If you’re searching for the best things to do in Uvita, you’re in the right place.
I’ve spent some time exploring this small town on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, and this guide pulls together what actually matters when you’re deciding what to do in Uvita and how to plan your days.
Uvita is known for wildlife and nature, not nightlife. Most people come to this town because of Marino Ballena National Park and the chance to see whales during the right season.
But there’s more here than a single highlight.
With the right plan, this can be one of the most rewarding stops on your trip to Costa Rica. This post will help you build an incredible Uvita itinerary.
You can see the main Uvita’s highlights in about two days. Still, you actually spend a lot more time exploring Uvita. Beach time, waterfalls, and a few easy day trips can quickly fill three to five days.
It can also work very well as a base to explore the southern Pacific coast without constantly changing hotels.
Many highlights are spread out. And so, having a car makes things much easier, but tours are also a solid option if you’re visiting without one.
To make planning easier, it helps to understand the layout of Uvita. There are three main areas:
- Calle Uvita, near the Uvita waterfall. In the part of town, you’ll find many cafés, supermarkets and breweries.
- The highway area: the most central and practical, with supermarkets, banks, and bus stops, though it’s not very pretty.
- Bahia neighborhood (near the beach and Marino Ballena National Park): quieter and easier to reach the national park, but you’ll still need to drive to reach most places.
In this guide, I’ll cover the top things to do in Uvita. I’ll also cover practical tips on getting around, how long to stay, and which areas make the most sense to base yourself in. By the end, you’ll know if Uvita fits your trip and how to plan it without overthinking it.
In a hurry? Plan your trip to Uvita now!
📍Top sights: Marino Ballena National Park | Uvita Waterfall | Playa Uvita | Playa Hermosa | Nauyaca Waterfalls | El Pavon Waterfall
🚗 How to get around: Renting a car is the easiest option. Taxis and tours work well if you don’t drive or are traveling without a car
⌛ How many days in Uvita: 2 days for highlights. 3 to 5 days if you want to stay longer at the beaches and take some day trips
🌊 Most popular tours in Uvita
1. Whale and dolphin watching boat tour
2. Snorkeling tour to Caño Island
3. Day trip to Nauyaca Waterfalls
4. Day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park
5. Sierpe Mangrove tour
😴 Where to stay in Uvita: Golden Pineapple Villas (you’ll need a 4×4 to reach the property)
🚗 How to get to Uvita: Renting a car is the easiest and most flexible way to explore Costa Rica. If you prefer not to drive, tourist transfers are a comfortable and stress-free alternative.
💸 How to pay in Costa Rica: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s still useful to carry some cash. Colones are used for small purchases, while USD is often accepted in tourist areas. Use Revolut to pay by card and avoid foreign transaction fees.
💊 Best travel insurance for Costa Rica: I recommend Heymondo for its excellent balance between affordability and quality.
🛜 Best way to stay connected in Costa Rica: If your phone supports eSIM, Airalo (MARIAN4315 = 3€ off) is the easiest option. Otherwise, buy a local SIM from Kolbi, Liberty or Claro.
Is Uvita worth visiting?
Uvita is worth visiting if you’re traveling to Costa Rica for nature and wildlife. It’s quiet, spread out, and best suited to travelers who enjoy a slower pace.
You’ll love Uvita if you like beaches, waterfalls, and wildlife, and don’t mind driving between places. You might skip it if you want a lively town where everything is walkable.
The biggest pros are Marino Ballena National Park, whale watching, and fewer crowds. The main downsides are limited nightlife, the fact that it’s not a proper beach town, and that most places are spread out, which makes having a car almost essential.
How to get to Uvita
Getting to Uvita by car
Driving is the easiest and most flexible way to reach Uvita (and most places in Costa Rica!).
From San José, the drive takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and stops. The most common route follows the Costanera Sur, which is straightforward and scenic once you leave the city.
Road conditions are generally good, with paved highways most of the way. Traffic around San José can slow things down, so leaving early in the morning helps.
For car rentals, I recommend comparing prices on DiscoverCars, which makes it easy to find good deals and filter by car type.
Getting to Uvita by bus
There are also several transport options, including buses, shared shuttles, and private transfers, depending on where you’re coming from and how much flexibility you want.
From San José, there are multiple daily bus departures operated by Tracopa, making this the most straightforward public transport route.
If you’re coming from Manuel Antonio or Quepos, buses run regularly and are one of the easiest ways to reach Uvita without driving.
Overall, buses and shared transport are budget-friendly and reliable. Just keep in mind that once you arrive in Uvita, you’ll still need taxis or tours to reach most beaches, waterfalls, and attractions.
