Uvita

Whales, Waterfalls, and Jungle

Uvita

Whales, Waterfalls, and Jungle Magic

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Uvita in Costa Rica

Where the jungle meets the ocean

Whale Watching Paradise

Every year, majestic humpback whales visit Uvita’s Marino Ballena National Park – and yes, the beach really does look like a whale’s tail from above. It’s not a gimmick. It’s nature showing off.

Waterfalls, Waves & Wilderness

Cool off under waterfalls hidden in the rainforest. Surf uncrowded beaches. Hike through lush jungle trails where toucans, monkeys, and sloths roam freely.

Small Town, Big Soul

Uvita may be tiny, but it’s rich in soul. Local cafés, handmade crafts, and peaceful eco-lodges make this one of Costa Rica’s most beloved hidden gems.

Uvita in Costa Rica

Where the jungle meets the ocean

Whale Watching Paradise

Every year, majestic humpback whales visit Uvita’s Marino Ballena National Park – and yes, the beach really does look like a whale’s tail from above. It’s not a gimmick. It’s nature showing off.

Waterfalls, Waves & Wilderness

Cool off under waterfalls hidden in the rainforest. Surf uncrowded beaches. Hike through lush jungle trails where toucans, monkeys, and sloths roam freely.

Small Town, Big Soul

Uvita may be tiny, but it’s rich in soul. Local cafés, handmade crafts, and peaceful eco-lodges make this one of Costa Rica’s most beloved hidden gems.

Why Visit Uvita? Because Adventure Starts Here

  • Whale Watching Up CloseTwice a year, Uvita becomes a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest shows – the migration of humpback whales. Join a guided boat tour in Marino Ballena National Park and witness these gentle giants breach, blow, and glide right before your eyes.
  • Waterfalls, Rainforest & Jungle TrailsReady to explore? Swim under Uvita Waterfall or hike to Nauyaca Falls. Wander through lush jungle paths where toucans call and monkeys swing in the trees. You can even ride on horseback to hidden viewpoints and natural pools.
  • Ocean Adventures & Chill VibesFrom beginner surf sessions on Playa Hermosa to snorkeling around coral reefs, Uvita’s coast is all about freedom. Paddleboard at sunrise, kayak through mangroves, or just enjoy the quiet magic of a beach with more palm trees than people.

Check available tours in Uvita

Where to Stay in Uvita? Sleep Close to Nature

  • Jungle Lodges & Eco RetreatsWake up to the sound of howler monkeys and fall asleep to the hum of the rainforest. Uvita is home to beautiful eco-lodges tucked between the trees, perfect for travelers looking to disconnect and reset – with just the right amount of comfort.
  • Glamping by the BeachWant the best of both worlds? Glamping in Uvita lets you stay close to nature without giving up hot showers or comfy beds. You’ll find stylish tents, cozy cabins, and open-air bungalows just steps from the sand or jungle trails.
  • Private Villas & Boutique HotelsFrom ocean-view villas with infinity pools to intimate boutique hotels run by locals, Uvita offers plenty of charm for couples, families, and solo travelers alike. Whether you want something rustic or luxurious, it’s easy to find your own slice of paradise.

Check Our Vacation Rentals in Uvita

Green Villa in Uvita – Luxury in the Heart of Nature

Green Villa in Uvita – Luxury in the Heart of Nature

Experience luxury glamping in Uvita with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and views of the rainforest, just steps away from the national park.
Luxury Jungle Glamping in Uvita – Nature & Comfort

Luxury Jungle Glamping in Uvita – Nature & Comfort

Experience luxury glamping in Uvita with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and views of the rainforest, just steps away from the national park.
uvita vacation rental pet friendly

Million-Dollar View and a Spot for Your Pup

Escape to a peaceful mountain retreat with stunning ocean views, a refreshing pool, and pet-friendly cabins surrounded by nature. One of the few places near Marino Ballena National Park where your dog is as welcome as you are.

Frequently asked questions

What is Uvita known for?

Uvita is best known for its whale watching in Marino Ballena National Park, where you can see humpback whales twice a year. It’s also famous for its whale tail–shaped sandbar, waterfalls, lush rainforest, and peaceful beaches.

When is the best time to visit Uvita?

Visit from January to March or July to October if you want to catch whale season. The dry season (Dec–April) offers sunny beach days, while the green season (May–November) brings lush landscapes and fewer tourists.

Can you see whales in Uvita all year round?

Not quite. Whale watching is seasonal. The best months are January–March (Northern Hemisphere whales) and July–October (Southern Hemisphere). Boat tours run during those periods, often daily.

Is Uvita good for families with kids?

Yes! Uvita is family-friendly with calm beaches, easy waterfall hikes, and nature tours that kids will love. Just bring sun protection and water shoes – jungle terrain can be slippery and wild.

How do I get to Uvita from San José?

You can drive (about 3.5 hours via Route 27 and Route 34), take a shuttle, or hop on a domestic flight to nearby Quepos, then drive 1 hour south. The coastal route is scenic – lots of jungle and ocean views.

Do I need a 4x4 in Uvita?

For most hotels and the main town, no. But if you’re planning to visit more remote waterfalls or hillside lodges, a 4×4 is recommended – especially during rainy season.

What are the best things to do in Uvita?

Top activities include: whale watching tours, visiting Uvita Waterfall, hiking to Nauyaca Falls, surfing on Playa Hermosa, snorkeling in Marino Ballena, and exploring the jungle on foot or horseback.

Is Uvita better than Dominical or Manuel Antonio?

