A Guide to Uvita and Ballena National Marine Park in Costa Rica
Uvita is a small village on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. You can explore the mountainous landscape, waterfalls or visit Ballena National Marine Park, famous for whale watching and iconic Whale Tail Beach. Here's our Uvita travel guide that includes the best things to do, tips on how to get, where to stay, and in a nutshell, how to get the most of your stay.
Uvita was the first place we visited in Costa Rica after crossing borders from Panama, and we were pretty surprised, in a positive sense of the term, how normal and undeveloped it felt, even though the village is getting increasingly popular.
No, Uvita is not an unknown place, it has its firm spot on almost every Costa Rica travel itinerary, but it is still advertised as a quieter and more relaxed alternative to Manuel Antonio National Park, which is very appealing.
Actually, we met quite many visitors in the village who had planned to stay in Uvita for only a couple of days and found themselves still around even weeks after. This is an example of how addictive the atmosphere and natural beauty of Uvita can be.
The Costa Ballena consists of three small settlements, with Uvita sitting in the middle, featuring the location closest to Ballena National Marine Park. For a long time, Uvita had been skipped by travelers, who either did not make it that far south or who headed from Manuel Antonio National Park or Dominical straight to Corcovado National Park, but times have changed, and the small village is not an underrated destination anymore.
Nowadays, Uvita is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica.
The laidback vibe combined with absolutely stunning nature is simply attractive, and we would like to inspire you to give Uvita a chance and spend there a few days, and who knows, maybe even longer.
We've put together this Uvita travel guide to show you the top attractions and best things to do so that you can plan your trip as effectively as possible. We've also included tips on accommodation, the best time to visit, and a packing list.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN UVITA
Uvita is the right place where you can chill and unwind - that's why the whole stretch of Costa Ballena is a popular place for American and Canadian retirees, same as a mountainous town Boquete in Panama - but it also has remarkable nature, perfect idyllic looking brown beaches with palm trees, diverse flora and fauna, jungle and green hills behind the village holding the clouds most of the time away.
In short, Uvita has a lot of things to do to keep its visitors busy for days. It is only up to you whether you want to spend your time actively or leisurely, and there's always the safe option to try the best of both travel styles.
BALLENA NATIONAL MARINE PARK & WHALE TAIL BEACH
One of the few marine national parks in Costa Rica is the true paradise for ocean and beach lovers. There are several beautiful beaches, but the real reason people travel to Uvita is to visit Punta Uvita, a place better known under a fitting nickname, Whale Tail Beach.
Every day during low tide, you can watch how the sandbar in the shape of a whale's tail appears from the ocean. The natural phenomenon is, of course, the best to be seen from above, but as we did not feel like walking to the viewpoint and didn't have a car, we simply walked on the sandbar.
Unfortunately, we didn't have a drone, and our photos cannot do justice to this marvelous place in the shape of a whale's tail. Where else should be this natural gem than in Uvita, where hundreds of humpback whales migrate all year round?
In order to get to the park, you need to pay an entrance fee of $6 (there are three entrances, make sure you will get in at Playa Uvita), which will allow you to walk on the sandy beach to the end where it splits and the surface change from a sandy to rocky one.
There is absolutely no shade, so take plenty of water. Also, this place has, unfortunately, a bad reputation because of robbings, so better watch your valuables or don't take any with you.
WHALE WATCHING
One of the important things to know about Costa Rica before you go is that it is a famous whale-watching destination. And waters around Uvita offer a high chance of sighting of humpback whales from December to March when those large aquatic mammals migrate from North America's cold waters along Costa Rica's Pacific coast.
But that's not all. From July to November, you can spot humpback whales migrating from Antarctica. You can almost say that whale-watching in Uvita is a year-round activity.
Simply put, whale-watching in Uvita is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica, and this is the place to go.
It is a perfect opportunity to watch whales in their natural habitat and a paradise for photographers as humpbacks occasionally jump out of the water!
The standard tours leave Uvita early in the morning and take three to four hours. The cost is between $70 - $100, depending on the time spent on the sea and the number of people in the group.
HIKING
Although Uvita sits right under lush green hills, regular hiking is not that easy because, in the jungle, you need to have trail infrastructure, which is often available on private properties.
Basically, there are two best places you can visit to spot wildlife (get up early) and hike. One of the places is Tesoro Escondido Eco-Reserve in Playa Hermosa de Uvita and the other one is Hacienda Baru in Dominical.
The admission is around $7 for a self-guided tour, and it is better to have a car to get there. It is well worth visiting places like these two for many reasons.
First, the hiking trails are well-managed, and you will be able to spot many animal species because those parks are not that busy.
If you are looking for more hiking destinations in Costa Rica, head out to Arenal National Park or Monteverde Cloud Forest.
SURFING
The whole stretch between Ojochal and Dominical is famous for great waves all year round, attracting surfers from all around the world who regularly work on their skills and enjoy the relaxed vibe.
Dominical is not a place for beginners (or only for the brave ones) as the attached beach offers one of the largest waves in Costa Rica, but the more south you travel, the easier the conditions are.
If you are looking for a great surfing place for beginners in Costa Rica that’s not that far from Uvita, head out to Jaco.
And if you want to try surfing in Central America and do not insist that it has to be Costa Rica, we can recommend you a great and budget-friendly place in Nicaragua, San Juan del Sur.
DOMINICAL & OJOCHAL
Both Ojochal on the south and Dominical on the north of Costa Ballena are small villages you can visit on a day trip from Uvita, but you can also stay there in case you have a feeling that you did not have enough beaches and sun.
Those two small settlements boast an almost hippie atmosphere, budget-friendly restaurants, and accommodation and host many surfers and yoga people throughout the year.