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Where to stay in Uvita
Uvita doesn’t have a classic small town center like other places in Costa Rica (for example, La Fortuna or Puerto Viejo). It’s quite spread out, which affects where it makes sense to stay and how you choose between different hotels in Uvita.
The town is mainly split into two areas. There’s the lower area near the beach and Marino Ballena National Park (Bahia neighborhood), and the upper area across the highway toward Uvita Waterfall.
Having a car makes a big difference here. It gives you flexibility and saves a lot of time getting between beaches, waterfalls, and restaurants.
You can stay closer to town and the beaches for convenience, or choose accommodation up in the hills, where you’ll get more privacy and views. Please be aware that some of the accommodations located in the hills require a 4×4 vehicle.
I stayed at Golden Pineapple Villas and really loved it. The villas are spacious, the private pool with views over Marino Ballena National Park is impressive, and the overall atmosphere felt calm and relaxed. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, which fits Uvita perfectly.
However, here are a few more options of hotels in Uvita for different budgets:
Best tours & activities in Uvita
🎫 Don’t leave your activities until the last minute. Some of the most popular tours sell out quickly, especially during peak season. I personally use GetYourGuide to book activities because it’s easy to compare options and most tours offer free cancellation. Use code ATICKETTOTAKEOFF5 for 5% off your first booking in the app. Download here!
Best things to do in Uvita
Uvita is small, but the highlights are spread out. Below you’ll find the best things to do in Uvita, from beaches and waterfalls to wildlife experiences.
I’ve also included a map to help you see where everything is located and plan your days more easily.
📌HOW TO USE THE MAP: Click on the top left corner to access the various layers of the map. You can select the layers you’re interested in and also find out more about each point of interest by clicking on it in the left-hand sidebar or on the pin on the map. Add the map to your Google Maps by clicking on the star next to the title. To access the map, simply go to Google Maps ‘Saved’ and click on ‘Maps’!
1. Marino Ballena National Park
This is the main reason many people add Uvita to their route.
Marino Ballena National Park protects a stretch of coast that’s famous for its marine life and wide beaches. It’s stunning and it was one of my favorite places in Costa Rica.
The most iconic feature is the whale tail sandbar. You’ve probably seen it from above in photos. It really does look like a whale’s tail, especially from a drone.
Just keep in mind that you can’t fly drones inside the park. If you have a drone and want a shot, launch it outside the park boundaries.
The entrance fee is 6 USD (~5€) per person and you can purchase tickets on site.
Timing matters here. The tide changes twice a day, and your experience depends on it.
At low tide, it’s possible to walk all the way onto the whale tail. That’s when you truly understand why this place is so special. At high tide, the sandbar disappears, and the park feels more like a swimming and beach spot.
Walking on the sandbar and swimming offer two very different experiences. Walking feels more unique and memorable. Swimming is calmer and better when the tide is high and the sun is strong. If you’re choosing between the two, I’d plan around low tide.
Before you go, it’s worth checking the tide times for Bahía Uvita so you can plan your visit around them.
There are several access points to the park, depending on where you’re coming from. Some are closer to the whale tail than others, so it helps to check the map in advance. We’ve entered through this entrance.
2. Whale watching in Uvita
If you’re planning your things to do in Uvita, whale watching often sits right at the top of the list. Uvita is one of the best places in Costa Rica to see humpback whales because it benefits from two migration periods each year.
Whales from northern areas like mainland USA and Alaska migrate south during the northern hemisphere winter, from December to mid-April. Whales from Antarctica migrate north during the southern hemisphere winter, from mid July to November. This gives Uvita one of the longest whale watching seasons in the country.
The best months for whales are usually January to March and July to October. When I visited, it wasn’t whale season, so I didn’t even book a tour, unfortunately.
Most tours last between 3 and 4 hours. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but during peak season, chances are high. You can realistically expect to see humpback whales breaching or surfacing, and dolphins are often spotted along the way as well.
👉 Book your whale watching tour that includes entrance to Marino Ballena National Park (and drinks and snacks on board).
Morning tours are usually the best option. The sea tends to be calmer, and visibility is better. Afternoon tours can work, but conditions are more unpredictable.
3. Dolphin watching
Dolphin watching is often combined with whale watching tours, especially during the main migration seasons. Even when whales aren’t around, dolphins are spotted year-round in these waters.
The most common species in the area are spotted dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. They usually travel in groups and are very active, which makes sightings quite special.
Just like with the whales, your best chances of spotting dolphins are during morning tours, when the sea is calmer and boats can move more smoothly along the coast.
