In half a decade of living in Costa Rica, we have managed to explore almost all parts of the country. While many destinations remain our eternal favorites, there are few others that feel like it could be our forever home. Uvita belongs to this latter category. Located in the Costa Ballena area of the South Pacific region, Uvita is where tropical rainforests from the Osa hills meet the Pacific on the plains.
The town has seen accelerated growth in tourism in the recent years, resulting in a noticeable amount of new hotels and restaurants popping up frequently. But, despite the gloss Uvita is beginning to wear, it has still managed to retain its raw charm and pockets of wilderness. It is still the place where you wake up to the calls of monkeys, surf the waves with views of lush green shoreline and slip into siesta listening to screeching sounds of macaws.
If you are in the Costa Ballena area, you can explore not just Uvita, but also its neighboring beach towns Dominical and Ojochal.
After visiting Uvita, Dominical and Ojochal several times over the years, we have come up with this comprehensive Costa Ballena travel guide for you. In this article, you will find every detail about the places to visit, the tours to take, the free things to do, where to stay, where to eat, how to reach, what to pack and the best time to visit.
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Towns in Costa Ballena: Uvita, Dominical, Ojochal
The 3 main towns of Costa Ballena, Uvita, Dominical and Ojochal, are located along the 35 kms (21 miles) stretch of the coastal highway Ruta 34. So, you can base yourself in any one of these towns during your stay and take trips to the other two towns.
Uvita is a melting pot of international and domestic tourists, expats and locals. With the multitude of options to stay and plenty of things to do, this town is ideal for all kinds of travelers – families, couples, groups of friends and solo travelers.
Dominical lies 18 kms (11 miles) to the north of Uvita. The big waves of Playa Dominical and the bohemian vibes of the town make it a favorite among surfers and backpackers.
However, if you travel to the south of Uvita, in about 16 kms (10 miles), you will reach a town of contrasting characteristics, Ojochal. It is not much of a tourist place, but more of an expats’ choice town. So, you will notice many fancy residential projects and posh restaurants here.
Confused about which town to choose for your stay in Costa Ballena? As you can guess, our pick is Uvita! But Dominical is also pretty good as a cheaper and more rustic alternative.
44 Things to do in Uvita, Dominical, Ojochal
Here is our list of dozens of things to do in Costa Ballena. Some are paid tours, while others are free! Whichever place you choose to base yourself in, Uvita, Dominical or Ojochal, all these activities or places are within a reasonable distance.
For ideas on all the different types of things to do in the entire country, read our Costa Rica activities guide.
Whale Watching Tour
One of the best things to do in Costa Ballena is whale watching. Humpback whales from the polar waters migrate to the tropical warm waters for breeding and raising the calves.
Sign up for a whale watching tour. These boat tours are usually 3-4 hours long. The captain and the guide will assess the movements in water and take you to places where you are likely to find whales. Watching these magnificent creatures navigate the waters, flip their tails and occasionally jump up in the air can give goosebumps. If you are lucky, you may be able to spot a pair of mother and baby whales!
During the tour, you will also get to see the unique rock formations and islands in this area of the Marino Ballena National Park. Depending on weather conditions and underwater visibility, the tour allows some snorkeling time too.
Best Time for Whale Watching
Humpback whales from the south come to the warm waters of Costa Ballena between the months of July and November. The whale density is at the highest during August and September, making them the best months for whale watching. But, if you visit during the dry seasons months of December to April, you can still go for a whale watching tour because the humpback whales from the north come visit during this period. However, before booking the tour, check with your hotel about the recent sightings because the sightings of whales from the north are not as frequent as that of whales from the south.
Fun Fact: While spending time on the beach at different Pacific beach towns of Costa Rica, you may be able to spot whales in the distant ocean with your naked eyes! This happened with us in Montezuma and in Bejuco. In Bejcuo, Indranil had this idea of getting some drone shots of the whale when he spotted it from the beach. Check out this video to see what our drone saw!
Uvita Beach – Whale’s Tail
Humpback whales visit the tropical waters near Uvita and what a wonderful coincidence it is that a part of the Uvita Beach is shaped like a whale’s tail! Indranil and I often joke that it is the nature’s way of advertising that this place is great for whale watching.
This section of Playa Uvita is called Punta Uvita, also popularly known as Whale’s Tail.
There are several ways you can experience the Whale’s Tail. But remember, the tail structure is revealed only during low tides. So, check with your hotel/ guesthouse/ hostel about the tide timings before you plan your day around this.
You can walk to the tip of the Whale’s Tail. Since Playa Uvita is part of the Marino Ballena National Park, you will need to pay the entrance fee to access the beach. It is 6 USD for foreigners and 1500 colones for Costa Rican citizens and residents.
Without entering the national park, you can enjoy the views of the Whale’s Tail by staying in a villa up in the hills or dining at a clifftop restaurant. If you have a drone, fly it over the Uvita Beach to get an aerial perspective of the Whale’s Tail.
Aerial View of Whale’s Tail for Free
But, if you wish to see Uvita Whale’s Tail, but without having to spend hotels, restaurants, drone or even the national park entrance fee, drive up to San Josecito near Uvita town. On the road from Uvita to Dominical, watch out for the board of San Josecito. Cross a bridge, then turn right on to an unpaved road. This road is lined with trees and the ocean is barely visible. After a while, the trees start thinning. A lone mango tree here tells that you have arrived at the location. Turn around and there it is – a panoramic view of the Pacific and the Whale’s Tail!
The coastline along Uvita is protected area of Marino Ballena National Park. So, apart from Playa Uvita, there are more beaches to explore on this stretch. There are different entrance routes to access each of these beaches. As with Uvita Beach, you need to pay the National Park entrance fee for accessing any of these other beaches of Marino Ballena National Park. If you visit multiple beaches on the same day, you should be able to use the same ticket if you retain it.
Playa Chaman/ Playa Colonia
About 5 minutes drive or half an hour walk to the south from Uvita town lies Playa Colonia, also known as Playa Chaman.
Google Maps mark them as two separate beaches, but it is the same stretch of beach known by two different names. The best way to access Playa Chaman/ Playa Colonia is through the Sector Colonia entrance of the Marino Ballena National Park.
It is a quiet beach with long stretch of soft sand lined with lush vegetation. Hardly ever too crowded, Playa Colonia is perfect for beach walks and beautiful sunsets. The surf breaks and the sandy seabed also make this beach a good spot for beginner surfers.