WATERFALLS
One would think that such a small place such as Uvita cannot offer that many things to do, but we told you before that Uvita has quite many aces up its sleeve.
Uvita is home to many waterfalls; the most famous one, 61 meters high, is Nauyaca Waterfall, but we visited Uvita waterfall instead, which was close to our accommodation because there was an option to take a dip in the pool, something we were craving for all day.
This waterfall is on private property, so we had to pay 1000 colones per person, and it is not somehow spectacular when it does not rain, but the place was absolutely satisfactory for us as we needed to cool off.
If you are looking for more waterfalls in Costa Rica, don’t forget to visit Rio Celeste in the northwest of the country.
WILDLIFE WATCHING
Wildlife in Costa Rica is almost everywhere. Places like Uvita have rich fauna and flora because they sit between the ocean and the jungle with a high humidity level.
It does not matter if you are a professional bird-watcher or an enthusiast without any knowledge; the fauna of Costa Rica will amaze you.
To get closer to the wildlife and increase your chances of spotting animals, head to sanctuaries near Uvita or hire a guide and set off for a jungle adventure.
KAYAKING & PADDLE BOARDING
Kayaking and paddleboarding is a popular activity in Costa Rica, and when you are getting nearer to the beach in Uvita, you will go around several rental shops offering kayaks or paddleboards for reasonable prices.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WEATHER IN UVITA
Uvita experiences the classic Central American weather with two distinct seasons when humidity is very high, and we must admit that weather along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast was very uncomfortable for us.
Average temperatures sit around 30°C, and a night breeze brings at least a short welcoming cool off.
To make your stay a bit more comfortable, reserve an air-conditioned room if the budget allows.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT UVITA
The dry season lasts from December to April, when you should also expect lots of travelers in the area (although January and February still can see some rain).
The rainy season is usually from May to November. Typically, the weather in the wet season is acceptable in the morning, with clouds building up later on and downpours in the afternoon, but you can have days when it rains non-stop as well.
Either way, Uvita is a year-round destination, and we would plan the trip according to the activities we want to do.
WHAT TO PACK
As we've already mentioned, the weather and climate in the park are similar to Manuel Antonio National Park. It's hot and humid throughout the year, and temperatures are high, so it is something you need to take into account when packing for your upcoming trip.
Uvita is a destination where travelers spend a lot of time by the water, but there's also a possibility to head to the hills surrounding the place. This is why you need both beachwear and comfortable clothes.
It is important to know that it is not always possible to swim as the currents are strong. Always stay safe and ask by the entrance to the national park about the current conditions. Here's what you should not forget at home.
Water shoes are always a safe bet if you want to feel your feet are protected in the water. A swimsuit together with a beach towel are also must-have items.
The sun is extreme, so sunscreen is a thing to have; if you are a responsible traveler, you can always use reef friendly sunscreen for water activities.
For every trip, pack a reusable water bottle. Costa Rica fights against single-use plastic, and you can lower your plastic footprint as well.
Bring your own reusable water bottle, a water bottle with a filter or use SteriPen.
If you plan on hiking, sports shoes, a rain poncho, and a comfortable daypack should make your trip comfortable.
WHERE TO STAY IN UVITA
Uvita has a relaxed, laidback atmosphere, and you will find lots of nice accommodation options close to the park or near the jungle. It only depends on your preferences and budget.
Costa Rica was one of the most tourist destinations we visited in South and Central America, so you better make your reservation ahead, especially in the high season from December to April.
Here's our choice of the best hotels and hostels in Uvita.
Budget | Cascada Verde Hostel - This was one of the most excellent budget hotels we've stayed in in Central America. Set in the jungle, it features large open areas where you can listen to the sounds of the forest. It is a bit out of the village, but close to the waterfall.
Mid-range | Tropical Beach - Quiet rooms set in a friendly environment where you can enjoy the swimming pool, continental breakfast, and delicious meals for reasonable prices.
Luxury | Oxygen Jungle Villas - Beautifully appointed villas feature an infinity pool, spa treatments, and friendly staff that can arrange several activities for you.
HOW TO GET AROUND
We naively thought that road conditions in Costa Rica would be much better, but the opposite was true.
It took quite a lot of time to get from one place to another, even though distances were not great, and the habit of dropping off everyone on every corner was sometimes driving us crazy (we will probably never get used to this).
On the other hand, we certainly welcomed a large number of alternatives, so every type of traveler can choose the best option.
RENTAL CAR
The most popular way to get around Costa Rica is by rental car.
It is unquestionably the most time-efficient and comfortable way how to get from one place to another. As Costa Rica is a family-friendly destination, we absolutely understand why traveling by car is, for many the option number one.
The flexibility and possibility to create your own itinerary without thinking about bus schedules is priceless.
SHUTTLES
Shuttles are quite popular among travelers in Central America how to travel between well-known destinations without using public transport.
This option is slightly more expensive but saves you time. One of the most reliable companies providing shuttle services is Easy Ride Costa Rica.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
We found public transport in Costa Rica cheap and reliable, although a bit slow and the nonexistent air conditioning was tiring. If you have time and travel on a budget, this is a way to go.
HOW TO GET TO UVITA
Although Uvita is a small village on the Pacific coast, buses and minivans are passing through quite often.
You will get the most up-to-date information about current schedules at the small bus station, where you can buy a ticket to some destinations in a shop selling snacks on the left side or in the information center only a few meters away.
From Uvita, you can easily get to the capital San Jose, to the nearby surfer's town Dominical, or to Ciudad Neily if you are planning on crossing borders to Panama.
On top of that, you can travel to Quepos, a town from where you can easily visit Manuel Antonio National Park or to Jaco, another popular surfer town in Costa Rica.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
