Uvita
Destination Highlight:
The Whale’s tail, a sandbar formed by two converging beaches
Don’t Miss
whale watching
Best Things to Do in Uvita
Marino Ballena National Park
Uvita is home to Marino Ballena National Park, which is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse marine life. The park’s most famous feature is the Whale Tail, a sandbar formation that emerges during low tide and resembles the shape of a whale’s tail. You can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, and whale watching in the park.
Beaches
Uvita boasts beautiful beaches with golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Playa Uvita is a popular beach for swimming and sunbathing, while Playa Ventanas is known for its unique caves and rock formations. Whether you want to relax on the beach or engage in water sports, Uvita offers a true coastal experience.
Wildlife and Nature
Costa Rica is renowned for its rich biodiversity, and Uvita is no exception. The region is teeming with wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, and other colorful tropical birds. You can explore the lush rainforests and embark on hikes to discover the area’s various flora and fauna.
Waterfall Tours
Uvita is surrounded by breathtaking waterfalls that should be on your need-to-see list. The most famous one is the Nauyaca Waterfalls, which consist of two cascades with a total height of 45 meters (148 feet). You can hike or even horseback ride through the jungle to reach the falls, where you can swim in the refreshing pools beneath them.
Surfing
Uvita offers excellent surfing conditions for surfers of varying skill levels, depending on the beach. Playa Dominical, just a short drive away, is famous for its consistent waves and attracts experienced surfers from around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or are just starting out, Uvita can provide an incredible surfing experience.
Top Places to Eat
Aracari Restaurant
Known for its delicious presentation of local flavors and stunning views, this is one of the most popular restaurants in Uvita. It’s located at La Cusinga Lodge, but the restaurant is not exclusive to hotel guests. Experience tropical dishes made with locally grown fresh produce in their open-air dining area.
Sibu Restaurant & Coffee Store
If you’re looking for a solid option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this is a fantastic place to check out. This restaurant has a café feel, with its large variety of high-quality choices at a reasonable price.
Bar Restaurant Los Laureles
If you’re searching for a place with a local feel and a mix of local and fusion fare, look no further. This is a local favorite in Uvita for its ambiance and delicious food. They have live music on some nights as well, so if you’re looking for a lively and fun place to eat and experience what the locals do, this is the place to go.
Bagel Time Bakery
This is a great local bakery offering freshly baked bread, bagels, pastries, and café fare. Whether you want to sit and enjoy a bagel sandwich in their open-air dining area or grab a snack and keep moving, Bagel Time Bakery won’t disappoint.
Indomitos Café
Looking for vegetarian and vegan options? Indomitos Café is a great choice! They focus on serving a primarily vegetarian and vegan menu, and like many other restaurants in Uvita, they take advantage of the lovely weather in the region with an open-air dining area.
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When To Visit Uvita
The best time to visit Uvita, Costa Rica, is during the dry season from December to April when you’ll experience sunny days and minimal rainfall—perfect for beach activities, whale watching, and exploring the rainforest. However, if you want to witness the best whale-watching opportunities, plan your trip from August to October or January to March, when humpback whales migrate through Marino Ballena National Park. The green season (May to November) brings lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and occasional afternoon showers, making it a great time for nature lovers seeking a more tranquil experience.
How To Get To Uvita
How to Get to Uvita
Our Costa Rica Experts will arrange all of the logistics for your Costa Rica vacation, including domestic flights, private cars, or rental cars. Here’s a brief overview of some options.
By Air
The closest airport to Uvita is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Quepos (XQP) with airlines like Sansa or Green Airways, followed by a 1-hour drive to Uvita.
By Car
From San José, drive south along Route 27 to Route 34 (Costanera Sur Highway). The journey takes about 3.5 to 4 hours and offers scenic coastal views. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended if you plan to explore off-road destinations around Uvita.
Hotels in the South Pacific
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Rancho Pacifico Hotel Adults-Only
Boutique, Eco, VillasBoutique Hotels and Resorts, Honeymoon, Nature Enthusiasts -
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Hotel Three Sixty
Boutique -
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Oxygen Jungle Villas
Boutique -
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Rancho Pacifico 3-Bedroom Whale’s Tail Villa
VillasVacation Rentals: Villas, Condos, & Private Homes
Vacation Packages with Uvita
Uvita vacation packages offer an unforgettable experience on Costa Rica’s stunning South Pacific coast, where lush rainforests meet pristine beaches. Packages often include stays in intimate boutique hotels, with activities such as whale watching in Marino Ballena National Park, exploring waterfalls, surfing, and wildlife tours in the surrounding jungles. Adventure seekers can enjoy snorkeling, diving, or kayaking, while those looking for relaxation can unwind on secluded beaches or indulge in wellness retreats. Whether you’re looking for romance, family fun, or eco-adventure, Uvita vacation packages perfectly blend nature, comfort, and adventure.
Boutique Hotels & Resorts
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Frequently asked questions about traveling to Uvita
What is the weather like in Uvita?
Uvita has a tropical rainforest climate, but it is unique as it’s also a coastal area. You can typically expect average temperatures between 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit during both the dry season (December-March) and green season (April-November), with the primary difference between these seasons being the amount of rainfall. Uvita typically only receives about 6 inches of rain annually, so even during the green season you shouldn’t expect it to rain all day! Chances are, the sun will come out and you will have plenty of daylight to experience all that Uvita has to offer.
What should I pack for Uvita?
Similar to the rest of Costa Rica, Uvita is a hot, humid, and casual place. You should pack light, moisture-wicking clothing, as well as some beach attire of course! Don’t forget to bring things like bug spray, sunscreen, and hiking or walking shoes, too. If you want to see what our experts recommend for packing for any trip to Costa Rica, don’t miss our Expert-approved packing list.
Why visit Uvita?
Uvita is a hidden gem on Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Coast, offering a perfect mix of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and incredible wildlife. It is home to Marino Ballena National Park, famous for its whale tail-shaped sandbar and seasonal humpback whale migrations (July–October & December–April). Visitors can enjoy beachfront relaxation, waterfall hikes, snorkeling, diving, surfing, and wildlife spotting in this laid-back paradise. Unlike more tourist-heavy destinations, Uvita provides an authentic, eco-friendly escape with boutique lodges and stunning nature at every turn.