Uvita, Costa Rica is a quaint town located on the southern Pacific coast. It’s famous for the beach that resembles a whale’s tail, amazing restaurants, and refreshing waterfalls and swimming holes. In this guide, we will uncover the best things to do in and around Uvita.
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Helpful Map Of Uvita
We’ve pinned all our favorite places on this map to make planning your Uvita adventure easier.
The Whales Tail
There’s perhaps nothing more iconic to Uvita than the beach that looks like a Whales Tail. What’s nice about this unique peninsula, is that it provides a little protection from the huge pacific waves. So it’s much more inviting for a swim than most of the other beaches on this coast.
The Whale’s Tail is located in Marino Ballena National Park and costs $6 per person. Visitors can venture out to the whale’s tail, spot wildlife, and take a swim. Although you will need to pay attention to tides here if you want to walk out on the peninsula.
During high tide the ocean collides across the whale’s tail and makes walking out impassible. So it’s best to visit within a couple hours on either side of low tide.Use this tide chart to help you decide the best time to visit during your trip.
There are some really cool tide pools on the rocky peninsula that is referred to as the whale’s tail. But you can also witness some cool wildlife in the forest along the beachfront. But probably the most memorable thing was the thousands of crabs on the beach. Apparently, there are crocodiles here too, by the freshwater output, but we didn’t see any of those.
Catarata Uvita (aka Uvita Waterfall)
This beautiful waterfall is just minutes from town and is a great place to cool off by the river. And for the adventurous, you can do some cliff jumping and even slide down the waterfall itself as a natural waterslide.
There are two different ways to access these falls.
The upper entrance is cheapest, at 1,500 colones per person, and the trail down to the falls is shorter and steeper.
But we chose to do Catarata Esmeralda Uvita. It’s a little more expensive at 2000 colones per person. But it includes access to their butterfly sanctuary. And they also have bathrooms, changing rooms, and a restaurant.
There are some elevated platforms to help you reach the waterfall. But plan for everything to be slippery and wet. And just before the falls you will be basically walking in the river.
When you reach Uvita Waterfall, you can just admire its beauty or take part in the action.
During our visit, some locals told us the water was flowing a bit too strong, so they advised against sliding down the waterfall itself. Which was a bummer, but I figured I should take their word for it.
However, they showed me how to get to one of the higher cliff ledges above. But this is only for the really adventurous. It was quite a slippery and sketchy climb up there. Otherwise jumping from the ladder is an easier option.
And for the more fearful, ah-hmm, like me (Emily here!), there is a smaller jumping platform at one of the smaller pools. But whatever you are comfortable with, it’s the perfect place to cool off from the hot weather.
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Gusto Italian Restaurant
If you want to enjoy a delicious meal with an incredible view, Gusto Italian Restaurant is your perfect spot. This place made one of the most delicious melt-in-your-mouth gnocchis we’ve ever had! And the view is top notch.
It is highly suggested to make a reservation here to ensure a spot, especially if you want to enjoy it during sunset. Book it about 45 minutes before true sunset to witness the golden hour and its true magic.
Gusto Italian Restaurant is located a little outside town, up a big hill, hence the epic views over the ocean, so prepare for a little rough road to get here. And it’s honestly pretty affordable considering the quality of the ingredients, friendly service, and amazing views.
Two other restaurants that offer great views are Mirador Don Roger and Aracari Restaurant.
Whale Tail Brewery
The vibe of this brewery is really neat, with a beautiful mural capturing the true essence of Uvita. They serve a variety of beer styles from golden ales to porters.
The brewer grew up in Europe, but brought his passion for beer all the way to Uvita. So prepare to enjoy his European twist on different styles of beer.
Of course, in true Jake and Emily fashion, we tried the IPAs, which were delightful and refreshing. And they also have beers to go, so we picked up the whale’s tail pale ale to enjoy at a later date on our trip.
