Top 15 Things to do In Uvita, Costa Rica

Welcome to Uvita, the unspoiled jewel of Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast, where the phrase 'laid-back' takes on a whole new meaning. This isn't just a coastal town; it's a gateway to an enchanting paradise where lush rainforests meet pristine beaches. Earlier this year, my husband Alex and I had the opportunity to spend six adventure-packed weeks in Uvita, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of magical.

Uvita's proximity to several national parks makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. In this post, I’ll guide you through the top 15 things to do in Uvita and the surrounding area that are guaranteed to leave you longing to return.

But first, Why Uvita?

When I first delved into planning our Costa Rica trip, the sheer number of regional options was overwhelming. However, choosing Uvita turned out to be a decision I wouldn't think twice about recommending. It's a stark contrast to the popular Guanacaste region, known for its developed beaches and bustling tourist scene. Uvita, nestled further south along the Pacific coast, offers something different—a tranquil haven of unspoiled nature, lush landscapes, and a peaceful ambiance that's hard to find elsewhere. The slower pace of life makes it a perfect choice for relaxation and rejuvenation.

If you’re interested working virtually from Uvita like Alex and I did, be sure to check out my post highlighting tips for working remotely from Costa Rica.

Top 15 Things to do In Uvita

Explore the beaches of Marino Ballena National Park
Scuba dive at Caño Island
Spend a leisurely afternoon in Dominical
Go for a swim in the Uvita Waterfall
Watch the sunset at Playa Rocas de Amancio
Take a day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park
Take a boat ride through the Sierpe mangrove
Experience a three-course meal at Rancho Cielo Alto
Hike to the stunning Nauyaca Waterfalls
Enjoy the view at Aracari Restaurant
Experience the biodiversity of Corcovado National Park
Hang with the locals at Playa Hermosa and Playa Ventanas
Go whale watching along the coast
Trek through the jungle at Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge
Take a surf lesson with a local

1. Explore the beaches of Marino Ballena National Park

The crown jewel of Uvita is the breathtaking Marino Ballena National Park, where visitors can witness the phenomenon of a whale's tail-shaped sandbar and explore pristine beaches, mangrove estuaries, and vibrant coral reefs. It is an excellent spot for swimming, sunbathing, and going on leisurely beach walks.

The AirBnB that Alex and I stayed in for the duration of our visit was only a five minute drive from the park so we took full advantage of the proximity. It’s quite a large national park with several unique beaches that are each worth exploring. Keep in mind that there is a small entrance fee to enter the park and each section has an opening/closing time.

Playa Uvita

Playa Uvita (or Uvita Beach) is perhaps the most well-known of the beaches at Marino Ballena National Park as it is the closest to the main attraction, the Whale’s Tail. Don’t miss exploring the iconic sandbar during low tide. If you can time it right, visiting at sunset is particularly spectacular.

Playa Colonia

Nestled just a stone's throw from Playa Uvita lies Playa Colonia, a gem that's garnered a special place in the hearts of locals. While it's somewhat more low-key in comparison to the iconic Whale's Tail, don't let its understated charm fool you. The views here are equally breathtaking, offering a canvas of vibrant colors and serene ocean vistas.

Playa Ballena

Playa Ballena holds a special place in my heart for two reasons. The first of which is that every time we visited the wide, sandy beach during our six week stay, we never saw another soul. It was always just Alex and I, a rare luxury in today's highly connected world. I think the main reason for this is that the beach’s entrance is south of Uvita and very unassuming. It would be easy to miss!

If you didn’t know any better, you’d assume you’d been dropped in the middle of nowhere once you make your way to the beach from the parking lot. For miles, all you see is undisturbed coastline hugged by lush vegetation—which brings me to the second reason for my love of Playa Ballena. It’s the gateway to another stunning beach—Playa Arco.

Playa Arco

Playa Arco is a secret gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers. This secluded beach offers a serene and unspoiled escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s known for the striking natural rock arch formation that graces its shoreline and lush vegetation that surrounds the beach on three sides.

To get to Playa Arco, enter the ranger station at Playa Ballena, turn right, and keep walking north until you reach the forest at the end of the beach. From there, you should be able to find a narrow, hilly trail that will take you through the dense trees directly to Playa Arco. Just be sure to go at low tide, otherwise, much of the beach disappears!

2. Scuba dive at Caño Island

The week before arriving in Costa Rica, Alex and I went scuba diving for the first time in Belize, home of the world’s second largest barrier reef (check out the blog here). With that to compare to, we weren’t expecting a lot from Caño Island. Luckily, we ended up being pleasantly surprised.

