The white waves crash on to the yellow sands, as if they want to stretch out to the verdant jungle that faces the ocean. The jungle, on its other side, meets the foothills of towering green mountains. The only thing separating the mountains and the coastline is a narrow highway that connects this part of the country with the rest of Costa Rica. Tucked amidst the picturesque setting of this ocean-meets-greenery ecosystem, lies the small town of Uvita. Apart from taking it slow in the tranquil beach town, in the South Pacific region of Costa Rica, let us tell you about the top things to do in Uvita which you cannot miss.
Uvita is one of the three main beach towns that constitute the Costa Ballena area. It is not like some other hip beach town where the fun lies in sunbathing during the day and partying at night. Instead, Uvita’s appeal lies in its rugged natural beauty. It is a place where you find serenity and marvel at the wonders of nature.
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Read our 2023 comprehensive travel guide for an ultimate list of 40+ things to do in Uvita, Dominical and Ojochal, and all the other details that you need to know for planning your own trip.
Top Things to Do in Uvita
The Marino Ballena National Park, rainforests, waterfalls and beaches build a great opportunity of a diverse experience, and offer plenty of things to do in Uvita.
For ideas on different things to do across different regions of Costa Rica, check out this article.
Explore the Whale’s Tail and Marino Ballena National Park
Uvita’s most striking feature is the ocean and the beach lining up to make the shape of a whale’s tail. The Uvita sector of the Marino Ballena National Park boasts of the whale’s tail formation, apart from being home to several marine species like whales, dolphins, aquatic birds and sea turtles.
Take a walk on the tail, formed by rocks and sands. It feels like walking on the ocean while the waves rush on either side of you. However, check the low tide timings to plan it well, as the tail is good for walking only during those times.
The whale’s tail shape is prominently visible even on the Google maps. Check out our YouTube video below of this unique place in Uvita, including some aerial shots.
Where can we get an aerial view of the Whale’s Tail?
The best views of the whales’ tail are, however, from up the mountains behind the highway.
Here is an option to get an aerial view of the formation and see how it spreads out into the ocean.
Direction: 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!
Gentle reminder, keep in mind the high tides, the tail gets submerged. We visited the place before low tide and had to wait for some time before the tail was visible. But the unveiling was exciting!
Whale Watching
One thing you will notice in every nook and corner of Uvita. And that is the sign of ‘Ballena’, Spanish for Whales. However, this is expected, as Whale Watching is the top activity to do in Uvita.
The warm waters and the favorable tropical conditions attract the humpback whales from the North and South every year. They migrate for breeding or raising the juveniles.
The fact that there are two groups, which visit at different times, makes whale-watching almost a year-round activity.
You can read about our full experience of whale watching in Uvita.
December to March is the peak season for the visitors from the North. On the other hand, July-October is the peak season for the Southern group of the whale family. The shoulder seasons, November or May-June might have little to no encounter.
There are several tour operators that offer whale-watching tours. Bahia Aventuras and Ballena Aventura are couple of known tour companies in the area. You can either book in advance or book at their office. Keep in mind that there might be waiting time in the busy seasons as lots of local and foreign visitors plan for these tours.
Uvita Waterfall
We talked about the beach-side activities. Now let us move to the other side of the highway, time to experience bits of the rainforests.
The Uvita waterfall is set in a private property with lush green surroundings. The entrance is behind a small restaurant 1.5 km from the highway passing through a dirt road. The entrance fee is 2000 colones.
The place is a combination of multiple natural pools and the waterfall. You can in fact hike to the top and slide into the waterfall! Also you can plunge into one of the other pools. Yes, you can do that too! There is a platform created just for that.
The place can get crowded during the weekends, so go early. To plan your visit, read our guide to visiting the Uvita Waterfall.
Nauyuaca Waterfalls
Although not technically in Uvita, Nauyuaca Waterfalls, near Dominical, should be one of the highlights for any trip to South Pacific Costa Rica. The waterfalls, consisting of two tiers, the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls, are one of the grandest and the best waterfalls in Costa Rica.
To reach this gorgeous waterfalls, you have to drive about half an hour to the reception office of Cataratas Nauyaca. From there, you can do a hike or take a 4X4 pickup truck ride or go on a horseback riding tour to reach the waterfalls. The Upper Falls are tall whereas the Lower Falls are wide and layered, and drop into a big green natural pool. You can swim in this pool, but not in rainy season. However, Nauyaca Waterfalls are at their whitest best during the rainy season, particularly the Upper Falls.
You can also access Nauyaca Waterfalls from the other side, which is owned by Nayuaca Waterfalls Nature Park. But we wouldn’t recommend this one if you are traveling to Nauyaca from Uvita, because the distance is longer.
To know more about this amazing waterfalls and for a comparison of both the entrances, read our Nauyaca Waterfalls complete visit guide.
Beautiful Beaches of Uvita
If you wish to take a break in between your activities, the beaches in Uvita are long enough to provide some quiet space. They are not the powdery white sand beaches. But, mesmerizing landscapes and raw nature characterize them.
