Charles’s guidebook
Beaches
Playa Arco Uvita: Playa Arco is one of five beaches in Marino Ballena National Park. This park is one of the country’s only national marine parks and has gained recognition for its whale-tail-shaped sandbar. The general public must go through the Ballena Sector Ranger Station and pay admission ($6 foreigners or ¢1,000 nationals). The best way to find this ranger station is to look for a restaurant on the side of the highway (Route 34) a few miles south of Uvita called Ballena Bistro. The dirt road on the right immediately after the restaurant leads to the ranger station.
24 locals recommend
Arch Beach
Playa Arco Uvita: Playa Arco is one of five beaches in Marino Ballena National Park. This park is one of the country’s only national marine parks and has gained recognition for its whale-tail-shaped sandbar. The general public must go through the Ballena Sector Ranger Station and pay admission ($6 foreigners or ¢1,000 nationals). The best way to find this ranger station is to look for a restaurant on the side of the highway (Route 34) a few miles south of Uvita called Ballena Bistro. The dirt road on the right immediately after the restaurant leads to the ranger station.
Uvita Beach: This is the closest beach at 2.3 km or a 7-minute drive. You can also walk to the beach for an immersive neighborhood experience, about 37 minutes. To get there, head southwest toward Route 34, turn left at National Car Rental onto Route 34 (Pass by Restaurante Marino Ballena (on the left in 83 m) for 500 m. Turn right for 700 m. Turn left for 800 m. Turn right for 600 m.
48 locals recommend
Uvita Beach
Uvita Beach: This is the closest beach at 2.3 km or a 7-minute drive. You can also walk to the beach for an immersive neighborhood experience, about 37 minutes. To get there, head southwest toward Route 34, turn left at National Car Rental onto Route 34 (Pass by Restaurante Marino Ballena (on the left in 83 m) for 500 m. Turn right for 700 m. Turn left for 800 m. Turn right for 600 m.
Located 6.3 kilometers north on the main Highway, about a 6-minute drive, you can easily miss Playa Hermosa in the South Pacific (not to be confused with Playa Hermosa in the North) which is located between Dominical and Uvita. Look for a break hidden by the coastal jungle and a somewhat steep drop-off from the highway to the piece of dirt road that will lead you to the sand. The parking area is shaded by trees. You may also find a number of vendors selling ceviche, coconuts, and more. It’s a free beach so there are lots of locals on the weekend. Playa Hermosa is frequented by surfers from Dominical to Uvita when the surf at Dominical is too big and/or closing out.
136 locals recommend
Playa Hermosa
Located 6.3 kilometers north on the main Highway, about a 6-minute drive, you can easily miss Playa Hermosa in the South Pacific (not to be confused with Playa Hermosa in the North) which is located between Dominical and Uvita. Look for a break hidden by the coastal jungle and a somewhat steep drop-off from the highway to the piece of dirt road that will lead you to the sand. The parking area is shaded by trees. You may also find a number of vendors selling ceviche, coconuts, and more. It’s a free beach so there are lots of locals on the weekend. Playa Hermosa is frequented by surfers from Dominical to Uvita when the surf at Dominical is too big and/or closing out.
Located 12 kilometers south on the main highway, about an 11-minute drive, this beach derives its name because of the many caves that mimic windows through the rocks.
Playa Ventanas
Located 12 kilometers south on the main highway, about an 11-minute drive, this beach derives its name because of the many caves that mimic windows through the rocks.
City advice
Book before you go
Car Rental
You can get a car at the airport or locally and take a van ride to the house. In either case book ahead and consider a four-wheel drive or SUV. It opens up a lot more opportunities to see the country and some more remote locations.
Don't miss
Horse Back Rides
Horse Adventures: Our pick is Rancho La Merced. Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Pacific Coast, near Punta Uvita and Ballena Marine National Park. Here, you will enjoy hiking on the reserve’s trails, admiring the tropical rainforest and mangroves, riding horses just for pleasure, and visiting the Ballena Marine National Park, which is adjacent to the refuge.
Don't miss
Surfing
Our pick is Bodhi Surf. If you want to learn how to surf, and want to do it in a beautiful, uncrowded place with warm water and with a skilled surf instructor, then visit Bodhi Surf School. Great instructors for all ages. They surf on one of the best beaches for learning in the area. Bodhi Surf also offers classes and packages for those who want to have a yoga-focused vacation, those who want to incorporate yoga into their Costa Rica surf vacation, or those who simply want to take a class or two at their convenience.