29km (18 miles) SW of San Isidro; 42km (26 miles) S of Quepos; 160km (99 miles) S of San José

With a stunning setting and miles of beaches backed by rainforest-covered mountains, Dominical and the coastline south of it are well worth a visit. They boast spectacular views, remote jungle waterfalls, and everything from abundant budget lodgings to luxurious rainforest villas. The beach at Dominical is one of the prime surf destinations in Costa Rica, with both right and left beach breaks. When the swell is big, the wave here is a powerful and hollow tube, and the town is often packed with surfers. But be careful: It’s often too rough for casual swimmers, and there have been a lot of drownings here. But you can find excellent swimming, sunbathing, and strolling beaches just a little farther south at Dominicalito, Playa Hermosa, and inside Ballena Marine National Park ★★.

Leaving Manuel Antonio, the road south to Dominical runs by mile after mile of African palm plantations. However, just before Dominical, the mountains again meet the sea. From Dominical south, the coastline is dotted with tide pools, tiny coves, and cliff-side vistas. Dominical is the largest village in the area and has several small lodges both in town and along the beach to the south. The village enjoys an enviable location on the banks of Río Barú, right where it widens considerably before emptying into the ocean. The banks of the river and throughout the surrounding forests offer good birding, with numerous shore- and sea birds, including herons, egrets, kingfishers, tanagers, toucans, and trogons.