Playa Uvita, no prize for guessing, is the most visited one as it carries the natural logo of whale’s tail. The areas around the tail can be bit crowded, particularly during the low tides and it is active due to the boats and surfers. But the beach is huge and you can find your own corner.
Please note that most of the beaches along the coastline of Uvita are part of the Marino Ballena National Park. Hence, you have to pay the national park entrance fees every day you enter the beach. If you plan to visit multiple beaches, buy the ticket at the entrance of one sector and retain the same to access beaches of other sectors. Our favorite beaches in this part are Playa Piñuelas and Playa Arco.
However, if you are looking for free access beaches, go up north to Playa Hermosa or down south to Playa Ventanas near Ojochal.
Surfing
When you think about beaches in Costa Rica, the top most activity is surfing. Uvita also offers surfing opportunities for surfers of various levels, from beginners to advanced. While advanced surfers prefer Playa Hermosa, for beginners, Playa Colonia in the Marino Ballena National Park is a good option.
Couple of noted surf schools in Uvita are Costa Rica Dive and Surf and Rama Surf.
Bird Watching
The rainforests of Uvita attract several species of birds. The Chestnut-mandibled Toucans and the Fiery-billed Aracaris are commonly found in these areas. Also, look for the golden-hooded and Cherrie’s tanagers, scarlet macaws, woodpeckers and multiple species of hummingbirds among other species.
There are options of birdwatching tours in the land sections of the Marino Ballena National Park or the rainforest areas in the hills. Book a wildlife/bird-watching tour or go on self-guided hikes.
Day Trip to Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on earth. Located in the wild Osa peninsula, the huge park has 5 different sectors. From Uvita, you can book a day trip to Corcovado to hike in the San Pedrillo station. The tour usually starts in the morning, a boat ride from Uvita takes you to the park, you hike during the day and return to Uvita by boat.
Corcovado day trip from Uvita can set you back by 100-150 USD but the tour includes services of a guide, park entrance fees, boat transfers and lunch. As per government laws, getting a guide is mandatory for hiking in Corcovado National Park. And also, who would like to get lost in this huge wild place?
In the national park, you can spot 4 different species of monkeys, 2 different species of sloths, birds and aquatic animals, peccaries, and most likely Bard’s Tapir, that is on the wishlist of many travelers who are interested in Costa Rica widlife.
Caño Island Tour: Snorkeling & Diving
You can take a full day tour to the Caño Island Biological Reserve, around an hour and a half boat ride from Uvita. This reserve is home to plethora of marine species. Also a popular scuba-diving spot, Caño Island offers a complete snorkeling experience in the remote Pacific.
We went for Caño Island snorkeling tour from Drake Bay. The island is only a 40 minutes boat ride from there. But if your Costa Rica itinerary does not take you all the way down south to Drake, Uvita also serves as a great base for visiting Caño Island.
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.
Take a kayak tour of Terraba Sierpe and immerse yourself in an incredible jungle experience. As you kayak along the channels through the mangrove forest, your 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 can recommend them.
Trip to Finca 6
Would you like to add a dash of history in your nature rich Costa Rica vacation itinerary? Then take a trip to Finca 6, about 52 km (32 miles) south of Uvita, on the Costanera Sur highway.
At Finca 6, you will find The Diquis Spheres from the pre-Columbian era. These perfectly round spheres hold within them centuries old mysteries.
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.
Explore Nearby Towns of Costa Ballena
When in Uvita, do check out the two other prominent towns of the Costa Ballena area. Each about 15 minutes drive away, Dominical lies to the north of Uvita and Ojochal to the south.
Dominical
The nearby small beach town of Dominical has good waves and a laid-back vibe, making it popular among surfers and backpackers. Whether you want to surf up some Pacific waves or watch the surfers hone their skills, Dominical beach and the nearby lesser known Dominicalito Beach are great spots for either.
But it is not just the beach that makes Dominical worth your time. There are plenty of things to do in Dominical.
Check out the various tour options to visit the Nauyaca Waterfalls. You can reach this place on a 4×4 tour or a horse riding tour or a self guided walk. Nauyaca waterfalls are considered to be among the most stunning waterfalls of Costa Rica. So, we recommend you to include this in your South Pacific Costa Rica itinerary.
For wildlife watching and birding in Dominical, walk the trails at Hacienda Baru. They offer several guided birding tours. Check out their tour listings here. You can also choose to stay at Hacienda Baru. The resident guests have access to all the trails for self-guided tours. If you are not staying at Baru or do not want to opt for the guided tours, you can still buy a vistor’s pass for hiking the trails.
Explore Ojochal
Ojochal is more popular among residents than tourists. So, if you are planning to move to Costa Rica and are exploring quiet yet developed beach towns, check out Ojochal. But even if you are on vacation, it is worth visiting Ojochal.
The most unique attraction in Ojochal is Playa Ventanas. Ventana in Spanish means window. At Playa Ventanas, you will find rocks near the shore, forming cave like structures. This looks like a window framing the crashing and receding waves.
