The 5 Best Beaches in Uvita, Costa Rica + Nearby Hidden Gems

Welcome to Uvita! This is a laid-back coastal town on Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast where lush jungle runs right down to the sand. It’s the perfect place for raw coastal beauty.

We’re a couple from the USA and Germany who have been living in Costa Rica since 2016, and over the years we’ve spent countless days exploring Uvita’s coastline. It’s one of our favorite areas for beach-hopping, wildlife spotting, and soaking in those epic Pacific sunsets.

In this guide, we’ll share the 5 best beaches near Uvita, all within easy reach. Plus we included fun coastal activities, safety tips, the best coastal restaurants and hotels, plus more.

Whether you’re here for relaxation, family adventures, or a little bit of both, these beaches will give you the pura vida experience Uvita is famous for.

So, let’s get to all thing Uvita beaches!

1. Playa Uvita

Playa Uvita is located inside Marino Ballena National Park. This is a protected area covering over 13,000 acres of ocean and nearly 270 acres of coastline. The park was created to protect marine life (including humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles) as well as the mangroves, coral reefs, and tropical forests that line the shore.

The beach is a wide stretch of golden sand backed by jungle and calm, inviting waters.

Playa Uvita is most famous for the Whale’s Tail, a natural sandbar that juts out into the ocean and looks exactly like its name when seen from above. You can walk all the way to the tip at low tide, but be sure to start heading back before the tide turns so you don’t get stranded.

Admission

By default, all beaches in Costa Rica are free to enter and need to have public access by law. However, because this beach is part of the national park, there is an admission fee.

• $6 USD for visitors over 11 years old
• 1,000 colones for Costa Rican residents
• Tickets are valid for the entire day and can be purchased at the main ranger station

Parking

Parking is available near the park entrance for a small fee (usually ₡2,000–₡3,000). These are privately run lots. There is no official park parking area.

You can also often find parking at this lot here. Usually, this is free, but sometimes there are people collecting money to watch cars.

Things to Do at Playa Uvita

• Whale Watching: Uvita is one of the best places in Costa Rica to see humpback whales, with peak seasons from July–October and December–April.
• Swimming: The gentle waves here make it great for a refreshing dip, but always check conditions with the ranger station when you arrive.
• Beach Walks: Strolling out along the Whale’s Tail at low tide is a must-do. You might even spot tropical fish and small rays in the tidal pools.
• Picnicking: There are shaded spots along the treeline that are perfect for a picnic. Just avoid sitting directly under a coconut palm (for obvious reasons).

Find out more in our guide to Marino Ballena National Park

2. Playa Hermosa

Just a few minutes north of Uvita’s center, Playa Hermosa is a long, wide stretch of golden-brown sand is backed by swaying palms and almond trees It tends to be quieter than Playa Uvita, making it perfect for a laid-back beach day.

It’s a favorite with locals for weekend picnics and with surfers for its gentle, consistent waves. Even in high season, you can usually find plenty of space to spread out here.

Parking

There’s a parking area near the beach entrance. Just keep in mind that it is an unpaved lot and there are a lot of tree roots.

Don’t leave anything of value in your vehicle while on the beach. There are usually plenty of people around, but it is easy to access from the main road and it would be relatively easy to break into vehicles here.

Things to Do at Playa Hermosa

• Surfing: This is a great beginner-friendly surf spot with smaller waves compared to Dominical to the north. Several surf schools in Uvita and Dominical offer lessons here.
• Swimming: The waves are usually gentle, but currents can change. Always keep an eye on ocean conditions.
• Walking & Jogging: The long, flat beach is perfect for a morning or sunset walk.
• Picnicking: Plenty of natural shade makes it easy to set up a beach blanket and relax for hours.

There is sometimes someone selling pizza from a food cart in the parking lot. However, he is not always there. It’s usually best to bring food and drinks here because there is not much around.

Playa Arco

Part of Marino Ballena National Park, Playa Arco is one of the most photogenic beaches near Uvita.

Its name (“Arco” means “arch” in Spanish) comes from the stunning natural stone arch at the far end of the beach. It’s a must for photos and a fun spot to explore when the tide is low.