Playa Arco
Another beautiful beach to visit in Marino Ballena National Park is Playa Arco. However, access to this beach is a little tricky.
You need to hike on rugged hills and jungle paths to reach Playa Arco. Wear your hiking shoes for this, but carry your flip-slops for your time on the beach. One more thing to take into account is that you can visit Arco beach only during low tide. You will also need to time your visit as just reaching the beach at low tide is not enough. You will also have to make your way back before high tide sets in.
So, for visiting Playa Arco, some bit of planning and preparation are required. But you can minimize some bit of the complexity if you can use La Cusinga Lodge’s private trail to Arco beach. Here are some of the ways you can do so:
- Pay 10 USD to La Cusinga Lodge to access their private trails
- Dine at the lodge’s onsite restaurant Aracari and get access to the trails
- Stay at La Cusinga Lodge and get free access to all the property trails
- Buy a day pass for spending a day at La Cusinga Lodge (more details later in this post)
Please note that even if you pay La Cusinga Lodge to access their private trails, you will still have to pay the National Park entrance fee. In most cases, it is collected directly by the guard on the beach.
We visited Playa Arco with a Costa Rican sand artist who grew up in Uvita. He guided us through a somewhat secret route to the beach where he created some amazing mandala art on the sand. Check out our YouTube video about this unique experience at Playa Arco.
Playa Ballena
About 3.5 km (2 miles) to the south of La Cusinga Lodge, lies another beautiful beach of the Marino Ballena National Park.
With a long stretch of sandy beach, it is nice for beach walks. Located about a kilometer off the highway in the Ballena Sector of the national park, you can make a 10-12 walk to the beach, or you can drive till near the entrance. Car parking is available on site.
From Playa Ballena, you can see the Ballena Island and the Tres Hermanas Islands.
Playa Piñuelas
Playa Piñuelas is probably the least visited beach of Marino Ballena National Park, and our favorite!
Roundish rocks line the periphery of the soft sand beach. As you tread the soft waters of the ocean, you get views of the Tres Hermanas rocky islands protruding from the ocean in the distance and the tropical forests on the shore, beyond the round rocks.
Read this article to plan your visit to Playa Piñuelas.
Visit Piñuelas beach during the sunset hour to see some dramatic colors on the sky. Sunsets at Playa Piñuelas are some of the best we have seen in all of Costa Rica!
After visiting the beaches of Marino Ballena National Park and paying entrance fee every time, you may be looking for some free access beaches in Costa Ballena. Don’t you worry, there are many!
Playa Ventanas (Free)
Located about 11 kms (7 miles) south of Uvita, and closer to the town of Ojochal, is the unique beach called Playa Ventanas.
The uniqueness of this beach is the cave formations on the beach. These caves have hollow passages from the beach to the ocean and they look like windows. That is how the beach gets its name, as ventana is Spanish for the word ‘window’.
Playa Ventana is a nice place to pack a picnic and spend a beach day with your loved ones. There are makeshift installations by the beach for bathrooms and showers. You can also buy your snacks and beers from the beach vendors. Although Playa Ventanas is a free access beach, you do need to pay for parking and for any of the other installations that you may want to use.
With the vibe of the place, you can imagine that Playa Ventanas is pretty popular among the Ticos. So, the beach can get crowded on weekends and holidays. For our tips on how to enjoy the beach all to yourself and other planning details, read our Playa Ventanas guide.
Playa Hermosa (Free)
If you drive up 5 kms (3 miles) to the north of Uvita town towards Dominical, you will reach another free access beach, Playa Hermosa.
This is a nice beach for long beach walks, surfing and sunsets. Hermosa beach is quite popular among locals and tourists alike. So, you will see a lot of people flock to this beach around sunset.
For us, of all the times we visited Playa Hermosa, almost every time it started raining as soon as we reached the beach! The one time it did not rain when we visited Playa Hermosa, we got to see the beach in sunset glow, although right after a rainy afternoon.
But we do not let rain dampen our spirits. For one, Hermosa beach looks alluring when it rains and invokes a poetic mood. Secondly, we do not leave the beach if it starts to rain. The car parking at Playa Hermosa is just by the beach, under the palm trees, with views of the ocean and the beach. So, we just get inside our car and observe the surroundings getting drenched. With the sights and sounds of rain on the beach, Indranil also takes this as an opportunity to take a nap in the car! 🙂
Fun Fact: Hermosa is Spanish for the word ‘beautiful’. So, Playa Hermosa means beautiful beach. This seems to be a favorite name for beaches in Costa Rica as there are many beaches by this exact name, Playa Hermosa! So, when planning your things to do in Dominical, Uvita and Ojochal, do not confuse Playa Hermosa of Uvita with (1) Playa Hermosa near Santa Teresa or (2) Playa Hermosa near Jaco or (3) Playa Hermosa near Playa del Coco.
Playa Dominicalito (Free)
Playa Dominicalito is a laidback beach, 3 kms (2 miles) to the south of Dominical and 15 kms (9 miles) to the north of Uvita.
Dominicalito is a good beach for surfing. If you choose to swim in the ocean, be careful of the rocks. But if you are not into surfing or do not wish to swim, you can buy a beer and a caldosa from one of the corner shops by the beach, sit under the shades of the trees and watch the big waves crash onto the beach.
Do not know who made it, but there is a wooden swing by the beach. It is a cute spot to sit on with your loved one and gaze at the ocean.
Read our article on Playa Dominicalito to know more about the beach and plan your visit.
Playa Dominical (Free)
The main beach of the beach town Dominical is Playa Dominical or Dominical beach.
The ocean at Dominical is great for surfing. The beach itself consists more of rocks than sandy stretches. So, Playa Dominical may not be ideal for beach walks, but the rock extend an interesting texture to the frame of the beach.
Sunsets are nice at Playa Dominical. To make your time at this beach more interesting, walk to the north end of the beach where the Baru river joins the ocean. Many people choose to swim in this river area, but be careful though because there may be crocodiles in the river. Yes, Costa Rica is wild!
Playa Tortuga Reserve
Located near Ojochal, Reserva Playa Tortuga is a non-profit research and education center, specializing in the environmental conservation of the coastal area of Osa. Their projects range from sea turtle to conservation to crocodile monitoring to tree boas study.
If you want to add a different kind of flavor to your experience of visiting Costa Ballena, consider volunteering at the Playa Tortuga Reserve. Although the majority of volunteer work here revolves around sea turtle conservation, you can also check out the other projects that the reserve is involved in.
