15 Best Things to Do in Uvita, Costa Rica

Uvita is not a place that attempts to impress you. It just does. It’s small, humid, and located between the jungle and Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. But when you are there, you don’t want to leave. Not when you know how many cool things to do in Uvita.

The days will start off with the sounds of birds telling you to awaken, and the sunsets will take you away to the point that you will forget you even have a phone. People come for the whale tail and soon realize there is much more hiding around it. Waterfalls, calm beaches, good food and this relaxed rhythm that just slows you down.

Here is a mixture of the tourist attractions in Uvita. This is the real stuff that makes this town feel different. This is one of the best places to spot whales in Costa Rica!

15 Top Things to Do in Uvita

Uvita’s a chill beach town that somehow has it all. Beaches, some of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica, whales, and jungle. It’s not fancy, and that’s the beauty of it. You come here to slow down, eat well, and get outside. Here are 15 things worth doing while you’re around.

Walk the Whale Tail at Marino Ballena National Park

The Whale Tail is the heart of Uvita. A sandbar that forms a perfect whale’s tail shape during low tide. You can walk about 1 km out, with the Pacific on both sides. The best time to go is two hours before low tide, when the shape is fully visible.

Entry to the park costs $6, and it’s open from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Bring water, sunscreen, and flip-flops (the sand gets scorching). You might even spot humpback whales offshore between August–October or December–April.

It’s one of those rare “wow” moments that feels completely natural. Just check the tide schedule first; otherwise, you’ll be wading instead of walking.

Swim or Slide Down Uvita Waterfall

Just a five-minute drive from the main road, Uvita Waterfall (Catarata Uvita) is a small but fun spot where locals go to cool off. The waterfall flows over a smooth rock face, creating a natural slide that drops into a deep pool.

It’s 2,000 Colón (about $4 USD) to enter, and the path down is short but steep. Go early in the morning if you want the place to yourself.

You can rent a tube or just swim around and watch people slide down the waterfall. It’s surprisingly addictive! The water’s fresh and cold, especially during the dry season. There’s also a café by the park entrance serving smoothies and empanadas. Wear water shoes because the rocks are sharp, and it’s easy to slip.

Explore the Bamboo Forest

The Bamboo Forest is part of the El Pavón area near Uvita, and it’s one of those easy walks that still feels special. Tall bamboo arches over the trail, making it shady and calm, perfect for a short morning stroll.

It’s about a 20-minute loop, flat and family-friendly. There’s no official entrance fee, though some parts are on private land, so a small donation’s always nice.

You’ll hear birds everywhere, and if you’re lucky, you might spot toucans or iguanas hanging out. Bring insect repellent (mosquitoes love it here) and a bottle of water.

It’s not a hike that’ll wear you out. It’s more like a quiet pause between beaches and waterfalls, and honestly, it’s worth the stop.

Surf in Dominical

Dominical’s about 20 minutes north of Uvita and has one of the most consistent surf breaks on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It’s great for intermediate and advanced surfers and if that sounds appealing to you, this is your destination in Costa Rica. That being said, if you’re a beginner, you can take a surf lesson from local schools like Costa Rica Surf Camp or Sunset Surf. One of the fun things to do in Dominical.

A one-hour lesson costs around $40–50, board included. The waves hit hardest around mid-tide, and mornings are usually calmer. The beach has lifeguards, which isn’t common in this area, so it feels safer.

You’ll also find beach bars, food trucks, and plenty of shade under palm trees. Even if you don’t surf, it’s worth hanging around to watch the locals and work on your tan. They make riding those waves look effortless.

Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park from Uvita

Uvita might be small, but it’s surrounded by some of the most famous parks in Costa Rica, like Manuel Antonio.

Manuel Antonio National Park is about a 1.5-hour drive north of Uvita, and it’s one of Costa Rica’s most visited spots for good reason. Normally, on long Costa Rica itineraries, we recommend spending 3 days in Manuel Antonio, but if you have limited time, a day trip from Uvita will do.

