Pura Vida! Dominical

Not 10 minutes north of Uvita on the Pacific Coast Highway, there lies another turn off for a great blink-and-you'll-miss-it surfer's paradise. Dominical is a hip and busy little beach town with a fun vibe where budget hostels, outdoor eateries and bars and dozens of surf gear, souvenir and trinket shops abound. 

A home base for backpackers and young tourists, Josh and I found Domincal to be a bustling metropolis compared to the lesser known Uvita! The white, sandy beach boasts warm temperatures during the day and a cool ocean breeze by night. Because the swells can reach up to 10 feet and there's the risk of a rip current, it is a haven for experienced surfers. We noticed hammocks tied to the palms that flanked the shore and learned that frequent visitors often sleep under the stars after a long day in the waves. 

Local artisans set up stalls along the beach to sell their wares, making Dominical the perfect place to pick up a few authentic souvenirs. But, buyer beware, as many of the colorful pareos, dresses and hammocks are not hand-made. 

Josh and I happened upon a Columbian girl selling gorgeous hand-woven earrings and bracelets. Every one was different, some flecked with beads or dangling feathers, and the patterns and designs were so intricate! Josh opted for a manly three-tone brown bracelet and I got a great pair of earrings. We had read in our guide book that bartering is not a generally accepted practice in Costa Rica because the sale of hand-made goods and food is an important part of the local economy. Keen on supporting local artists and tradesman, we were happy to pay a reasonable fee for our fashionable finds!

Although Josh and I just wandered up to Dominical to check out the scene, there is much to do in town and nearby. Shopkeepers offer kayaking tours along the coast as well as diving and snorkeling trips. Surf lessons are available in Dominical, but from what we learned about the local rip tides, heading south to Uvita and hooking up with Bodhi Surf School might be the best option for beginners. Travelers can also arrange a horseback tour to the nearby Nauyaca Waterfalls. We spent our afternoon strolling through the shops and galleries and watching surfers tackle the waves.

Following a recommendation from our friends Sam and Paula, we stopped into Coconut Spice for a delicious Thai lunch. Josh enjoyed his favorite dish, Pad Thai, while I noshed on some fresh and tasty spring rolls. We sat on the covered balcony with a view of the river and spent our lunch scanning the shoreline for herons and crocodiles.