Reserva Playa Tortuga is located at the beach, Playa Tortuga. This beach was declared a nesting beach for Olive Ridley sea turtles. If you are not able to accommodate a volunteering assignment at the reserve, but are still interested to witness nesting sea turtles in Costa Rica, read these articles:
For a visual feel of how Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Nesting in Ostional looks like, check out our YouTube video:
Costa Rica is a land of wonderful waterfalls. Wrapped in thick vegetation, gushing streams of water fall into stunning pools – common waterfall setting in Costa Rica. Whichever part of the country you are traveling in, you can easily accommodate at least a couple of waterfalls in your itinerary. In the Costa Ballena region itself, you can can visit 7 different waterfalls in and around Dominical, Uvita and Ojochal.
Nauyaca Waterfalls
We have visited dozens of waterfalls in Costa Rica. Some of them look out of this world, some invite adventure while some others may be small, but offer clear pools to relax in. But none of these waterfalls compare in grandeur against the Nauyaca Waterfalls!
There are two sets of waterfalls at Nauyaca, Upper Falls and Lower Falls. The Upper Falls are taller and wider, with veils of white water gushing down from cliff tops. The Lower Falls look tiered as they slide down a layer of rocks, finally pouring into a big green pool. Yes, you can swim at this pool, but not during heavy rains.
We have visited Nauyaca Waterfalls both during rainy season and dry season. Dry season months are better for swimming and bright sunny pictures. But during the rainy season, the waterfalls are at their voluminous best. Even standing close to the falls, you may feel water drops off the waterfall splashing your face. Rains bring an entirely dreamy setting at Nauyaca Waterfalls.
Since the land adjacent to two sides of the waterfalls area belong to different owners, you can access Nauyaca Waterfalls through two different entrances or parks:
- Nauyaca Waterfalls, located about 10 kms (6 miles) from Dominical. Check Google Maps location here.
- Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, located about 25 kms (15 miles) from Dominical. Check Google Maps location here.
Whichever entrance you choose for your Nauyaca Waterfalls visit, you will need to hike or use a 4X4 pick up truck to reach the waterfall. Read more about how you can plan your visit in our Nauyaca Waterfalls visit guide.
Eco Chontales Waterfall
Technically a part of the Perez Zeledon area, you can visit Eco Chontales waterfall for a day trip when visiting Costa Ballena. It is a 1 hour 15 minutes drive from Dominical, while from Uvita, it takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to reach Eco Chontales.
It is a beautiful waterfall tucked in the tropical forests of Costa Rica. Apart from admiring the high waterfall, you can also get into the natural pool for a swim. However, as with most waterfalls in Costa Rica, the swimming conditions or allowability may differ in the rainy season.
The path to the Eco Chontales waterfall is rough, with a significant part of it being on gravel road. But once you arrive, you get to enjoy all the amenities like restrooms and restaurant. You can pre-order a meal on the day of your visit if you wish to spend the whole day. They also offer options to camp.
For Eco Chontales waterfall, a 4X4 is recommended, but you should also be fine in a vehicle with high ground clearance.
Uvita Waterfall
This little waterfall in a lush jungle setting is as much a favorite among locals as among visitors.
Locally known as Cascada Verde (or the green waterfall), Uvita waterfall lies only 1.5 km (1 mile) from the BCR in town. Easy to reach, easy on the pocket and only a short walk from the entrance to the waterfall, this is a lovely place to spend an afternoon.
The best part about the Uvita waterfall is that you can slide down the waterfall! No, not like a slide at a manmade water park. But instead, the rock wall formation behind the waterfall here makes for a natural slide. So, visiting Catarata Uvita can be like packing in a little adventure in your day. However, the length of the slide is much shorter than the waterfall slide at Tamanique Waterfalls in El Salvador.
Even if you are not up for this waterfall slide adventure, you can still swim in the nice natural pool at the Uvita waterfall.
Read our Uvita waterfall visit guide for more details that will help you plan your trip to Catarata Uvita.
Cascada El Pavon (Free)
Visiting the El Pavon waterfall near Ojochal is another free thing to do in the Costa Ballena area of Costa Rica.
Located opposite the Tilapias El Pavon restaurant, the access to the waterfall in right off the road. You need to park your vehicle and starting walking into the jungle. In about couple of minutes, you will get to see the Cascada El Pavon.
An interesting feature is the highlight of this waterfall. A big boulder seems to have got stuck between two rocks, and the El Pavon waterfall falls over and around this big boulder. Depending on the season you visit El Pavon, you may get a clear view of this boulder or you may see it submerged under the white splash of the flowing waterfall.
Yes, you can swim at the El Pavon waterfall, and also at couple of spots nearby.
To learn more about those hidden swimming holes and other details like how to reach El Pavon waterfall and how you can plan your day at this secluded place, read our Cascada El Pavon visit guide.
Left: Cascada El Pavon on a rainy day in the dry season. Right: Cascada El Pavon on a dry day in the rainy season. Which one would you choose?
The Waterfall of Ojochal
Costa Rica is a nature paradise. So, when people buy or build residential properties, they sometimes get to own the access to waterfalls! Note, they can own “the access” to the waterfall, but not the waterfall itself.
Such is the case with The Waterfall of Ojochal. The access to this waterfall is through the garden of a private home in Ojochal.
We visited The Waterfall of Ojochal in the rainy season. A short walk on somewhat slippery stones led us to the waterfall. The waterfall itself is small but the water surging in terrific speed and flowing into the pool below, surrounded by rocks and trees, gave the area a grander look.
At the time of our visit, there was not a other single person apart from the two of us. So, just us, next to a gushing white waterfall in a tropical garden setting on a rainy afternoon, felt quite surreal.
However, the entrance price of 5 USD per person to access someone’s backyard puts some visitors off. So, you can decide for yourself if you would like to include this in your list of things to do in Costa Ballena.
Diamante Waterfall
Hike to waterfall, jump off cliffs, rappel down waterfalls, swim in fresh natural pools and sleep in a cavern by the waterfall! Can a waterfall experience get any better? You get to experience all of these and more when visiting the Diamante waterfall.
Located close to the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park entrance, the Pacific Journeys tour company designs and offers all adventures to Diamante waterfall. You can choose from different tour options, for example, one-day tour versus overnight, and with or without rappelling. Check out their tours page for details of the inclusions and prices for each tour type.
The tours are expensive but includes everything, even meals and the experience is unmatched.