You can visit a couple of waterfalls in Ojochal too. Cascada El Pavon may not be as grand as Nauyuca. But it is a cute little waterfall that is popular among the locals.
Left: Cascada El Pavon. Right: Playa Ventanas.
Best Time to Visit Uvita
Uvita is one of those places that you can visit anytime of the year and still have plenty of thing to do.
The wet season (May to November) is perfect for whale watching and enjoying the lush green rainforests, gushing waterfalls and the natural pools. The dry season (December to April) is great for sunny beach days, snorkeling, kayaking or SUP and bit of whale-watching as well.
However, Uvita, like most parts of Costa Rica, has chances of getting rains in the dry season as well, particularly in the afternoon. So plan your activities accordingly.
For planning your Costa Rica trip, check out our detailed guide on the best time to visit Costa Rica and the activities to choose for each season and each area. The article also includes couple of cool infographics for your easy reference.
What to Pack for Uvita
- Hiking shorts and trousers
- Dry-fit comfortable shirts/tops
- Light dress/ jumpsuit
- Swimwear – for waterfalls and beaches
- Hiking shoes or sandals – depending on the intensity of your chosen hike(s)
- Flip-flops
- Reef-safe sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Rain coat – a must on your Costa Rica packing list
- Waterproof daypack
- Photography equipment
Do not miss this article on what to pack for Costa Rica. We have also included a FREE checklist that can help when you at the time of packing your bags for Costa Rica.
Check what’s in our camera bag.
How to Reach Uvita
Uvita is a scenic drive from whichever part of Costa Rica you are arriving from. From the Central Valley, you can take the Ruta 34 coastal highway or the Ruta 2 mountain highway.
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
Hotels in Uvita
There are many stay options in and around Uvita town, whether you wish to stay closer to the amenities or surrounded by the rainforests, and at several price ranges.
Some of the luxury options are Oxygen Jungle Villas, Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge and La Cusinga Lodge. Whale Tail Hotel and Hotel Marino Ballena are good mid-range options whereas Uvita Pirates Hostel and Shipwrecked Hostel are good for budget travelers and backpackers.
For more options, check out our guide to the best hotels in Uvita.
You can also use this Map Search Box to pick a place for staying in Uvita.
Restaurants in Uvita
From typical Costa Rican food to delicious burgers to Mexican delicacies to middle-eastern falafels, there are several options for eating out in Uvita. Moreover, the restaurant scene in town is constantly growing! Now, there is even a gastro park in Uvita as well as more than Indian restaurants!
Some of our favorite restaurants in Uvita are Santa Burguesa, Sibu Cafe, Kirin’s Tea House, Aroma a Cafe and The Bakery CR, only to name a few. But, for a detailed recommendation list on where to eat in Uvita, check out our Uvita and Dominical restaurant guide.
Is 4X4 required to explore Uvita?
A 4X4 is not required to reach the Uvita town. But some resorts, hotels and attractions are in places where a 4X4 is recommended. Always check with the property managers about the approach road conditions.
We have been to Uvita several times and never used a 4X4. But on certain roads, particularly on the hills, we did feel that a 4X4 would have served better. So, for peace of mind and to enjoy some of the inner gems of Uvita and the surrounding places, we would recommend a 4X4.
Final Thoughts on Uvita, Costa Rica
The whale watching, beaches, waterfalls and everything else about Uvita make us keep coming back to this awesome beach town. The South Pacific of Costa Rica has so much to offer and Uvita is the gateway to all the action. The town has all the amenities you need, supermarkets, restaurants, ATMs, yet it has the laid back charm of a beach town. Uvita also retains the quintessential charm of natural Costa Rica swarming with wildlife.
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.
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That waterfall looks incredible! How fun to slide down it! A whale watching your would be so fabulous. What an exciting trip!
Indeed, an exciting trip it was! We are planning to visit again.
Wow, it looks like I missed out on an absolute treat when I visited Costa Rica. I remember visiting so many waterfalls out there, and this looks like another one I need to add to the list. I think i might go look at booking a flight now, serious wanderlust.
Haha, I feel you. Costa Rica is house to numerous beautiful waterfalls. We have visited many and yet to visit many more – we are also planning to write soon about the ones we visited.
While all of this looks wonderful to me, one thing stood out in particular… The pizza!! As strange as it may seem, some of the best pizza we’ve had in all of our travels was in Costa Rica. Love it!!
That’s interesting! Although there are some really good pizza joints here in Costa Rica, I wouldn’t imagine someone remembering Costa Rica distinctly for the pizza! You must have had some really delicious ones. 🙂
I wish I could remember the name of the falls that I hiked up to when I was there! I also went on a whale watching tour, but unfortunately we didn’t see any. I can’t wait to go back and I will remember Uvita as it looks like a great place to visit.
The South Pacific region of the country is definitely worth making another trip to Costa Rica! May be you will get lucky next time about the whale watching. 🙂
Wow! Costa Rica sounds like a dream. Would love to visit one day.
We are sure you will enjoy! 🙂