Uvita & Marino Ballena

★★ Parque Nacional Marino Ballena

South of Manuel Antonio lies Uvita — a quiet, up-and-coming coastal town known primarily for one thing: the Whale Tail. At low tide, a natural sandbar forms in the perfect shape of a whale's tail — visible from the air and walkable at low tide. It is one of Costa Rica's most photogenic natural phenomena.

★★★ Whale Watching

From July to November and December to March, humpback whales pass by the coast. Costa Rica is one of the few places in the world where you can see humpback whales from both hemispheres — the North Pacific population comes in winter, the South Pacific population in summer. Whale-watching tours from Uvita: 70–90 USD (3–4 hours, with snorkeling stop).

Beaches

• Playa Uvita: The Whale-Tail Beach. At low tide, you can walk 500 meters out on the sandbar. In the national park (6 USD entry).
• Playa Arco: Small, quiet beach south of Uvita, accessible only via a short trail. Hardly any visitors.
• Playa Ventanas: Beach with natural caves in the rock (walkable at low tide). Spectacular play of light when the sun shines through the "windows."

Dining & Accommodation

Restaurante Sabor Español · Uvita — Spanish cuisine with a Costa Rican flair. Paella, tapas, and excellent sangría. 8,000–14,000 CRC.

Rancho La Merced Wildlife Refuge · Uvita — Mangrove boat tour with crocodiles, birds, and monkeys on a former cattle farm. 35 USD.

Cascada Verde Hostel · Uvita — Secluded jungle hostel with its own waterfall (yes, in the hostel!). Dorm from 15 USD. The atmosphere is magical — yoga, campfires, stars.