Things to do in Uvita Costa Rica

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What to expect when visiting Uvita, Costa Rica

Uvita is a beautiful beach town in Costa Rica that offers visitors a variety of activities and things to see and do. From whale watching to exploring the jungle, there is something for everyone in Uvita.

Some of the top things to do in Uvita include going on a whale-watching tour, visiting the Marino Ballena National Park, hiking through the jungle, and relaxing on one of the many beaches.

If you are looking for an unforgettable vacation destination, be sure to add Uvita, Costa Rica to your list!

How to get to Uvita

Getting to Uvita from San Jose, Costa Rica

Uvita is located on the Pacific Ocean side of southern Costa Rica, about 3 hours from the capital city of San Jose. The best way to get from San Jose to Uvita is by car. Take the Costanera Sur Highway in the direction of Jaco, and continue going south passing through Quepos, Dominical.

The drive is scenic and there are several places to stop along the way, such as the Tarcoles River Bridge where you can see crocodiles sunning themselves.

Once you arrive in Uvita, you will be able to enjoy all that this beautiful beach town has to offer!

Getting to Uvita by Bus

If you’re looking for a cheap and easy way to get from San Jose to Uvita, Costa Rica, then taking the bus is your best bet. The ride takes around 3 hours and there are several buses that depart daily from the Tracopa terminal in San José. You can check departure times on the Tracopa website.

The best time to visit Uvita Costa Rica

The best time to visit Uvita Costa Rica is from December to April. This is the dry season in Costa Rica, which means that you will have sunny days and little to no rain.

The weather is perfect for enjoying all of the outdoor activities that Uvita has to offer, such as whale watching, hiking, and relaxing on the beach. If you are looking for a beach vacation during the winter months, Uvita is the perfect destination!

Best things to do in Uvita Costa Rica

Go whale watching

Whale watching is a must-do activity when visiting Uvita, Costa Rica. The town is located on the Pacific Ocean side of southern Costa Rica, making it one of the best places to go whale watching in the Northern Hemisphere. There are many different companies that offer whale watching tours, so you can easily find one that fits your schedule and budget.

During your tour, you’ll have the chance to see various types of whales, including humpback whales, pilot whales, and sperm whales. You may even get lucky and see a whale breach (jump out of the water)! Whale watching is an amazing experience that you won’t want to miss while in Uvita.

Whale watching in Uvita Costa Rica has 2 seasons, from half July to half November and from half December to April. These seasons are based on the annual migration cycle.

Visit the Marino Ballena National Park

The Marino Ballena National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Uvita. The park is known for its beautiful beaches and its unique marine life. Visitors can go snorkeling, swimming, and whale watching in the park. The park is also home to a variety of different animals, including monkeys, sloths, and iguanas.

The cost of entry into the Marino Ballena National Park is $6 per person. The park is open from 7:00am to 4:00 pm. The park is located about 10 minutes from downtown Uvita and is open every day. If you need more info about the Marino Ballena National Park, you can check their website.

La Cola de la Ballena (Whale Tail): This is the main attraction of the park. It is a natural rocky and sandy formation caused by the sedimentation generated by tides. You can only visit it during the dry tide.

If you want to book a 4h wildlife tour in this area we can suggest this tour.

Visit the Uvita waterfalls in Uvita

It is easy to find the waterfall on Google Maps and Waze. On Google Maps, the place is called “Catarata Uvita y Jardin de Mariposas.” On the site, there is a small cafeteria, butterfly garden, and of course, the trail down to the waterfall.

The Uvita waterfall entrance fee is 2000 colones or ~$4 USD, cash only. You can pay in the restaurant. From the parking lot, there is a very short trail down to the waterfall that takes only 5 minutes.

Uvita Waterfall is a little waterfall that’s easily accessible, cheap and fun. It is busier on the weekends with locals, so if possible we suggest visiting the waterfall on a weekday.

Visit Playa Ballena

Playa Ballena is one of the most popular beaches in Uvita. It is located on the Pacific Ocean and is known for its beautiful scenery. The beach is full of white sand and clear blue water. There are also plenty of palm trees, which provide shade and make the beach even more beautiful.

Visitors can enjoy plenty of activities at Playa Ballena, such as swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and kayaking. The cost to enter the beach is 6 $. The beach is open from 7am to 4pm. You have to buy a ticket for the Marino National Park to get to the beach.

Visit Nauyaca Waterfalls

Nauyaca Waterfalls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Uvita. The waterfall is located in the rainforest and is made up of two tiers. The first tier is 30 meters high and the second tier is 15 meters high. Visitors can swim in the pools at the base of the waterfall or hike to the top of the falls.