Because this beach is less visited than Playa Uvita, it feels wild and secluded. We think it’s perfect if you want that “hidden beach” vibe.

Parking & Safety

We have heard that recently, there’s been a noticeable increase in theft of cars at Playa Arco.

The safest way to visit is to park at La Cusinga Lodge and access the beach via their private trail. They charge a parking fee, but it’s worth it for peace of mind and secure parking.

Things to Do at Playa Arco

• Photography: Capture the stone arch at different angles. It’s especially beautiful with waves crashing through it.
• Exploring: Wander along the shore and explore the stone arch.
• Relaxing: Spread out a towel and listen to the waves. Chances are you’ll share the sand with only a handful of other visitors.

Tips for Visitors

• Wear sturdy shoes for the short but sometimes slippery hike to the beach.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks. There are no facilities here.
• Time your visit with low tide to safely explore the arch area safely.

Playa Ventanas

Playa Ventanas is known for its unique sea caves that are accessible at low tide. It’s a great spot for exploration and enjoying the natural beauty.

There is a large parking lot here. Usually you will need to pay a few dollars to park here, but if that is the case, there is someone watching vehicles.

Activities

• Exploring: Discover the sea caves during low tide.
• Swimming: The gentle waves are perfect for a refreshing swim. This is typically a very family friendly beach.
• Beachcombing: Walk along the shore and enjoy the picturesque setting.
• Picnicking: Bring a picnic and enjoy a meal with a view.

Best Times to Visit

Low tide is the best time to explore the sea caves.

Tips for Visitors

• Check the tide schedule to make the most of your visit.
• Bring a flashlight if you plan to explore the deeper parts of the caves.

Playa Piñuela

Playa Piñuela is a small, crescent-shaped beach just south of Uvita, tucked inside Marino Ballena National Park.

It’s quiet, peaceful, and usually much less crowded than the park’s more famous beaches. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic or a lazy afternoon. The calm bay is also used as a launching point for fishing and boat tours.

📚 Save hours of research: Get the vibe-by-area guides + checklists

There’s a small parking area near the beach entrance. It’s usually run by locals who will watch your car for a small fee.

Bonus Beaches: Domincal and Dominicalito

If you’re up for a short drive north (about 20 minutes from Uvita), you’ll find Dominical and Dominicalito.

Dominical is a long, wide beach famous for its consistent surf. It’s a hotspot for experienced surfers, but you can also book lessons if you’re a beginner. Even if you’re not catching waves, it’s fun to watch the action from the shore.

The beach is also lined with souvenir stalls selling everything from handmade jewelry to beach wraps. Plus, the downtown area has a few great restaurants and cafes.

Check out our guide to Dominical Restaurants for all the details

Just a few minutes south, Dominicalito is a smaller, more sheltered bay. The waves here are gentler, making it a better choice for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, or just relaxing on the sand.

Local fishermen often launch their boats from this beach, so you’ll get a nice glimpse of daily life on the coast.

Travel Tip: Dominical has more of a bohemian, surfer-town vibe, while Dominicalito feels like a quiet local escape. If you can, visit both, we suggest you surf, shop, eat in Dominical, then end the day watching the sunset at Dominicalito.

Beachfront Hotels

There are not that many beachfront hotels directly in Uvita. However, there are plenty of amazing places with ocean views.

A few of our favorite places are:

• High End: Oxygen Jungle Villas, Kura Boutique Hotel, (these are all in the hills above town with amazing coastal views)
• Mid Range: Hotel FAREMITI Uvita, Uvita Oasis Retreat, Bungalows Ballena (these are all within walking distance of the beach)
• Budget-Friendly: Nomadic Surf Camp (not directly on the water but less than a 5-minute walk to the beach)

Check out our guide to all Uvita Hotels for more info

Beach Tours and Excursions

Exploring Uvita’s beaches with guided tours and excursions is a fantastic way to experience the best of the area.

Here are some of our favorite water activities in Uvita:

Whale Watching Tours

Uvita is one of the best places in Costa Rica to go whale watching.

