For years, the Dominical Costa Rica area was a sleepy community of fishermen and farmers and most recently, a mecca for Costa Rica surfing. Even today, the daily catch arrives on pangas (light motor boats) at daybreak and an occasional cattle drive will hold up traffic on the Costanera (the coastal highway). Other than that, about the only thing that may hold up traffic is the occasional surfer stopping in the middle of the road to check out one of the several local point breaks, known widely among the Costa Rica surfing community. There are few hotels and lodges and no towns of any size. If you look closely, you see the occasional million-dollar home nestled in the jungle-covered mountainside. The village of Dominical, the largest town in the area, is unmistakably a laid-back Costa Rica surfing community exemplifying the southern Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” attitude, complete with dirt roads, surf shacks, t-shirt shops, and beach vendors. Over time, the Dominical area has become – in addition to being a primary stop on the Costa Rica surfing trail – a mecca for fishermen, naturalists, and seasoned luxury travelers.

As the word spread about the Dominical area’s dramatic coastline and idyllic lushness – along with its fame as a prime spot for Costa Rica surfing – development has come. But, these developers and investors have defined their visions for the future with a commitment to sustainable development – development that benefits the natural setting as well as the local community. This kind of harmony and unified vision sets Dominical apart from other development areas in Costa Rica and around the world, and provides an ideal context for a fabulous vacation resort.

Commitment to the Community

The Future

While we think the future will bring change – with Kiana Dominical setting the pace – we anticipate that growth will happen in a gradual, sustainable manner.

One major development will be the completion of the southern coast’s last leg of the Costanera, the stretch between Quepos Airport and Dominical. This road will reduce the drive time from the Quepos Airport to Dominical to about 30 minutes (meaning it takes less than an hour to travel from San Jose). Additionally, this road will integrate the Quepos/Manuel Antonio/Dominical communities into one. Visitors and residents can finish a day of hiking in Manuel Antonio National Park by late afternoon…and then catch one of Playa Dominical’s famous sunsets.

Costa Rica’s government has recognized the attraction of its southern coast, including the Osa Peninsula, and has targeted funds for a new international airport near Palma Norte, about 45 minutes south of Dominical.

In summary, the pristine beauty of the Dominical area, enhanced by convenient access, will position Dominical as the gateway to the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica.