Uvita, Costa Rica: Complete Travel Guide

I’ve called Uvita home for years now, running dive operations out of this small coastal town where rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean. When I first arrived, I was struck by how different Uvita felt from Costa Rica’s more famous destinations up north. No massive resorts lining the beach. No crowds fighting for space on the sand. Just authentic coastal vibes, incredible marine life, and a community of locals and expats who chose this place precisely because it hasn’t been overrun by mass tourism.

Uvita sits on Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast, about 3.5 hours south of San José. It’s the kind of place where you can watch humpback whales breach from shore, dive with sea turtles and rays at world-class sites, walk across a natural whale tail formation at low tide, and still find quiet beaches where you’re one of just a handful of people.

This isn’t Manuel Antonio with its tour bus crowds. It’s not Tamarindo with its party scene. Uvita offers something increasingly rare: pristine nature, excellent activities, and authentic experiences without feeling like you’re on a tourist assembly line.

Let me show you everything Uvita has to offer, from the practical details of getting here and finding a place to stay, to the incredible diving, whale watching, and adventures that make this my favorite place in Costa Rica.

Local street scene in downtown Uvita Costa Rica with shops and palm trees
Uvita maintains authentic small-town character

Why Visit Uvita?

Before diving into logistics and activities, let’s talk about what actually makes Uvita special and whether it’s right for your trip.

Marino Ballena National Park forms Uvita’s centerpiece. This protected marine park encompasses the famous Whale’s Tail, a natural sand and rock formation that literally looks like a whale’s tail when viewed from above. At low tide, you can walk hundreds of meters out into the ocean along this formation, with waves breaking on either side. The park protects coral reefs, mangrove estuaries, and critical whale habitat.

Year-round whale watching sets Uvita apart from nearly everywhere else on Earth. Humpback whales from the Northern Hemisphere visit December through April. Humpback whales from the Southern Hemisphere arrive July through November. This creates nearly year-round whale watching opportunities, with mothers and calves often spotted close to shore in Marino Ballena’s protected waters.

World-class diving right offshore. Marino Ballena offers excellent local dive sites with turtles, rays, reef sharks, and abundant tropical fish. Isla del Caño, just 45 minutes by boat, consistently ranks as one of Costa Rica’s top dive destinations with visibility exceeding 80 feet, dramatic underwater topography, and encounters with everything from tiny nudibranchs to massive manta rays.

Authentic coastal character that hasn’t been lost to development. Yes, Uvita has grown in recent years. You’ll find good restaurants, comfortable hotels, tour operators, and services. But the beach remains undeveloped. No high-rises block the view. Local sodas still serve casado to Ticos, not just tourists. The weekly farmers market brings together the community. It feels real in ways that heavily touristed destinations don’t.

Perfect South Pacific base for exploring the region. Dominical’s surf breaks sit 15 minutes north. Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park are accessible for day trips or overnight adventures. Nauyaca Waterfalls offer a spectacular jungle swim 30 minutes away. Multiple beaches, each with different character, stretch along the coast.

What Uvita isn’t: This isn’t a luxury resort destination (though nice eco-lodges exist). It’s not a party town. It’s not hyper-convenient with everything at your doorstep. You’ll want a car or be prepared to rely on taxis/bikes. The town itself is small, spread along the coastal highway rather than concentrated in a walkable center.

Uvita works perfectly for travelers who want: pristine nature, excellent diving and whale watching, authentic experiences, quieter beaches, and don’t need resort infrastructure or urban amenities. If that’s you, keep reading. If you want all-inclusive resorts or bustling nightlife, consider Guanacaste or Manuel Antonio instead.

road to Uvita in Costa Rica
Road to Uvita in Costa Rica

Getting to Uvita

Uvita sits about 175 kilometers (110 miles) south of San José along the Pacific coast. Multiple transportation options make reaching this South Pacific town relatively straightforward.

