Pura Osa
Key facts
- Where: Bahía Ballena, canton of Osa, on the Costanera Sur (Route 34): 17 km south of Dominical, about 20 minutes north of Ojochal.
- Getting there: 3.5–4 h by car from San José, about 1 h from Sierpe; buses and private transfers run daily. Plan your trip →
- Don’t miss: the Whale Tail of Marino Ballena National Park at low tide.
- Whale seasons: July–November and December–April. Whale guide →
Things to do in Uvita
Marino Ballena National Park and the Whale Tail
The park protects the beaches and reefs from Uvita to Piñuela. At low tide you can walk out along the sandbar that, seen from above, forms the tail of a whale. Check the tide table and go early; the entrance fee is paid by card at the ranger station. Fees, hours and rules →
Whale and dolphin watching
Humpbacks arrive from the south from July to November and from the north from December to April. Licensed boats leave from Uvita beach; dolphins are seen all year. Many tours combine whales with snorkeling or a stop at Ventanas caves.
Waterfalls
- Uvita Waterfall: minutes from town, with natural pools and a rock slide; a small entrance fee (around ₡1,000–1,500) helps the family that cares for it.
- El Pavón (Ojochal side): a short walk to a fall with a boulder wedged at the top; donations welcome.
- Nauyaca: two dramatic tiers in the hills above Dominical, 30–45 minutes away. See the guide on our sister site PerezZeledon.com.
Beaches beyond the park
North of town, Playa Hermosa is a long surf beach. South, near Ojochal, Playa Ventanas has sea caves you can walk into at low tide, and Playa Tortuga is a quiet stretch where the Térraba River meets the sea.
Wildlife, birds and forest trails
The hills behind Uvita are still covered in forest. Scarlet macaws, toucans, white-faced capuchins and sloths are common around lodges with private trails, and a guided birding walk at dawn is one of the best ways to start the day.
Local market and food
The Bahía Ballena market brings farmers, bakers and artisans together a couple of mornings a week (usually Wednesday and Saturday; ask locally). For dinner, Uvita and nearby Ojochal have some of the best restaurants on the coast, from sodas with casados to international cuisine.
Day trips
- Sierpe mangroves · about 1 h south
- Caño Island · snorkeling tours leave from Uvita
- Drake Bay and Corcovado · better as an overnight trip
Where to stay in Uvita
Stay near the beach and town to walk to the park and restaurants, or up in the hills for ocean views, cooler nights and wildlife on your doorstep.
La Cusinga Lodge
A family-run eco-lodge in Bahía Ballena, between the rainforest and the sea, rooted here since the 1970s. Ocean-view rooms, private trails, its own beach access, a restaurant and a strong commitment to sustainability.
When to go
December to April brings sunny days and the northern humpbacks. July to November is green season, with afternoon rain and the southern humpbacks; the Whale Festival is held in September. September and October are the wettest months.
Where to stay in Uvita: live map
Hotels, cabins, lodges and vacation rentals in and around Uvita, with current prices. Move the map or set your dates to compare.
See the full list of places to stay in Uvita →
Frequently asked questions
Where is Uvita?
On the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the canton of Osa (Puntarenas), about 17 km south of Dominical and 3.5–4 hours by car from San José. It is the main town of Costa Ballena and the gateway to Marino Ballena National Park.
How many days should I spend in Uvita?
Three to four nights let you walk the Whale Tail at low tide, go whale watching in season, visit a waterfall and take a day trip to Sierpe or Caño Island.
Is Uvita good for families?
Yes. Calm beaches inside the national park, short waterfall walks, whale tours and easy access by paved road make it one of the most family-friendly bases in Osa.
Do I need a car in Uvita?
It helps, because beaches and waterfalls are spread along the coast. Without a car you can use taxis, local buses on the Costanera and tours with hotel pickup.
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