Joseph Dsilva

If you’re planning on moving to southern Costa Rica, or at least spending a considerable amount of time there, then Uvita, Costa Rica, is a place you’ll probably end up frequenting.  While not a highly sought-after destination in its own right, it’s an important one for those living in the more popular Costa Rican beach hotspots that surround it.

Located on Coastal Highway 34 (Costanera Sur), it’s conveniently situated close to a lot of popular destinations in Costa Rica, such as Dominical, Hatillo, Coronado, and Ojochal.  And thanks to Uvita’s recent growth, it serves as a place where residents of those towns can find basic services or stock up on goods, saving them the trip to San Isidro in the mountains.

Uvita, Costa Rica, is a great commercial hub for the surrounding towns

Just a few short years ago, travelers passing through Uvita were greeted with one small soda (another word for a Costa Rican diner), a local grocery store, a machine shop, and a sprinkling of residential areas.  However, much has changed in recent years.

One of the fastest growing communities in the Southern Zone, Uvita, Costa Rica, now boasts 2 major grocery stores, a number of restaurants, furniture stores, several banks, and even a new recreation center which plays host to an organic market each weekend.  As a result, it’s the commercial center of the Costa Ballena area.

Because of its convenient location, it’s also the place to go to find a number of tours to allow you to explore the incredible beauty that surrounds Uvita.  There are opportunities for whale watching, snorkeling excursions, and ATV jungle tours.  Uvita also offers a few lodging options for tourists from hostels all the way up to luxurious boutique hotels.

The area around Uvita is packed with nature and adventure

Just to the south of Uvita, Costa Rica, is Marino Ballena National Park.  One of the most picturesque parks in Costa Rica, it’s a great place for hiking, kayaking through the mangroves, exploring the rainforests, birdwatching, scuba diving or snorkeling, horseback riding, rafting, rappelling, and sport fishing.

Nearby Dominical has emerged as one of the region’s most popular surfing spots, with waves perfect for beginners as well as those with more experience.  Corcovado National Park is also a short distance away and is considered one of the most biodiverse places on earth.  Also close by is Coronado, which offers stunning views of the mountains, the sea, and the rushing river.

The jungle-covered mountains to the east of Uvita are full of spectacular waterfalls, some of which are rumored to be among the country’s best.  In fact, the entire stretch of coastline, from Dominical all the way down to Corcovado National Park, is stunningly gorgeous.

B.D. Hagg

Uvita has its fair share of attractions as well

That’s not to say that there’s nothing at all to see and do right in the heart of Uvita.  In fact, there are a number of expats from North America and Europe who have made Uvita, Costa Rica, their home.

The town is growing rapidly, both with residential and commercial developments.  It even hosts an annual Envision Festival, which highlights various forms of music, art, and dance.

It isn’t exactly a beach town, but it’s fairly close to the shore.  Nearby at the Marino Ballena National Park is a unique beach that forms the shape of a whale’s tale where two bays come together.  (It’s much more evident when viewed from the air.)  During low tide you can hike out on the rocks to the point at the tail’s end.  Just make sure you leave plenty of time to get back before the tide rises.

Ironically, the waters off the coast of Uvita are a fantastic place to spot humpback whales which migrate between the months of December and April.  You can also go swimming or snorkeling in the calm waters or stroll along the white sand beach.

The area doesn’t offer nearly the same surfing conditions as some of its neighboring towns, but it’s still a decent place for beginners to dabble in the surf.  You can also take a kayak tour of the nearby mangroves and estuaries.

Bodhi Surf

But you’ll likely prefer another town as your final destination

Ultimately, while you could get by with a meager vacation to Uvita, there are far more interesting places nearby.  And, while it does have a decent beach nearby and enough attractions to keep you entertained for a few days, you’d be selling yourself short to choose it over all the other amazing beach towns in Costa Rica.

A better option?  Choose one of the other fabulous towns near Uvita that have much more to offer in the way of ecotourism, nature, and coastal living.  Save Uvita as the place to do your banking or stock up on groceries when your provisions are running low.  

While it plays an important role in the region, among the surrounding cities, it’s an up-and-coming commercial hub.  Not a thriving tourist and expat community.

Map of Uvita, Costa Rica

Uvita, Costa Rica Fast Facts

• Population: 1000+
• Typical temperature: average maximum temperature is 32℃ / 90℉
• Nearest airport with U.S. flights: San Jose, Costa Rica
• Nearest U.S. consulate: San Jose, Costa Rica