From San José

By Car (3.5-4 hours): The most flexible option. Take Route 27 toward Caldera/Jacó, then continue south on the Coastal Highway (Route 34, also called Costanera Sur). The drive is scenic, following the Pacific coast most of the way. Road conditions are generally good, though some sections of Route 34 have potholes. A regular car works fine; 4WD isn’t necessary for reaching Uvita itself (though useful for exploring some beaches and mountain roads in the area).

By Bus (4-5 hours): Tracopa operates direct buses from San José to Uvita. Buses depart from Terminal Coca-Cola in San José. The journey costs approximately $10-12 USD. Buses can fill up during peak season, so arrive early or book ahead if possible. The bus drops you along the main highway in Uvita, where you’ll need taxi or hotel pickup to reach your accommodation.

By Shuttle (3.5-4 hours): Private shuttle services offer door-to-door transportation from San José (or other destinations) to Uvita hotels. Companies like Interbus and Easy Ride Costa Rica provide comfortable, direct service for $50-75 USD per person. More expensive than the bus but more convenient and comfortable.

By Air + Ground Transfer: Fly from San José to Quepos (30-35 minutes) with Sansa or Green Airways, then drive or take a shuttle 1.5 hours south to Uvita. This option works well if you’re combining Manuel Antonio with Uvita, or if you want to minimize driving time. Total cost runs $100-150+ depending on flight prices and ground transfer.

From Other Destinations

From Manuel Antonio/Quepos: 1-1.5 hours south on Route 34. Easy drive or bus connection.

From Dominical: 15-20 minutes south. Extremely easy to combine both destinations.

From Drake Bay: Most travelers take boat from Drake Bay to Sierpe (1 hour), then drive from Sierpe to Uvita (1 hour). Some lodges arrange direct transfers. This is less common; most people visit Drake Bay as a day trip from Uvita rather than vice versa.

From Panama: Crossing from Panama, take Route 2 north toward San Isidro, then Route 243 west to connect with Coastal Highway 34 heading north to Uvita. About 5-6 hours from Panama border.

For complete details on all transportation options, check our detailed how to get to Uvita guide.

Getting Around Uvita

Car Rental: Highly recommended if you want flexibility to explore beaches, visit waterfalls, drive to restaurants in Ojochal or Dominical, or access trailheads and activities. Adobe Rent a Car has an office in Uvita, so you can pick up/drop off locally. Hotels can often arrange delivery of rental cars.

Taxis: Available but not abundant. You’ll find taxis near the main intersection in town and at larger hotels. Always agree on price before getting in (meters aren’t standard here). Typical rides within Uvita run $5-15 depending on distance.

Bicycle: Works for the main beach and town area. Several shops rent bikes. The coastal highway has some hills and no dedicated bike lane, so exercise caution. Good for short trips, less practical for longer distances or visiting waterfalls/activities.

Walking: Possible for areas near your accommodation, but Uvita is spread along several kilometers of highway rather than concentrated in a walkable downtown. Walking along the highway isn’t pleasant or particularly safe.

Tour Operator Transportation: Most tour operators (including our dive center) provide pickup and drop-off at Uvita accommodations for their activities. This eliminates need for a car if you’re doing primarily organized tours.

Read our complete getting around Uvita guide for rental car tips and local transportation advice.

Beautiful Playa Hermosa beach north of Uvita with calm waters
Playa Hermosa offers excellent swimming conditions

When to Visit Uvita

Uvita offers year-round appeal, but timing affects what you’ll experience.

Best Time for Weather

Dry Season (December-April): Most predictable weather with minimal rain. Mornings and afternoons stay sunny, perfect for beach time and water activities. This is peak season, meaning higher accommodation prices and more visitors (though still far less crowded than northern destinations). Ocean conditions are generally calmer.

Green Season (May-November): Rain typically arrives in afternoon, with mornings often clear and beautiful. Rain refreshes everything, keeps temperatures comfortable, and creates lush landscapes. Prices drop 20-40% compared to peak season. Fewer tourists. Some prefer this season for the balance of good weather, lower costs, and smaller crowds.

