Best time to surf Dominicalito

The best time to surf at Dominicalito is April–November.

Dominical, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Sports: Surfing

Best time to go: April–November

Dominicalito is a small bay and hamlet about 3 km south of Dominical, on the Costanera Sur road (Route 34) in the canton of Osa, Puntarenas. A rocky headland at its southern end shelters the bay, so it stays much smaller and calmer than the open beach at Dominical, and fishermen launch their boats from the cove at the south end. There are no lifeguards, toilets or showers, at most a small stand selling drinks by the entrance; surf schools and board rentals are in Dominical.

The beach break has lefts and rights, usually knee to head high, over sand with rocks offshore, and at the right tide a right peels long and mellow for about 100 m. It works on exactly the swells that shut the main beach down: big south and south-west swells, most common from about April to November. The best tide is mid to high: at low tide it closes out and rocks and tide pools are exposed, which makes the paddle out harder. Mornings usually bring light offshore winds from the north-east and east. Further out, The Point is a separate left over a shallow rock ledge that only breaks on big south-west swells, best at low to mid tide, for experienced surfers.

On normal days the bay suits beginners and improvers, and bigger days suit intermediate surfers. Watch for crocodiles near the river mouth after heavy rain, and keep clear of the fishermen's boats. Don't leave valuables in the car: petty theft happens. The water is warm all year, about 27 to 30 °C, so boardshorts or a lycra are enough.

Spots near Dominicalito

More: All spots in Costa Rica · Surfing in Costa Rica

This month · All spots on Best Time to Ride