Caño Island is a world-renowned scuba diving spot that offers a chance to see a diverse range of marine life. The water may not have been as clear as the water was in Belize, but we were able to see reef sharks, sting rays, sea turtles, lots of colorful fish, and my favorite, an octopus! Plus, the boat ride out to the island was a delight.

The company we went with was called Costa Rica Dive & Surf and I couldn’t recommend them enough. We used them twice and during both trips, our dive masters were great at ensuring we had a wonderful experience. As a bonus, the burritos they provided for lunch were to-die for.

3. Spend a leisurely afternoon in Dominical

Dominical is a small coastal town that offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes, street vendors, and shops to explore. Known for its laid-back vibe, the town is a hipster’s paradise and the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon. If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, we loved both La Junta and Shak'shuka.

While you’re there, be sure to check out the surfers at Playa Dominical. The beach is known as one of the country's top surf spots and the water comes to life with activity in the late afternoon.

4. Go for a swim in the Uvita Waterfall

The Uvita Waterfall is a picturesque waterfall that cascades into a natural pool. Since it’s only a five minute drive from town, it’s a popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping. If you go, make sure to walk the entire length of the trail to experience the various pools and swimming holes downstream of the main waterfall.

There are two entrances to the waterfall. The upper entrance is closer to the main cascade so it’s a big more convenient, but the lower entrance has a small butterfly exhibit that shouldn’t be missed!

5. Watch the Sunset at Playa Rocas de Amancio

This hidden beach quickly became a highlight of my Costa Rican adventure. Its most captivating feature is the dramatic rock formations that adorn its northern shore, masterfully carved by centuries of unyielding waves. Standing tall, these imposing rocks form a mesmerizing sunset backdrop, turning the evening sky into something of wonder.

For the adventurous, Playa Rocas de Amancio offers more than just scenic views. The rocks and tide pools invite exploration, revealing a microcosm of marine life at low tide. It's like stepping into a living aquarium, with colorful fish and other sea creatures going about their daily lives.

One thing to be cautious of is the changing tide. If you end up exploring the rocky formations for long enough, you may find yourself surrounded by water at certain times of the day.

6. Take a day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is home to over 100 species of mammals and 180 species of birds. Visitors can hike through the park's trails and spot several different species of monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife. If you decide to go, I highly recommend getting a guide as it’s harder than you’d think to spot the various creatures that live in the park.

If you happen to go on a day when the animals are being shy, it’s not a wasted visit! The park is home to several stunning beaches and a few trails that take you to gorgeous vantage points of the surrounding coastline.

7. Take a boat ride through the Sierpe mangrove

The Sierpe mangrove is located about an hour south of Uvita and offers a great way to get in touch with nature. By navigating the sprawling network of waterways by boat, you'll encounter wildlife of all varieties, including crocodiles, monkeys, and an array of exotic bird species. The intricate root systems of the mangroves provide crucial nurseries for marine life, making it a hotspot for ecotourism and conservation efforts.

There are a ton of tour operators that depart from Villas de Sierpe. We chose Sierpe Azul Tours and had a great time! We were able to see all kinds of animals, including a few sloths!

8. Experience a three-course meal at Rancho Cielo Alto

Sampling local cuisine is one of my favorite ways to immerse myself in new cultures and Rancho Cielo Alto provided one such experience I’ll always remember. Located high above Playa Hermosa with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the farm-to-table restaurant is run by a single family. All ingredients are fresh and come from the owner’s own gardens.

If you have the opportunity to go, try to make a reservation well in advance. Once confirmed, everyone in your party will have the opportunity to choose a main course from a specialized menu that is unique to that particular night. The other 3 courses will be a surprise. Something to keep in mind is that the road to get to the restaurant is rather bumpy so a four-wheel drive vehicle will make the journey much more comfortable!

9. Hike to the stunning Nauyaca Waterfalls

Costa Rica is known for its abundance of gorgeous waterfalls, but Nauyaca stands out from the crowd. The sheer grandeur of the cascades, with their crystal-clear waters plunging into turquoise pools, is nothing short of breathtaking.

The falls are located about an hour inland from Uvita, deep in dense jungle terrain. Entrance tickets are required to visit the falls, and I recommend buying them before you go from the park’s website. Once to the entry station, there are a few ways to get to the falls—horseback, 4x4, or by hiking. We chose the hike which is 6.2 miles roundtrip and goes through the heart of the rainforest. If you’re up for it physically, I really enjoyed being immersed in nature.