Transition Months: November-December and April-May see variable weather as seasons shift. You might experience more rain than expected in early dry season, or surprisingly nice weather in late green season.

Best Time for Whale Watching

Northern Hemisphere Humpbacks (December-April): Peak January-March. These whales migrate from Alaska/California to Costa Rica’s warm waters to mate and give birth.

Southern Hemisphere Humpbacks (July-November): Peak August-October. These whales migrate from Antarctica/southern feeding grounds.

Best Overall Whale Watching: August-October tends to offer the most whale sightings, as Southern Hemisphere whales are most active and ocean conditions are often excellent.

The famous Whale and Dolphin Festival happens annually in September, celebrating these marine visitors with educational events, beach cleanups, and community activities.

Best Time for Diving

Optimal Conditions (December-April): Dry season brings the best visibility, calmest seas, and most consistent diving conditions. Water temperature stays comfortable at 80-85°F.

Green Season Diving (May-November): Still excellent diving, though you might encounter afternoon rain and occasionally rougher surface conditions. Underwater visibility remains good, and you’ll have dive sites more to yourself. Marine life doesn’t disappear during green season.

Year-Round Diving: We run dive trips throughout the year. The South Pacific’s protected marine environments offer consistent diving conditions compared to more exposed Pacific coast areas.

For month-by-month breakdowns, read our detailed best time to visit Uvita guide and Uvita weather guide.

Aerial view of famous whale tail shaped sandbar formation at Marino Ballena National Park in Costa Rica with crystal clear turquoise water and pristine coastline
Aerial view of famous whale tail shaped sandbar formation at Marino Ballena National Park in Costa Rica

Where to Stay in Uvita

Uvita’s accommodations spread along the coast and into the mountains behind town. Understanding the different areas helps you choose the right location.

Best Areas to Stay

Near Playa Uvita/Marino Ballena Entrance: Closest to the main beach and national park. Walking or short drive to the whale tail. More accommodation options concentrated here. Good for families and those prioritizing beach access.

Along the Main Highway (Route 34): Most budget options, local sodas, and services line the highway. Convenient but less scenic. More road noise. Works well if you have a car and don’t mind short drives to beaches.

Playa Hermosa Area (North of Town): Beautiful beach with good swimming conditions. More upscale eco-lodges and hotels in this area. Quieter than central Uvita. About 5-10 minutes drive from main town.

Mountain/Hillside Properties: Elevated accommodations offer stunning ocean views, cooler temperatures, and more privacy. You’ll need a car (often 4WD for steeper properties) and be further from beach. Many excellent eco-lodges choose hillside locations.

Toward Ojochal (South): Small international community with excellent restaurants. More spread out, requires car, but nice middle ground between Uvita and next town south.

Accommodation Types

Uvita offers everything from budget hostels to upscale eco-lodges, but you won’t find large chain hotels or all-inclusive resorts.

Eco-Lodges: The most common upscale option. These are typically small properties (10-20 rooms) emphasizing sustainability, nature immersion, and personalized service. Often on hillsides with ocean views. Expect $150-300+ per night.

Mid-Range Hotels: Comfortable, clean accommodations with pools, on-site restaurants, and tour desks. Usually $80-150 per night. Good balance of comfort and value.

Vacation Rentals: Houses and villas available through Airbnb and VRBO. Excellent for families or groups. Can be very economical when split between multiple people. Range from simple beach houses to luxury villas.

Budget Hostels: Several hostels in town offer dorm beds ($15-25) and private rooms ($40-60). Social atmosphere, younger crowd, basic amenities.

Beachfront vs Jungle: Uvita has no high-rise beachfront hotels. “Beachfront” means small properties just inland from beach, or elevated properties with ocean views. Choose based on whether you prioritize ocean proximity or jungle immersion with views.

Budget Recommendations

Budget ($30-60/night): Hostels, basic guesthouses, budget vacation rentals. Expect simple but clean accommodations with shared or basic private bathrooms.

