While Flō is the perfect place to chill, learn, and connect, it’s still fun to explore the beautiful town of Uvita! Here are a few of our favorite excursions that you can include in your trip. We are happy to arrange as many as you’d like! And if you don’t see something, just ask! We can probably make it happen!
Excursions In & Around Uvita, Costa Rica
All Prices Are Entrance Prices ONLY, not Transport, as that varies by group size, time of year, and how soon you pre-book it!
Whale’s Tail Beach – Marino Ballena National Park
Description: Walk, play, and swim at Playa Uvita National Park! This gorgeous beach is best experienced during low tide, when you can walk out onto the “whale’s tail,” a long thing peninsula that gets exposed as the water goes down. Warm water, clean sand, and LOTS of space! Take some snacks (no glass) so that you’re not hungry on your adventures, or stop at one of the small restaurants leading up to the beach strip on your way out!
Price: $6 per person or 3800 colones. Cash only
Distance Away: 12 minutes down the mountain, 10 minute drive to the beach
Best Time to Go: Low Tide
Pre-Register: Nope! Just show up!
Where Can I Find More Info: https://uvitainfo.trekksoft.com/en/marinoballena
Playa Hermosa – Free Local Beach
Description: Buy a chilly coconut (pipa fria) and walk the beautiful shores of Hermosa Beach. Lifeguards, great surfing waves, and beautiful sunsets. Lovely for swimming as well, but make sure you go during lower tide to experience more of the beach! Note: Snacks & souvenirs available, but no surf board rentals on site so make sure to bring your own!
Price: FREE. Transport only
Distance Away: 12 minutes down the mountain, 5 minute drive to the beach
Best Time to Go: Low Tide
Pre-Register: Nope! Just show up!
Where Can I Find More Info: https://costarica.acruisingcouple.com/introducing-playa-hermosa-costa-rica-south-pacific/
Playa Ventanas – Window Beach
Description: One of our favorite cove beaches for swimming and exploring! This beautiful beach features extravagant rock formations and 2 caves that are visible during low tide! Cool off in the fresh water river that runs right onto the beach, but bring your own snacks because there’s not a lot of vendors on site!
Price: $2-10/car (depending on day/time of arrival)
Distance Away: 12 minutes down the mountain, 20 minute drive to the beach
Best Time to Go: Low Tide
Pre-Register: Nope! Just show up!
Where Can I Find More Info: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1060412-d9796474-Reviews-Playa_Ventanas-Ballena_Province_of_Puntarenas.html
Shopping, Surfing, + Eating in Dominical
Description: Our neighboring town of Dominical is 20 minutes north of Uvita Central! Here you’ll find a variety of delicious restaurants and cafes (we recommend – Café Mono Congo, Phat Noodle, Maracatu, Dominical Sushi), surf board rentals, and SO many beach shops (sprinkled through town + on the beach itself). Expect slightly more people around and a rockier beach, but always a fun place to grab a chilly beverage and a souvenir. Plus, if you stick around late at night, there’s usually some kind of party happening at Fuego Brewing Company or Patrons!
Price: FREE (outside of transport & your personal purchases)
Distance Away: 12 minutes down the mountain, 20 minute drive
Best Time to Go: Any, obviously watch the tides for surfing conditions!
Pre-Register: Nope! Just show up!
Where Can I Find More Info: https://www.dominicalinformation.com
Nauyaca Waterfall – Horseback Riding Tour OR Hiking OR Car
Description: One of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the South Pacific, Nauyaca is a sight to behold! You can get dropped off via taxi at the entrance to the trail and hike the 4KM hills to the waterfall itself (and then 4KM back). OR, you can ride the healthy Nauyaca horses, stop half way for a snack, play in the falls, and then head back down. Finally, you can also use their car service to drive you very close to the falls. The water is chilly, but refreshing, and the walk itself is a hard one, so make sure you bring some water!
Price: Walking $8 per person cash (not including transport), Economy 4x4 Taxi $28 per person (from entrance), Horseback riding $70 per person. Horseback includes snacks!
Distance Away: 12 minutes down the mountain, 30 minute drive North
Best Time to Go: If walking, you must buy a ticket by 2pm, and the park closes at 4:30pm. If horseback riding or using the car service, you must book a tour (usually an early morning & early afternoon options for horse, multiple for car)
Pre-Register: YES for horseback, NO for walking
Where Can I Find More Info: http://nauyacawaterfallscostarica.com
Hikes or Horseback Riding
Description: Rancho La Merced has a variety of hiking opportunities (day + night), as well as horseback riding adventures. Choose from sunset rides, Playa Hermosa Beach riding, or exploring their internal trails on healthy, happy horses. Reservations needed, especially during high season!
Price: $40-$60 per person for horseback riding, $20-$40 for the walking tours
Distance Away: 12 minutes down the mountain, 5 minute drive North
Best Time to Go: When there is a tour! If you want to tour the beach at Sunset, make sure it coincides with low tide for max play area!
Pre-Register: YES. Please book a tour or ask for our assistance.
