Uvita, Costa Rica, Central America

Described by many as one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world, southwestern Costa Rica has plenty of beautiful beaches and fantastic vistas. Of the many spectacular beaches found here, Playa Uvita is among the most stunning beaches on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast. Located in the southern Puntarenas province roughly 16 km south of Dominical, a surfing hotspot, Playa Uvita is situated within the Marino Ballena National Park. This marine park is very popular because between the months of December and April Humpback, whales migrate here to the warm waters off the coast to mate before returning up north.

Lying south of San Jose, the best way to get to Uvita Costa Rica is to fly in to the Juan Santamaria International Airport near San Jose, and then catch EasyRide straight to Uvita in an air conditioned tourism transport. An alternative option for tourists is to fly to the Palomar Sur Airport and then drive out to Uvita beach.

Accessible throughout the year as the weather is gorgeous most of the time, Playa Uvita is a 2-mile white sand beach with moderate waves and crystal clear blue waters. Since this beach is part of the Marino Ballena National Park, fishing and hunting any marine life is strictly prohibited. However, swimming conditions are ideal here and tourists can enjoy a variety of water sports. The best feature of Playa Uvita is its beautiful landscape with estuaries and mangrove swamps as well as its lovely local village atmosphere.

Horseback riding, snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving are very popular activities here, while for those of you who prefer a more relaxed pace, you can go for long walks along the coast, sunbathe on the beach and enjoy the fabulous scenic beauty and marine life that Playa Uvita has to offer. A relatively quiet beach with not many tourists, you can also take a tour of the nearby Caño Island, Violines Island or Ballena Island, or you can hike to the forests and mountains a few miles away.

Accommodations are very reasonable at Playa Uvita with many budget guesthouses, hotels and rustic lodges in the area. If you want to stay on the beach, there are cabinas and rooms available for rent. There are also plenty of local and cozy bars and restaurants to eat at as well, as street side sodas (small cafes) that offer delicious local delights.

Marino Ballena National Park is named after the Humpback Whales that migrate here each year from December to April to mate before returning to the frigid waters to the north.

Playa Uvita and Ballena are relatively unvisited stretches of white and golden sand. Green marine iguanas (iguana verde) bask in the sun between dives to feed on the algae growing on the rocks and coral. Between the beaches are areas of mangrove habitat.

The largest coral reef on the Pacific Coast of Central America forms a crescent necklace with the three small islands known as Las Tres Hermanas (three sisters) and Ballena island as the center piece. The park stretches from the southern end of Playa Hermosa to the northern end of Playa Piñuela and about 9 miles (15 km) seaward.

Many foreigners are relocating to the Uvita area, especially with all the recent developing going on in the area. There is now three strip complexes in Uvita with grocery stores, banks, furniture stores and more. Uvita real estate was a "later" bloomer than Dominical for example however these days it appears that Uvita has more going on in the way of developing than Dominical. If you are interested in the possibility of purchasing property in Uvita then BuyingCR features many listings for Uvita real estate.

Especially at low tide, snorkeling is good from the shore, and dive trips are available to the islands. Beach combing is rewarding here, especially when the water recedes far enough to allow you to walk out to Punta Uvita Tombolo, the small island that is slowly being reclaimed to the land as sand and debris deposit to form a land bridge.

Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles can be seen laying their eggs on night visit to the beach between May and November. The largest numbers arrive on the waning moon usually in September. Please respect the turtles. Marino Ballena is not as closely monitored or regulated as some of the more famous nesting sites, and you may find yourself alone on the beach. Please do not use unshielded flashlights, camera flashes, make loud noises, or approach too closely. The turtles have worked very hard to get to the beach, don t scare them away.

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