It depends on your vibe. Uvita is quieter and more nature-focused. Dominical is a surfer town with a laid-back party feel. Manuel Antonio is busier, more developed, with a national park. Some travelers actually combine all three.

Are there ATMs and grocery stores in Uvita?

Yes. Uvita has a few ATMs, supermarkets, pharmacies, and organic shops. It’s small but well-equipped for travelers – no need to overpack.

Can I swim at the beach in Uvita?

Absolutely. Most beaches are swimmable and uncrowded, especially Playa Uvita and Playa Hermosa. Just watch for tides – lifeguards aren’t always present, so swim smart.

Frequently asked questions

What is Uvita known for?

Uvita is best known for its whale watching in Marino Ballena National Park, where you can see humpback whales twice a year. It’s also famous for its whale tail–shaped sandbar, waterfalls, lush rainforest, and peaceful beaches.

When is the best time to visit Uvita?

Visit from January to March or July to October if you want to catch whale season. The dry season (Dec–April) offers sunny beach days, while the green season (May–November) brings lush landscapes and fewer tourists.

Can you see whales in Uvita all year round?

Not quite. Whale watching is seasonal. The best months are January–March (Northern Hemisphere whales) and July–October (Southern Hemisphere). Boat tours run during those periods, often daily.

Is Uvita good for families with kids?

Yes! Uvita is family-friendly with calm beaches, easy waterfall hikes, and nature tours that kids will love. Just bring sun protection and water shoes – jungle terrain can be slippery and wild.

How do I get to Uvita from San José?

You can drive (about 3.5 hours via Route 27 and Route 34), take a shuttle, or hop on a domestic flight to nearby Quepos, then drive 1 hour south. The coastal route is scenic – lots of jungle and ocean views.

Do I need a 4x4 in Uvita?

For most hotels and the main town, no. But if you’re planning to visit more remote waterfalls or hillside lodges, a 4×4 is recommended – especially during rainy season.

What are the best things to do in Uvita?

Top activities include: whale watching tours, visiting Uvita Waterfall, hiking to Nauyaca Falls, surfing on Playa Hermosa, snorkeling in Marino Ballena, and exploring the jungle on foot or horseback.

Is Uvita better than Dominical or Manuel Antonio?

It depends on your vibe. Uvita is quieter and more nature-focused. Dominical is a surfer town with a laid-back party feel. Manuel Antonio is busier, more developed, with a national park. Some travelers actually combine all three.

Are there ATMs and grocery stores in Uvita?

Yes. Uvita has a few ATMs, supermarkets, pharmacies, and organic shops. It’s small but well-equipped for travelers – no need to overpack.

Can I swim at the beach in Uvita?

Absolutely. Most beaches are swimmable and uncrowded, especially Playa Uvita and Playa Hermosa. Just watch for tides – lifeguards aren’t always present, so swim smart.

Explore the Best Tours in Uvita, Costa Rica

With jungle-covered mountains on one side and inviting Pacific waves on the other, Uvita makes adventure easy. It’s the kind of town where you’ll hike to a waterfall in the morning, see breaching whales in the afternoon, and take a sunset horseback ride on the beach to end your day. So if you’re looking for the ideal combination of adventure, nature, and some relaxation — tours in Uvita will be just what you want.

This quaint little town will cater to the desires of traveling couples, but don’t worry families or solo travelers! Everything from water activities to hiking activities is available in this calm town on Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast — and with our local experts, you’ll experience everything safely, enjoyably, and without the headaches of tourist traps.

Whale Watching in Uvita – Nature’s Grandest Show

Few experiences compare to seeing a humpback whale breach just feet from your boat. Uvita is one of the only places in the world to see humpback whales almost year-round. The reason for the pairing is the migratory patterns of the hemispheres, so when booking a tour, you’re bound to see them. Take a trip right from town into Marino Ballena National Park, and wherever you go, the spots may have dolphins, sea turtles, and pelicans. It’s not everyday sightseeing; it’s an experience of a lifetime.

Uvita has waterfalls — beautiful waterfalls, but these are waterfalls you can do stuff at. Book a tour to slide down natural waterslides, bathe in natural jungle pools, or hike to the top for views above Mother Nature’s greatness. Uvita Waterfall and Nauyaca Waterfalls are local favorite tourist hot spots, and all you need to bring is a bathing suit, a camera, and your sense of adventure.

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving – Dive into Another World

For the earth-bound explorer who enjoys getting underneath the action, Uvita’s underwater realm is a perfect setting to make a splash. Our snorkeling tours take you to locations like Caño Island, where warm, temperate waters and vibrant coral reefs are filled with tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, reef sharks and more. For those with an open-water certification, scuba diving in Uvita allows you to explore the depths; or join our night dives with bioluminescent plankton, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered another universe.

For those who prefer staying above the waves and dirt, consider our horseback riding tours, a popular choice among locals, accessible to novice riders and families alike. For adults seeking a more thrilling ride, sample our ATV tours with backroad driving, river crossings, plenty of mud, and mountainous lookouts where you’ll want to get dirty and have fun while doing it!

Why Book with Us?

No tourist traps – Just real, memorable adventures
Custom itineraries – Tailored to your travel style and pace
Expert local guides – Friendly, knowledgeable, and safety-first
Seamless planning – So you can actually relax on your vacation

Stress-Free Adventures, Done Right

Live Uvita like a local instead of a tourist! We’ll take you off the beaten path to all the lesser-known visitor spots, teach you about the area’s treasures, and help you build a lifetime of memories beyond the tan! Reach out today to begin personalizing your journey through Costa Rica. One tour at a time!