Dominical & Uvita · Costa Rica
Surfing Punta Dominical
A point break in Dominical & Uvita, Costa Rica, for beginner and advanced surfers.
- TypePoint Break
- LevelBeginner / Advanced
- Size2-12 ft
- Best monthsMay-Nov
- Crowd3/5
The wave
Punta Dominical is the left point at the south end of Dominical. When it's small it's a slow, easy wave that beginners can ride. On a big swell it holds up to three times overhead, with long hollow rides for experienced surfers only.
It works best at higher tides. On big days the sets catch people inside and the current is strong, so watch it for a while before you paddle out. The point is backed by jungle, with a couple of restaurants on the cliff above.
9.24, -83.86 · S-SW swell, high tide · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Punta Dominical
Punta Dominical is at its best from May to November. Conditions it likes: S-SW swell, high tide. This is how the year looks across Central Puntarenas:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| December to April | Good | Short dry season, cleaner, sunnier, but smaller than the summer swell |
| May to July | Prime | Green season S-SW groundswell fires Dominical and the points; offshore mornings |
| August to October | Prime | Peak, most consistent S-SW swell, and the wettest, greenest months |
| Nov | Quiet | Transition, heavy rains and swell easing into the dry season |
Waves near Punta Dominical
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dominicalito | Dominical & Uvita | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | under 1 km |
| Playa Dominical | Dominical & Uvita | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 2 km |
| Playa Hermosa (Uvita) | Dominical & Uvita | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 6 km |
| Playa Matapalo | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 15 km |
| Punta Uvita | Dominical & Uvita | Beach Break | Beginner | 17 km |
| Playa Ballena | Dominical & Uvita | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 20 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Dominical & Uvita
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Dominical & Uvita surf guide →
A week here costs from about $794 with flights from Europe, or around $1,712 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Punta Dominical: common questions
When is the best time to surf Punta Dominical?
Punta Dominical works best from May to November. Ideal conditions: S-SW swell, high tide.
Is Punta Dominical good for beginners?
Yes. Punta Dominical suits beginner and advanced surfers.
How crowded is Punta Dominical?
Punta Dominical is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Punta Dominical?
Punta Dominical is in Dominical & Uvita, in the Central Puntarenas region of Costa Rica (9.24, -83.86). The nearest wave we cover is Dominicalito, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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