Positioned simply 17 km south of Dominical, Playa Uvita is a small city with a laid-back vibe that’s rising in reputation. Positioned alongside Costa Ballena, Playa Uvita has loads to supply as a journey vacation spot. It’s dwelling to a marine reserve, Marino Ballena Nationwide Park, is situated in shut proximity to Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park, in addition to coastal mountains, stunning seashores and close by waterfalls.
Uvita is thought for its wealthy biodiversity, encompassing various ecosystems similar to rainforests, mangroves, and seashores. The realm is dwelling to number of wildlife, together with quite a few chook species, similar to broad-wing hawks, tropical mockingbirds, scarlet macaws, yellow-throated toucans, parrots and extra. The seashores and surrounding waters additionally help plentiful marine life, together with sea turtles, dolphins, and numerous fish species.
Utiva is a nature lover’s paradise, and a little hidden gem including distinctive character to the area. It’s undoubtedly price a spot in your South Pacific Costa Rica itinerary.
Our Vlog Exploring Punta Uvita, Costa Rica
Shoreline in Uvita, Costa Rica
Get to Uvita, Costa Rica?
Uvita is situated alongside Costa Ballena (actually translated as Whale Coast) – a area in Southern Costa Rica, alongside Coastal Freeway 34 (Costanera Sur), about an hour south of the favored Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park. The rugged shoreline stretches from Playa Dominical to Ojochal and options miles of unspoiled nature.
By Bus: Public transportation to Uvita is restricted, however it’s potential to get to the world with no automotive if you don’t plan on driving in Costa Rica.
Head over to Bookaway, our beneficial transportation aggregator, to seek for buses, shuttles, and different transportation choices to and from Uvita.
By Automotive: The best strategy to get to Uvita is by driving. The city is about 3.5 hours south of San Jose on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Having your personal automobile will mean you can simply get round Uvita and see most of the space’s high points of interest.
First time driving in Costa Rica? Make sure to learn our publish to study all in regards to the difficult of driving right here!
Finest Issues to do in Uvita, Costa Rica
1. Stroll By way of the Quiet City of Uvita, Costa Rica
Playa Uvita is a perfect vacation spot for a much less crowded expertise. This quiet little city is just not overrun with tourism; it’s unspoilt, very tranquil, and consultant of many different small cities in Costa Rica.
The city centre contains of solely a few streets with a number of retailers, a number of consuming institutions, and memento retailers.
A brief distance from the doorway to Playa Uvita, you’ll discover a small farmers’ market. It’s an incredible spot to take in the ambiance, meet the locals, and should purchase native produce similar to honey, fruit and greens, and home-cooked meals.
Vibrant properties in Uvita. Picture by dconvertini through Flickr CC
2. Go to Marina Ballena Nationwide Park
The Marina Ballena Nationwide Park is certainly one of many high issues to do whereas staying in Punta Uvita, Costa Rica. This marine reserve protects over 13,000 acres of ocean and 9 miles of shoreline. With mangrove forests, coral reefs, and wild seashores, it’s the right escape from the hustle and bustle.
The park is known as after the humpback whales that migrate by means of the world between Could and October. The park additionally incorporates a number of seashores, together with Playa Uvita, which is thought for its pure rock formations that type the form of a whale’s tail throughout low tide.
Because of its coral reefs and various marine life, Marina Ballena Nationwide Park can be a preferred vacation spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. The park is dwelling to over 18 species of marine animals, together with dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, and numerous species of tropical fish.
There are additionally a number of mountaineering trails within the park, together with one which results in a lookout level with views of the encompassing shoreline.
Playa Uvita, Costa Rica
3. Take a Stroll to the Whale’s Tail
As talked about earlier than, the “Whale’s Tail” is a pure rock and sand formation situated on the southern finish of Playa Uvita, a seashore throughout the Marina Ballena Nationwide Park in Costa Rica.
Throughout low tide, the formation resembles the form of a whale’s tail, therefore the identify. Though you’ll be able to solely see the complete extent of the whale’s tail from above, the purpose, also referred to as Punta Uvita, has grow to be a preferred attraction in Uvita. It provides a novel and exquisite viewpoint of the encompassing shoreline.
Punta Uvita is solely accessible at low tide and for solely about 3 hours a day. Make sure to examine the tide chart earlier than you go and double-check with a neighborhood for recommendation. It’s very easy to lose observe of time whereas having fun with the light waves of Punta Uvita and end up waddling by means of knee-deep waters because the tide raises in your approach again.