Mid-Range ($80-150/night): Comfortable hotels with pools, good locations, helpful staff. Nice vacation rentals. Solid eco-lodges with good amenities.

Upscale ($200+/night): Premium eco-lodges with stunning views, infinity pools, exceptional service, and on-site dining. Luxury villas. These properties offer memorable experiences but at significantly higher cost.

Our Recommendation: $100-150/night range offers excellent value in Uvita. You’ll get comfortable, well-maintained accommodations without paying luxury premiums. This budget allows choice of nice eco-lodges or very good hotels.

For specific hotel recommendations by area and budget, check our comprehensive where to stay in Uvita guide. We also have detailed guides for luxury hotels, budget accommodation, and vacation rentals.

marino ballena national park in uvita in costa rica
Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita

Top Things to Do in Uvita

Uvita packs surprising variety into a small area. You could easily fill 5-7 days here without repeating activities.

Marino Ballena National Park & Whale’s Tail

The national park stretches along 5.5 kilometers of coastline, protecting beaches, coral reefs, mangroves, and critical marine habitat. Entry costs $6 USD per person and the park opens 7am-4pm daily.

The Whale’s Tail Formation is what put Uvita on the map. This natural sand and rock formation extends into the ocean, visible as a whale tail shape from aerial view. At low tide, you can walk the entire formation, sometimes hundreds of meters into the ocean. Check tide times before visiting; high tide completely submerges the tail.

Swimming and Snorkeling: The park offers multiple beaches with varying conditions. Some areas have rocky points creating pools and snorkeling opportunities where you’ll see tropical fish, occasional sea turtles, and reef life. Other stretches offer sandy beaches better for swimming.

Wildlife Watching: Keep eyes open for hermit crabs, ghost crabs, and shorebirds on the beach. In the water, you might spot dolphins, rays, and during whale season, humpback whales can sometimes be observed from shore.

Multiple Entrances: The park has several access points. The main entrance near Uvita town provides easiest access to the whale tail. Northern entrances near Playa Colonia and Playa Ballena offer quieter beach experiences.

For complete visiting details, tide times, and what to bring, read our comprehensive Marino Ballena National Park guide.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

I’ll save the detailed diving section for below, but in brief: Uvita offers some of Costa Rica’s best diving, combining accessible local sites in Marino Ballena with world-class diving at Isla del Caño just offshore.

Snorkeling is excellent for non-divers. Multiple locations around Marino Ballena offer rocky reef snorkeling where you’ll see colorful tropical fish, rays, sea turtles, and abundant marine life. Isla del Caño snorkeling tours provide even better visibility and marine encounters in protected reserve waters.

Our snorkeling in Uvita guide covers all the best spots and how to access them.

Whale Watching

Humpback whales visit Uvita’s waters for breeding and calving nearly year-round thanks to migrations from both hemispheres. Watching a 40-ton whale breach meters from your boat, or seeing a mother teach her calf to breach, ranks among Costa Rica’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences.

What to Expect: Tours typically last 3-4 hours, departing early morning when ocean conditions are calmest. You’ll cruise Marino Ballena’s protected waters searching for whale activity. When whales are spotted, boats maintain respectful distances while you observe. Along with whales, you’ll likely see dolphins (sometimes in pods of 50+), sea turtles, rays, and abundant seabirds.

Best Practices: Choose operators following proper whale watching guidelines (maintaining distance, limiting time with each whale group, not chasing). Responsible operators prioritize whale welfare over guaranteed close encounters.

Sightings: While never 100% guaranteed with wild animals, sighting rates during peak seasons (January-March and August-October) exceed 90%. Whales are often visible from shore before you even board the boat.

Check our detailed whale watching in Uvita guide for tour operators, best seasons, what to expect, and booking tips.

Beaches & Waterfalls

Playa Uvita: The main beach in town, part of Marino Ballena National Park. Calm waters, gray sand, good for swimming and beach walks.

Playa Hermosa: North of town, this beach offers better swimming conditions and beautiful scenery. Less crowded than Playa Uvita.