So, during your trip to Costa Ballena, you can set aside one or two days for this unique waterfall experience in Costa Rica. But we would recommend the overnight adventure for Diamante over the one-day tour. Sleeping in a cavern behind a waterfall is something adventurous souls wouldn’t want to miss.
Talking about thrilling sleeping places, read about our experience of overnight camping on a volcano in Guatemala! While camping on that volcano, we got to see the amazing sights of the neighboring active volcano erupt continuously!
Poza Azul Waterfall (Free)
A short walk from the Dominicalito beach, Poza Azul waterfall is located on the eastern side of the Ruta 34 highway. Not much of a touristic place, it is known mostly among locals. You drive through the little town of Dominicalito, park your vehicle on the road and walk a few steps down to reach the waterfall.
There is no entry fee to access this waterfall. So, you can add Poza Azul to your list of free things to do near Dominical.
However, set your expectations according to the season when you visit Poza Azul. We have visited this waterfall both in dry season and rainy season. During the dry season month of April, it was only a trickle of water falling down the rocky wall. However, in the rainy season month of June, the waterfall was of sizable volume. It dropped into a large green pool of fresh water which was nice for swimming.
Left to Right: Poza Azul in the rainy season, full flowing versus its wilted look in the dry season.
Bamboo Forest and Swimming Hole (Free)
This is an absolute local’s thing to do in Uvita. Let’s call it a secret, shall we?
Turn right from BCR Uvita and keep going on the Calle Uvita. You will come across a bamboo forest where series of sky-high bamboo trees line both sides of the dirt road. This place not only looks photogenic, but is also good for getting a nice walk in the shades on a hot sunny day.
After exploring the bamboo forest, continue on the road and you will eventually come across a river crossing. If you are driving, it is best to park your vehicle here and continue the rest of the journey on foot. Remember not to leave any valuable in the car.
The next part will lead you through some private properties. While walking on that winding dirt road, we enjoyed the the sound of the rustling leaves and the soft breeze brushing past us. Soon you will arrive at a swimming hole, perfect for taking a dip on a hot afternoon.
As I mentioned earlier, this swimming hole is kind of a secret spot, but popular among the residents of Costa Ballena. So, if you wish to visit this place, it is best to ask around for tips and suggestions before you go.
To pack in some more adventure, you may choose to walk further down the woods from the swimming hole to reach another waterfall in Uvita.
Birdwatching
Costa Rica, although a small country, is home to more than 900 species of birds! In the South Pacific region itself, you can spot more than 300.
So, when you are in Uvita, Dominical or Ojochal, sign up for a birdwatching tour. A specialist guide will help you spot and learn about several bird species in a short span of time.
Our favorites in the Uvita area are the Aracari Toucans and the Scarlet Macaws, two of the most colorful birds of Costa Rica. Even without going on a birdwatching tour, you are likely to spot these around you. Just look out of the window!
For booking birding tours, private or group, in Uvita and Dominical, you can contact the tour desk of your hotel.
Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel and Spa is a favorite among birders for staying in Uvita, as more than 200 species of birds are known to have frequented the hotel property.
Day Trip to Corcovado National Park
Situated in the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on earth! It is also one of the most remote national parks in Costa Rica.
This national park consists of a huge area of dense tropical forests and the ocean. There are 5 different stations that you can visit in Corcovado – San Pedrillo, Sirena, La Leona, Los Patos and El Tigre. Hence there are multiple gateways to access the national park.
From Uvita, several tour companies offer day tours to Corcovado. The tour usually starts early in the morning from the Uvita beach from where you embark on a boat. Riding the waves of the Pacific, the boat arrives at the San Pedrillo station, where you hike the trails of the national park, under the guidance of a naturalist.
Corcovado National Park entrance costs 15 USD for foreigners and 1600 colones for residents. However, the overall tour will set you back by 100-150 USD per person. It is the only way of accessing Corcovado. The jungle is so dense and widespread that visitors are not allowed to enter the park without a guide.
If your Costa Rica itinerary does not take you further south to Drake Bay or Puerto Jimemez, take this Corcovado day trip from Uvita. It is one of the best things to do in Costa Ballena!
On this guided hike, you can expect to see lots of birds, caimans and crocodiles, Bard’s Tapir, peccaries, all 2 types of sloths that Costa Rica has, all 4 types of monkeys that Costa Rica has and a lot more. But you will never know what you will encounter. A trip to Corcovado National Park is like living an episode of a National Geographic jungle expedition!
Day Trip to Manuel Antonio National Park
While Corcovado is Costa Rica’s one of the most remote national parks, you can also take a day trip to its most popular national park from Uvita, Dominical and Ojochal – Manuel Antonio National Park.
Much easier to access, and more affordable on the pocket, this national park is about an hour’s drive from Dominical. At Manuel Antonio, you can not just spot a lot of wildlife, but also visit some spectacular beaches. It is an ideal place to spend the whole day amidst nature, whether you are a couple or a family or a group of friends.
Manuel Antonio National Park is open between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm on all days except Tuesdays. The entrance ticket costs 16 USD per person for foreigners and 1600 colones for citizens and residents.
It is not necessary to hire a guide for exploring Manuel Antonio National Park, but needless to say that the expertise of one increases the chances of spotting wildlife in the wild.
For observing wildlife in remote jungles of Costa Rica, also visit the national park in Tortueguro. In a vast network of land, ocean and rivers, you can spot several different species of animals and birds.
Snorkeling and Diving at Caño Island
Take the wildlife adventures of your Costa Ballena trip from land to ocean. Book a snorkeling or diving trip to the Caño Island.
Located about 52 km (32 miles) off the coast of Uvita, the island is part of a marine biological reserve. It is one of best snorkeling spots in Costa Rica. With very good underwater visibility, you get to swim along turtles, rays, puffers, barracudas and a lot of other marine species.
From Uvita, a boat trip to Caño Island takes about 1.5-2 hours. The tours usually start early in the morning and get you back to Uvita in the afternoon. A snorkeling trip to Caño Island can cost around 150 USD whereas for diving, it will depend on the kind of diving excursion you are going for – recreational dives or certification.
Here are couple of PADI certified diving companies that offer Caño Island snorkeling and diving trips from Uvita:
Surfing
Surfing is one of the best water sports that you can pursue in Costa Rica.
The waves at Dominical beach and Dominicalito beach are good for surfers. In Uvita, Playa Hermosa is popular among intermediate surfers. Even the calmer waves of Playa Colonia in Marino Ballena National Park are good for beginner surfing lessons.
