Whale Tail Beach in Uvita: The Sandbar You Can Walk On

If you’ve ever looked at a map of the Pacific coastline of Costa Rica and thought, “Wait, is that… a whale tail?”—yes, yes, it is. Your eyes do not deceive you. Whale Tail Beach exists in Uvita, one of the most incredible natural formations in the world and a site you do not want to bypass when visiting the southern zone.

Trust me; I’ve been there more times than I can remember—and I will say no matter how many times I’ve been blessed to see that view, it gives me chills every time. Especially from on high (drone lovers, this is your Super Bowl).

Whale Tail Beach in Uvita – What exactly is it?

Let’s get this straight: Whale Tail Beach is a sandbar shaped like a whale’s tail (you really can’t make this stuff up), and you can walk on it. It’s located inside Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita, and at low tide, the ocean literally parts to reveal a stretch of sand that extends nearly a kilometer into the Pacific.

It looks exactly like the tail of a whale from above — which is wild, because this spot is also one of the best places in Costa Rica for whale watching. Coincidence? Maybe. Awesome? Definitely.

Best Time to Visit Whale Tail Beach

Timing is everything here. The sandbar is only fully visible and walkable during low tide. If you show up at high tide, the ocean will kindly inform you that your walk is cancelled (and probably soak your shoes for good measure).

So here’s what you do:

• Check the tide charts online the day before
• Aim to arrive at the national park entrance in Uvita about 30–45 minutes before low tide
• Bring sandals or go barefoot—the walk is half the experience

And for the love of sloths, don’t get stuck out there when the tide comes back in. It rises fast, and the park rangers have seen one too many soggy tourists running for shore.

What Else Is There to Do at Whale Tail?

A lot more than just staring at a sandbar, actually. Here are a few of my favorite things to do once you’re in the park:

• Swimming – The waters near the tail are calm and great for a dip.
• Snorkeling – On clear days, you might spot fish, rays, and sea turtles around the rocky edges of the tail.
• Whale watching – From July to October and from December to April, you can book a whale watching tour in Uvita and spot humpback whales.
• Beach lounging – Bring a towel, sunscreen, and something cold to drink. You’re in paradise now.
• Wildlife spotting – Look for scarlet macaws, iguanas, and shorebirds as you stroll along the beach and forested areas.

Honestly, it’s one of those places that lets you switch from explorer mode to hammock mode in the same afternoon.

How to Get to Whale Tail Beach in Uvita

It’s pretty simple:

1. Head to Uvita, a laid-back beach town in Costa Rica’s South Pacific zone, about 3.5 hours from San José.
2. Enter Marino Ballena National Park through the main entrance in town (there’s a parking lot, small shops, and the ticket booth).
3. Walk straight from the entrance through the palm-lined path until the beach opens up.
4. Walk toward the tail. It’ll take you about 20–40 minutes to reach the end, depending on how many “wow” moments you stop for.

Make sure to buy your national park ticket and bring a reusable water bottle—no single-use plastics are allowed in the park.

Note: Entrance to Marino Ballena National Park (including Whale Tail Beach) must be paid by card only. Cash is not accepted at the ticket office, so make sure to bring a debit or credit card with you.

Local Tip: Go With a Guide

You can do Whale Tail solo, but if you’re into nature, consider booking a guided tour in Uvita. Local guides know exactly where to find tide pools, hidden snorkeling spots, and even the shady tree where iguanas like to nap (it’s a thing). Plus, you’ll get the history of Marino Ballena, learn about the whales’ migration patterns, and maybe even find some sea turtle nests.

Oh, and did I mention we offer custom private tours? We do. And they’re awesome.

When the Whale Tail Isn’t Enough (But You Want to Stay Longer)

Let’s say you’ve walked the tail, taken 37 photos, swum in the ocean, and you’re still not ready to leave. Good news: Uvita has more up its sleeve.

Some add-ons worth considering:

• Nauyaca Waterfalls – Epic jungle hike + waterfall swim = yes.
• Horseback riding to the beach – Just you, a guide, and miles of quiet coastline.
• Ziplining or ATV tours – For when your inner Indiana Jones kicks in.
• Kayak or paddleboard through the mangroves – Peaceful, magical, and no crowds.

And the best part? All these experiences can be booked as private tours starting right from Uvita. You pick the time, we bring the local magic.

Pro Tips for Visiting Whale Tail Beach

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen – Protect that ocean.
• Don’t forget a dry bag – You’ll thank yourself if you’re carrying a phone or camera.
• Go early – Cooler temps, fewer people, better light for photos.
• Bring cash for parking or snacks – Small vendors usually don’t take cards.
• Respect the tide – Seriously. It’s sneaky.

And last but not least—just enjoy it. Whale Tail Beach is one of those places that makes you pause, look around, and say, “I can’t believe this is real.”