Uvita, Costa Rica, is a little town on the South Pacific coast that quickly became a must-see on my itinerary. From here, you can trek through lush jungles, soak up the sun on stunning beaches, chase dreamy waterfalls, and spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
For me, Uvita is hands down one of the most magical places in the country. So, if you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, don’t skip it! The town may be small, but it’s surrounded by so much to do, and it’s also the best spot in Costa Rica for whale watching.
10 Best things to do in Uvita, Costa Rica
In this guide, I’ll take you through some must-see places in Costa Rica that you can visit from Uvita. Whether you’re into horseback riding, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach, there’s something for everyone. So, if you’re not sure what to do in Uvita, keep reading and take note!
1. Marino Ballena, a must-see national park in Uvita, Costa Rica
Whale watching in Uvita, Costa Rica, is one of the most unforgettable experiences. Witnessing these majestic giants glide through the water ranks among the most exhilarating things I’ve ever done. Marino Ballena National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Costa Rica, and it’s the ultimate spot to see humpback whales.
What’s really cool is that this park hosts two migratory events each year. During the winter, you’ll see whales from Alaska and the U.S., and in the summer, the whales come from Antarctica—so you can enjoy up to 10 months of sightings!
1. Marino Ballena, a must-see national park in Uvita, Costa Rica
The peak times are January, February, August, and September, so I recommend planning your visit during those months. We were lucky enough to join this tour and spot a mother humpback with her calf up close!
Don’t miss the chance to check out the stunning Whale’s Tail (or Moses’ Passage), a unique rock and sand formation that resembles a whale’s tail. At the end of this formation, you’ll find Punta Uvita, home to beautiful coral reefs and Tres Hermanas Islet, where you can observe various bird species while enjoying the soothing sounds of the ocean.
If you’re in the mood to relax on the beach, Playa Uvita is your go-to. Playa Arco is another great choice if you prefer a more secluded experience. Just remember, you can only access Playa Arco on foot during low tide, so be sure to check the tide schedule before heading out!
2. Surfing, a fun thing to do in Uvita, Costa Rica
Uvita offers some fantastic surf spots for everyone, no matter your skill level! If you love surfing, renting a board and catching some waves is definitely one of the top things to do in Uvita.
For beginners, Playa Chamán is ideal. With gentle waves, it’s the perfect place to build your confidence. I highly recommend signing up for this surfing class so that an instructor can guide you through the basics and help you feel more comfortable in the water.
2. Surfing, a fun thing to do in Uvita, Costa Rica
If you’ve got some experience under your belt, check out Playa Dominical. The waves here are more challenging, promising a thrilling ride! Just keep an eye on the tide, as it can rise quickly. Be sure to check out our Playa Dominical guide for tips on everything else you can do besides surfing.
Another popular spot is Playa Hermosa, one of the best beaches in Uvita. This beach is home to several surf shops where you can rent boards and hit the waves. Plus, the sunsets here are breathtaking, so you can surf here by day and wrap up your evening with incredible golden hour views.
3. Ventanas Beach and other beaches in Uvita
If you’re looking for some of the most breathtaking beaches in Costa Rica, make sure to check out Playa Ventanas. Just 7 miles south of downtown Uvita, this beach offers soft sands perfect for swimming or surfing. But the real highlight here is the incredible sea caves. These natural formations, carved by the ocean over time, are best explored at low tide.
When the tide’s high, you can still marvel at the waves crashing against the caves, shooting water out like nature’s own fountain show! The beach has all the essentials—restrooms, showers, and restaurants—so if you’re looking to spend a whole day soaking up the sun and sea, this is the spot.
3. Ventanas Beach and other beaches in Uvita
Playa Piñuela is even closer and offers a more peaceful vibe. It’s one of the top beaches in Uvita, where you’ll rarely find crowds. As part of the Marino Ballena National Park, it’s surrounded by lush green forests that make you feel like you’re completely immersed in nature. You can even try snorkeling in Uvita, as the coral reefs here are home to colorful fish.
Heading north, you’ll come across Playa Dominicalito, the little sister to Playa Dominical. It’s a great spot for a peaceful stroll or some sunbathing, though surfers also love it. Just 15 minutes by car, the area is filled with options for accommodation and restaurants.