So, on your trip to Costa Ballena, you may want to get some surf lessons. If you can commit for longer, you can also sign up for surf camps. Surf camps are usually full board stay packages with surfing lessons, and some of them often include yoga sessions too.
Some of the popular surf schools in Uvita and Dominical are:
- Uvita Surf Lessons by Bodhi Surf + Yoga in Uvita
- Rama Surf in Uvita
- Dominical Surf School in Dominical
- Costa Rica Surf Camp in Dominical
Check out these other beaches in Costa Rica that are known for surfing:
- Jaco Beach
- Playa Hermosa near Jaco
- Tamarindo Beach
- Playa Grande in Guanacaste
- Playa Avellanas
- Witch’s Rock near Playa del Coco
- Playa Guiones in Nosara
- Playa Pelada in Nosara
- Playa Cocles in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Beaches in Santa Teresa:
- Playa Carmen
- Playa Santa Teresa
- Playa Hermosa (Santa Teresa)
- Malpais
- Cabuya Island and Playa Los Cedros in Cabuya
- Playa Grande in Montezuma
Learn Yoga
When it comes to connecting the mind, body and soul, another activity that complements surfing well is yoga.
An ancient form of moving your body, yoga is great for physical and mental well-being, as well as spirituality. That is why many surf camps in Uvita or Dominical, include both surf and yoga sessions as part of their itinerary. You will also find institutes offering yoga retreat programs.
If you are looking to practice yoga in Uvita and Dominical, check these out:
- Bodhi Surf + Yoga in Uvita
- Yoga Maya in Uvita
- Bienestar in Uvita
- Dayasa Yoga Retreat and Eco-lodge in Dominical
Osa Canopy Tour
Zip-lining is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica!
But can you try this adventure activity on your trip to Uvita, Dominical and Ojochal? The answer, yes, you can!
About 35 minutes drive to the south of Uvita, Osa Canopy Tour is the place to try zip-lining in the Costa Ballena region. Their canopy tour lets you zip over the enchanting tropical rainforests of the Osa mountains, while the ocean in the distant horizon occasionally peeps up in your view.
Although the canopy tour takes place in the Osa mountains, you need not worry about driving up till there. You need to arrive at the Osa Canopy Tour office on the Route 34 highway. From there, they will drive you up to the canopy tour starting point.
The zip-lining consists of 7 cables, 13 platforms, 3 rappelling stations and 2 wobbly suspension bridges. With Osa Canopy Tour, you can also convert your zip-lining activity to a full-day tour by adding a mangrove tour in the afternoon. Check out this page for tour options and use the calendar to reserve yours.
Montezuma, in the Nicoya peninsula, is another place where you can try zip-lining with views of both tropical forests and the ocean.
If you like the idea of zooming over forest canopies, do try zip-lining in Monteverde. In the adventure parks of Monteverde, apart from zip-lining, you can also walk on hanging bridges, with views of the cloud forest canopy beneath your feet!
Terraba Sierpe Mangrove Tour
Terraba Sierpe Mangroves National Wetlands form one of the largest mangrove ecosystems of Costa Rica. This wetlands reserve provides habitat to several species of birds, reptiles and mammals.
We took a kayak tour of Terraba Sierpe and immersed ourselves in an incredible jungle experience. As we kayaked along the canals through the mangrove forest, our eyes get busy looking for life everywhere – in the water, on the land and up in the trees.
You can book your Terraba Sierpe Mangrove Tour through one of the adventure tour companies in Uvita. We did our tour with the Bahia Ballena Kayaks and recommend them.
Finca 6 Stone Spheres
Would you like to add a dash of history in your nature rich Costa Rica vacation itinerary? Then take a trip to Finca 6.
Here, you will find The Diquis Spheres from the pre-Columbian era. These perfectly round spheres hold within them centuries old mysteries. Check out the spheres and visit the museum to learn more about their history and mystery.
In 2014, UNESCO declared Finca 6 as a World Heritage Site, along with three other sites in the region. But Finca 6 is the only archaeological site in Costa Rica open to public, other than the Guayabo National Monument.
Located about 52 km (32 miles) south of Uvita, on the Ruta 34, Finca 6 makes for an easy day trip from Uvita, Dominical or Ojochal.
Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge
For wildlife watching and birding in Dominical, walk the trails at Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge. They offer several guided tours, like birdwatching tours, night hikes, Chilamate hike to name a few. Check the tour listings on their website to see all the tour options.
You can also choose to stay at Hacienda Baru. The resident guests have free access to all the trails for self-guided tours.
However, if you are not staying at Baru or do not want to opt for the guided tours, you can still buy a day pass for hiking the Hacienda Baru trails. For 15 USD, you get to access their nature trails and birdwatching tower from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you are specifically looking to spot a lot of birds, plan your day so that you can spend either early morning or late afternoon, if not both, at the birdwatching tower.
Rancho La Merced
Located by the highway Ruta 34, on the way from Dominical to Uvita, at KM 159, Rancho La Merced is a protected area sprawling over 506 hectares. It consists of primary and secondary tropical forests, pasture land, mangroves and access to river and beach.
From hiking trails to birdwatching, they offer different tour options. Couple of their highlight activities are horseback riding and (subject to seasonal availability) cowboy experience. Check the tour page for Rancho La Merced to know more about the tour details and the pricing for each.
They also have a cabin that you can book for staying at Rancho La Merced. The habitants of the cabin get free access to the property trails for self-guided hiking.
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary
If you wish to visit a sanctuary that specializes in rescue of injured wild animals and their rehabilitation, go on a guided tour of Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located near Dominicalito and can be an easy trip from Uvita, Dominical or Ojochal.
For 1 hour tour of the sanctuary, they request donation of 33 USD per adult for foreigners, and 11 USD per adult, for Costa Rican citizens and residents. The tours are offered everyday of the week except for Mondays, at 3 different time slots – 9 am, 11 am and 1 pm.
On our tour of this sanctuary, we were happy to learn that their aim is to cure the animals and birds so that they are ready to get back in the wild. However, there are some cases, where this is not possible because the animal isn’t fit for surviving in the wild anymore. For such cases, Alturas provides a forever home to the creatures, but trying to simulate a natural habitat.
We also appreciate several of the ethical practices at Alturas, like no touching of the animals or no selfies with the animals.
You can also stay close to the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary by booking your accommodation at Villas Alturas. Occupying one corner of the same property as that of the wildlife sanctuary, this accommodation option offers ocean and mountain view villas and an outdoor pool overlooking the ocean.
