Dominical Dot Biz

There is a festive feeling in Dominical. At the outset of 2004, we see the hive of constant activity on the coast and inland from Dominical. Arguably it is reputed to be the fastest growing area in Costa Rica, while nearby San Isidro is said to be the fastest growing area in all of Central America. At the very least we can say that it is one of the fastest growing areas of the country.

Foreigners largely populate the coast now. In other lands and in different cultures, there has been some serious fallout from the types of revolutionary changes that we are seeing here in Costa Rica. But here, the Tico population, with very little upheaval, observes the changes. And we see Canadians, Germans, French, Swiss, United Statesians, and others pleasantly mingling. Perhaps the Tico “tranquilo” state of mind is contagious. Hard to say or know for sure, but the change is happening, and there is a vibrant feel in the town as one can feel the constructive activity, and is surrounded by a diversity of cultures that makes each social interaction a truly interesting event.

Land values are on a constant upward trend that in turn attracts much speculation. There has been a steady, and large volume of land sales over the past few months, during the so called “off-season”, a strong indicator of continuing briskness in that sector for the coming “on-season” months.

Dominical has been known for its surfing. A truly funky place where one feels that they have stepped back into another epoch, to a pace thought to have been lost with the passage of time. Now, there are some almost cosmopolitan happenings here that offer numerous reasons, well beyond the waves, to visit. There are some restaurants that border on “fine”… well let’s say they serve a mean dish. “Fine” is likely yet ahead, but man if you want a great seafood dinner, you’ll find it, along with some very international options. One of the newer establishments that was a success the moment it opened says, “you will not find any rice and beans on the menu”. In other words, non-latino fare.

Beyond surfing, there is a tremendous interest in the area’s ecology, and ecotourism abounds. The region’s numerous waterfalls alone are worth the price of admission, and there are now a number of different tour companies that are very capable of guiding you to them. Most of the local hospitality providers offer to help set up their guests with tours to all the local attractions. These tours and activities now include sea kayaking, zip line canopy tours, helping salvage turtle eggs, mountain biking, and waterfall rappelling.

Dominical is right on the way to Corcovado, which is likely one of the last truly pristine stands of nature on the planet. From some of the posts to the forum here at Dominical.Biz, and some of the direct requests for information that we receive, we have noticed a large amount of traffic going to and coming from that area, also known as “The Osa”. The trip itself is an adventure, part of which can be done by boat. When one arrives here, and sees the dirt main street, and the casual atmosphere, there is an endearment that takes place, a desire to sit back and stay a spell, maybe under that palm tree over there.

Perhaps the discovering of Dominical has been delayed by the fact that, on the coastal highway to the north, there is a 25-mile stretch of highway that is iffy at best. One-lane bridges that have been known to wash out, (many of these bridges have now been replaced and the highway is being paved), forcing a return trip to San Jose and a descent down the Pan-American to get to the desired southern destination. The Pan-American route offers its challenges as well. One learns to expect oncoming traffic in one’s lane coming around a blind curve. A truly beautiful drive, but one best done wide awake. Perhaps these two northern obstacles have afforded the area a chance at observing and learning. Those of us that live here and love it certainly hope so. There are no zoning laws to speak of, so the land is at the mercy of the developer’s conscience.

So the surfing town of Dominical is coming of age. Slightly removed from the northern developments of Costa Rica where one can see golf courses and high-end hotels. Dominical has its developments underway. There are some large tracts of land along the beach that are zoned for hotels and even a casino (just the zoning.  There is no casino in Dominical at the moment). I suspect that these things are inevitable. One hopes that the stated desire of small-foot-print development is what in fact comes to pass. Frankly, the effect of speculators to date has been an increase of forest and wildlife all around Dominical and the Southern Zone.

The effect at the moment is an alive kinda feel that can be seen in the expressions on the faces of the visitors as they arrive and look around for the first time, and the friendliness of the locals as they pass a few moments in chit chat on the street. 2004 promises in many ways to define these trends that we see shaping up now.

Dominical is an excellent place to come and relax, take a walk on the beach, talk about the Jesus Lizard that you saw scampering across the water up at the waterfalls, and yes… surf. I invite comment on this article from locals and visitors alike. Please use the “Comment” box below.

Replies: 1 Comment

My husband and I are planning a visit to Costa Rica in February 2005. I have read several articles on Ecotourism and Green Tourism in Dominaical but have not come across anything pertaining to “the good of the local culture and economy.” Can you give me any examples of hotels and tour groups that are truely Ecotourism and Green Tourism? I would like to feel that my money is helping the local economy and not the exploitaion of tourism. Thank you for your time!
Windi White