Uvita, Costa Rica is a beautiful town right next to Ballena Marine National Park, a national park created to make a safe space for migrating humpback whales who visit from December to April. There are numerous activities to do while you stay here, including kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, hiking, watching wildlife (like whales and dolphins), or taking a walk on the perfect sandy beaches. Uvita is surrounded by dense forests, mangroves, and wetlands. Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge is only 3 kilometers north of Uvita. It’s a tropical wet forest with hundreds of species of birds. Multiple waterfalls are nearby, such as Cazuela Park Waterfall, Santa Lucia Falls, Nauyaca Waterfalls, Morete Waterfall, and more in the mountains next to Uvita, Costa Rica.
Ballena Marine National Park is 5,160 hectares (12,800 acres) marine, and 171 acres (420 acres) terrestrial. This is one of the more unique national parks in Costa Rica because the vast majority of it is located in the ocean. Most of the park is south of Uvita, with many of the beaches being inside of its boundaries.
All of Punta Uvita is completely inside of the boundary. This is one of the most fascinating geologic features I have seen - it’s in the shape of a whale’s tail! Most of it is sand and the outer edge is rocks, so bring shoes. I also recommend going at low tide to avoid getting wet or trapped. Getting more into some science here, this formation is called a tombolo. What was historically an island became connected to the mainland by a narrow sand deposit. Some other nearby beaches include Ballena Beach (Playa Ballena), Uvita Bay Beach, Playa Arcos, and Piñuela Beach (Playa Piñales and Playa Piñuela).
The entry fee to Ballena Marine National Park (also known as Parque Nacional Marino Ballena) is $6 per person, but free for those under 11 years old or over 65 years old. The park will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
There are plenty of hotels and lodges in Uvita, Costa Rica, including some next to beaches, some surrounded by dense forests, and others on hillsides. The options listed below are separated by luxury, moderately priced, and budget. Fortunately, there are good choices in each of the categories. Prices can range from $20 to $190 a night during the wet season (May - November), and $25 to more than $170 a night in the dry season (December - April). Some amenities include free breakfast, a restaurant, a pool, bars/lounges, laundry services, a coffee shop, and so much more!
Uvita Hotels and Lodges – Luxury
Uvita Hotels and Lodges– Moderately Priced
Uvita Hotels and Lodges – Budget
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