4. Nauyaca Waterfall, a must-see spot in Uvita, Costa Rica
Visiting Nauyaca Waterfall is definitely one of the best things to do near Uvita, Costa Rica. Standing nearly 150 feet tall, this waterfall is pure magic, a place where nature shows off in its rawest form. It’s actually a series of waterfalls that cascade into a natural pool where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in a tranquil setting.
4. Nauyaca Waterfall, a must-see spot in Uvita, Costa Rica
To reach the waterfall, embark on a scenic 4-mile hike that takes about an hour. Just a heads up: the trail can be a bit steep, so make sure to wear good shoes and stay alert. If you’re hoping to spot some of the most amazing animals in Costa Rica along the way, I recommend joining this guided tour with a local expert.
If you’d rather not hike, you have two options. You can either take a horseback ride or arrange a 4×4 transfer via private roads. But I promise the hike is well worth it for the experience. Before you set off on your adventure, make sure to stop by the office on Route 243 to register and pay the $10 entrance fee.
5. Uvita Waterfall, one of the best waterfalls in Uvita, Costa Rica
The Uvita Waterfall, also known as the Green Waterfall, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica. It’s just 3 miles from the center of Uvita, tucked away in a wild, serene setting on a hilltop.
5. Uvita Waterfall, one of the best waterfalls in Uvita, Costa Rica
At nearly 65 feet high, this spot is perfect for a relaxing day of swimming in turquoise waters and enjoying the tranquil surroundings. But the real fun comes from its natural waterslide! It’s a blast, especially if you’re traveling with kids or just love a bit of adventure.
Reaching the waterfall is a quick and easy 10-minute walk from the entrance, but watch your step—it can get pretty muddy. The $10 entrance fee also includes access to a butterfly garden, which is worth checking out. Plus, there’s a restaurant nearby for lunch and clean restrooms to freshen up after your swim.
6. Explore Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most interesting things to do in Uvita, Costa Rica
If you’re into wildlife, then don’t miss Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s one of the most important animal rescue centers in Costa Rica, focused on rehabilitating and releasing injured and orphaned animals back into the wild.
6. Explore Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most interesting things to do in Uvita, Costa Rica
Many of the animals here have been rescued from the illegal exotic pet trade. They’re given top-notch veterinary care and go through recovery programs to prepare them for life in their natural habitat. Sadly, some animals can’t be released for their own safety, so the sanctuary becomes their permanent home, where they get the care, peace, and shelter they need.
Entry to the sanctuary costs $33 for adults and $17 for kids, and every penny goes toward rescue efforts. During your visit, you’ll not only meet the animals, but you’ll also hear the unique story behind each one. You’ll encounter spider monkeys, toucans, parrots, sloths, anteaters, and more—it’s an amazing experience!
7. Bird watching, one of the most exciting things to do in Uvita, Costa Rica
There are around 924 bird species in Costa Rica, which makes the South Pacific coast a prime location for birdwatching. Whether you’re a seasoned bird enthusiast or just curious, I highly recommend booking one of the Uvita tours where you can spot beautiful creatures like pelicans, toucans, scarlet macaws, and hummingbirds.
7. Bird watching, one of the most exciting things to do in Uvita, Costa Rica
On this tour, you’ll venture into the lush rainforests around Uvita with an expert guide who will help you spot the most colorful and unique birds in the area. Plus, you’ll have professional birdwatching gear, so you won’t miss a thing! You’ll likely spot hummingbirds, toucans, owls, kingfishers, and much more.
Another great option is this tour to the Oro Verde Private Reserve. Here, you’ll hike through both primary and secondary forests at an elevation of over 650 feet. This spot is perfect for spotting some rarer species like tanagers, trogons, and bitterns. Of course, nature is unpredictable, so what you see depends on your luck that day!
8. Visit the Poza Azul and El Pavón Waterfalls, two of the best free things to do in Punta Uvita, Costa Rica
Beyond the well-known waterfalls in Uvita, there are a couple of lesser-known spots that are totally worth checking out.
First up, Poza Azul Waterfall is just outside Dominicalito, about 12 miles north of Uvita. You’ll know you’ve found it when you see the sign at the entrance that says “Poza Azul.” It’s free to enter and super easy to access—just park your car at the entrance and take a short 5-minute walk.
