Things to Do in Uvita, Costa Rica

Welcome to Uvita, Costa Rica – a breathtaking destination where lush jungle meets pristine beaches. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Uvita has something for everyone. Pickleball is the icing on the cake.

We usually include two or three excursions that will be detailed on pre planned retreats or can be arranged on custom retreats.

Here are some top activities to enjoy during your stay:

🏝️ 1. Visit Marino Ballena National Park

Why Go? Home to the famous Whale Tail sandbar, this national park is one of Uvita’s top attractions. Depending on the season, you can even witness majestic humpback whales migrating through the waters.

✔ Walk along the iconic Whale Tail sandbar at low tide ✔ Spot whales and dolphins on a boat tour (best from July-October & December-April) ✔ Enjoy snorkeling, swimming, or relaxing on the beach

📍 Location: 5 minutes from Uvita center 📸 Suggested Image: Aerial shot of the Whale Tail sandbar

2. Playa Ventanas

Why go? Playa Ventenas is a picturesque beach surrounded by lush mountains and jungle and has unique sea caves to explore.

✔ Swim and enjoy the beuatiful beach ✔ Enjoy lunch under tents immersed in the jungle ✔ Explore the sea caves accessible at low tide

📍 Location: 20-minute drive from Uvita

🌊 3. Explore Nauyaca Waterfalls & Other Uvita Waterfalls

Why Go? One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica, Nauyaca Falls offers two cascading waterfalls surrounded by jungle. A perfect spot for swimming and adventure. Uvita is also home to several other stunning waterfalls, each offering unique scenery and experiences.

✔ Take a scenic hike or horseback ride through the rainforest ✔ Swim in the natural pools at the base of the falls ✔ Explore other nearby waterfalls, such as Uvita Waterfall, perfect for sliding into natural pools ✔ Capture stunning photos of the double-tiered waterfall

📍 Location: 30-minute drive from Uvita

🛶 4. Kayaking or Paddleboarding in the Mangroves

Why Go? Glide through the tranquil Terraba-Sierpe Mangroves, one of Costa Rica’s largest mangrove ecosystems, home to exotic birds, monkeys, and crocodiles.

✔ Enjoy a peaceful paddle through winding waterways ✔ Spot wildlife like howler monkeys, herons, and caimans ✔ Take a guided tour for the best experience

📍 Location: 20-30 minutes from Uvita

🐠 5. Snorkeling at Caño Island

Why Go? Known as one of the best snorkeling and diving locations in Costa Rica, Caño Island is a marine paradise teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles, and even reef sharks.

✔ Explore crystal-clear waters full of marine life ✔ Snorkel or dive at world-class coral reef sites ✔ Enjoy a scenic boat ride to the island

📍 Location: Boat tour from Uvita

🐒 6. Visit Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary

Why Go? Get up close with rescued wildlife at this amazing rehabilitation center for sloths, monkeys, toucans, and other native animals.

✔ Take a guided tour and learn about Costa Rica’s wildlife ✔ See sloths, parrots, and jungle cats in a safe, ethical setting ✔ Support a great cause—your visit helps fund animal rehabilitation

📍 Location: 25-minute drive from Uvita

🏎️ 7. ATV & Buggy Jungle Tours

Why Go? Experience the thrill of riding an ATV or dune buggy through the lush rainforest, crossing rivers, and reaching breathtaking viewpoints.

✔ Navigate through jungle trails and river crossings ✔ Visit remote waterfalls only accessible by ATV ✔ Enjoy an adrenaline-packed adventure through the mountains

📍 Location: Various tour operators in Uvita

🎣 8. Sport Fishing Tours

Why Go? The waters off Uvita offer some of the best sport fishing in Costa Rica, with opportunities to catch marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi, and more.

✔ Fish in one of Costa Rica’s top deep-sea fishing spots ✔ Enjoy a guided tour with expert captains ✔ Catch and release or take home fresh fish for dinner

📍 Location: Uvita Marina

🏇 9. Beach Horseback Riding

Why Go? Ride along Uvita’s scenic beaches and lush jungle trails on a guided horseback tour.

✔ Enjoy a peaceful ride along the coastline ✔ Explore jungle paths and river crossings ✔ Perfect for beginners and experienced riders alike

📍 Location: Uvita Beach & Surrounding Trails

🐦 10. Birdwatching Tours

Why Go? Costa Rica is home to over 900 bird species, and Uvita’s diverse ecosystems make it a paradise for birdwatchers.

✔ Spot toucans, scarlet macaws, and rare hummingbirds ✔ Explore lush jungles with expert birding guides ✔ Great for nature lovers and photographers

📍 Location: Uvita & Surrounding Rainforest

🚤 11. Take a Day Trip to Corcovado National Park

Why Go? One of the most biodiverse places on Earth, Corcovado National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers.

✔ Spot jaguars, scarlet macaws, tapirs, and more ✔ Take a guided jungle trek through untouched rainforest ✔ Experience one of the world’s most vibrant ecosystems