If you wish to see the kind and amazing work several volunteers, biologists and veterinarians are doing across Costa Rica for rescue and rehabilitation of injured animals and birds, check out these wildlife refuges and sanctuaries:
- Jaguar Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center in Alajuela
- Wild Sun Rescue in Cabuya
Osa Mini Golf – OMG
Newly opened in Uvita, Osa Mini Golf – OMG is a 18-hole mini golf court set in a beautiful palm infringed garden. It is fun to see how they have incorporated sculptures of Costa Rica wildlife in the construct of the course.
We relate Costa Rica, particularly the South Pacific region, with raw nature. But, on your Costa Ballena vacation, if you or your family members need a break from the wilderness, go for this fun group activity of playing mini golf.
Uvita Farmers’ Market
Living in Costa Rica for about 5 years now, we have had the chance to visit several farmers’ markets in different places.
As the name suggests, a farmers’ market is the place where farmers come to sell their fresh produce. From fresh veggies and fruits, to poultry and meet, to dairy and cheese, it is a nice spot where you can stock up on your raw food supplies.
Uvita Farmers’ Market is open on Wednesday and Saturdays, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Click here for its Google Maps location.
Bring cash in case you find a vendor not able to accept card payment.
Even if you do not wish to buy anything, it is a nice place to hang out. Grab some coffee, eat a typical breakfast and watch the bustling market. It will give you a flavor of how locals and expats go on about their weekly shopping for fresh produces in Uvita.
Eco Feria Dominical
Although smaller in scale, now Dominical also has its own farmers’ market. Going by the name “Eco Feria”, it is a place where local farmers and artisans come together to sell their products.
The Eco Feria takes place every Friday, from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm, at the Domi Plaza by the main street of Dominical.
So, when you are in Costa Ballena, you can choose to visit either of these two farmers’ markets in Uvita and Dominical, or both!
Beach Town Souvenirs
When in Dominical, take a walk along the road that leads you to the south end of the Dominical beach. If you wish to buy beach souvenirs from Costa Ballena, this is a nice spot.
The street is adorned with colorful clothings and accessories, sold by vendors. From flowing dresses to beach blankets with sloths and toucans on them to little trinkets, you will find a variety of goods here.
The vivid colored goods hanging on either side of the road, under the shades of the palm trees, make for a pretty picture too!
Envision Festival
The Envision Festival is one of its kind, weeklong event held in Uvita once a year.
It is a place where thousands of people from around the world gather for a unique experience, close to the beach and surrounded by the jungle. They connect through different workshops and experiences, that aim towards the “awakening of the soul”.
The event is usually held in February or March. For 2023, it was held between February 27 and March 6. For the next year 2024, Envision Festival is scheduled to start from March 4. So, if you wish to attend this festival in Uvita, time your Costa Rica trip accordingly.
Stunning Sunsets
When you are in Costa Ballena, you are on the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica, facing the west. Do you know what that means? The opportunity to witness spectacular sunsets!
There are different ways you can enjoy a sunset in Dominical, Uvita and Ojochal. We will share a few ideas so that you can plan a different sunset experience of each day of your Costa Ballena trip.
- This one is obvious – a beach sunset! Walk on the beach or surf the waves as you watch the sun go down beyond the ocean horizon.
- Go for a happy hour drink or an early dinner at one of the restaurants up the hill, from where you can enjoy a sunset view.
- Chill at your hotel with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Go for a golden hour swim, sip on a cocktail and watch the sunset.
Craft Beer on Tap
Uvita now has its own craft beer bar. After creating packaged craft beer for a few years now, Whale Tail Brewery now has set up shop as the town’s coolest brew bar offering craft beer on tap. With a quirky decor and a chilled out atmosphere, it is the perfect place to hang out after a tiring day. So, if you are a beer lover like us, you can put trying this brew bar on your list of top things to do in Uvita.
Whale Tail Brewery has since expanded, and now they also have a brand new hotel right by the same name, located next to the brewpub. Whale Tail Hotel, offering both private rooms and shared rooms, is growing in popularity as a cool place to stay in Uvita.
Farm to Table Dining with Ocean View
On your Costa Ballena, book yourself a unique dining experience to enjoy a special evening in Uvita.
Located close to Playa Hermosa, Rancho Cielo Alto is located up in the hills with beautiful views of the Pacific. This is a concept restaurant where fresh produces from the farm are used to prepare your meal.
The star of Rancho Cielo Alto is its owner and chef Jazmin. She prepares the 4-course set meals and also explains each dish to the customers.
The dining experience at Rancho Cielo Alto is by reservation only. You can all or text them at +506-8555-2322 to make your reservation.
Drink and Dine with a View
Dominical and Uvita also have other regular restaurants from where you can enjoy beautiful views of the ocean.
Some of our favorites are Bar Jolly Roger near Dominical, La Parcela near Punta Dominicalito and The Aracari Restaurant in Uvita. Another popular place in Uvita for dining with ocean views is the newly opened Mirador Don Roger, but we have yet to visit this pub.
Although the restaurants are open till dinner, our suggestion is to go to these places either during the day or at sunset. Some of them may require a 4X4 and if not, at least a vehicle with high ground clearance.
Stay at a Ship Themed Hostel
How about walking up to the upper deck of a ship and standing at the bow to take in the views of evergreen Uvita?
Well, not on a real ship, but you can do this in Uvita when staying at the Shipwrecked Hostel. Located close to the town, it is a ship themed hostel with cute and comfy sleeping pods, a community kitchen and shared bathrooms in the lower deck. The upper deck has more open spaces for socializing, practicing yoga or dance or music, and working remotely.
Click here to check prices and book your stay at Shipwrecked Hostel.
Shipwrecked Hostel is an interesting option for making your Uvita stay a bit different than the usual. Did this hostel make it to our list of best places to stay in Uvita?
Stay in a Luxury Villa with Whale’s Tail View
The positioning of hills along the coastline of Uvita has led to the development of many hotels and villas with unique ocean views overlooking the Whale’s Tail. Book yourself a stay at one such hotel or villa to indulge in some luxury. The luxuries range from private all-glass villas to outdoor open showers, all combined with top notch services.
Here are some adults-only luxury accommodation options in Uvita with Whale’s Tail view:
Please note that you may need a 4X4 to drive up to some of these villas. So check with the property in advance so that you can choose your rental car accordingly. Else you can also coordinate with the property for arranging transfers for you.
There are many fancy lodges and resorts in Uvita. Even if you are not staying at any of these, you can still explore one on a day pass.