4. Uvita Beach
Uvita Beach is best known for its wide open feel and natural setting. It’s the kind of beach you visit to slow down, walk for long stretches, and enjoy the scenery rather than beach bars.
The experience changes a lot with the tide. At low tide, the beach becomes incredibly long and flat, which makes walking here special. You can even walk to the whale tail sandbar. For swimming, high tide is better, as the water is deeper and calmer closer to shore.
During the day, you’ll find a few palm trees that offer shade. Just be mindful of palm trees with coconuts, especially on windy days.
Access to the beach is through Marino Ballena National Park, so you’ll need to pay the entrance ticket (6 USD or ~5€). Sunset views here are beautiful, but keep in mind that the park closes at 4 pm, so plan accordingly.
Compared to other beaches nearby, this is probably the most beautiful beach in Uvita. It feels more untouched and spacious than Playa Hermosa, which I’ll mention next.
There are official parking spots near the park entrance for 4.000 colones (~6,8€ or 8 USD) all day. That said, we parked for free a bit further ahead in a quiet spot that didn’t block anyone and had no issues. We parked here twice without any problems.
5. Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa is popular with surfers thanks to its consistent waves and open coastline.
The vibe here is quieter and simpler. It’s better for walking and watching the waves than swimming, mainly because strong currents are common.
When we visited, the weather wasn’t great and it started raining shortly after we arrived. Still, it was easy to see why surfers like this spot.
There’s a small bar near the beach, but not much else around, so don’t expect many facilities. You can park your car under the trees close to the beach.
💡 EXTRA TIP: There have been reports of theft in the area. Don’t leave your belongings unattended and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight in the car.
6. Uvita Waterfall (Catarata Uvita)
Uvita Waterfall combines a natural swimming spot with a smooth rock slide that drops straight into the pool below.
The road to get there is quite bumpy, but it’s doable with a normal car if you take it slow.
The entry fee is 2.000 colones (~3,4€ or 4 USD). However, there are two different entrances.
We used this entrance. Here you’ll find parking spots, a restaurant near the entrance, plus changing rooms, toilets, and showers.
The other entrance is through Acacia Restaurant. If you purchase your ticket at this entrance, it also includes a small butterfly garden. If you enter through the other entrance and still want to visit the garden, it costs an extra 3 USD (~2,5€).
You can climb a staircase to the top of the waterfall and jump into the pool below. Some people do it, but honestly, I didn’t feel comfortable trying it.
There are also smaller natural pools where you can bathe, though keep in mind that some visitors also jump into those.
The best time to visit is earlier in the day, especially during the dry season. Water levels change depending on recent rain. In the rainy season, the flow can be much stronger.
Water shoes are recommended, especially if you want to move around the rocks, but you can still visit without them.
The path to the waterfall is fairly easy. The only tricky part is the final stretch if you want to get really close to the water.
7. El Pavon Waterfall (Cascada El Pavon)
El Pavon Waterfall is much less visited than other waterfalls near Uvita, especially Uvita Waterfall. It’s not in the town center, and you do need to drive to reach it. That said, it’s not far at all.
Access is very easy. You park next to the road and just have to walk one to two minutes to reach the waterfall.
When I visited, there wasn’t much water directly at the waterfall itself. Still, people were swimming in the natural pools nearby. I’ve seen photos from other times of year when the waterfall is much fuller, so conditions clearly vary throughout the year.
Entry is free, which makes this a nice stop if you’re looking for something simple and low effort.
The road to get there is a bit bumpy, but it’s doable with most cars if you drive carefully.
8. Stay at Golden Pineapple Villas
Staying at Golden Pineapple Villas is more than just accommodation. It’s part of the Uvita experience, especially if you’re looking to slow down and enjoy nature between activities.
What makes this place different is the boutique-style setup. There are only seven villas, set in a quiet jungle environment. The focus is clearly on privacy, space, and comfort.
Each villa is spacious and well thought out. You’ll have a private pool, a fully equipped kitchen, a large living area, and an outdoor space surrounded by nature.
In terms of location, it’s a short drive to Uvita town, beaches, and Marino Ballena National Park. One important thing to know is that you’ll need a proper 4×4 to reach the property (a SUV won’t do it!).
What I liked most was waking up surrounded by the jungle, with views that stretch all the way to Marino Ballena National Park. Mornings were quiet, slow, and relaxed. It felt comfortable and personal, the kind of place where you actually want to stay in rather than rush out the door.
9. Day trip to Nauyaca waterfalls
Nauyaca Waterfalls are about a 30-50 minute drive from Uvita, depending on traffic. They’re one of the most famous waterfalls near Uvita, and for good reason.