Where Can I Find More Info: https://www.rancholamerced.com/tours/horseback-riding-costa-rica/
ATV Tour – Jungle ATV or Monkey Ride ATC
Description: For the adventurous! Tour the backroads and rivers with guided ATV tours! Most tours stop for swimming and waterfall play, but bring your own snacks (fruit often provided). Jungle ATV = 4-5 hours, minimum driving age = 16 w/ license. Monkey Ride ATV = 7 hours.
Price: From $120 pp Jungle ATV, from $150 pp Monkey Ride ATV
Distance Away: 12 minutes down the mountain, 2 min drive (Jungle ATV), 20 min drive (Monkey Ride)
Best Time to Go: When there is a tour!
Pre-Register: YES. Please book a tour or ask for our assistance.
Where Can I Find More Info: http://www.jungleatv.com/en https://www.monkeyridecr.com/atv-rentals---tours.html
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary
Description: Haven’t seen any monkeys or sloths, or perhaps just want MORE? Book a tour at Alturas, a nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to rehabbing and often releasing the wildlife of Costa Rica. <3 The animals that you get to see during the tour are typically the “forever” friends, and experienced guides will explain why certain animals have to stay for the long haul versus getting prepped for release. All proceeds go to the care of the furry friends, and you’re guaranteed a peep at: Capuchins, sloths, spider monkeys and MORE! Stop at the beautiful Alturas Hotel afterwards for lunch, a chilly beverage, or to oogle their amazing view!
Price: Minimum $25 donation per person. Reserve before, pay there (card accepted)
Distance Away: 12 minutes down the mountain, 15 min drive (4x4 recommended)
Best Time to Go: When there is a tour!
Pre-Register: YES. Please book a tour or ask for our assistance.
Where Can I Find More Info: https://alturaswildlifesanctuary.org
Osa Canopy Zipline + Ropes Course!
Description: Do you love zip lining and seeing some amazing forest views?! This tour is for you! 9 cables, 11 platforms, 2 repelling stations, 2 suspension bridges, and an amazing (optional) Tarzan Swing. 3-4 hour adventure, fruit & water included at the end. Max 230lbs per person. Please wear closed toed shoes or sandals that won’t fall off! Bring a fanny pack or small backpack (something that won’t get lost!).
Price: $75 per person. Cards accepted (cash too duh!)
Distance Away: 12 minutes down the mountain, 45 min drive South.
Best Time to Go: When there is a tour! Usually around 8am and 1pm
Pre-Register: YES. During busy season, 3 days in advance is advised to book the tour!
Where Can I Find More Info: https://www.osacanopytour.com
Uvita Waterfall
Description: Quick, local, and cheap! This is a beautiful mid-sized waterfall located near the bottom of our road on the way to town. Daring souls can slide down the rock face into the pool!
Price: $3 per person (cash only)
Distance Away: 12 minutes down the mountain, 2 minutes up Calle Bejuco.
Best Time to Go: Mostly any time!
Pre-Register: Nope!
Where Can I Find More Info: https://www.osacanopytour.com
Whale & Dolphin Tour (+ snorkeling)
Description: Whale and dolphin watching, snorkeling, and a visit to natural water caves! Tour typically runs for 2-3 hours, taking off from Marino Ballena National Park.
Price: $90-$150 per person
Distance Away: 12 minutes down the mountain, 10 minutes to the beach spot
Best Time to Go: Mornings
Pre-Register: Yes! Tours are typically in the mornings!
Where Can I Find More Info: http://www.bahiaaventuras.com/tours/boat/
Manual Antonio National Park
Description: With the establishment of Manuel Antonio National Park in 1972, the people of Costa Rica decided to preserve for future generations one of the most beautiful and bio-diverse areas in the world. Although it is the country’s smallest national park, the stunning beauty and diversity of wildlife in its 683 hectares is unmatched. Easy to access trails, closed on Mondays.
Price: $50 per person with tour guide
Distance Away: 12 minutes down the mountain, 10 minutes to the beach spot
Best Time to Go: Mornings
Pre-Register: Yes! Tours are typically in the mornings!
Where Can I Find More Info: https://manuelantoniopark.com/st_tour/manuel-antonio-park-guided-tour/
Fav Places to Eat in UVITA
Sibu Café – international fare (great gluten free pizza!) $$
Mosaic - wine, sandwiches, sushi $$
Los Laureles – local and mixed food $$
Gastro Park - 5 different restaurants/bar $$
Al Chile Que Si – Mexican food $$
The Dome – local and mixed food $$
Marino Ballena – local food $
Beehive – Mediterranean food $$
The Jolly Roger – wings + pizza $$
Cuna del Angel – Gluten free fancy fare $$$
Indomitos – Vegan and Veggie breakfast and lunch $$
Fav Places to Eat in DOMINICAL
Mono Congo Café – coffee, sandwiches, breakfast, snacks $$
Phat Noodle – Thai Food $$
Domi Sushi – Sushi $$
Maracatu – Veggie, Vegan, Pesca - $$
Tortilla Flats – local & mixed food $$
Porque No (Dominicalito) – Gourmet local food $$