Whale’s tail from above
4. Go Whale Watching Tour
The very best time to identify humpback whales in Uvita and the encompassing space is from mid-July to October for the Southern Hemisphere whales, and from late December to February for the Northern Hemisphere whales.
Throughout these instances, a number of firms in Uvita run Whale Watching Excursions. The excursions sometimes depart from Uvita Seaside and take you out to catch a glimpse of whales of their pure habitat. Whale sightings should not assured however are frequent in the course of the migration season. Among the best rated whale watching tour operators within the space is Bahia Adventures, that gives Dolphin and Whale Watching excursions for round $80/pp.
Humpback Whale noticed in Costa Ballena. Picture through Wikipedia
5. Go Seaside Hopping
Playa Uvita is arguably probably the most stunning seashore within the area, but it surely’s not simply Playa Uvita that pulls guests to this space. There are 5 different seashores price trying out, together with Playa Ventanas, Playa Pinuela, and Playa Hermosa.
Playa Ventanas was our favorite, due to the distinctive caves that encompass its shores. The seashore wasn’t appropriate for swimming once we visited as a result of unhealthy rip tides, but it surely provided an ideal setting for a day of hanging out in a hammock.
Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
Playa Ventanas, Uvita, Costa Ballena
6. Try the Hidden Arco Seaside
Arco Seaside, or Playa Arco, is technically one of many many seashores situated inside Marino Ballena Nationwide Park, however not like the opposite seashores, this one is a little more difficult to entry.
The seashore could be accessed by means of La Cusinga Lodge and Restaurant, the place a steep and sometimes slippery path provides entry to Arco Seaside. Word that the seashore can solely be accessed at low tie, when the seashore is seen.
In case you time the go to effectively, you’ll end up on a fully secluded seashore, away from the plenty. Try the distinctive caves, the attractive picture spots and benefit from the pure fantastic thing about the world.
It’s essential to notice that there have been reviews of theft within the space, so make sure you take obligatory precautions, lock your automobile, take away any useful from sight, and don’t depart valuables unattended whereas on the seashore.
7. Go to Uvita Waterfall
Uvita Waterfall is a neighborhood gem discovered on a non-public property, about 5 minutes from Uvita city centre.
It takes lower than 5 minutes to descend to the waterfall from the restaurant’s car parking zone, and the subsequent factor , you’re sliding into the refreshing pool on the base of a gushing waterfall.
The path is well-maintained and comparatively straightforward to navigate, however it may be slippery and steep in some areas. The waterfall’s surrounding is lush tropical vegetation and is a well-liked attraction for vacationers and locals alike.
Go mid-week, and also you’ll possible have the waterfall all to your self!
Uvita Waterfall, Costa Ballena
8. Swim on the El Pavon Waterfall
El Pavon Waterfall, also referred to as Cascada El Pavón, is a picturesque waterfall situated about 20 min drive from Uvita simply exterior of the city of Ojochal.
The street resulting in the waterfall is unpaved and filled with potholes, so when you don’t have a 4×4, we advocate that you simply drive slowly. You possibly can park at Tilapia Restaurant and take a brief hike to the waterfall. There’s no entry payment, and the water could be very refreshing, with a pleasant pool to leap into. There are cool caves to discover on the base of the falls and a few adventurers wish to climb up and across the waterfall to leap off into the cool waters beneath.
Watch out when visiting, as water ranges change all year long and leaping into the waterfall or accessing the caves might not all the time be secure. When unsure, rent a neighborhood information to point out you the world and assist you entry the security of the waterfall.
8. Take Half within the Envision Pageant
Envision Pageant an artwork, spirituality, yoga, music, and dance competition that has been drawing in crowds to Uvita for a few years. The an annual four-day music and humanities competition often takes place in late February or early March and is held at Rancho La Merced
Envision is a good place to immerse your self within the Costa Rican tradition and expertise music, artwork, and dance from all around the world. The competition can be well-known for its concentrate on sustainability, yoga, and holistic well-being. There are numerous workshops, gatherings, talks and occasions that happen earlier than or after the large occasion, so make sure you give your self sufficient time to expertise all of it!
Yoga class at Envision Pageant. Picture through Envision Pageant web site
9. Take a Surf Lesson at Bodhi Surf + Yoga Camp
Bodhi Surf + Yoga is the world’s first B Corp Licensed surf and yoga camp, situated in Uvita, Osa, Costa Rica. The camp focuses on week-long, community-based surf and yoga packages the place contributors can study, enhance bodily, emotionally, and spiritually by means of 5 periods of browsing and 5 periods of yoga.
Bodhi Surf + Yoga’s mission is to teach, encourage, and empowe guests to reside extra sustainably by means of browsing, yoga, nature immersion, and neighborhood engagement.
