Uvita · Marino Ballena
The whale tail sandbar, humpback whale watching and Nauyaca waterfalls.
Whales, waterfalls and the Costa Ballena
Uvita sits on the Costa Ballena (Whale Coast) in the South Pacific, a stretch of quiet beaches where the rainforest reaches the sea. It is famous for Marino Ballena National Park, whose whale-tail-shaped sandbar is visible from the air and can be walked at low tide.
Things to do
- Humpback whale watching: two different populations arrive, from July to October from the Southern Hemisphere and from December to April from the north, to have their calves in warm waters. Dolphins are seen year-round.
- Marino Ballena National Park: beaches, snorkeling in the dry season and the walk along the whale tail at low tide.
- Nauyaca Waterfalls: two cascades with swimming pools, between Uvita and Dominical. You reach them on foot or with the site's transport.
- Dominical: surf and a relaxed vibe nearby.
- Caño Island and Drake Bay: boat trips from the area.
Tips
- Check the tide table: the whale tail can only be walked at low tide.
- Whale tours leave early because the sea is usually calmer.
- In the rainy season afternoons often bring downpours: plan ocean activities for the morning.
Getting there
Uvita is about three and a half hours from San José by road, and about an hour south of Manuel Antonio along the southern coastal highway. It pairs very well with Manuel Antonio, with Mount Chirripó in the mountains, or with Drake Bay and Corcovado further south.
Where to stay in Uvita · Marino Ballena
Things to do in Uvita · Marino Ballena
- Whale watchingJuly to October and December to April from $85 pp
- Nauyaca waterfalls from $40 pp
- Marino Ballena National Park from $10 pp
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Plan your trip
from $50 per night
Choose hotel, nights and activities; prices follow the season.
Best time to visit
July to October and December to April for whale watching