The park mixes jungle trails and beach coves, which is amazing. You can hike, swim, and see monkeys all in one morning. Entry is about $18 (buy tickets online in advance, they don’t sell them at the gate).

Bring a swimsuit, towel, and snacks since food isn’t allowed inside. Go early (by 7:00 AM if you can, as the park opens at 8:00 AM) before the heat and crowds hit.

The trails are easy to walk, and Playa Manuel Antonio inside the park is one of the calmest beaches in Costa Rica. On your way back, stop in Quepos for fresh seafood, the ceviche is so good.

Watch the Sunset at Playa Colonia

Playa Colonia is right south of the Whale Tail inside Marino Ballena Park. The difference is that it’s quieter and less crowded. The entrance fee is the same ($6), and the park closes at 6 pm, so aim to arrive around 4:30 PM for sunset (it will happen around 5:30 PM).

The beach’s wide, flat, and perfect for a walk or just sitting on the sand. When the tide’s low, the reflections on the wet sand make it look like a mirror.

Locals come here for soccer games, drum circles, or just to relax after work. Bring your own drinks and snacks (no bars here). There’s usually a soft ocean breeze that cools everything down. Honestly, if you want a peaceful end to your day, this is the place.

Join a Whale Watching Tour

Seeing whales in Costa Rica when you visit Uvita is the real deal. Humpback whales migrate here twice a year: July to October and December to April. Tours cost around $70–90 per person and last 3–4 hours.

Boats leave from Playa Uvita inside Marino Ballena Park, and you’ll usually see dolphins and sea turtles along the way too. The guides use hydrophones so you can sometimes hear the whales underwater. It’s a surreal experience.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen (you’ll be in direct sun for hours). Most tours include water and fruit, but bring extra snacks if you get hungry. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a whale breach right in front of you!

Of course, you’ll have to join a tour to spot the whales (that’s always the case for whale watching in Costa Rica), but those are very much worth it and not very experience by Costa Rican standards.

Take a Day Trip to Corcovado National Park

If you want a real jungle day, Corcovado’s it. You can’t just show up on your own though, because all visits have to be with a certified guide. Guided tours from Uvita or Dominical include transport, the boat ride, park fees, and lunch. Prices hover around $160 per person. We know, it’s not cheap, but it’s actually worth your money.

The trip starts early at 7:00 AM, with a two-hour drive to Sierpe. From there, you take a 1.5-hour boat ride through mangroves and out along the coast to San Pedrillo station (some tours enter by Sirena station) inside the park.

Expect a lot of hiking 2–3 hours total, on muddy, uneven trails. You’ll see monkeys, macaws, maybe even tapirs if you’re lucky. We have to say that this is the place in Costa Rica with the best wildlife, absolutely unique.

It’s humid, there’s no signal, and everything smells like earth and salt. Bring sunscreen, bug spray, solid shoes, and a change of clothes. It’s long and exhausting, but it’s one of those days you’ll remember for a long time.

If you have more time, you can also head south toward Drake Bay. It’s another wild corner of Costa Rica that’s perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and seeing whales up close. Some tours even combine Corcovado and Drake Bay in one trip.

Visit Nauyaca Waterfalls

Nauyaca Waterfalls are about 45 minutes from Uvita, up in the hills near Dominical. They’re massive: two tiers of water crashing into natural pools right below.

You can hike the trail (4 km from the entrance, about an hour each way), ride a horse for around $30, or take a 4×4 shuttle for $10–15. The entrance fee is $20, which is quite high, but totally worth it.

The lower falls are perfect for swimming, while the upper one’s where people sit for photos. Also, go early if you want it quiet. By late morning, tour groups start to come. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and solid shoes because, as you’ll see, it gets muddy.

There’s no café inside, but you’ll find small sodas (local restaurants) near the entrance. It’s a proper jungle spot; raw, humid, and beautiful in its own way.

Spend an Afternoon at Playa Hermosa

Playa Hermosa is 10 minutes north of Uvita, and it’s one of the calmest beaches you can visit. It stretches for miles, with soft gray sand and hardly any crowds. Basically, your idea of a dreamy, tropical beach.