Whereas we haven’t personally skilled their camp or their courses, we’ve learn plenty of opinions in regards to the peopel operating this system at Bondhi in addition to their surf classes and yoga packages. This may very well be an incredible choice for somebody on the lookout for a extra meaninful keep in Uvita.
Picture through Bodhi Suft + Yoga official Fb web page.
10. Go to the Oro Verde Reserve
Oro Fowl Reserve is situated only a few kilometres from Uvita, on the farm of the Duarte household, who’ve lived within the space for greater than 30 years. The ultimate stretch of street to Oro Verde is a 3.5 km tough grime street (4WD solely), however the journey to get there’s undoubtedly price it.
The rainforest covers two-thirds of the 155-hectare property at Oro Fowl Reserve. You possibly can go on a guided birdwatching stroll by means of the jungle, discover nature areas alongside the coast and foothills of El Oro and observe multiple hundred species of birds, similar to toucans, parrots, roseate geese, raptors, hummingbirds, horned screamers, umbrella birds, and manakins. Tour are guided and begin at $40/pp
11. Go to Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit group and animal rescue middle situated in Dominical, Costa Rica. The sanctuary is devoted to the rehabilitation and launch of injured, sick, and orphaned animals.
We love that some animals at Alturas are literally launched into the wild. Whereas these that can’t be launched are taken care of and reside out a superb life within the sanctuary.
Alturas provides day by day excursions to satisfy the sanctuary residents operating at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., or 3 p.m.. Every tour lasts 1.5-hours. A guided tour on the Sanctuary prices $25 for adults, whereas kids underneath 12 pay $15.
It’s potential to see many various animals up shut, together with anteaters, sloths, monkeys, toucans, parakeets, and others. The educated guides clarify every part about every animal, and they’re very passionate in regards to the sanctuary’s mission and philosophy. In step with good moral wildife practices, there’s a strict hands-off coverage on website which suggests you can watch the animals however not contact or feed them.
There’s an straightforward hike so you’ll be able to discover the world by yourself or with a information. The picket walkways over the muddy sections and the lookout factors are nice additions to the tour. You possibly can see the attractive vegetation and benefit from the peace and quiet of the place.
Ocelot is likely one of the animals that may be seen in Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary. Picture through alturaswildlifesanctuary.org
12. Take a Day Journey to Corcovado Nationwide Park
Visiting Corcovado Nationwide Park is arguably top-of-the-line issues to do in Costa Rica. It is likely one of the most biologically various locations on Earth. It contains the one old-growth moist forest nonetheless current alongside the Pacific coast of Central America, in addition to 13 main ecosystems, similar to lowland rain forests, highland cloud forests, jolillo palm forests, and mangrove swamps, along with coastal marine and seashore habitats.
Whereas it’s arduous to get to, it’s a vacation spot you’ll be able to go to on a (lengthy) day journey from Uvita.
The gateway to Corcovado Nationwide Park, Drake Bay, is situated about 3 hours drive from Uvita. From there, it’s one other 1-1.5 hour boat experience to succeed in the San Pedrillo Ranger Station contained in the park. En path to the park, you may see whales, dolphins, and different wildlife.
However the true journey begins once you arrive contained in the park. There are 2 totally different trails round San Pedrillo Ranger Station and some different trails in different components of the park.
Throughout your hike within the park, you’ll see the totally different ecosystems of the Osa Peninsula, from lush rainforests to stunning seashores. With the assistance of native information, you’ll study in regards to the distinctive vegetation and animals of the world and have the prospect to see a few of Costa Rica’s most shy and endangered animals, like Baird’s tapirs, scarlet macaws, harpy eagles, red-backed squirrel monkeys, and even white-lipped peccaries.
Entrance to the park is $15 per individual, however sadly, it’s not potential to go to the park by yourself. For the most effective expertise, we advocate reserving a day tour from Uvita that features all transportation (shuttle + boat), information, meals and snacks for the day.
The doorway of Corcovado Nationwide Park, Osa Peninsula
Finest Inns in Uvita, Costa Rica
There are many accommodations in Uvita, Costa Rica starting from hostels for these on a funds, to luxurious accommodations for the large spenders. There are additionally quite a lot of eco-lodges for the environmentally-conscious vacationers. Listed here are only a few we advocate.
Oxygen Jungle Villas
We are able to personally advocate the Oxygen Jungle Villas, one of the vital distinctive eco-hotels Uvita, Costa Rica. The resort options simply 12 non-public villas, every with ocean view, King dimension mattress, en suite lavatory, AC and an out of doors verandahs. The secluded all-glass villas are designed to mix seamlessly with the pure setting and provide a tranquil retreat for visitors.
