Uvita and Marino Ballena

Uvita y Parque Nacional Marino Ballena

A laid-back coastal town beside Marino Ballena National Park, famous for its Whale's Tail sandbar visible at low tide. It is a prime spot for humpback whale watching and quiet beach days.

Things to do

• Walk the Whale's Tail — At low tide you can walk out along the sandbar that forms the shape of a whale's tail into Marino Ballena National Park.
• Humpback whale watching — Join a boat tour to spot humpbacks that migrate here from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, with peak seasons around July-October and December-March.
• Marino Ballena National Park beaches — Explore the park's connected beaches like Playa Uvita, Playa Colonia, and Playa Ballena, known for calm, shallow waters.
• Nauyaca Waterfalls — Hike or ride to these towering twin waterfalls with a swimmable pool, located a short drive inland from Uvita.
• Snorkeling and kayaking — Paddle or snorkel around the reef and rocky outcrops within the national park to see tropical fish and marine life.
• Uvita Waterfall — Cool off at this small local waterfall with a natural rock slide just minutes from town.
• Catch sunset at the beach — Enjoy the Pacific sunset over the ocean from Playa Uvita, a laid-back spot popular with locals and travelers alike.

Food to try

• Casado — A hearty traditional plate of rice, black beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of fish, chicken, or beef.
• Fresh ceviche — Locally caught fish or seafood cured in lime with cilantro and onions, a refreshing coastal favorite.
• Whole fried red snapper — Freshly caught pargo rojo served whole at beachside sodas, often with patacones and rice.
• Casado with dorado — Seek out mahi-mahi (dorado) landed by local fishermen, a staple of the Pacific coast menus.
• Batidos and pipa fría — Cool down with fresh fruit smoothies made from mango or guanabana, or drink straight from a chilled green coconut.
• Chifrijo — A popular Costa Rican bar snack layering rice, beans, crispy pork chicharrones, pico de gallo, and avocado.

Local customs & good to know

• Check the tide schedule — The Whale's Tail sandbar is only walkable at low tide, so plan your park visit around the tide charts.
• Pay the park entrance fee — Marino Ballena National Park charges an entry fee to help protect its marine ecosystem, so bring cash or card for the ranger station.
• Embrace pura vida — This laid-back phrase captures the relaxed local attitude, so expect slower service and a friendly, unhurried pace.
• Respect the whales and wildlife — Choose responsible tour operators who keep a safe distance from whales and follow marine protection guidelines.

Nearby

• Nauyaca Waterfalls — 9 km
• Dominical — 17 km
• Manuel Antonio National Park — 52 km
• Caño Island Biological Reserve — 53 km