MarineFrom $181
South Pacific · Costa Rica
Things to Do in Uvita & Marino Ballena
Home of the famous Whale's Tail sandbar and Marino Ballena National Park, where humpback whales gather and waterfalls tumble into the rainforest.
The area
Welcome to Uvita
Uvita is a laid-back town on the South Pacific coast, anchored by Marino Ballena National Park and its iconic Whale's Tail, a sandbar that forms the perfect shape of a whale's fluke at low tide. It is Costa Rica's premier whale-watching base and a gateway to spectacular waterfalls like Nauyaca and Uvita Falls.
About an hour south of Manuel Antonio, Uvita pairs easily with a Central Pacific trip for travelers chasing whales, waterfalls and quieter beaches.
A little history
A coast built around the whales
Once a quiet agricultural and fishing area, Uvita's fortunes changed in 1989 when Marino Ballena National Park was established, Costa Rica's first marine national park, created to protect the reefs and the humpback whales that migrate here from both hemispheres. The town has since grown into a relaxed eco-tourism hub known internationally for whale watching and its waterfalls.
Highlights
Top things to do in Uvita
Park
The Whale's Tail
Walk out onto the famous sandbar at low tide in Marino Ballena National Park.
Aug-Oct
Whale Watching
Two humpback seasons make Uvita one of the planet's best whale-watching spots.
Marine
Snorkel & Boat Tours
Boat trips to reefs, rock formations and hidden South Pacific coves.
Waterfalls
Nauyaca Waterfalls
Hike or ride to one of Costa Rica's most stunning multi-tier waterfalls.
Water
Kayaking
Paddle calm South Pacific waters and mangrove channels.
Beaches
Beaches & Sunsets
Long, quiet beaches and some of the best sunsets on the coast.
Practical
Getting here & getting around
Uvita is about 1 hour south of Manuel Antonio / Quepos on the coastal highway, and roughly 4 hours from San José. We arrange transport and combine Uvita with Central Pacific itineraries.
Good to know
Uvita FAQ
Uvita has two humpback seasons: roughly late July to October and December to April. (Confirm exact months.)
A natural sandbar in Marino Ballena National Park that forms the shape of a whale's tail at low tide. You can walk out onto it.
About 1 hour south along the coastal highway, an easy add-on to a Manuel Antonio trip.
Ready to explore Uvita?
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