And if you’re hungry, you can grab a bite to eat from their brew pub. Serving pizzas, burgers, tacos, and steaks. What more do you need on a menu?
Visit A Beach
There are a few different beaches to visit in Uvita. Whether you explore the famous whale’s tail, with its two long beaches on either side. Or explore the other smaller beaches nearby.
About 15 minutes south of Uvita is Playa Ventanas, a beach known for its cool caves in the rocks.
Or if you want to surf, Uvita’s surf breaks are best for beginners to intermediates. There are tons of places for lessons and rentals. Like this beginner surf lesson.
But nonetheless, putting your feet in the sand, and watching the waves crash is what vacation is all about. We headed out to Playa Colonia for sunset, and Mother Nature really delivered.
Whale Watching
Coincidentally, Uvita is also a great place to see actual whales migrating off the coast. Unfortunately, we visited Uvita in May, which is not a good time to spot whales, as they are migrating north for the summer at this time.
The best time to spot whales is from mid-July through October and late December through March.
There are two different whales migrations to witness. In the summer months you see southern hemisphere humpback whales migrating north from Antarctica, and in the winter months you can witness the northern hemisphere humpback whales traveling south to warmer waters.
You can sometimes spot whales right from shore, but the best way to see them is with a boat tour. And of course, you can also have the possibility to see dolphins, turtles, and colorful fish.
Here are 3 recommended boat tours in Uvita.
Cafe Vivo
A great little cafe in a beautiful natural setting along the creek, you will find Cafe Vivo. I got a refreshing cold brew to start the morning, and we had heard their cinnamon rolls were excellent. So naturally I had to try one! The presentation on both of our meals was just that extra touch of pizzazz that made this place feel extra special.
Both the coffee and food were delightful, and the service and setting of this place is something worth adding to your list.
Nauyaca Waterfalls
This waterfall is a bit of an adventure to reach from town, but it is not to be missed. Jake and I have visited many waterfalls in our travels, and this one easily makes it into our top 5 all-time waterfalls.
You will just be in awe of this incredible double falls. Even just one half of these falls would be impressive on its own. But together it’s like something out of a movie.
But you are either going to have to sweat for it or pay up for transportation.
The drive is about 30 minutes from the town of Uvita. You must stop at the ticket center to purchase tickets. This is where you can decide to drive down to the parking lot and hike from there, or you can book a guide that will drive you up to the falls in the back of a truck or via horseback.
Parking in their lot costs $5 per car. And the hike to the falls costs $10 per person, and about a gallon of sweat. Otherwise, you can pay $32 per person for their 4×4 truck tour, and $80 for a guided horseback.
A new addition that is very welcomed is a paved road down to the new parking lot. Which cuts two of the hardest miles off the old hike.
But even now, the 4-mile round-trip hike is still very challenging. *Jake mentions the heat being the real challenge.
Once you reach the falls, you can choose to walk the ramps down to the lower falls where you can take a refreshing swim. Or to check out the upper falls which are equally as impressive. But swimming at the upper falls is not recommended.
We began the hike at around 7:30am and nearly had the lower falls to ourselves. But this popular spot does get quite busy for most of the day.
There are changing rooms, bathrooms, and potable water available near the falls.
And after the hike, luckily, there is a perfect beach along the river for another swim near the parking lot. Trust me, you will be so grateful.
If you don’t have a car, you can book this private or small group tour to bring you to Nauyauca Waterfall.
Seba’s
If you are looking for the most exceptional restaurant in Uvita, head to Seba’s. They have really upscale pizza, seafood, cocktails, wine, and more. Sebas is rated as the best pizza in Costa Rica. But they also have other upscale dishes as well.
We shared a ceviche and a pizza, which both definitely hit on all the flavors. But this place certainly comes with a higher price tag. You can expect to pay around $20-$30usd for a medium-ish pizza.
The open-air design of the restaurant made it feel elegant and inviting. Also, this huge tree in the middle of the restaurant sure added a vibe and unique ambience.