Playa Ventanas: Famous for its sea caves and rock formations creating natural “windows.” Accessible at low tide. Dramatic and photogenic.

Nauyaca Waterfalls: About 30 minutes from Uvita, these two-tiered waterfalls cascade into a massive swimming pool surrounded by primary rainforest. The upper falls drop over 60 feet, the lower falls about 130 feet. Swimming in the pool beneath the falls feels magical. Access requires either hiking, 4WD transport, or horseback riding through private property ($10-15 entry plus transport if needed).

Uvita Waterfall: Small waterfall right in town with a swimming hole. Easy 10-minute walk from the highway. Popular with locals. Entry costs about $2. Good for quick refreshing dip but far less spectacular than Nauyaca.

Explore all Uvita beaches, Nauyaca Waterfalls, and waterfalls near Uvita in our detailed guides.

Day Trips from Uvita

Corcovado National Park: Full-day tours to this incredible rainforest (boat to Sirena Station, guided hike). See tapirs, scarlet macaws, four monkey species, and extraordinary biodiversity. Tours run $145-175 including transport, entry, guide, and lunch.

Isla del Caño: Even if you don’t dive, snorkeling tours to this protected island offer crystal-clear water and abundant marine life. Some tours combine snorkeling with whale watching.

Dominical: 15 minutes north, this surf town offers consistent waves, bohemian vibe, and good restaurants. Easy to visit for lunch, surf lesson, or waterfall hike.

Sierpe Mangroves: Explore Costa Rica’s largest mangrove system by boat, seeing crocodiles, monkeys, birds, and diverse wetland life.

Our comprehensive day trips from Uvita guide covers all options with tour operators, logistics, and what to expect.

Scuba diver exploring pristine coral reef with tropical marine life and manta rays at Isla del Caño Costa Rica in crystal clear blue water
Isla del Caño Costa Rica in crystal clear blue water

Scuba Diving in Uvita

Now let’s talk about what I know best: diving in Uvita. This is why I’m based here, and why I think Uvita offers Costa Rica’s best diving experience.

Local Dive Sites (Marino Ballena)

Marino Ballena Marine Reserve encompasses multiple dive sites just offshore from Uvita. These sites offer excellent diving at 30-60 feet depth with moderate currents, making them perfect for beginners and ideal for training dives.

What You’ll See: Green sea turtles glide past regularly (multiple turtle encounters per dive are common). Whitetip reef sharks rest in rocky overhangs. Large schools of snappers, jacks, and grunts swirl through the water. Stingrays and eagle rays cruise the sandy bottom. Octopuses hide in crevices. Massive porcupinefish, colorful parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish add constant visual interest.

Underwater Topography: Rocky reefs with swim-throughs, overhangs, and coral formations. Sandy channels between reef structures. Interesting topography that creates habitat diversity.

Conditions: Water temperature 78-85°F year-round (no thick wetsuit needed). Visibility typically 40-60 feet, reaching 70+ feet during optimal conditions. Currents are manageable, making these sites accessible to new divers.

Why We Love Local Sites: Perfect for PADI courses, check dives, and divers wanting quality diving without long boat rides. Morning dives return you to shore by noon with the rest of your day free for other activities.

Isla del Caño

Isla del Caño Biological Reserve sits 12 miles offshore from Uvita, protecting one of Costa Rica’s most pristine marine environments. This is bucket-list diving, consistently ranking among the country’s top sites.

The Journey: 45-minute boat ride crossing open ocean (can be bouncy, take seasickness meds if prone). The anticipation builds as you watch the island grow larger on the horizon.

What Makes Caño Special:

  • Visibility: Regularly exceeds 80 feet, sometimes reaching 100+ feet. You can see across the entire underwater landscape.
  • Marine Life Concentration: Everything you see in Marino Ballena exists here in greater numbers. Schools of fish measured in thousands instead of hundreds. Multiple turtle encounters per dive, not occasional sightings. Reef sharks, bull sharks, massive rays.
  • Big Animal Encounters: Manta rays glide through on occasion. Dolphins sometimes interact with divers. Whale sharks have been spotted (rare but possible). Schools of mobula rays create underwater ballets.
  • Underwater Topography: Dramatic coral walls, rocky pinnacles, swim-throughs, and formations creating visual interest and habitat diversity.

