are many beautiful national parks in Costa Rica, but none of them has a beach shaped like an actual whale tail. Though for spotting it you would need a drone (and low tide), it is quite a remarkable fact that this beach is shaped like that, as Uvita is also well known for its huge population of humpback whales from July till October. While in national parks like Manuel Antonio or Monteverde, you stumble over the heads of people, Marina Ballena National Park isn’t as famous. Especially when you visit early in the morning, you’ll be able to enjoy this place in all its quietness. Explore its lush nature, relax at the beautiful beaches, and spot lots of wildlife both on land and offshore. The park is open from 7 AM to 6 PM daily.

Nauyaca Waterfalls

Tucked away in the rolling hills 20 minutes from Uvita, Nauyaca waterfalls feel like something pulled straight out of a fairytale. Picture two majestic waterfalls tumbling more than 60 meters into pristine emerald pools. It could easily be a scene from Disney’s Jungle Book. The 1-hour walk toward the waterfalls and natural pools is a nice warm-up (literally) to what you can expect. It’s a scenic walk through lush jungle where you will be accompanied by howler monkeys and toucans. When you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning scene, refreshing natural pools, and even some cliff jumping for the daredevils among us. Visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls will be a highlight of your trip. We dare to say these are the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica.

Planning a visit? Go early day to avoid the heat and crowds!

Whale watching in Uvita

Uvita is probably most famous for its whale watching. From July till October this is the place to be to spot humpback whales with their babies. You’ll probably be able to even spot their sprays or jumps from the beach as the whales swim quite close to shore.

Catarata Uvita

This beautiful waterfall is close to Uvita town and has several pools to cool down in. Surrounded by lush jungle, you’ll be able to spot all kinds of butterflies, monkeys, birds, and lizards on your walk up to the falls. Though definitely not as spectacular as Nauyaca Waterfalls, visiting Catarata Uvita can be a fun activity early in the morning or at the end of the day (less crowds).

Tropical flower at Cataract Uvita in Costa Rica

Visit Playa Ventanas

Both Uvita and Dominical have amazing beaches on offer. But the most beautiful one can be found at Playa Ventanas. Arguably one of the most beautiful beaches of Costa Rica, Playa Ventanas is a great spot to be a beach bum for a day. At the Northern end of the beach are some caves large enough to walk into. While most of the beaches in Dominical and Uvita are surf beaches with bigger waves, Playa Ventanas is more sheltered, offering a bit calmer waters.

Surfers in the streets of Dominical Costa Rica

Phat Noodle street art in Dominical Costa Rica

Where to stay in Dominical

Finding a nice place to stay in Dominical and Uvita is, frankly, not easy. Prices are relatively high in this area, especially for what you get. While nature makes up for a lot, you do want so sleep in a comfy bed, have a delicious breakfast and feel the holiday vibe, right? We found you some stunning options where views, service, and hospitality are top-notch.

Lapazul Boutique Hotel

If you’re in desperate need of a place to wind down, relax, and do nothing, then Lapazul is where you need to go. In the hills of Dominical this beautiful boutique hotel offers you all the tranquility you never knew you needed. After a long winding road straight uphill (hi, 4×4! Again) you’ll arrive in a haven of jungle tranquility with probably the best view in town. We couldn’t get over it; we were mesmerised by it the whole day through. So you can imagine, we didn’t leave the pool much as we loved the changing views from morning rainbows, to sunny afternoons, to epic sunsets and skies full of stars. We did pauze our lounge sessions for the delicious food which is absolutely worth mentioning. Try their ceviche or shrimp pasta, or actually, just try it all as there won’t be a thing you won’t like.

Girl by the pool at Lapazul Boutique Hotel in Dominical Costa Rica

Ceviche at Lapazul Boutique Hotel in Dominical Costa Rica

Cocktail at Lapazul Boutique Hotel in Dominical Costa Rica

Breakfast at Lapazul Boutique Hotel in Dominical Costa Rica

Bedroom at Lapazul Boutique Hotel in Dominical Costa Rica

Restaurant at Lapazul Boutique hotel in Dominical Costa Rica

Sloth in the garden of Lapazul Boutique Hotel in Dominical Costa Rica

Art Villas

Are you looking for a spectacular stay in Costa Rica? Then look no further, as Art Villas is exactly that. They offer different accommodation types ranging from the cutest pods for you and your other half, to a luxury design villa that can be enjoyed with a group of up to 10 friends. It’s a proper adventure getting up the hill and finding this spot, so be prepared and get yourself a 4×4. Once arrived, you won’t have to move much any more as there’s a gym, massive kids room including a climbing wall, infinity pool, and yoga shala that will entertain you for sure.

Swimming pool at Art Villas in Uvita Costa Rica

Infinity pool at Atelier house at Art Villas Uvita

Favourite restaurants in Uvita & Dominical

Not many people know this, but the area of Uvita, Dominical, and Ojochal is actually a foodies heaven. Due to the large expat community here, there are many different cuisines on offer. With so many restaurants available we guarantee you’ll have lots of delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners during your stay here.

Sibu Cafe | Uvita

Our favourite hangout for breakfast, lunch, and work sessions. I lost count of the many times we visited this place as we always stop here if we’re driving through Uvita. They make a great Frappuccino, an absolutely amazing Trout Bagel, and definitely win the bread and cake game in the entire area. Staff is also always super friendly!

Phat Noodle restaurant in Dominical Costa Rica

Phat Noodle | Dominical

Another favourite that we never fail to skip if we’re in town. This food truck restaurant with fairy light picnic seating has such a good vibe, delicious Asian fare, and really nice guys serving you. The bowls of food are huge and never disappoint. But my absolute favourite thing here are the crab wontons (and their cute dog looking for leftovers and cuddles)!

Mono Congo | Dominical

If you’re in desperate need of good coffee, then Mono Congo is your spot. This relaxed cafe by the river serves any type of coffee you can think of, yummy pastries, and good breakfasts. It’s a nice hangout, although you might wanna bring your mozzie spray.

Breakfast burrito at Mono Congo Cafe in Dominical Costa Rica

Food at restaurant Scala in Uvita Costa Rica

Scala | Uvita

Up in the hills of Uvita you’ll find Restaurante Scala along a winding road. Scala is a bit more upscale than most places around town which makes it a great option for date night or if you’ve got something to celebrate. Everything we tasted here was great; cocktails, wine, food… you name it and they’ll make it delicious. They work with a lot of local ingredients and recipes, and offer a lot of seafood on their menu.

La Parcela | Dominicalito

It’s easy to miss the turn-off to this beautiful restaurant, so make sure to pay attention to the signs if you’d like to go here. Situated between Uvita and Dominical, La Parcela is located on a rock overlooking both Playa Dominicalito and Playa Hermosa offering you the perfect lunch spot with a view. The food is good (but not mind-blowing), but it’s mostly the view that makes this place worth visiting.

Cocktail at Restaurante La Parcela in Dominicalito Costa Rica

Live la Pura Vida in Uvita and Dominical

Uvita and Dominical are a great stop on your way down South for many reasons, whether it be surfing, food, or jungle exploring. Even if you don’t want to travel around too much, Uvita and Dominical are a great base from where to visit other highlights or to just wind down completely and absorb that Pura Vida. While most tourists tend to stick to the North, it’s actually the South where the magic happens. Are you ready to get mesmerised?

Pura Vida,

Marthe

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