Nestled in one of the world’s most biodiverse tropical rainforests, Uvita, Costa Rica offers a sanctuary for travelers seeking authentic experiences beyond the well-trodden tourist path.
The Costa Rican motto “pura vida” (simple life) isn’t just a saying here – it’s a philosophy embraced wholeheartedly by local people who understand the art of slowing down to appreciate life’s natural wonders.
These include spectacular sunsets across the azure Pacific waters and the remarkable array of wildlife that calls this region home.
What makes Uvita particularly appealing is its perfect scale – it’s intimate enough to feel like you’ve discovered somewhere special, yet substantial enough to offer everything you need within a five-mile radius.
The locally owned restaurants, cafés, and yoga studios instantly welcome you into the community’s rhythm, making you feel less like a visitor and more like a temporary local.
Uvita is a beach town with a plentiful supply of nature, culture, and activities to explore, or, if you want to be a real Tico, a place just to sit back and simply relax.
Things to know before you go
Like much of Costa Rica, Uvita experiences distinct dry and rainy seasons. The dry season spans late November through April, while the rainy season extends from mid-April to October. Don’t let “rainy season” deter you – I visited during this period and found it far less disruptive than the name suggests.
Rainfall typically arrived around or after sunset, with intense but brief downpours lasting two to three hours, leaving days free for exploration.
Traveling during the rainy season offers significant advantages: reduced rates, fewer crowds, and temperatures still perfect for sunbathing. The humid climate practically beckons you to dip into the consistently cooling ocean waters or a refreshing pool.
I strongly recommend renting a vehicle during your stay. Having your own transportation opens up self-guided adventures to various beaches and hidden gems. Rental prices start around $100 USD daily, with Alamo Rent A Car and Hertz both having locations in Uvita (book through Rental Cars for the best rates and insurance information in English).
I found Alamo’s service excellent and rates slightly more competitive, though it’s always worth checking current pricing. Without Uber service in the area and limited, expensive taxis, having your own wheels transforms your experience from restrictive to liberating.
What to experience in Uvita
1. Go whale watching in Marino Ballena National Park
A short 15-minute drive from town brings you to Marino Ballena National Park, which covers more than 13,000 acres of ocean and nine miles of pristine coastline and is renowned for its humpback whale population.
Plan your visit around whale migration seasons (August-November and December-April) to when these magnificent creatures migrate to the area’s warm waters, and you might see more of the 85 marine species that live here.
Tour operators like Bahia Adventures offer excursions with knowledgeable guides, who provide fascinating insights into this huge mammal’s habits, while ensuring respectful wildlife observation. Tours are offered late December through late February and mid-July through late October and if the weather’s too rough, the tour will be cancelled.
I saw over a dozen whales during my excursion – which is supposedly quite lucky, but gives you an idea of how likely they are to see.
2. Catch sunset at Playa Hermosa
Among Uvita’s numerous beaches, Playa Hermosa stands out as a perfect place to catch sunset. Beyond swimming and surfing, the natural surroundings offer unexpected treasures – keep your eyes peeled for rainbow eucalyptus trees in the adjacent rainforest.
These remarkable plants shed their bark to reveal vibrant green layers that gradually transform into stunning pinks, blues, oranges, and purples as they age – and look like a work of art.
3. Walk along Playa Uvita and The Whale’s Tail
Timing is everything when visiting Playa Uvita’s famous Whale’s Tail – a natural sandbar formation that perfectly mimics its cetacean namesake.
During low tide you can walk along the ‘tail’ – although the views of it from the air or hotels up in the hills above are even better for appreciating its unique shape.
4. Swim or catch sunset at pretty Playa Ventanas
True to its name (‘ventanas’ means windows), this beach features mysterious sea caves that seem to frame the ocean beyond. The landscapes, like much of Costa Rica’s incredible jungle, seem straight out of Jurassic Park.
Visit during low tide to safely explore the main cave at the hillside’s base and glimpse a smaller one nearby. The waters are calm, making it an excellent place for swimming, while sunset brings a spectacular display of pink and orange hues that dance across the horizon.
5. Snorkel at Playa Arco
This beach has everything: caves, waterfalls, and prime snorkeling waters. If you want to see the caves, visit during low tide, and bring your own snorkeling gear or rent equipment from Costa Rica Dive and Surf in town (don’t forget the required life vest).
To get here, take a taxi south of Uvita (about a five-minute drive) to the turn-off for the La Cusinga Lodge. From here a 20-minute walk from the road rewards you with access to the caves and two small but picturesque waterfalls that cascade toward the ocean – don’t forget your camera!
6. Learn to ride Uvita’s waves with a surfing lesson
Uvita’s varied breaks cater to surfers of all abilities, making it an ideal place for beginners or experienced alike.
Local surf schools like Casa Tiburon and Bodhi Surf + Yoga offer personalized instruction and equipment rentals that will have you connecting with the ocean in an entirely new way.
7. Hike the wildlife-rich trails of Manuel Antonio National Park
Though compact compared to other Costa Rican national parks, Manuel Antonio is rich in biodiversity, with primary rainforest that merges with a spectacular coastline. From its trails, observe monkeys swinging through the canopy, spot camouflaged sloths, and watch for colorful frogs, all within a manageable area you can thoroughly explore in a day.