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a stunning natural pool where you can cool off on hot days. Keep in mind that the pool can dry up during the summer, so it’s best to visit during the rest of the year. There are also plenty of shady trees where you can relax and enjoy the lush surroundings.
8. Visit the Poza Azul and El Pavón Waterfalls, two of the best free things to do in Punta Uvita, Costa Rica
El Pavón Waterfall is another hidden treasure, located in the Ciudad Cortés district, south of Uvita. It’s known for the large rock that’s perfectly perched on top of the waterfall—it’s quite the sight! To get there, just drive to Punta Mala and take the gravel road. You’ll find free parking nearby, and from there, it’s an easy hike down to the waterfall.
The pools here have crystal-clear water, perfect for a refreshing dip. There’s even a small beach where you can hang out and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. If you get hungry, there are a few local Costa Rican restaurants nearby to grab a bite.
9. Excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the best tours from Uvita
While the town of Uvita has plenty to offer, you can’t miss taking a trip to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most famous parks in the country. This place is a nature lover’s dream, with stunning beaches, scenic trails, and a rainforest full of wildlife.
There are two main beaches you can visit in Manuel Antonio National Park: Manuel Antonio Beach and Espadilla Sur Beach. Both are just a 30-minute walk from the entrance, so it’s an easy and rewarding hike to reach these nearly untouched gems.
9. Excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the best tours from Uvita
Besides the gorgeous views, the park is also one of the best spots to spot wildlife—though the dense jungle makes it easy to miss the animals. That’s why we opted for this guided tour, where our guide helped us spot hidden animals and even lent us binoculars to get up-close views of Costa Rican sloths.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free excursion from Uvita, Costa Rica, this tour is also a fantastic option!
10. Excursion to Corcovado National Park, another excellent tour from Uvita
Another one of my favorite tours from Uvita is this excursion to Corcovado National Park.
Corcovado is globally recognized as one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, making it a paradise for nature lovers. With so many things to do in Corcovado, the park is perfect for those who enjoy hiking and wildlife spotting.
10. Excursion to Corcovado National Park, another excellent tour from Uvita
If you’ve got more time, I highly recommend getting to Corcovado by 4×4 vehicle from Puerto Jiménez or taking a boat from Sierpe to spend a few days there. But if you’re short on time, a day trip from Uvita is perfect. It takes you straight to San Pedrillo Station with a local guide who knows the area like the back of their hand and will help you spot animals hiding in the wild.
Plus, since you’ll be arriving by boat, you’ll also get the chance to see some of the amazing marine life, like whales, turtles, and dolphins. The tour includes breakfast and lunch, so you can fully enjoy the day without worrying about food. Personally, I really enjoyed the experience!
Best places to stay in Uvita, Costa Rica
If you’re wondering where to stay while exploring the area, here are some of the best hotels in Uvita, Costa Rica, for every budget:
- Luxury: Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa is perfect if you’re looking for a luxurious stay. It’s tucked away amidst lush greenery, far enough from the center of Uvita, offering total privacy and immersion in nature. With a spa, outdoor pool, and Mediterranean-style suites that overlook the ocean, it’s the ideal spot to unwind.
- Mid-range: Tropical Beach offers cozy double rooms with a rustic charm. The rate includes breakfast, and there’s a restaurant and bar on-site, so you’ve got everything you need for a relaxing stay. Plus, there are garden areas and an outdoor pool where you can chill out and take in the fresh air.
- Budget-friendly: Cascada Verde Hostel is a unique, treehouse-style hostel just a 5-minute walk from the Uvita Waterfall. The vibe is laid-back, and it’s super affordable. You’ll get amazing jungle views, and there’s even a terrace with hammocks for lounging. There’s also a fully-equipped kitchen and a shared dining area if you feel like cooking your own meals.
Map of Uvita, Costa Rica
To wrap things up, here’s a map of Uvita, Costa Rica, showing all the awesome places I’ve recommended in this guide. You can also check out the Costa Rica map to plan your full itinerary.
And that’s it for this guide to Uvita! I hope it helps you explore one of my favorite spots in the country. If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!
Pura Vida!