You can walk forever here, swim, or just chill under the trees. There’s no official entrance fee. But keep in mind, if you park, locals usually charge about 2,000–3,000 colones for the day. Lifeguards being there just in case is quite nice and it’s a great spot for beginners to surf. Small waves, which are easy to manage.

There are 3 entrance spots to Playa Hermosa Beach. The first one is where you can park, the second is where you can rent umbrellas and chairs, and the last one surf rentals, and vendors.

Bring snacks across the road for fresh juices and sandwiches. I’ve spent full afternoons here doing nothing but reading and watching the tide roll in. Around 5:30 pm, the sky turns gold. It’s quiet, warm, and just the right kind of simple.

Take a Yoga or Sound Healing Class

Uvita’s known for its wellness side, and yoga is everywhere. You’ll see ocean-view decks, small bamboo studios in the jungle, or yoga studios in town. Places like Selva Armonía, Danyasa Eco-Retreat, and Flutterby House run daily yoga or sound healing sessions.

A drop-in class normally costs around $15 to $20. Mornings are peaceful, with the sounds of birds mixing into the class (no need for recorded nature sounds here).

Sound healing sessions often use crystal bowls or gongs (it’s not everyone’s thing, but it’s pretty relaxing). I tried one at sunset once; half the group fell asleep halfway through. You don’t need to be flexible or spiritual, just open-minded. Wear light clothes and bring water. The humidity makes even gentle yoga feel like hot yoga.

Visit a Local Coffee Farm or Cacao Tour

If you want a break from beaches, visit a coffee or cacao farm in the hills above Uvita. We always recommend visiting a coffee farm as a day trip from San Jose, but Uvita has great plantations too.

The most popular one is Cacao Puro Muba CR, and they walk you through the whole process. They grow both coffee and chocolate there.

You’ll taste everything fresh, right where it’s grown. Tours last about two hours and cost $40 USD per person. The guides are locals who’ve been farming for decades, and they love sharing how weather and altitude change flavor.

You’ll get to grind beans by hand or taste warm cacao straight from the pod. A bit bitter but amazing. The drive up is quite bumpy, so go in a 4×4 if you can. Bring cash and bug spray, and don’t wear white because chocolate stains don’t forgive!

Hike to the El Pavón Waterfall

El Pavón feels like the kind of place you stumble on by accident and end up staying for hours. And who knows, maybe this travel guide is what inspires you to visit!

It’s about a 25-minute drive from Uvita, just past Ojochal, and it’s completely free. The trail is short (maybe five minutes from the parking area) and suddenly you’re in front of this wild waterfall with a massive rock somehow jammed between two cliffs above it.

No one really knows how it got there, but it looks unreal. The water’s freezing at first, then perfect once you’re in. There’s a local soda right next to the parking lot that does cheap casados and beer. Nothing fancy, just your typical soda, but it hits the spot after a swim.

Bring water shoes and go early before the afternoon crowd of locals shows up because this is one of the best things to do in Uvita.

Explore Ojochal’s Food Scene

Ojochal looks like a sleepy jungle village, but it’s quietly obsessed with food. The whole town feels like it was built by chefs who retired early and refused to stop cooking.

Restaurante y Mirador is probably one of the best places for views and take photos. Amazing views of Uvita’s Whale’s tale and we recommend you to come around sunset time. The best time to visit by far.

Citrus is the local go-to. Open-air dining, strong cocktails, and plates that make you forget you’re miles from a city. Exotica is another favorite; it’s run by a French couple who treat every dish like it’s their last.

Prices aren’t cheap (around $20 a main, the same as you’d pay in most states), but you’ll walk out smiling. If you want something simple, Heliconia is perfect for a slow local lunch surrounded by palm tree. Just don’t rush. Dinner here always stretches into stories, refills, and laughter. You won’t regret going out of your way from Uvita!

Visit Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary

Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary isn’t some big zoo. It’s small, personal, and run by people who actually care. Ethical is the right word to describe them.