La Cusinga Lodge Day Pass
For day visitors, La Cusinga Lodge offers different options with which you can explore their property, the onsite facilities and trail accesses:
- Option 1: Access all trails on their property for 10 USD per person. Use of swimming pool not included.
- Option 2: Buy a day visit pass that includes access to all trails, use of swimming pool, and special menu for lunch. Price: 40 USD for adults and 25 USD for children of 4-11 years age.
- Option 3: Eat at the Aracari restaurant from their regular menu, and get access to all trails on property. No additional purchase required. Use of swimming pool is not included in this option.
To more about these options, you can contact La Cusinga Lodge by phone on +506-2770-2549 or DM on their Instagram page.
Nestled amidst tropical vegetation and complete with ocean views, the setting of La Cusinga Lodge is beautiful.
Walking on jungle trails, swimming, spotting birds and monkeys, and dining with ocean views, it’s a nice place to spend a day with your loved ones. As described earlier, if you use any of the options to use their onsite trails, the access to Playa Arco also becomes less complicated.
Oxygen Jungle Villas Day Pass
One of the most beautiful places we have stayed at in Uvita is Oxygen Jungle Villas.
Apart from the private glass-villas, they have onsite trails through the forest leading to beautiful waterfalls, river and swimming areas. With an infinity pool overlooking the Whale’s Tail, the restaurant also offers spectacular views.
This beautiful resort in Uvita occasionally offers special day passes. For a price of 135 USD per person, you get access to all trails, river and swimming area, a 60-minute massage at their spa, a light lunch and a green smoothie.
For buying this day pass at Oxygen Jungle Villas, you can contact them over WhatsApp on +506-8314-7371 or DM on their Instagram page.
Best Time to Visit Costa Ballena
The rainy season (or the wet season) in Uvita, Dominical and Ojochal runs from mid-April to mid-December. The sun shines brighter during the dry season months from mid-December to mid-April. However, Costa Ballena is one of those places that you can visit anytime of the year and still have plenty of thing to do.
The wet season is ideal for whale watching and enjoying the lush green rainforests, gushing waterfalls and the natural pools. The dry season is great for snorkelling, kayaking or SUP and bit of whale-watching as well. The roads are also easier to drive on during the drier months.
The South Pacific being one of the greenest zones in Costa Rica, you can expect rains even on some dry season days, especially in the afternoons. So, plan your activities accordingly.
Over the years, we have visited this South Pacific zone of Costa Rica during various times of the year, and every time we have had a great time there, irrespective of rain or sun.
It is not just Uvita, Dominical and Ojochal on your Costa Rica itinerary, right? You have other places to visit too in this beautiful Central American country! Check our our comprehensive guide for best time to visit Costa Rica. It will help you plan which place to visit during what time of the year and what activities are best suited for each season. This guide also comes with couple of cool infographics!
What to Pack for Costa Ballena
Costa Ballena is a tropical region with year round moderate climate. In Dominical, Uvita and Ojochal, you get to spend beach time, swim in waterfalls as well as hike in the jungle! So, pack light comfortable clothes, swimwear, flip-flops and hiking shoes.
Most importantly, do not forget your reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent and raincoat. Also, for water activities like kayaking and surfing, it is best to pack your things in a dry bag.
Beach sunsets to waterfalls, monkeys to birds, there will be plenty of photography opportunities on your Costa Ballena trip. So, bring the photography gear of you choice. Want to know what is in our camera bag?
For a comprehensive packing list, read our packing guide for Costa Rica. We have also included a FREE checklist for you to use at the time of packing for Costa Rica. You are welcome 🙂
How to Reach Costa Ballena
Costa Ballena is a scenic drive from whichever part of Costa Rica you are arriving from.
Option 1 – Coastal Highway, Ruta 34
The Route 34, the coastal highway is the most common route that leads to Costa Ballena. It passes by the prominent beach towns Jaco and Quepos. The stretch is covered by palm tree fields, river bridges and green mountains. There are multiple toll gates along this route. You will spend around 2,200 colones (~4 USD) for toll taxes.
The distances from the major cities/ towns to Uvita towns are as follows:
- Juan Santamaría Int. Airport, Alajuela: 211 km / 131 miles
- Daniel Oduber Quirós Int. Airport, Liberia: 319 km / 198 miles
- San Jose: 223 km / 140 miles
- Tamarindo, Guanacaste: 357 km / 223 miles
- Monteverde: 237 km / 149 miles
- La Fortuna, Arenal: 288 km / 171 miles
- Quepos, Puntarenas: 61 km / 39 miles
Option 2 – Mountain Road, Ruta 2
However, if you are arriving from the Central Valley or the Caribbean side, you may consider taking the mountainous Ruta 2. It goes through the Cerro de la Muerte and passes by the towns of San Isidro de El General of Perez Zeledon and Tinamaste. This road merges with the coastal highway Ruta 34 near Dominical. From this junction, you can continue driving south on Ruta 34 to reach Dominical, Uvita and Ojochal.
Compared to the coastal highway, this drive may take longer because of the curves and turns, and reduced visibility dues to clouds and mists. But you are rewarded with beautiful views of the mountains, valleys and forests. Also, you do not need to pay any toll taxes on this route.
Where to Stay in Costa Ballena: Best Hotels
Here are some accommodation options you may consider for staying in Uvita, Dominical and Ojochal.
Hotels in Uvita
Apart from the luxury stay options mentioned earlier in this article, check out these hotels in Uvita of varying budget ranges.
For more ideas on where to stay in Uvita, read our Uvita hotels guide.
- Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge Adults-Only: A fusion of Balinese architecture with Costa Rican style, this luxury accommodation option offers private villas with all the amenities you need for a comfortable vacation. Close to the Hermosa Beach and tucked in the jungle, it is a perfect nature oasis for your Costa Ballena vacation. Click here to check prices and availability.
- Hotel Marino Ballena: A mid-range hotel option in Uvita, Marino Ballena has rooms with AC, private bathrooms and mountain views. They have an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant on site. Click here to check prices and availability.
- Uvita Pirates Hostel: A couple of minutes walk from the Colonia beach, Uvita Pirates is a budget accommodation option in Uvita. They offer private rooms with air-conditioning and hot shower in the bathroom. The shared kitchen, common deck and the reception lounge give this place a feel of hostel where you can socialize with other travelers. Click here to check prices and availability.
You can also use this search box below to select hotel for the dates of your stay in Uvita.
Hotels in Dominical
Check out these hotel in Dominical of different budget ranges.