Humpback whales can be spotted in Uvita year-round, with two primary migration periods:

• July to November: This is the peak migration period for humpback whales from the Southern Hemisphere, especially from breeding populations in the waters off Chile and Argentina. September is the absolute best month to see them.
• December to April: Another decent season for the Northern Hemisphere humpback whales, migrating from feeding areas in Alaska and other northern waters to mate and give birth in warmer tropical waters.

We have done these whale-watching tours a few times and have had mixed experiences. This has always been no fault of the tour guides (who are so knowledgeable and well organized).

However, this tour is not cheap and it can be disappointing to spend so much and then not see any whales, which of course can happen.

The tour we recommend includes snorkeling, which is so awesome during the dry season! However, if you go in September during peak whale season the rain can be heavy and the water is often not as clear.

So, just keep your expectations in check when booking.

🐳 Check Availability and Book Your Whale Watching Tour 🐋

Go Snorkeling at Caño Island

Caño Island is one of the best places to go snorkeling or diving in the country. The island is located about an hour away from Uvita by boat.

We highly suggest the 6-hour tour with Dolphin Tours. It is awesome, especially during the dry season when the waters are clear and you don’t have to worry about rain.

This tour includes boat transportation, snorkeling time, lunch, snacks, and amazing professional guides.

🐠 Check Availability and Book Your Caño Island Tour 🤿

Surf Lessons

In Uvita, the waves aren’t typically that big, which makes it a great place to learn how to surf.

We recommend taking a two-hour lesson with Leandro. He’s a great teacher for beginner to intermediate-level surfers. He will walk you through the basics, help you stand on the board for the first time, give you pointers, and hopefully get you riding your first wave!

If you are a more advanced surfer, Dominical (just north of Uvita) is a better spot for you.

🌊 Check Availability and Book Your Surf Lesson with Leandro 🏄

What to Pack for a Day at Uvita’s Beaches

When visiting Uvita’s beautiful beaches, it’s essential to be well-prepared, especially for sun protection. Here’s a list of items to pack for a perfect beach day:

• Sunscreen: Protect your skin with a high-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen. We like SunBum because it is reef-safe. Buy it here.
• Hat: A wide-brimmed hat to shield your face from the sun. We suggest a breathable option like our favorite hat from Columbia that can easily fit in your luggage. Buy it here.
• Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.
• Glasses Strap: To keep your glasses secure during fast and windy boat rides. Buy it here
• Beach Towel: We like microfiber towels because they dry quickly and can easily fit in your luggage. Buy it here.
• Swimwear: Comfortable swimwear suitable for swimming and water activities.
• Long Sleeve Water Shirt: I know, nobody want to wear long sleeves on a super hot day. However, it is so easy to get burned here. We always wear a fast drying shirt with UV protection while in the water here. ⤷ Buy it here for women. ⤷ Buy it here for men.
• Snorkeling Gear: If you take a boat trip, the use of snorkel gear is most likely included. However, you might want to pack your own snorkel mask if you want to swim at other times during your trip. Buy it here.
• Water Shoes: Protect your feet when exploring rocky areas and tide pools.
• Motion Sickness Pills: If you take a day trip on a boat you might want this. Buy it here.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle. We like LifeStraw bottles for the added bacterial protection. Buy it here.
• Dry Bag: We have this dry bag that is also a backpack and it is amazing! I highly recommend it for your Central America adventures. Buy it here.
• Pocket Binoculars: For spotting wildlife. These can be helpful on whale watching tours to see far away whales. Buy it here.

Conclusion

Uvita may be best known for the Whale’s Tail, but as you’ve seen, there’s so much more to its coastline.

One of our favorite things about beach-hopping here is how easy it is to mix and match your day. You can start with a morning walk out to the Whale’s Tail, have lunch in town, then head south for a peaceful picnic at Playa Arco or Piñuela.

Or, if you’re up for a little drive, make your way to Dominical for surfing, souvenir shopping, and a great meal before catching the sunset at Dominicalito.

No matter which beaches you choose, you’ll get that perfect mix of jungle-backed coastline, warm Pacific waters, and the laid-back vibe that makes Costa Rica so special.

If you have any questions about visiting Uvita beaches, just leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you plan!

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