The park operates daily (except Tuesdays) from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, and while guided tours enhance your wildlife spotting success, self-guided exploration along the park’s trails allows for personal discovery at your own pace.
This is one of Costa Rica’s most popular parks, so if you’re looking to escape the crowds (which can affect how much wildlife you actually see), I highly recommend heading to the less-visited Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula instead.
8. Dine with howler monkeys at La Parcela
An unlikely place where you’re almost guaranteed to see howler monkeys, one of the jungle’s noisiest residents is La Parcela. This restaurant offers a unique dining experience, where sunset meals come with a side of wildlife watching.
Arrive around dusk for the best chance of spotting troops of howler monkeys, including babies clinging to their mothers. While sightings vary, the restaurant’s spectacular views ensure a memorable experience regardless.
Located about 15 minutes from Uvita en route to Dominical, their diverse menu features everything from fresh salads and quesadillas to locally caught fish and handmade pasta.
9. Snorkel above coral reef on Caño Island
The small biological reserve of Caño Island, located 30 miles offshore and accessible by a two-hour boat journey, rewards travelers with its extraordinary marine diversity. The voyage itself offers opportunities to spot whales and dolphins, particularly during the July-October migration period.
The surrounding coral reef houses a kaleidoscope of tropical fish and sea turtles, which you can watch by snorkeling or taking a scuba diving excursion, which typically cost around $100 per person.
10. Enjoy Dominical’s nightlife
Just 17 minutes from Uvita, Dominical offers a vibrant after-dark scene. Visit The Krazy Kinkajou for evening events, or head to Fuego Brewery for craft beverages and salsa dancing.
Weekend surf competitions add to the town’s energetic atmosphere, and like everywhere along this coast, the sunsets are spectacular.
11. Head south to Corcovado National Park
The Osa Peninsula is Costa Rica’s most biodiverse place, home to a remarkable 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity.
The park’s protected status preserves habitat for four monkey species, anteaters, armadillos, pumas, scarlet macaws, and countless rare amphibians, many of which can be found within the thick jungle within Corcovado National Park, an area around the same size as Denver.
Drake Bay on the northern tip of the peninsula bears the name of Sir Francis Drake, who visited during his 16th-century explorations, and this is the most budget-friendly place from which to visit Corcovado National Park.
To get to Drake Bay, it’s either a three-hour drive or a combination of a 45-minute ride to Sierpe followed by a one-hour boat journey.
Alternatively, go all in on an all-inclusive lodge, such as SCP Corcovado ($1,295 USD double) – which sits on the northern skirts of the national park and is home to a number of puma families – or the equally gorgeous El Remanso ($1,165 USD double), an ocean-facing lodge set within wildlife rich jungle.
12. Kayak through mangrove forests
Kayaking through some of Costa Rica’s 86,000 acres of mangrove forests is an unusual experience, giving you the chance tolearn more about these remarkable trees that have adapted to thrive where freshwater meets saltwater.
The Tèrraba-Sierpe Mangroves National Wetlands (less than an hour south of Uvita) and Marino Ballena National Park both offer opportunities to explore these critical ecosystems.
Uvita 360 Tours provides guided kayaking experiences that reveal the ecological importance and beauty of these environments.
13. Hike to the region’s most spectacular waterfalls
Humidity levels are high around Uvita, which is why you’ll want to take a dip in one of the surrounding waterfall-fed pools.
One of the best are the spectacular 200-foot cascades of the Nauyaca Waterfalls. Located about 20 minutes from Dominical, they feature natural swimming pools at their base; changing facilities are limited, so wear your bathing suit there. You will need to purchase tickets to visit – with return ($38 USD) and single ($28 USD) trolley-shuttle options available. Book your tickets here.
There are also plenty of other beautiful falls to visit:
- Uvita Waterfall: Just 1.6 miles from town and accessible without a 4×4. Enter through Catarata Uvita restaurant for a modest $3 USD entrance fee. A brief five-minute hike (potentially slippery) leads to swimming areas.
- Ojochal Waterfall: In the charming town south of Uvita, this less-frequented cascade requires a 20-minute drive from Ojochal followed by an easy 15-minute walk.
Local tip: The dinosaur-adorned gas station between Uvita and Ojochal offers full-service pumps plus complimentary water and popcorn – just ask inside after refueling! - Cascada El Pavón: Located past Ojochal in Punta Mala Arriba (25 minutes by car from Ojochal waterfall), these falls are free to visit, include a magical swimming hole, and can be reached with minimal hiking. Consider combining with Ojochal waterfall for a day of cascading adventures.
From secluded beaches and wildlife encounters to cultural immersion and adrenaline-pumping adventures, Uvita offers extraordinary experiences that connect you with Costa Rica’s remarkable biodiversity.
Ready to plan a Costa Rican trip of a lifetime? You’re in the right place! Discover the 15 places we recommend to all first-time visitors to the country here. Don’t book anything until you’ve read through these three itineraries for a seven-day trip, and for adventure seekers, we recommend this whitewater rafting experience in Costa Rica.