UVITA, COSTA BALLENA: WHALE’S TAIL, WATERFALLS & JUNGLE-BY-THE-SEA LIVING

Uvita is one of those places that feels magical the moment you arrive. Tucked along Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific coast, it’s best known for the Whale’s Tail—a natural sandbar that emerges at low tide in the exact shape of a whale’s tail. Add in lush jungle hills, hidden waterfalls, and a calm, welcoming vibe, and you’ll see why Uvita has become the heart of the Costa Ballena.

It’s tropical, but not touristy. Peaceful, but with everything you need. That’s what makes Uvita so special—it’s a town that offers everyday comfort right in the middle of paradise.

WHERE JUNGLE MEETS OCEAN

Life in Uvita is all about nature. Just minutes from town, you can swim under waterfalls, hike jungle trails, or watch humpback whales breach offshore. Hillside communities overlook the Pacific, offering homes with breathtaking views where toucans and monkeys are your daily visitors.

Highlights of the area include:

  • Marino Ballena National Park—famous for whale watching and pristine beaches
  • Waterfalls like Catarata Uvita and Cascada Verde
  • Surf at nearby Playa Hermosa or gentle swimming beaches inside the park
  • Gated communities and ocean-view villas nestled in the rainforest

It’s nature as your constant backdrop.

A SMALL TOWN WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED

Unlike many coastal towns, Uvita has built the right balance of services and serenity. You’ll find grocery stores, schools, banks, and medical clinics—all while keeping that laid-back, pura vida energy. The community is international but close-knit, with organic markets, yoga studios, and eco-conscious cafés shaping daily life.

CONNECTED, BUT STILL PRIVATE

Uvita is part of the Costa Ballena, along with Dominical and Ojochal, making it easy to enjoy all three. You’re about 3.5 hours from San José or under an hour from Quepos airport, so while it feels like a hidden gem, it’s still well connected.

WHO’S IT FOR?

Uvita is perfect if you’re looking for balance—nature and convenience, community and privacy. It’s a great fit for families, retirees, and expats who want a slower pace of life without giving up modern essentials. Investors also love Uvita for its growing demand in vacation rentals, eco-lodges, and luxury hillside homes.

UVITA IS MORE THAN A BEACH TOWN—IT’S A LIFESTYLE.
It’s mornings at the farmers market, afternoons chasing waterfalls, and evenings watching the sun dip into the Pacific. It’s the sweet spot where everyday life feels like an adventure.