Once to the falls, make sure to make the trek to both the upper falls and lower falls. Both are beautiful and worth seeing. The lower falls are perfect for swimming which is not something to be missed if you have the time.

10. Enjoy the view at Aracari Restaurant

Aracari restaurant, located within La Cusinga Lodge, offers a stunning view of the Uvita coastline, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or sunset drinks. If you go at low tide, it’s one of the best locations to see the full Whale Tail formation from above.

I actually preferred the view from the lodge’s observation platform over the restaurant, which is where you can order a drink if you don’t have a dinner reservation. The cocktails were unbelievably good so don’t miss out.

11. Experience the biodiversity of Corcovado National Park

Corcovado is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, with over 500 species of trees and 140 species of mammals. A day trip to this park offers a chance to see exotic wildlife and explore unspoiled wilderness.

From Uvita, you can either drive to Corcovado National Park, take a ferry from Sierpe, or take a boat directly from Uvita Beach. To save on time, we chose the last option. We went with Ballena Tours and had a full day experience, complete with entrance to the protected areas, a guided hike through the park, and a tasty local lunch. Something to note is that if you’re prone to sea sickness, the ride from Uvita to Corcovado is an hour and a half each way so going by boat might not be the best option.

12. Hang with the locals at Playa Hermosa and Playa Ventanas

There are so many beaches that line the coast of Costa Rica that it can almost feel overwhelming when choosing where to go. If you’re interested in going where the locals tend to congregate, be sure to check out Playa Hermosa and Playa Ventanas.

Playa Hermosa near Uvita, not to be confused with the several other Hermosa Beaches in Costa Rica, is known for its dark sand and beautiful sunsets. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is a great place to people-watch.

Playa Ventanas is a bit further south than Uvita and has a more lively atmosphere, especially on Saturday and Sunday when the beach gets jam packed with vendors selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. The name ‘Ventanas’ stems from the beach’s famous caves which are characterized by hollow formations at their bases. These hollows act like windows, allowing waves to crash through them at different times of the day.

When you arrive at Playa Ventanas, you can see right away why locals love it. It’s in a secluded bay with calm waters, surrounded by lush rainforest and lined with palm trees. As a heads up, there is a small fee to park so bring cash!

13. Go whale watching along the coast

Costa Rica boasts a unique natural phenomenon that captivates marine enthusiasts: its two distinct humpback whale seasons. From December to April, visitors flock to the Pacific coast to witness the northern humpback whale migration. During this time, the whales travel from their feeding grounds in Alaska to the warm waters of Costa Rica for breeding and calving. Conversely, the southern humpback whale migration takes place from July to October when whales from the Southern Hemisphere grace the country's Pacific waters.

I was told that you’re more likely to see humpbacks during the July to October season, but it’s worth a try either way. Nothing compares to seeing these magnificent creatures in person.

14. Trek through the jungle at Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge

This lesser-known wildlife refuge offers a range of activities, including birdwatching, jungle hiking, and ziplining. When Alex and I went, we only ran into two other people in the whole refuge. If you’re looking for seclusion, this is the place to go.

For me, Hacienda Baru stands for another reason—It’s where I saw a sloth and her baby from only ten feet away. I think I sat and watched them for half an hour, completely mesmerized. I obviously can’t guarantee the same experience for others, but it’s pretty magical if you luck out!

15. Take a surf lesson with a local

Costa Rica is known for its excellent surfing conditions. If you’re looking to get physical with a pretty spectacular backdrop, consider taking a surfing lesson from a local! If you’re somewhat athletic, you’re pretty likely to at least get to a standing position within a single lesson. Even if you don’t, you’re guaranteed to have fun trying. Fair warning—you might acquire a few board rashes as souvenirs.

Almost every tour company in Uvita offers surfing lessons, but you may want to consider going to Dominical since the beach there draws surfers from around the world. Either way, you’ll have a blast.

In Uvita, the possibilities for adventure, exploration, and relaxation seem truly boundless. Alex and I easily could have stayed for much longer without running out of new things to experience. Whatever you’re searching for in your travels, Uvita will leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the natural wonders that grace this corner of the world. So, embrace the Pura Vida spirit and explore Uvita. You won’t regret it!

Be sure to check out my post highlighting tips for working remotely from Costa Rica if you really want to replicate our adventure!

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My name is Kolby Tallentire and I’m the creator of Tallentire Travels! This site formed out of my unending love of travel. My goal is to bring you the best travel recommendations for every destination. Learn More