Dive Sites at Caño: Multiple named sites around the island offer different experiences. Your divemaster chooses sites based on conditions, currents, and group experience level.

Who Should Dive Caño: Anyone with Open Water certification or higher. The boat ride requires reasonable seasickness tolerance. Currents can be stronger than Marino Ballena, so some diving experience helps (though we take many newly certified divers who do fine).

What to Expect: Full-day trip departing early morning (7-7:30am). Two dives at Caño with surface interval on the boat. Return to Uvita around 2-3pm. Most operators include snacks, fruit, lunch, and beverages. Cost typically $135-165 per person for certified divers.

Read our complete Isla del Caño diving guide for detailed site descriptions, marine life encounters, and comprehensive trip information.

Dive Courses Available

PADI Bubblemaker (Ages 8+): Introduction to scuba for kids in pool or very shallow water (max 6 feet). Uses real scuba equipment. Perfect first scuba experience. $65-95 per child.

Discover Scuba Diving: Try diving before committing to certification. Pool session teaching basics, then one ocean dive exploring Marino Ballena. No certification required. $120-150 per person. Can be done at Isla del Caño for more spectacular first dive ($160-180).

PADI Open Water Diver: Full certification allowing you to dive anywhere in the world up to 60 feet. 3-4 days including online study (or classroom), pool sessions, and four open water dives. Train in Marino Ballena’s excellent conditions, with option to do final dives at Isla del Caño. $400-550 per person.

PADI Advanced Open Water: Continue your diving education with five specialty dives (deep, navigation, plus three electives). Excellent way to experience Isla del Caño’s deeper sites while building skills. 2-3 days, $350-450.

Specialty Courses: Deep Diving, Nitrox, Night Diving, Underwater Photography, and more. Ask about specific interests.

Why Get Certified in Uvita: Excellent conditions for learning (warm, clear, manageable currents), small class sizes, experienced instructors, and the chance to train in an amazing location you actually want to visit. You’re not just learning in a pool; you’re diving with sea turtles and exploring beautiful reefs.

Browse our complete PADI courses in Uvita for schedules, prices, what’s included, and how to book. We also have specific guides for Discover Scuba Diving and scuba diving for kids.

Why Dive with Us

I’m not going to pretend we’re the only dive operation in Uvita. We’re not. But here’s what we offer:

We’re Actually Based Here: This is where we live and work year-round, not a rotating staff or remote-managed operation. We know these dive sites intimately because we dive them constantly.

PADI 5 Star Dive Center: This certification requires meeting strict standards for instruction quality, equipment maintenance, safety protocols, and customer service. It’s verified excellence, not marketing.

Small Groups: We cap groups at 4-6 divers per instructor for training, 6-8 for guided fun dives. You’re not herded onto boats with 20+ divers like some operators.

Quality Equipment: Properly maintained, regularly serviced gear sized appropriately for each diver. We don’t cut corners on equipment.

Experienced Staff: Instructors with years (often decades) of experience, specific training in teaching, and genuine passion for sharing diving.

Local Knowledge: We know when to dive which sites based on conditions. We know where to find specific marine life. We can share insights about Uvita beyond diving because we live here.

Honest Advice: If conditions aren’t ideal, we’ll tell you. If another activity would suit you better, we’ll recommend it. We prioritize great experiences over maximum bookings.

Dive instructor demonstrating to nervous person in shallow pool that scuba diving with BCD flotation is different from swimming in reassuring Costa Rica lesson
Discover Scuba Diving in Uvita

Restaurants & Dining in Uvita

Uvita’s food scene punches above its weight for a small coastal town. You’ll find everything from local sodas serving casado to international restaurants reflecting the expat community.