I visited while traveling from Uvita to Manuel Antonio, but it’s also an easy day trip from Uvita.
This was honestly one of the most amazing waterfalls I’ve seen, and easily my favorite in Costa Rica. We even met a Costa Rican who told us it was his favorite, too.
There are two main waterfalls, the upper and the lower falls. The trail is straightforward and well-marked, with a few climbs but nothing technical. It’s very doable for most people with basic fitness.
Two companies sell tickets to the waterfalls. We went with this one and really enjoyed the experience. The other option is this one. Both offer access to the same waterfalls, but logistics and pricing differ slightly.
🎫 If you don’t have a car, this full-day tour to Nauyaca Waterfalls is a great alternative and takes care of all the logistics.
10. Snorkeling at Caño Island
Caño Island is one of the best places for snorkeling on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. It’s a protected biological reserve, which means the marine life here is especially well preserved.
While snorkeling, it’s possible to see sea turtles, manta rays, and a wide variety of tropical fish. Visibility is usually best during the dry season, especially from December to April, when ocean conditions tend to be calmer.
This is a full day experience, so plan accordingly.
🎫 I recommend this snorkeling tour to Caño Island, which includes two snorkeling sessions of about 45 minutes each, plus lunch.
11. Day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is about a 1 hour drive from Uvita, which makes it an easy day trip. If you’re not planning to stay in Manuel Antonio itself, I still strongly recommend visiting the park from Uvita.
It’s one of the most incredible national parks in Costa Rica. You get a rare mix of wildlife, beaches, and well-maintained trails all in one place. We saw iguanas, lots of monkeys, and two sloths, plus we spent time relaxing on some of the most beautiful beaches inside the park.
Try to arrive as early as possible. Ideally, right when the park opens or shortly after. We arrived at 7.40 am and stayed for around 6 hours, which gave us plenty of time to explore without rushing.
The entrance fee is 18 USD (~15€), and tickets should be bought in advance, as this is a very popular park and daily entrances are limited.
You can visit the park on your own, but your chances of spotting animals like sloths and birds are much higher with a guide. I recommend this guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, which already includes the entrance ticket.
Getting there from Uvita is straightforward if you have a car. Driving is the easiest option, but buses also run between Uvita and Manuel Antonio. If you prefer not to plan transport yourself, you can also join a day tour from Uvita, which handles everything for you.
12. Sierpe mangrove tour
The Sierpe mangrove tour is very different from most activities around Uvita. Mangroves are one of the most important ecosystems on the planet, and this area protects Costa Rica’s largest stretch of mangroves.
This tour is all about wildlife spotting. You’ll glide through narrow channels while looking for birds, reptiles, monkeys, and other animals that depend on this unique environment.
The best time of day is usually in the morning, when temperatures are lower and wildlife is more active. Tours typically last half a day, making this a good option if you want something different without filling an entire day.
🎫 I recommend this Sierpe mangrove boat tour, which includes a 3 hour boat ride plus lunch.
13. Horseback riding on the beach
Horseback riding on the beach is a popular activity in Uvita, especially for travelers looking for a slower, scenic experience. Personally, I don’t enjoy riding horses, so this was a no-go for me while planning my Uvita itinerary. Still, it’s something many people love here.
Tours usually last a couple of hours, and sunset rides are the most popular option. Depending on the route, rides can take you along the beach, through forested areas, or even close to waterfalls.
🎫 This highly rated horseback riding tour in Uvita is a good option. Routes may include Playa Hermosa near Marino Ballena National Park, forest trails, waterfall stops where you can take a dip, or a sunset ride.
14. Surfing in Uvita
I don’t surf myself, but surfing is popular in Uvita, so it deserves a spot on this list. If you’re just starting out, Uvita is actually a great place to take lessons, thanks to the open beaches and consistent waves.
The best beaches for surfing are Playa Hermosa and Playa Dominical, just north of Uvita. Playa Hermosa is especially popular with beginners and intermediate surfers.
The best season for waves runs roughly from May to October, when swells are more consistent. That said, you can still find surfable conditions outside these months, especially if you’re taking lessons.
Board rentals are easy to find. For example, there were boards available directly at Playa Hermosa when we visited. Lessons are also very accessible. When we arrived at the beach, we were immediately approached and asked if we wanted a lesson.
🎫 If you prefer to plan ahead, you can book lessons in advance. This 3 hour private surfing lesson in Uvita is very well rated and a good option if you want a more structured experience.
How many days in Uvita
Two days is the ideal amount of time to see the main highlights in Uvita. That gives you enough room for Marino Ballena National Park, the two nearest waterfalls, and some beach time without rushing.
