Uvita: Gateway to the Marino Ballena National Park!
Suppose you've found yourself in Uvita - congratulations! You've come a long way south to a beautiful community on the Costa Ballena (Whale Coast), so-called for several reasons. First, whales come here to breed and birth, making the coastline around here among the best spots in the world for humpback watching. And then, there's the Whale's Tail formation in the Marino Ballena National Park, a stretch of beach that sticks out into the ocean and looks like, well, a whale's tail.
The Costa Ballena is a wild, remote part of Costa Rica, lush and green and natural, where dense rainforests meet the Pacific Ocean, and where you'll find a surprising number of unique boutique hotels to enjoy. Uvita is a perfect place to spend time while in Costa Rica.
Best Time to Travel to Uvita
This part of Costa Rica enjoys perfect weather all year, even if it can get wet in the deep south! The best time to travel to Uvita depends on what you want to do when you're here.
Uvita and the Costa Ballena is, perhaps, most famous for its visiting whales and whale watching tours. So you might want to time your visit around the best time to see and experience the humpbacks. There are, essentially, two seasons for whale watching in Uvita. In December, northern humpbacks (coming down from Alaska and California) typically arrive in Costa Rica, seeking warmer waters during the winter. They can be seen until around April.
Southern humpbacks travel up from Antarctic waters during the southern hemisphere winter, arriving around July and sticking around until November. That means, for whale watching, you have December-April and July-November windows, with the best months being August and September.
Travelers coming to the Costa Ballena to surf will find consistent swells all year, but the most significant waves are from May to November, during the rainy season.
Unless you're a hardcore surfer or whale watcher, it's worth pointing out that Uvita can get very rainy during September and October. Sunseekers might prefer another time of year. Also, many places close down during these months. On the plus side, it's less expensive during this time.
The dry season runs from January to April, and the small hotels in Uvita can book up far in advance.
Weather in Uvita
The temperature in Uvita stays between the low 80s and low 90s F all year round, with the water temperature at around 85 F being stable year-round.
January to April are the driest months of the year, although southern Costa Rica can catch a shower at any time. March is the sunniest month. From May to August, expect afternoon showers and sunny mornings. It gets much rainier from September to November, although the sunsets are most spectacular.
Is Uvita Safe?
Uvita is generally safe, nonetheless you should take specific precautionary measures like avoiding isolated areas and not wearing expensive jewelry. In addition, always keep an eye on your belongings, and never leave anything in your car.
Top Restaurants in Uvita
These are just our top choices among many great options!
Los Laureles
A hidden gem that offers excellent veggie options with some of the best burgers on the Costa Ballena. Something for everyone!
Bagel Time Bakery
Known for the delicious bagels and breakfast sandwiches but let’s just say, delicious breakfasts all-round.
Pizza Time
An excellent pizza and ice-cold beer at great prices. What more could you ask for?
Sibu Restaurant
A Uvita staple focusing on healthy, natural flavor; people come here from all over for the avocado toast.
Soda Ranchito Doña Maria
A tremendous little soda tucked away in the middle of the village—Solid Costa Rican food prepared with love.
How to Get to Uvita
Juan Santamaria Airport (Airport Code SJO), outside the capital city of San José, is the closest international airport to Dominical.
Distance & Driving Time to Uvita
From SJO Airport: 132 miles (212 kilometers), about 4 hours.
All Costa Rican Vacations packages include an airport "meet and greet" service and private transfers with English-speaking drivers. This means you're all set when you arrive in-country - just sit back, relax, and our driver will get you to your destination.
If you're planning to drive to Uvita from the airport, give yourself about 4 hours driving time, plus an hour or so to arrange your car rental.
Also, make sure you arrive in Costa Rica early enough in the day to not drive at night - something we don't recommend.
Once you have your car, get onto the InterAmerican Highway and head to El Coyol. Turn off there to get onto Ruta 27, the toll road to the coast. Keep on until the big junction takes you to Jaco and head south over the Rio Tarcoles bridge (you can stop here to check out the crocodiles).
You're now on Ruta 34, the Pacific Coast road. Keep heading south, past Punta Leona, Jacó, Esterillos, Quepos, Matapalo, and Dominical. Keep pushing south from Dominical, and you'll find yourself in Uvita.