For more ideas on where to stay in Dominical, read our Dominical hotels guide (coming soon!).
- Tribe Boutique Hotel – Adults Only: A short walk from the Dominical beach, this mid-range hotel with chic design offers 4-star accommodations. Apart from rooms with private bathrooms and AC, the property also has a nice outdoor pool and garden areas. Click here to check prices and availability.
- Bamboo River House and Hotel: This mid-range accommodation offers rustic apartments close to the Baru river. The property is a few minutes walk away from Dominical town and has rooms with all amenities like AC, fridge, coffee machine and closet, to name a few. Click here to check prices and availability.
- Hotel Tropical Sands Dominical: A budget accommodation option in Dominical, this hotel is just a couple of minutes walk from the Dominical beach. The rooms come with private bathroom, hot shower, with some of them having AC and kitchenette too. Click here to check prices and availability.
You can also use this search box below to find hotel for the dates of your stay in Dominical.
Hotels in Ojochal
Here are some accommodation options in Ojochal.
- El Castillo – Adults Only: A boutique hotel offering spa facilities and an outdoor swimming pool, the rooms here come with stylish decor and patios or balconies with nice views. Click here to check prices and availability.
- Alma de Ojochal: Another high-range hotel in Ojochal, this one offers modern rooms and suites with ocean views. They also have onsite restaurant and bar, and a swimming pool. Click here to check prices and availability.
- Dos Casitas: Located in the Ojochal village, they offer mid-range accommodation in a tranquil setting. The bungalows have wooden architecture and come equipped with kitchenettes, balconies and private bathrooms. Click here to check prices and availability.
To find more hotels in Ojochal, use this search box and specify your dates of travel.
Where to Eat in Costa Ballena: Best Restaurants
When visiting Costa Ballena, you will get plenty of options for dining out. From Mediterranean falafels to Argentinian empanadas, from Mexican burritos to Indian tandoori, you can get a taste of the cuisines from different parts of the world.
Read our Uvita and Dominical restaurants guide for a detailed list of dozens of restaurants and our views on what is best about each of them.
Some of our favorite restaurants in Uvita are Aracari Restaurant for excellent food with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, Pizza Time for New York style pizza and Sibu Restaurant and Coffee Store for their excellent gelatos and desserts.
In Dominical, we like the burgers and wings at Jolly Rogers while staring out at the ocean in the distance. La Parcela near Dominicalito is a special place with amazing views, pretty decor and huge portions of delectable plates.
If you are looking for restaurants in Ojochal, check out Exotica restaurant for French food and The Bamboo Room, a happening place with live music, great food and drinks.
Things to Know about Costa Ballena
If you are planning for a long stay in Costa Ballena or are traveling on your own, there are few essentials that you would like to stay informed about. Like, where can you withdraw dollars or where can you fill up your car’s fuel tank?
Supermarkets
If you prefer to pick up your groceries from the supermarket and cook your own meals, it is important to know where you can stock up. There are smaller stores everywhere, but here are some of the supermarket chain stores or bigger stores where you can find almost everything under one roof.
Our favorite so far is the newly opened Maxi Pali branch near the Sector Colonia entrance of Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita. From pack of beers and fresh veggies to electronic gadgets and flip-flops, you will find everything here for a reasonable price. Owned by Walmart Centroamerica, Maxi Pali is a retailer network with stores all across Costa Rica. Click here for Google Maps location of Maxi Pali Uvita.
The other major supermarket chain with stores in Uvita is BM Supermercados. Apart from your regular food items, you may find the finer bottles of wine or premium brands of packaged chips. Apart from the Supermercado BM right in town center opposite Sibu Cafe, now there is a bigger Supermercado BM store next to the Marino Ballena restaurant. Here are the locations of the stores: Supermercado BM Bahia Ballena and Supermercado BM near Calle Uvita.
If you are looking for organic produce and artisanal goods, with an option of a deli on the side to grab a sandwich or a salad bowl, head to Mama Toucan’s in Dominical. Do try some of their bakery items. They are delicious! Here is the Google Maps location for Mama Toucan.
Gas Stations
In Uvita, there are 2 gas stations that are open 24 hours. One is Servicentro Bahia – Uvita, right in town and the other one is GS La Colonia near the Maxi Pali store.
In Dominical, there are no gas stations right in town. But if you drive up 3.4 kms (2.1 miles) to the north, you will find another 24 hours station, Estacion de Servicio El Ceibo.
We have not seen any gas station in Ojochal.
ATMs
Although there is 1 ATM in Dominical, the best place to get your cash is Uvita. You will have the option to choose from 3 different ATMs – 1 of Banco Nacional, 1 of Coopealianza and 1 of Banco de Costa Rica (BCR).
Please note, Coopealianza does not have ATM machines with US dollars. They have only Costa Rican colones. Banco Nacional has 1 machine that is supposed to dispense both colones and dollars, but most of the time it is out of dollar bills. At Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) ATM, you can get both colones and dollars.
So, if you need to withdraw dollars, it is best to head directly to the BCR ATM in Uvita town. For colones, you can go to any of the ATMs.
Where Next after Costa Ballena?
For serene beaches and abundant wildlife, head further south to Drake Bay, one of the most remote regions of Costa Rica. Going on beach hikes or floating in the river, there are plenty of ways to spend your days in the wilderness of Drake Bay.
But, after your dose of sun and sand in Costa Ballena, if you prefer to enjoy some nip in the air, take the route of Cerro de la Muerte and spend a few days in San Gerardo de Dota. Relax in a cloud forest lodge, go in search of the elusive bird Resplendent Quetzal before heading back to San Jose.
Check out these posts for Costa Rica itinerary ideas:
Travel Planning Logistics
- Accommodation: For several years now, Booking.com has been our platform of choice for booking accommodation while traveling. You can apply all the desired filters and shortlist the ones that meet your criteria. On continued use, you will keep unlocking their Genius benefits. For long term stays, we use Airbnb. Of late, we have also started browsing Hostelworld for finding hostels.
- Tours: When traveling to new destinations, you can plan ahead and book your activities. Check for highly rated tours on Viator and Get Your Guide.
- Packing: From swimwear to sunscreen, hiking pants to insect repellents, buy your vacation packing essentials on Amazon.
- Flights: We always start our flight searches with Skyscanner and Momondo. They are aggregators that display flight options, compiling information across airlines and combinations. What we like the best about these flight aggregators is that you can put “Anywhere” as your destination, so that you find the best flight deals from your city of departure.
Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or a booking through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.
