Dominical

Dominical, a pretty and quiet coastal village located 40 kilometers south of Quepos, features a four-kilometer-long beach with warm water in which dolphins and whales are frequently seen. It has an abundance of inexpensive accommodations and restaurants. Swimming here can be a problem: not only are there occasional heavy underwater currents, but the water flowing from the Rio Barn contains sewage that can be a health hazard. Young surfers and backpacking tourists let the powerful waves carry them to the south end of the beach where the water is presumed to be safer.

The beach offers other amusements. There are organized hikes and horsebackriding tours. Some years ago the campesinos (farmers) cultivated marijuana on their fields and tried to lure tourists by this means. But police have now become aware of the problem and are effectively eliminating this illegal crop.