It’s up in the hills near Dominical, and you’ll probably hear the howler monkeys before you even park. The tour’s about 90 minutes and costs around $35.

You’ll meet sloths, parrots, toucans, and the occasional rescued monkey. Each with its own story. The guides talk like they know them personally, because they do. There’s also a small butterfly garden nearby that’s worth a quick stop before or after your visit.

One told me about a spider monkey named Tito who refuses to let anyone else feed him. The place overlooks the ocean, which makes it even better. Bring water and good shoes because it gets hot really quickly. It’s the kind of visit that is simple and genuine.

FAQ About Uvita

When you’re planning your trip to Uvita, there are a few things that you should know. Getting there, getting around, how long to stay…All these are genuine elements of any trip around this part of Costa Rica. This is what we’ll discuss here below!

Where to Stay in Uvita?

You can easily use Uvita as a base for exploring Marino Ballena Park, Dominical, and even Ojochal. Everything’s close, which is the advantage here.

If you want something mid-range with comfort and a bit of style, Oxygen Jungle Villas is a winner. It’s adults-only, hidden up in the hills, and has amazing views over the Pacific. Perfect if you want quiet mornings and sunsets that make you forget to check your phone.

For something more local and easygoing, Flutterby House hits the spot. It’s a mix of hostel and eco-lodge, walking distance from the beach, with a friendly crowd and a great café. You’ll meet plenty of people swapping tips on where to surf, hike, or eat in Uvita.

If you’re travelling with family or want a private spot with a kitchen, go for La Cusinga Lodge. It’s close to Marino Ballena National Park, has its own trails, and the ocean views are unreal. The on-site restaurant serves fresh fish and local dishes that actually taste homemade.

No matter your budget, stay at least a few nights. Once you settle in, you’ll see why people come here to slow down and stay longer than planned.

How to Get to Uvita?

Uvita is about 223 km from San José, which usually takes around 3 to 4 hours by rental car if there are no traffic jams. There are a few easy ways to get there, depending on how much comfort (or adventure) you want.

Shared shuttles cost around $65 per person and are the simplest option. They pick you up at your hotel or the airport and drop you right in Uvita. Private shuttles run about $250 for up to six people and are great if you want to stop for food or photos along the way.

If you’re on a budget, buses run from San José Tracopa terminal to Uvita and other towns around Costa Rica. It costs only $15 and takes anywhere between 4 and 5 hours. Renting a car is also a good options; the roads are fully paved, so you don’t need a 4×4. You can fly to Quepos (the closest local airport) and drive the remaining 50 minutes down the coast but that’s not the most popular option.

Shuttles are usually the easiest if you don’t feel like driving after a long flight.

How to Get Around Uvita?

Uvita is quite small, but the tourist attractions are spread out. You’ll need a car or ATV if you want to visit waterfalls, beaches, or nearby towns like Dominical and Ojochal.

Roads are mostly paved, though some side roads turn rough near the hills. Car rentals start around $45 a day, and 4x4s are handy in the rainy season. If you don’t drive, you can take a taxi for short trips around town for a few dollars. Most hotels can call one for you anytime.

How Long to Spend in Uvita?

Two days in Uvita is good enough for most people. That gives you enough space to visit Marino Ballena Park, swim at the waterfalls, and still fit in a day trip to Nauyaca or Corcovado.

If you want to slow down, a week is perfect. Especially if you plan to surf, relax, or enjoy the food Ojochal. Uvita’s not a place to rush. It’s better when you take your time and let the rhythm of the town sink in.

Conclusion

When you leave Uvita, you start to understand. They aren’t striving for a certain perfection, they’re striving for real. The roads are bumpy, it’s hot, and half the time plans change on a whim because someone just mentioned a better beach or waterfall. But that’s the beauty of it, you’ll love all the wonderful things to do in Uvita.

You start to slow without even trying. You eat fresh fish, you meet people who really live here, and you start to forget what day it is. It feels bizarre to leave, like you are cutting something short. And to be honest, most people who say they’ll come back… they usually do.