Local Costa Rican: Multiple sodas along the highway serve traditional Tico food. Casado (rice, beans, salad, plantain, protein) costs $5-8. Fresh fish, chicken, or meat options.

Seafood: Being on the coast means fresh seafood. Multiple restaurants specialize in ceviche, whole fried fish, seafood casado, and octopus dishes. Expect to pay $8-15 for mains at casual spots, $15-25 at nicer establishments.

International: Ojochal, just 10 minutes south, has earned a reputation for exceptional international restaurants. French, Italian, Mediterranean, and fusion cuisine created by expat chefs. This is where you go for date night or celebrating. Expect $20-40+ per person.

Vegetarian/Vegan: Several restaurants cater specifically to plant-based diets. Smoothie bowls, salads, veggie burritos, and creative vegetarian plates are easy to find.

Coffee & Breakfast: Good cafes serve quality Costa Rican coffee, breakfast bowls, pancakes, and fresh fruit. Great for starting your day before diving or tours.

Grocery Stores: BM Supermarket provides basic supplies. For bigger grocery runs, Quepos (1.5 hours north) has more options.

Farmers Market: Saturday mornings in Uvita, the weekly farmers market offers fresh produce, prepared foods, crafts, and community gathering. Don’t miss it if you’re here on Saturday.

For specific restaurant recommendations by category, cuisine type, and budget, check our detailed restaurants in Uvita guide and cafes in Uvita. We also have a guide to the Uvita farmers market.

Saturday farmers market in Uvita with local vendors and fresh produce
Weekly farmers market brings Uvita community together

Practical Information

Safety Tips

Ocean Safety: Uvita’s beaches can have strong currents and rip currents, particularly during high tide or larger swells. Ask locals about conditions before swimming. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore until free of the current, then angle back to beach.

Sun Protection: The tropical sun is intense. Wear reef-safe sunscreen (regular sunscreen harms coral reefs), bring hats, and reapply frequently. Dehydration happens quickly; drink more water than you think necessary.

Wildlife: Don’t touch marine life while snorkeling/diving. Keep distance from wildlife on land. Snakes exist but are rarely seen; watch where you step on jungle trails.

Petty Theft: While Uvita is generally safe, petty theft occurs. Don’t leave valuables visible in parked cars. Use hotel safes for passports, excess cash, and electronics when possible.

Road Safety: Drive defensively. Potholes, unmarked speed bumps, and occasional livestock on roads require attention. Don’t drive after drinking.

Medical Facilities: Uvita has a small clinic for minor issues. Serious medical needs require travel to larger hospitals in San Isidro (1 hour) or Quepos (1.5 hours). Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is recommended.

Read our complete Uvita safety guide for detailed tips and emergency contact information.

What to Pack

Beach & Water:

  • Swimsuits (multiple)
  • Rash guard (sun protection while snorkeling)
  • Water shoes (rocky beaches and reef entries)
  • Beach towel
  • Waterproof phone case or dry bag

Diving/Snorkeling:

  • If you have your own mask/snorkel, bring it (better fit than rentals)
  • Dive computer if you own one (not required; available for rent)
  • Reef-safe sunscreen only

Clothing:

  • Light, quick-dry clothing
  • Light rain jacket (green season)
  • Sandals and closed-toe shoes for activities
  • Light pants/long sleeves for evening (mosquitoes)
  • Something nicer if you plan to eat at upscale restaurants

Other Essentials:

  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen (reef-safe)
  • Prescription medications
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Small daypack

Full packing list with seasonal recommendations in our Uvita packing guide.

