Escaleras Escape is located just 10 minutes from the popular surf town Dominical, Costa Rica.

In the past few years Dominical has transformed from a sleepy fishing village to a sought after holiday destination thanks to the construction of the Costanera Highway.

Dominical is known for its world famous surf breaks, beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, and adventure sports.

This small village has a way of capturing the essence of a small Costa Rican beach town, while still offering up all the perks of a vacation hotspot.

You could truly get lost in this paradise forever…

So to help maximize your time, Escaleras Escape has come up with a list of our top 10 must do Dominical tours and attractions!

1. Surfing 

The Southern Pacific Coast boasts some of the best surf beaches in all of Costa Rica. Playa Dominical and it’s neighboring beach, Playa Hermosa, are constantly being praised by surf bloggers and trip enthusiasts alike.

The waves that hit these beaches are powerful and consistent–making it the perfect spot for intermediate and advanced surfers.

If you’re a beginner surfer, Playa Dominicalito, Punta Uvita, and Playa Chaman are the beaches for you!

Renting a surf board is cheap and easy. You can rent a board for $12/day or take a 2 hour lesson from Costa Rica Surf Camp located right in the middle of Playa Domincal across from the markets.

For more information on surfing in Costa Rica click here!

2. Osa Canopy Tour 

The Osa Canopy Tour boasts 9 cables, 11 platforms, 2 repelling stations, 2 suspension bridges, and an incredible “Tarzan swing.”

A zip lining tour through the canopy that is suitable for both kids and adults.

The architect of the platforms and designer of the Osa Canopy Tour, Jose Manuelle Pizarro, used technology that allows the platforms to grow along with the trees. This means that the ecology of the area is not disturbed in any way!

Pretty cool, huh?!

Click here to reserve your spot today!

3. Manuel Antonio National Park

Although Manuel Antonio is one of the smallest National Parks in all of Costa Rica, it is the most visited due to its diverse fauna with 109 species of animals and 184 species of birds.

The tour starts with a walk through the evergreen forest and ends at Playa Manuel Antonio–a white sand beach voted one of the most beautiful in all of Costa Rica.

Escaleras Escape would recommend paying for a guided tour through the park. The tour guides are knowledgable and have a great eye for spotting the wildlife!

A walking tour is not your only option when it comes to this National Park. Click here to explore your tour options and reserve your spots!

4. Marino Ballena National Park

As the name suggests, Marino Ballena is one of the best places in Costa Rica to go whale watching.

Humpback whales are commonly seen out in the waters as both Northern and Southern humpbacks pass through this area, making it the longest humpback season in the world!

The park is located between Playa Uvita and Playa Ballena and protects 5,510 hectares of beach, mangrove estuary, lowland rainforests, and marine habitats.

It’s the perfect place for snorkeling and diving.

Visiting at low tide when the water recedes and the sand literally forms the shape of a whale’s tale is the best time to go.

The park is commonly visited by humpback whales, green marine iguanas, bottle nose and common dolphins, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles, corals, sponges, anemones, lobsters, trunk fish, frigate birds, brown footed boobies, pelicans, and ibises.

Click here for more information.

5. Waterfalls

Numerous streams and rivers run through this mountainous region which means a waterfall or natural swimming hole are never far away.

If you’re visiting during the wet season (May-Mid December) then a waterfall is an absolute must!

Nauyaca Waterfalls

Nauyaca consists of two waterfalls with the highest fall towering at 45 m (148ft).

These waterfalls have plenty of water and can be visited all year round, even during the dry season!

Hiking to Nauyaca

Entry Fee: $9.50

Attraction Length: Half Day

Hike: 4km — 45 minutes - 1 hour (one way)

Recommended Shoes: Hiking Shoes, Water Shoes, or Strap on Sandals

Don’t Forget: Sufficient Amount of Food and Water, Swimsuits, and Camera

For more information and how to get to Nauyaca Click Here!

Diamante Verde

Just 35 minutes South of Playa Dominical, Diamante Verde is home to 10 different waterfalls with the tallest plunging around 600ft from the cliffs of Tinamaste.

It’s the tallest waterfall in all of Costa Rica and a must see when visiting Dominical during the wet season!

Best months for the falls will be September/October.

The waterfall offers hikes, magnificent natural pools, repelling, canyoneering, cliff jumping, and stunning views overlooking the Coastal Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

Book your tour through Pacific Journeys CR today.

Poza Azul Waterfall

Poza Azul is located just down the road from Escaleras Escape!

This waterfall is easy to get to and free of charge.

The short 5 minute hike takes you down into the jungle where a waterfalls, rope swing, and natural swimming hole away!

For more information and how to get to Poza Azul Click Here!

Cascada Verde Waterfall 

Cascade Verde also known as the Uvita Waterfall is easily accessible and costs only $2 to enter.

The tallest fall is approximately 15m in height.

The perfect place to relax in natural swimming holes or adventure around on this nature made water park!

Cascade Verde is located on a dirt road right in the middle of Uvita.

Turn east at Banco De Costa Rica and take the road for 10 minutes until you arrive at the main entrance.

There are 2 short trails that will take you to the falls.

The paths can be slippery and hard to navigate at times so make sure you are wearing the appropriate shoes or take extra precaution.

6. Scuba Diving/Snorkeling

Cano Island is said to be one of the best dive sites in the world with some of the clearest water in all of Costa Rica. The island is located 12 miles west of Drake Bay which means its waters stay clear all year round with visibility ranging anywhere from 45-90 ft. The clear waters makes it easy to see all the amazing marine life that call these pristine waters home.

Around $175/person the tours start at 7am and will usually have you back in Uvita by 3:00 or 4:00.

Click here to view rates and book now.

Marino Ballina National Park is home to the largest Pacific coral reef in all of Central America. More than 80 species of fish, sea mammals, turtles, and other fascinating creatures can be seen while swimming in and amongst the reef.

Tours usually last 3-4 hours and include 2 dives, fruit, and water.

Click here to book your tour today.

7. Sport Fishing

Along the Quepos Coastline you’ll find many fish that are considered to be first class catches.

Blue, black, and grated marlin, sailfish, snapper, lemon fish, wahoo, golden fish, yellow fin tuna, big eye, and rooster fish all call these waters home and make Quepos a without a doubt trophy sport fishing destination.

Compare prices and tours from Quepos Fishing Charters here.

8. ATV Tour

ATVs are a fun and adventurous way to see the surrounding area. You can take guided tours through the jungles, mountains, beaches, and waterfalls or you can choose to rent one for the day and go off on your own.

For more information regarding ATV rental and tours click here.

9. Paragliding

It is not uncommon to look up into the sky and see paragliders making their way from the tall mountainous cliffs above down to the beautiful beaches below.

By taking your adventure up into the clouds you gain an entirely new perspective on the surrounding area.

Check out Hawk Adventures for more information and to book your glide!

10. Stay in and enjoy Escaleras Escape

It’s not very often an airbnb can recommend staying in and enjoying rather than constantly being on the move, but Escaleras Escape is doing just that!

Escaleras Escape is home to some of Costa Rica’s most famous wildlife species and has been said the best place to enjoy these incredible creatures by all of our recent guests.

Howler monkeys and toucans commonly visit the area, as well as tons of other bird species, pizotes, poison dart frogs, and more!

Escaleras Escape is even visited by the rarely seen sloths!

Check out these photos all take on Escaleras Escape’s property…

So what are you waiting for?!

Book your stay at Escaleras Escape today and come #DiscoverDominical

Ensure the cheapest car rental price for you and your guests by booking here.