Once you are at the office, there are a few different ways you can get to Nauyaca Waterfalls. If hiking, the cost to get to Nauyaca Waterfalls by foot is $9. You can find more information on the tours on the Nauyaca Waterfalls website. Whatever you choose, you need to buy the entry ticket at the office before you make your way to the waterfalls.

Take a surf lesson in Uvita

There are so many great things to do in Uvita, including taking a surf lesson. Surf lessons in Uvita are available for all levels, from beginners to advanced surfers. You can book a surf lesson through a variety of surf schools in Uvita or through your hotel or hostel. Surf lessons typically cost around $50 per person and last for 2-3 hours.

The best time of year to surf in Uvita is from December to April when the waves are the biggest and most consistent. The best surfing beaches in Uvita are Playa Hermosa, Playa Ballena, and Punta Uvita.

Things to do in Uvita - surfing — Surfing in Uvita

Go snorkeling at Cano Island

Cano Island is a must-see for any nature lover visiting Costa Rica. This small island is located off the coast of Uvita and is part of Marino Ballena National Park. The snorkeling here is some of the best in Costa Rica, with crystal clear water and an abundance of marine life. You can see everything from sea turtles to rays to tropical fish. There are several tour operators in Uvita that offer day trips to Cano Island.

Visit Corcovado National Park

The Corcovado National Park is located in Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula. Corcovado is one of the world’s most biodiverse national parks and is often referred to as the “crown jewel” of Costa Rica’s extensive system of national parks and reserves.

Corcovado covers an area of over 400 square kilometers and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including many endangered species. Once in Corcovado, visitors can explore the park on foot or by boat. There are a number of trails that wind through the jungle, leading to stunning beaches and lookout points.

Corcovado is also an excellent place for birdwatching, as over half of Costa Rica’s bird species can be found in the park. The best time to visit Corcovado National Park is during the dry season from December to April. However, even during the rainy season (May-November), Corcovado remains an incredibly beautiful and biodiverse place worth visiting.

The best thing is to find a guide who can show you all animals and plants. More info about the National Park Corcovado can be found on its official website.

Watch the sunset in Uvita Costa Rica

One of the best things to do in Uvita is watch the sunset. The town is located on the Pacific Ocean, so you can enjoy beautiful sunsets every night. There are several great spots to watch the sunset, including Playa Hermosa and Playa Uvita. Make sure to grab a cocktail or two from one of the beach bars while you enjoy the stunning views.

places to sleep in Uvita Costa Rica

Looking for some places to stay in Uvita Costa Rica? Look no further! There are many different types of accommodation in Uvita, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels.

You can stay in the main town center of Uvita or closer to the beach in Bahia. Keep in mind that you need to pay for entrance to the park if you want to spend some time on the beach.

Karandi Hostel (Bahia): we stayed at this amazing hostel in Bahia. The national park is within walking distance. The place has a great garden, a common kitchen, and a lovely vibe.
Cabinas Bahía Uvita – Marino Ballena National Park Lodge: another great option in Bahia, only 4 minutes away from the beach.
Whale Tail Hotel: located in Uvita, this lovely place has a swimming pool and BBQ and is great for families too.
La Cusinga Lodge: the fantastic views over the ocean of this accommodation will blow you away and is reason enough to come here.

Booking.com

Best places to eat in Uvita

Uvita is a small town located on the Pacific Ocean side of Costa Rica. This town is full of natural beauty and it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy your vacation. There are many great places to eat in Uvita, from local seafood restaurants to international cuisine. Here are some of the best places to eat in Uvita:

Sabor Espanol: The Spanish couple that runs this restaurant have been in business for years and are constantly upgrading their culinary creations to keep up with the latest trends. If you’ve ever had a meal here before, then chances are good your experience would be similar.

However if it’s been awhile since last visiting or looking into what they offer – fear not! For those who love taking advantage of unique dining options while soaking under sunsets near Playa Uvita (and don’t forget about imported wines), look no further than Heri & Montse’s soothing Rancho La Palmera .

Sibu Cafe: This little cafe in Uvita has the best coffee around. You’ll find latte art, eggs Benedict (with locally-produced pork), chunky brownies made from scratch every day as well 10 different types of steak served without hormones or additives – all hand-cut by skilled chefs right here!

Pizza Time Uvita: The delicious smells of pizza fill the air as you enter this small joint in Ojochal. The dining area is simple, with just enough room for two or three people at most per table. It’s usually crowded though because everyone wants to enjoy their meal fresh outta’ Italy! They serve classic flavors (pepperoni & margarita) alongside some wildcards like shrimp&eggplant–essentially everything that comes onto its plate must be tasted before they can move on…

These are just a few of the best places to eat in Uvita. No matter what type of food you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find it in this beautiful beach town.