Guide to Visiting Punta Uvita, Costa Rica

Just 17km south of Dominical isPlaya Uvita, a village with a laid-back vibe growing in popularity. Located along the Costa Ballena coastline, Playa Uvita has plenty to offer as a travel destination with its marine reserve,Marino Ballena National Park, coastal mountains, beautiful beaches such as the pristine Playa Uvita, and nearby waterfalls.

Costa Ballena, (literally translated as Whale Coast), is located in Southern Costa Rica, along Coastal Highway 34 (Costanera Sur), aboutan hour south of the popular destination ofManuel Antonio.

Our Vlog Exploring Punta Uvita, Costa Rica (Part 1)

The rugged shoreline stretches fromPlaya Dominicalto Ojochal and featuresmiles of unspoiled nature.

Uvita is a little, hidden gem adding unique character to the region and is definitely worth a spot on your Costa Rica travel plan.

How to Get to Uvita, Costa Rica?

The easiest way to get to Uvita is by driving. The town is located about 3.5 hours south of San Jose on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.

Public transportation to Uvita is limited, but it is possible to get to the area without a car if you do not plan on driving in Costa Rica. Head over toBookaway, our recommended transportation aggregator, to search for busses, shuttles, and other transportation options to and from Uvita.

Things to do in Uvita, Costa Rica

1. Stroll Through the Quiet Town of Uvita, Costa Rica

Playa Uvita is an ideal destination for a less crowded experience. This quiet little town is not overrun with tourism,it’s unspoilt, very tranquil, and representative of many other small towns in Costa Rica.

The town centre revolves around 1-2 streets with a few shops, a visitors centre, a few eating establishments, and souvenir shops. A short distance from the entrance to Playa Uvita you’ll find a small farmers’ market. It’s a great spot to soak up the atmosphere, meet the locals, and canbuy local produce such as honey, fruit and vegetables, and home-cooked foods.

2. Visit Marina Ballena National Park

TheMarina Ballena National Parkis definitely one of the top things to do while staying in Punta Uvita Costa Rica. This marine reserve protects more than 13,000 acres of ocean and 9 miles of coastline. With mangrove forests, coral reefs, and wild beaches,it’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.

There are four beaches in the park, including Playa Uvita. As they are protected they are pretty serene, secluded, and quiet.

One of the most popular activities within the Ballena National Marine Park issnorkelling by the coral reef.大约有18种,使它的largest coral colonies in Costa Rica.

3. Walk Along Punta Uvita Costa Rica

Costa Ballena is Spanish for ‘Whale Coast’and refers to remarkable sand and rock formation which resembles a whale’s tail. It’s also the perfect spot in the Marino Ballena National Park to watch the humpback whales. You can take a walk along the Punta Uvita Costa Rica during low tide, for approximately 3 hours.Be sure to check the tide chart as the passage will be submerged at high tide!

4. Go Whale Watching

The Whale’s Tail formation is not the only reason why this region bears the name of Costa Ballena. In fact, the name actually stems from the fact thatbetween the months of December and April, majestic Humpback Whales migrate through the waters of Costa Ballena.A number of companies in town run Whale Watching tours, giving you an opportunity to see these gentle giants in their natural environment.

December to April coincides with Costa Rica’s dry season, which can be pretty busy and the weather hot,but if you want to catch sight of these magnificent creatures it will be thebest time to visit Costa Rica.

5. Relax with Beach Hopping

Playa Uvita is arguably the most beautiful beach in the region but it’s not just Playa Uvita that attracts visitors to this area.There are 5 other beaches worth checking out,including Playa Ventanas, Playa Pinuela, and Playa Hermosa.

Playa Ventanas was our favouritethanks to the unique caves that surround its shores. The beach wasn’t suitable for swimming when we visited due to bad rip tides, but it offered a perfect setting for a day of hanging out in a hammock.

READ NEXT:Best Beaches in Costa Rica

6. Visit Uvita Waterfall

Uvita Waterfallis a local gem, found on a private property located about 5 mins from Uvita town centre. It takes less than 5 mins todescend to the waterfall从餐厅的停车场和下一届ing you know, you are sliding into the refreshing pool at the base of a gushing waterfall. Go mid-week and you’ll most likely have the waterfall all to yourself!

7. Feel Alive at Envision Festival

Envision Festival, anart, spirituality, yoga, music, and dance festivalthat has been drawing in crowds to Uvita for over 5 years.

We learned about it from the manager at theOxygen Jungle Villasand upon hearing what the festival was all about, we immediately added it to our bucket list! The festival takes place at the end of February onRancho La Mercedand offers a full weekend of music, art, workshops, and multicultural performances.

Best Hotels in Uvita, Costa Rica

The options for hotels in Uvita Costa Rica are pretty good, you have a range of hostels for those on a budget, luxury hotels for the big spenders and a variety of eco-lodges for the environmentally-conscious travelers.

La Cusinga Eco Lodge

La Cusinga Eco Lodgeis a great option for the latter. It offers rustic cabins made with sustainably-harvested wood and local materials, combining luxury and eco-friendly perfectly.

Oxygen Jungle Villas

We can personally recommend theOxygen Jungle Villas, one of the most unique hotels Uvita Costa Rica has to offer.Set in the lush jungle,the hotel offered private waterfall and hiking trails, an infinity pool overlooking the town, andsecluded all-glass villaswith an open-air veranda where we loved spending our mornings with tea in hand.

Have you ever visited Playa Uvita? What other tips would you give to travelers considering a trip to this part of Costa Rica?