Contents
Uvita isn’t a headline destination. It’s not in your typical top 5 lists. But ask anyone who’s been there, and their eyes light up.
Tucked on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, just below Dominical and about an hour from Manuel Antonio, Uvita in Costa Rica is the kind of town that flies under the radar — and quietly steals your heart.
The roads aren’t glamorous. The vibe isn’t Insta-perfect. But everything about Uvita feels just right: quiet beaches, lush jungle, friendly locals, and no pressure to do anything more than exist comfortably in the sun.
Uvita – The Whale Tail and Marino Ballena National Park
Let’s start with the headline act: the Whale Tail.
It’s a giant sandbar, perfectly shaped like a humpback whale’s tail, visible only at low tide — and only if you know when to look. You walk out, water on both sides, feeling like you’re crossing into another world.
It’s part of Marino Ballena National Park, a protected stretch of coastline where humpback whales migrate twice a year. The place isn’t just pretty — it’s alive. You can spot dolphins, turtles, and, from July to October or December to April, whales breaching in the distance.
Yes. Real whales. While you’re barefoot in the sand.
What Else to Do in Uvita (Besides Staring at the Ocean in Awe)
Uvita’s charm is that it lets you choose your pace. If you’re feeling lazy — good, the beach is five minutes away. If you want to move — also great.
Some highlights:
- Swim in Uvita Waterfall, where you can slide down a natural rock chute into a pool
- Ride horses along the beach at sunset (yes, it’s a cliché, but also… amazing)
- Try surfing at Playa Hermosa, a long, uncrowded stretch perfect for beginners
- Go snorkeling or diving around Caño Island, just off the coast
- Hike up to Cascada El Pavón, a waterfall tucked behind a back road fruit stand
But the real win? The space. Uvita isn’t overbuilt. You can still hear the jungle at night and watch the stars without light pollution. And that, for a traveler tired of tourist traps, is priceless.
Why Uvita Is the Perfect Base for Southern Costa Rica
If you’re planning to explore the southern Pacific coast, Uvita Costa Rica makes a fantastic base. It’s well connected — with easy access to Dominical to the north, Ojochal to the south, and inland day trips to places like San Gerardo or even the Nauyaca Waterfalls. But the best part? You can enjoy it all without the chaos.
While other towns have gone full tourist circus, Uvita keeps things simple, grounded, and just the right amount of wild. It’s also one of the best spots for nature lovers. Birdwatchers, hikers, whale fanatics — there’s something for everyone here. And if you’re into photography? The combination of golden-hour light, jungle mist, and untamed coastline is hard to beat.
What’s It Like to Stay in Uvita?
Accommodations in Uvita in Costa Rica range from jungle eco-lodges to comfy villas to laid-back hostels with hammocks and cold Imperials. It’s the kind of place where you might come for two nights and end up staying a week because your plans suddenly don’t seem all that urgent anymore.
There’s a farmer’s market every Saturday (get the passion fruit), plenty of good restaurants (try the local casado or fresh seafood ceviche), and an easy mix of locals, expats, and travelers who forgot to leave.
Is Uvita for You?
That depends. If you’re looking for mega resorts, shopping malls, and clubbing until 4 a.m., Uvita Costa Rica might feel a little too chill. But if you want to wake up to the sound of howler monkeys, spend your day between waterfalls and waves, and eat dinner barefoot while geckos chirp in the rafters — then yes, Uvita is absolutely for you.
This is Costa Rica without the filter. Messy in the best way. A little muddy, a little salty, and full of life. The kind of place you remember long after you’ve gone — and maybe, just maybe, start secretly planning to return before your trip even ends.
Make It Easy – Book Your Uvita Adventures Directly With Us
Want to skip the planning stress and get straight to the exploring part? At GoExploreWith.me, you can book unforgettable tours and experiences right in Uvita — think waterfall hikes, whale watching, jungle night walks, kayaking, and more. No middlemen, no complicated logistics. Just smooth, local travel done right. So you can spend less time Googling, and more time standing barefoot at the edge of the Whale Tail.
Want More Places Like Uvita in Costa Rica?
If Uvita speaks to you — with its laid-back energy, quiet beauty, and realness — we’ve got more where that came from.
Download our free eBook: “10 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica You’ve Never Heard Of”
It’s packed with places just like Uvita: off the beaten path, full of character, and unforgettable. Get it now, and start planning a Costa Rica adventure that’s all your own.