We beloved spending our mornings on our verandah with tea in hand. The views had been unbelievables and we actually felt like we had been the one visitors on the lodge!
There was loads right here to maintain us busy too. The lodge provides a non-public waterfall and mountaineering trails, an infinity pool with an on website restaurant, the place we spent many hours hanging out and having fun with the views.
Having fun with jungle views with our morning tea on the Oxygen Jungle Villas in Uvita
Having fun with the views of Uvita at Oxygen Jungle Villas, Puntarenas
Bungalows Ballena
Bungalow Ballena is a family-friendly 3-star lodge situated only a 10-minute stroll from Punta Uvita, with easy accessibility to different in style spots like Marina Ballena Nationwide Park.
The lodging consists of 5 rooms and 2 outside swimming pools, with free WiFi accessible within the rooms and public areas, in addition to free parking. Every room encompasses a espresso maker, air con, and a flat-screen TV, with a number of rooms providing a view of the pool and a non-public lavatory with a bath and blow dryer.
Bungalows Ballena participates within the Journey Sustainable program, making certain a lowered environmental influence throughout your keep.
Picture through bungalowsballena.com
Seren Glamping
Seren Glamping is a mid-range glamping resort situated 300 meters from Uvita Seaside, that featurs an out of doors pool, backyard, and air-conditioned tents with a patio and free WiFi.
The lodge consists of cute glamping tents set on a picket platform. Every tent has an enclosed lined en suite with a bath and outside bathe.
There’s a pool on-site and whereas they aren’t serving meals on the property, day by day fruit is on the market to all visitors.
Picture through serenglamping.com
La Cusinga Eco Lodge
La Cusinga Eco Lodge is an environmentally-friendly lodge situated in Uvita, Costa Rica. The lodge is located inside a 250-acre non-public reserve that borders the Marina Ballena Nationwide Park, offering visitors with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and the encompassing tropical rainforest.
The lodge provides rustic cabins constructed with sustainably harvested wooden and native supplies, combining each luxurious and sustainability completely. Moreover, the lodge options the Acari Restaurant, which gives domestically sourced, recent, and connoisseur meals with a fusion twist.
Picture through lacusingalodge.com
Finest Eating places in Uvita, Costa Rica
Indómitos Cafe
Indómitos Cafe is a charming espresso store in Uvita that gives an distinctive espresso and meals expertise. The cafe has a comfortable and relaxed ambiance, with nice espresso, recent meals choices and loads of vegan and vegetarian choices.
Picture through Indomitos Cafe Fb Web page
Bar Restaurant Los Laureles
The bar Restaurant Los Laureles is a unbelievable spot for scrumptious meals and cocktails. The relaxed ambiance and huge menu implies that the restaurant provides one thing for everybody. The vegan choices are diversified, making it an ideal selection for these exploring plant-based consuming. The cocktails are beautiful.
Tacos at Los Laureles Restaurant. Picture through Bar Restaurant Los Laureles Fb Web page
Rancho Cielo Alto, Uvita
Rancho Cielo Alto is a restaurant in Uvita, Costa Rica with a excessive score, and it’s steadily touted as the most effective eating expertise within the Southern Pacific area. Set in an out of doors seating space on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean, the restaurant gives an attractive setting for the meal.
Eating is by reservation solely with a set four-course menu, twice per day. The four-course menu encompasses a soup, an appetizer plate, a essential course with a number of choices, and a dessert, all constructed from positive and natural substances, together with herbs and medicinal meals.
Picture through Rancho Cielo Alto Fb Web page
Soda Ranchito Dona Maria
Soda Ranchito Dona Maria is a real gem in Uvita, providing an genuine Costa Rican eating expertise. It’s a easy restaurant, however the meals is scrumptious, and the costs are nice. The substances are domestically sourced, they usually have vegetarian choices. An ideal spot to return for a typical gallo pinto, ceviche or arroz con pollo.
Uvita Beer Backyard
Uvita Beer Backyard is a good spot strolling distance to Uvita city. Because the identify suggests, the restaurant focuses on native craft beer and provides a big selection of native and imported brews, in addition to quite a lot of cocktails and different drinks.
The meals menu at Uvita Beer Backyard options a mixture of worldwide and native delicacies, with typical choices like burgers, salads, tacos, and ceviche, along with a number of nice surprises like recent sushi and bowls. The restaurant prides itself on utilizing recent and domestically sourced substances, together with seafood caught by native fishermen.
Picture through Uvita Beer Backyard Fb Web page