You can also stay here at the Seaside Luxury Villas.
Soda Ranchito Doña Maria
For a more local vibe, head to Soda Ranchito Doña Maria.
Sodas are affordable local spots that serve traditional Costa Rican food. And Ranchito Doña Maria really feels like your true mom and pop shop. It’s a humble little restaurant with some delightful seating along the creek too.
We got super lucky to be joined for lunch by this colorful lizard. I ordered a classic chicken casados dish, and Jake got garlic fish plate.
It’s important to note, they are not open on Saturdays and Sundays, so plan to head here during the weekdays.
Homemade Ice Cream at Ballena Bistro
Who doesn’t love ice cream? Ballena Bistro serves up delicious homemade scoops that hit the spot. It’s actually a full restaurant, with a menu that looked pretty amazing, but Jake and I were just in the mood for something sweet. And let’s just say, they absolutely delivered.
Birdwatching Tour
Birding in Costa Rica is a must—and Uvita offers some fantastic tours to help you spot those elusive species you’d probably miss on your own. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned birder, this guided tours pair you with a local expert and take you through the best birdwatching spots around Uvita.
Chocolate Tour
Costa Rica’s tropical climate and rich soil make it an ideal place for growing cacao, and what better way to experience it than by taking a chocolate tour? You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how chocolate is made, from cacao bean to delicious bar, and learn about the cultural and ecological importance of this sweet treat along the way.
Coffee Tour
Just like cacao, coffee thrives in Costa Rica’s climate, and taking a coffee tour is a great way to learn more about this beloved bean. You’ll walk through the entire process, from how the coffee is grown and harvested to how it’s processed and roasted. And of course, you’ll get to taste the rich, freshly brewed coffee right at the source.
Day Trip To Caño Island
Just a short boat ride from Uvita lies the famous Caño Island Biological Reserve, a protected marine area teeming with colorful sea life. Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, this is one of the best spots in Costa Rica for snorkeling and scuba diving. You might spot sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, and massive schools of tropical fish. Here are two recommended tours that leave from Uvita.
Where To Stay In Uvita
- (Luxury Stay) Alborada Boutique Stay – good location, 1.2 miles from beach, pool, breakfast included
- (Mid-tier) Ibiza Tropical Beach Villas – Very close to the beach, breakfast available
- (Best Budget Option) Tropical Beach – Close to beach, pool, breakfast available
Explore this map below for other great options for accommodation on your trip. Filter to your dates, people, and any other requests you may have.
Camping In Uvita
We rented a camping rig from Nomad America, which offers 4×4 vehicles packed with everything you need for an epic adventure. From the beaches to the mountains, and off the beaten path in between, these rigs are ready to take you anywhere. Check out renting with Nomad America.
Here are some recommended campgrounds to stay at during your visit.
- Camping Casa Viva – $6pp, bathrooms, showers, wifi, access to the beach for free
- Camping Cola Ballena – $15pp, bathrooms, showers, wifi, close walk to beach
Use the site iOverlander for other recommendations nearby. Do note, during certain times of year some campsites are closed.
We don’t really recommend dispersed camping in this area, as we came across multiple reviews mentioning theft and break-ins. It felt much safer staying in a gated area or camping near others.
Best Time To Visit Uvita
The best time to visit Uvita is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to April. This time of year offers the most sunshine and ideal conditions for exploring waterfalls, beaches, and jungle hikes.
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of migrating whales, December through March is prime time. There’s also a second migration season from mid-July to October, offering another chance to spot these gentle giants.
But if you are looking for a good surf break, the best time to visit is typically in the wet season, from May to November.
We visited in mid-May and still had some incredible weather. Just be prepared for high humidity, so you’ll probably be drenched in sweat just walking around! Still, no matter when you go, Uvita is a magical place that offers an unreal experience year-round.
Watch Our Video On Uvita
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