jordagirl

First time to CR with family of 10 in June. Was thinking of doing Arenal and then MA for 5 nights. Now I started reading about the Dominical area, and how it is less developed with fewer tourist. I would still want to do the MA park on one day. It seems the large majority of posters on the forums do Arenal/MA combination. Why? It looks like there are nice beaches at Uvita. My family would never complain no matter what I decide as I've done the planning for many family trips, but I still want to make this a great trip.

Would really appreciate pros and cons of each place. Thanks

volcanogirl

I think a lot of people like MA because it's so easy to do - things are clustered together on the hill, nice sunset views, tons of restaurants, readily accessible wildlife, lots of adventure activities, and good hotels. The beach inside the park is very pretty. The con for us is that we felt like we were in the states a lot of the time - a lot of Americans, American hotel owners, American restaurant owners - we got greeted by, "Hey, guys" a lot more than "Hola" - some people like that familiarity though. You know everyone is going to understand you, and it's easy to get around. I also like my wildlife a little more wild, but I think people like the easy access to wildlife in MA. I haven't been to Dominical yet, so hopefully someone else will chime in for you.

qwovadis

Been to both...

Dominical is a ramshackle rustic little surf town

surf beaches lots of flotsam dodgy swimming good surf.

Uvita nice basic beach spot same issues

www.manuelantoniopark.com is prettier

that is why most folks go there

www.tripadvisor.com/members/natureguide

best guide amazing wildlife

Pick a nice hotel like www.buenavistavillas.net

and head there...

artiejay

As a first timer, I agree you should plan on at least a day trip to MA.It's a good place to get your feet wet seeing some wildlife in a very user friendly situation.Lots of people and development but still a pretty cool place to visit.My family and I stayed in the Ojochal area (just south of Uvita) in 2008 and really enjoyed it. The beaches from Uvita south are all a little bit different, ranging from sandy to rocky and driftwood strewn. Most of the beaches we had to ourselves or maybe a few ticos- the highway runs right along the coast so you can pull off and visit areas with no one around.Playa's Ballena, Pinuela, Tortuga, and Ventanas (with it's tidal caves) are all good with the number of people decreasing as you go south.We did a day trip to Corcovado park, and even though it was a very long day, it was well worth the effort.So if you are looking for less development, people, and more of a natural experience, the Dominical area and the areas south will certainly give you that!

volcanogirl

jorda, have you thought about going down to the Osa at all? It has the best wildlife I've ever seen, beaches, and very little development - wonderful area. I think it would pair great with Arenal too.

shillmac

How about you keep MA on your itinerary (it really is a neat area), but do a 3/2 split with Dominical. . Ojochal area would be great right there by Playa Ventanas. Just a thought. . .

AustinTraveler

qwovadis is correct in his description of Dominical as being a "ramshackle rustic little surf town" but I doubt you will be staying in the town. The Dominical/Uvita/Ojochal area is really nice because it is not touristy but you still have access to nice accomodations (rent a villa!), restaurants, and grocery stores. There are lots of different beaches to visit and the scenery is incredible. The beaches are not white sandy beaches with water good for snorkeling. What you will see is lots of cliffs, rocks, and waves. Personally, I loved that aspect of it. If I want to lay on a nice white beach with nothing to look at, I just go to Florida.

We stayed in a villa just south of Dominical for a week. We could have easily stayed for a year. We liked that we had to figure out a way to communicate when buying our fish from the guys at the fish shack (we don't speak Spanish) or when buying our groceries and stuff. We loved just exploring a little during the day and then hanging out at the villa with the monkeys and toucans (and an incredible view).

On our last day we went to Manuel Antonio to catch our flight back to SJO. We had a few hours to kill and quite frankly, that was plenty for me in MA. I think people go there because it's "safe" and geared toward tourists. Nothing wrong with that. Just different strokes for different folks.

