Playa Dominical is a laid-back surf town in Costa Rica, less developed than nearby spots like Jaco and Tamarindo. It's known for its mile-long stretch of beach that offers a strong beachbreak. Dominical can handle serious swell sizes, typically ranging from 5 ft to 10 ft (1.5 m to 3 m), and it's got a pretty consistent surf, complemented by a beautiful landscape and backdrop of tropical rainforest.

When it comes to the surf, Playa Dominical offers both lefts and rights, with the best conditions happening at low, mid, and high tides. It tends to be most satisfying on the push to higher tides, especially with a head-high-plus swell from the south or southwest. It’s a popular spot for intermediate surfers, but be mindful of the powerful rips that can form along the beach. While the sand is pretty flat, which can lead to frustrating closeouts, the river at the north end of the beach helps create some better peaks, especially after it rains. If it gets too big, there’s a decent left pointbreak at the south end, which can be a good alternative. On a good day, you can get out there and ride shortboards, funboards, longboards, fish, or even bodyboards.

Even though you might encounter some crowds, the vibe is generally chill, and with a little respect, you should be able to catch waves without much hassle. The water here is clean, and the exotic surroundings make for a great surfing experience. Keep an eye out for stingrays in the sand, especially when you're paddling out. Playa Dominical is an excellent go-to spot for surf enthusiasts looking for reliable waves and a relaxed atmosphere.