Budget Guide

Daily Budget (per person):

Budget ($40-60):

  • Accommodation: $30-40 (hostel or budget hotel)
  • Food: $15-20 (sodas, self-catering, budget restaurants)
  • Activities: $0-30 (beach days, hiking, occasional tour)
  • Transport: $5-10 (occasional taxi, bike rental)

Mid-Range ($100-150):

  • Accommodation: $80-100 (nice hotel or vacation rental)
  • Food: $30-40 (mix of casual and nicer restaurants)
  • Activities: $50-80 (diving, whale watching, or other tours)
  • Transport: $10-20 (taxis, rental car share)

Upscale ($250+):

  • Accommodation: $150-250+ (premium eco-lodge)
  • Food: $50-80 (nicer restaurants, drinks)
  • Activities: $80-150 (multiple tours, diving, excursions)
  • Transport: $30+ (rental car, private transfers)

Activity Costs:

  • Marino Ballena National Park entry: $6
  • Whale watching tour: $70-90
  • Snorkeling tour: $60-80
  • Local dive (2 tanks): $90-110
  • Isla del Caño dive trip: $135-165
  • Corcovado day trip: $145-175
  • Nauyaca Waterfalls: $10-15 entry
  • Surf lesson: $50-70
  • Yoga class: $15-25

Our detailed Uvita budget guide breaks down costs by category with money-saving tips.

Family-owned eco-lodge nestled in Osa Peninsula rainforest
Eco-lodges create economic incentives for conservation while employing local communities

Planning Your Uvita Trip

How Long to Stay: Minimum 3-4 days to experience Uvita’s highlights. Ideal stay is 5-7 days, allowing time for diving, whale watching, beach relaxation, waterfalls, and day trips without feeling rushed. A week lets you truly settle into Uvita’s rhythm.

Sample 5-Day Uvita Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Arrive, settle in, explore town, Marino Ballena sunset walk
  • Day 2: Isla del Caño diving or snorkeling (full day)
  • Day 3: Whale watching morning, beach afternoon, nice dinner
  • Day 4: Nauyaca Waterfalls, explore other beaches
  • Day 5: Corcovado day trip OR additional diving OR relaxation day

Combining with Other Destinations:

  • Uvita + Dominical: Easy combination (15 minutes apart)
  • Uvita + Manuel Antonio: Good pairing (2-2.5 hours apart)
  • Uvita + Drake Bay: Possible but requires full day for Drake Bay access
  • Uvita + Arenal: Doable but long drive (5-6 hours); better to add intermediate stop

Check our Uvita vs Dominical, Uvita vs Manuel Antonio, and Uvita vs Drake Bay comparison guides to help decide between destinations.

Best Time to Book:

  • High season (Dec-April): Book accommodations 2-3 months ahead
  • Green season (May-Nov): 2-4 weeks ahead usually sufficient
  • Popular tours (Corcovado, diving): 1-2 weeks ahead recommended

What to Book in Advance:

  • Accommodation
  • Rental car (if needed)
  • Dive courses (especially Open Water which requires scheduling)
  • Corcovado tours (permit numbers are limited)

What to Book Last Minute:

  • Whale watching (dependent on weather/conditions)
  • Most other tours
  • Restaurant reservations (rarely needed except upscale Ojochal spots)

Ready to experience Uvita? Contact us to plan your diving adventure, ask questions about Uvita, or book your courses and tours. We’re here to help make your South Pacific Costa Rica experience unforgettable.

Local insider tip: Visit Uvita during the shoulder months (May, early June, or November) for the best combination of good weather, fewer crowds, lower prices, and excellent marine conditions. You’ll get the dry season experience without the peak season prices.

Your Uvita Adventure Starts Here

Uvita remains one of Costa Rica’s most authentic coastal destinations precisely because it hasn’t been overwhelmed by mass tourism. The beaches stay pristine, the marine life thrives in protected waters, and the community maintains its character. Whether you’re diving with sea turtles in Marino Ballena, watching humpback whales breach with their calves, walking the famous whale tail at low tide, or simply relaxing on quiet beaches, Uvita delivers experiences that feel genuinely special.

We’re based here because we love this place. The diving is world-class, the whale watching is extraordinary, and the balance of nature, activities, and authentic coastal life creates something increasingly rare in popular tourist destinations.

Come discover why Uvita is our favorite place in Costa Rica. The South Pacific is waiting.

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