That said, I have noticed a lot more interest in the Dominical area lately and the road between Quepos and Dominical is probably finished by now. That is a good thing for some, but the people I talked to in Dominical aren't crazy about it because it probably means the area is set to turn into another MA. That would be sad, but of course, inevitable.

jordagirl

Thank you all so much for responding to my question. I have checked out all of your suggestions. I do want to rent a villa, and I have found that I can have many more amenities in a villa in the Dominical area for much less money.

Our family has taken many snorkeling trips together, but we have wanted to go to CR for a different experience. AustinTraveler, I really like what you describe. We like exploring scheduled spots. Also, my three grandsons have each taken years of Spanish. Maybe they can practice!!

Has anyone used a rental car agency in the Dominical that they could recommend?

Thanks again.

AustinTraveler

Oh, your grandsons will definitely be able to practice their Spanish! Tell them not to be shy and just use some English if they don't know the proper Spanish phrase. I think you'll love the Dominical/Uvita area, especially if you enjoy exploring. I think the villa we stayed in will be too small for your group but you really should check out Shelter from the Storm. I haven't been there but the owners manage the villa I stayed at and they are awesome.

We flew into Quepos and rented a car there (all the major companies are there) and drove to Dominical (about an hour). Will you be flying or driving from SJO? I honestly don't remember seeing a car rental place in Dominical.

jordagirl

We will be coming with a driver from Arenal. I looked at SFTS, and it is a possibility. It certainly does have fantastic reviews.

Thank you much for the encouragement.

AustinTraveler

I checked our villa's website and they recommend Solid Car Rental in Dominical. There's also one in Uvita. Here's the website:

http://solidcarrental.com/

By the way, lots of good information can be found at the website for the villa. Check it out:

http://flyingtoucans.com/

hipvirgochick

jordagirl -- I can vouch for Shelter from the Storm. It's a fantastic place to stay. The owners are wonderful and I can't speak highly enough of the attention to detail they've put into their casitas. I flew into Palmar Sur and my friend picked me up. She rented the 4 x 4 from Solid and got a good price. We had for a few days and then drove down to Puerto Jimenez and turned it in there after a few days.

nancyogc

I don't know how the beach is in Dominical. I have read that the only white sand beaches are in MA. I don't like touristy and was planning to go to Dominical until I was told that the beaches aren't as good. If we can have a good beach and MA park in the same spot, I'm in for that. If there's a reason to stay in Dominical instead, I would like to know.

glover

For a more "rustic" but wonderful experience (and reasonably priced) you might (depending on your needs) look into renting one or two of these houses for your group - in the Osa. google Casa Bambu. The 2 of us stayed there 5 nights a few years ago and had a fabulous time. The house where we stayed "Casa Linda" has 2 baths and 3 or 4 bdrs. ...

glover

Forgot to add, on one of several trips to CR we intended to go to Manuel Antonio. However, rains washed out some bridges on the then much worse road between Dominical and MA. We were leary of driving the road then. . and were having a wonderful time in Dominical - so just stayed there - and never even got to MA!

AustinTraveler

nancyogc, if you're looking for white sand beaches, you will be disappointed with Dominical. I didn't go to the park in MA so I don't know what color the sand is there but I'm sure others here will let you know. White sand beaches with nice clear blue calm waters are not what the Pacific coast beaches are about.

volcanogirl

The beach inside the park at MA is one of the nicest we've seen. Light sand and pretty water when we were there. Other beaches we've seen in CR had a more rustic rough beauty. The water wasn't clear in MA, but it was pretty. Snorkeling was kind of a dud for us because of all the sediment in the water.

Shooie

Jorda, has you driver given you an idea of how long it will take to get to Dominical? It's kind of a long drive. You might want to keep that in mind.

jordagirl

Shooie,

I decided since this is the first time to CR, we would go to MA instead of Dominical. It seems to be the easiest way for a family of 10 in terms of getting around to the park, eating, and any activities we will be doing.

Thanks everyone for your advice. I have my driver. Now to pick lodging.

virginiafish

AustinTraveler, could you give more details about the villa you rented? SFTS is booked when we want to go.