Uvita and Dominical are vibrant, nature-focused coastal towns in the South Pacific of Costa Rica. Dominical is a bohemian surfing hub, while Uvita serves as the lush, eco-tourism center of the Costa Ballena, famous for the iconic “Whale Tail” sandbar at Marino Ballena National Park
- The Whale’s Tail: A unique tombolo (sandbar) formed by coral and rock. At low tide, you can walk out about 1 km into the ocean.
- World-Class Whale Watching: The bay is a protected sanctuary for migrating humpback whales. Whales migrate from the north (Dec–Mar) and the south (Jul–Oct), making it one of the best places in the world to see them.
- Marine Life: The park protects 5,300+ hectares of ocean, providing excellent opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving to see sea turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish.
Practical Details
- Location: Situated in the Osa canton of Puntarenas Province. It is a lush, scenic 3.5 to 4-hour drive from San José via Route 27 and the Costanera Sur (Route 34).
- Main Town: Uvita is the principal hub of the district, offering restaurants, surf schools, and tour operators.
- Weather: The dry season runs from Dec–Apr, while the lush “green” (rainy) season occurs from May–Nov.
