Uvita
For a less crowded beach vacation, Uvita may be the ideal location. Sitting 11 miles (17 km) south of Dominical along Coastal Highway 34 (Costanera Sur), this tropical hamlet possesses great charm in an unspoiled, serene atmosphere. With palm trees swaying in the wind, providing shady relief from the intense Pacific sun, it may seem surreal that this environment is as uncorrupted as it is. It won't stay like this forever though, conditions will one day change and the secret of the Bahia Ballena will be out.
Going for a long leisurely walk along the beach is a beloved activity for all. The waters are excellent for swimming, snorkeling and diving offshore. At low tide make sure to visit Punta Uvita to the south of town, just be sure to consult with a tide chart so that you can make it back safely.
During the months of May to October, it may be possible to witness olive Ridley and Hawksbill sea turtles coming ashore to nest. A great place to watch this occur is inside the protected area of Marino Ballena National Park, located just to the south. It is even possible to watch majestic Humpback whales migrate through the waters just offshore between the months of December and April.
Playa Uvita is a great white sand beach, perfect for swimming and surfing. Kayak tours are offered to check out the wealth of mangroves and estuaries surrounding Uvita. There are many gorgeous waterfalls nearby, some of which have been described by tourists as being the best in the country. Horseback riding, scuba diving, snorkeling and hiking finish off the list of favorite activities found here.
Experiences in Uvita
Explore hand-picked Uvita tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
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Manuel Antonio
Ocean Kayak & Snorkeling
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Manuel Antonio
Nauyaca Waterfall & Salto del Diamante Hike
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Manuel Antonio
Rainmaker Park, Hanging Bridges and Waterfall Tour
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Manuel Antonio
Night Rainforest Tour
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Manuel Antonio
Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling
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Manuel Antonio
Savegre River Rafting Class II-III
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Manuel Antonio
Damas Island Mangrove Kayak Estuary
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Where to stay in Uvita
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Uvita accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Oxygen Jungle Villas
Oxygen Jungle Villas is located just outside of Uvita, a small and mellow coastal town along the South Pacific Region of Costa Rica. Uvita lacks large crowds and big development, and has an assortment of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
Rancho Pacifico Hotel
This is a luxury resort that has dramatic grounds on the edge of the South Pacific. Come here for a relaxing vacation that’s put you in the midst of one of Costa Rica’s prettiest landscapes.
Kura Boutique Hotel
The exclusive and luxurious Kura Boutique Hotel rest on an impressive mountain ridge where the lush tropical forest tumbles into the Pacific Ocean. This small scale boutique hotel, in the South Pacific Region, seamlessly melds contemporary architecture with the natural environment to produce a supremely romantic getaway.
Tiki Villas Lodge
Tiki Villas is located within the Southern Pacific region of Costa Rica near the town of Uvita, a few miles south of Dominical. This part of the country is unspoiled and beautiful and draws smaller crowds than some areas to the north.
La Cusinga Lodge
La Cusinga Lodge is located in the small town of Uvita, along Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast. Laying 11 miles (17 km) south of Dominical, Uvita is less crowded than other beach destinations, but just as charming.
Cristal Ballena Hotel & Spa
The four-star Cristal Ballena sits on the southern Pacific coast, on Playa Ballena. Here you will find the Ballena Marine National Park, just outside of the small village of Uvita. This breathtaking national park is an important breeding ground for the Humpback Whale and is excellent for turtle watching. This coastal region has outstanding beaches, several of which are situated within the national park.
The Vista Ballena Hotel
The Vista Ballena Hotel is south of Domincal, in the southern Pacific town of Uvita. This part of Costa Rica is most famous for its whale watching tours, but as you’ll see there is an incredible variety of wildlife on land as well.
Cabinas Los Laureles
Cabanas Los Laureles is located in Uvita, a small beach town set in the South Pacific Region of Costa Rica. Uvita is relaxed, lovely, and near the wonderful Marino Ballena National Park. Accommodations consist of both cabins and individual rooms, all of which are stocked with new beds and private hot water bathrooms. Wood-paneled walls make for a pleasant, natural décor, and private balconies provide guests with a wonderful place to relax.
Uvita itineraries
Explore hand-picked Uvita itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
17 days · Puerto Viejo de Limon, Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde +1
Family
Costa Rica has really got itself well organised for tourism, the service was spot on, the travel timing accurate ( although some of the roads were really poor, pot holed). Hotels and activities are really geared for tourists and they made us feel welcome.
Costa Rica
7 days · Quepos, Uvita
Family
If you’re a couple that loves nature, wildlife, and less crowded areas, then this Signature Trip is perfect of you! Surround yourself with trees, sparkling water, and fresh air.
Costa Rica
13 days · Uvita, Drake Bay, San Gerardo de Dota
Couple
We had a wonderful time and have already recommended Costa Rica and Anywhere Costa Rica to many of our friends.
Costa Rica
11 days · Arenal, Uvita
Family
We were very impressed with Costa Rica's sustainability and emphasis on being environmentally conscious.
Costa Rica