If you’re planning day trips from Uvita, like Nauyaca Waterfalls or Manuel Antonio National Park, add at least one extra day for each. The same applies if you want to slow down and actually enjoy the beaches instead of just stopping by.
I was in Uvita for one full day and two nights. It worked well for me because I visited Nauyaca and Manuel Antonio on other days.
Best time to visit Uvita
Uvita has two main seasons, and both can work, depending on what you’re looking for.
The dry season runs roughly from mid-November to April. You’ll get more sunshine and better beach days, but prices are higher and places book up faster.
The rainy season runs from May to November. Expect more rain, usually in short bursts, and fewer crowds. Nature looks its best during these months, and prices are often lower.
Whale season is one of the biggest reasons people visit Uvita. There are two migration periods, from January to March and again from July to October.
Nevertheless, bear in mind that this is a tropical country. Rain can happen at any time, sometimes when you least expect it. For example, when we arrived, it was pouring rain and the next day was sunny. We visited in early December, which is a transition period between seasons, so the weather can be mixed.
Another thing to keep in mind is Envision Festival. It’s a large music and wellness festival held near Uvita, usually in February or March. If you’re planning to attend, it can be a great experience. If not, it’s better to avoid Uvita during festival dates, as accommodation prices rise and the area gets much busier.
How to get around Uvita
Getting around Uvita is much easier with a rental car, just like in most places in Costa Rica. The town is spread out, and many of the highlights aren’t within walking distance.
Beaches and waterfalls are scattered along the coast and inland. Having a car saves time and gives you more flexibility, especially if you’re planning day trips to places like Nauyaca Waterfalls or Manuel Antonio.
You usually won’t need a 4×4 to move around Uvita itself. That said, some hotels are located on steep, unpaved roads, especially those in the hills. Before arriving, check with your accommodation so you know exactly which type of car you’ll need. This can save you a lot of stress on arrival.
🚗If you’re renting a car in Costa Rica, Discover Cars is a great platform to compare prices across different rental companies. It offers free cancellation for flexibility, an easy-to-use search tool to find the best deals, and side-by-side comparisons to ensure you get the lowest rates.
Restaurants in Uvita
Uvita’s food scene is simple and spread out, but there are a few reliable spots worth adding to your list.
- Kinsu Restaurant – Fair prices and good portions. I really enjoyed their burrito.
- Pizza Time – Service wasn’t the best, but the pizzas are big and tasty, especially the crust.
- Restaurante Las Esferas – Good local food. The chicken casado was solid, and the smoothies were good.
Frequent Questions about Uvita
» Is Uvita safe for travelers?
Yes, Uvita felt safe during my stay, and I never felt uncomfortable walking around or visiting attractions.
Like anywhere, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
I’ve heard occasional reports of petty theft, mainly at Playa Hermosa and around the main highway area, so avoid leaving valuables unattended at the beach or visible in your car.
» Is Uvita better than Manuel Antonio?
Uvita and Manuel Antonio offer very different experiences, so it’s not really about one being better than the other.
Uvita is quieter, more spread out, and focused on nature, beaches, and a slower pace.
Manuel Antonio, on the other hand, has one of the most impressive national parks in Costa Rica, with incredible wildlife and beaches in a compact area.
Personally, I enjoyed Manuel Antonio more, mainly because the park is stunning.
» Are there ATMs in Uvita?
Yes, there are ATMs in Uvita, mostly located along the main highway. I personally used the BCR ATM and the Banco Nacional ATM. Banco Nacional was the only ATM that didn’t charge any withdrawal fees when I used my Revolut card.
» Is Uvita walkable?
Uvita is not very walkable. The town is spread out, and most beaches, waterfalls, restaurants, and hotels are not within easy walking distance of each other.
While you can walk short stretches in certain areas, you’ll usually need a car, taxi, or tour to get around efficiently.
If you plan to explore more than just one area, having transportation makes a big difference.
Final thoughts about Uvita
Between wildlife, beaches, waterfalls, and easy day trips, the top things to do in Uvita are all about slowing down and enjoying nature without rushing from place to place.
Whether you stay for two days or longer, a flexible Uvita itinerary makes all the difference. Pick a few highlights, leave room for beach time, and don’t try to fit everything in. Uvita rewards travelers who take it slow.
If you’re planning your trip to Uvita and still have questions, or if you’ve already been to Uvita and have tips to share, I’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment below and let’s help each other plan better trips.
Disclaimer: this post may contain some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you buy something through my links. This doesn’t represent any additional cost to you and you’ll be supporting my work here on the blog😊
