Whale’s Tail formation in Marino Ballena National Park, Uvita

Costa Rica’s South Pacific

Discover Uvita, Costa Rica

Where rainforest-covered mountains meet the Pacific—and every day begins with a new nature adventure.

🐋 Whale Watching Gateway

🌿 Rainforest & Wildlife

đŸïž Beaches & Ocean

📍 Perfect South Pacific Base

Coastal caves and tropical scenery in Marino Ballena National Park

A natural base for adventure

Why visit Uvita?

Uvita is a peaceful coastal town surrounded by dark-sand beaches, tropical rainforest, rivers, mangroves, and abundant wildlife. It is the gateway to Marino Ballena National Park and an ideal starting point for Caño Island, Corcovado, and the greater Osa region.

Its relaxed atmosphere comes with the practical services travelers need—restaurants, accommodations, supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, and gas stations—without losing the authentic feel of Costa Rica’s South Pacific.

DISCOVER MARINO BALLENA →

Signature experiences

Top things to do in Uvita

Three unforgettable journeys connect Uvita with the ocean and rainforest.

Humpback whale breaching near Uvita

Whales & Dolphins

Explore Marino Ballena by boat while searching for whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds.

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Snorkeling over coral reef at Caño Island

Caño Island Snorkeling

Travel from Uvita to one of Costa Rica’s most remarkable protected marine environments.

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Wild puma in Corcovado National Park

Corcovado Rainforest

Reach San Pedrillo by boat and hike through one of the planet’s richest tropical forests.

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July through October

Southern humpback whale season

Whales from the Southern Hemisphere migrate to Costa Rica’s warm Pacific waters to give birth and care for their calves. First sightings often begin in July, with August and September usually bringing peak activity.

A wild encounter: Wildlife sightings vary with nature and cannot be guaranteed.

READ THE SEASON GUIDE →

Humpback whale breaching in the waters near Uvita

More ways to explore

Kayaking & Mangroves

Paddle the coast of Marino Ballena or discover the peaceful wildlife channels of the Térraba-Sierpe wetlands.

SEA KAYAKING · MANGROVE KAYAKING

Wildlife After Dark

Walk with a guide after sunset and look for frogs, insects, reptiles, and other nocturnal rainforest life.

VIEW NIGHT TOUR →

Sport Fishing

Choose a coastal inshore trip or a full-day offshore adventure in the productive waters of the South Pacific.

INSHORE · OFFSHORE

Plan your visit

When to come

Uvita is a year-round destination. Drier months generally bring sunnier days, while green season means lush landscapes, fuller rivers, and the southern whale migration. Routes and schedules may change with ocean and weather conditions.

What to bring

  • Light clothing, swimsuit, towel, hat, and sunglasses
  • Reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Rain jacket or poncho and comfortable shoes
  • Reusable water bottle and waterproof phone protection

First time in the country? Read our Costa Rica facts and visitor guide.

Coral I tour boat operating from Uvita

Explore Uvita with local experts

Coral Expeditions is a family-run Uvita operator committed to safe, responsible, and memorable nature experiences across Costa Rica’s South Pacific.