First-time visitors to Costa Rica often stick to the same itinerary, arriving at one of the two international airports in the Northern Zone and never venturing beyond Manuel Antonio National Park.

While there are certainly many beautiful attractions to enjoy along the Caribbean coastline, the Southern Zone in Costa Rica also has much to offer. Extending from Dominical Beach to the Osa Peninsula, this region is not only less developed, which often means fewer tourists, but also happens to be home to some of the most pristine beaches in the country.

If you’re planning to explore this region, Uvita makes the perfect base for doing so. The small but charming town of Uvita is centrally located to the numerous surrounding natural attractions.

From wildlife to waterfalls to dense jungles begging to be explored, there is truly something for everyone in this region. Below, we explore some of the top things to do in the local area.

Horseback Riding

Even if you are not an experienced rider, you will not want to miss out on the opportunity to ride along the beach at sunset. Horseback riding expeditions are perhaps one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the local beaches, as well as the incredible jungles teeming with wildlife.

Playa Ballena

Also known as the Whale’s Tail Beach, this distinctive beach takes its name from its resemblance to a whale’s tail when the beach is at low tide. The best way to view this beach is actually from above.

Check out more Playa Uvita costa rica real estate.

Dolphin and Whale Watching

Uvita is considered part of Costa Ballena, which happens to be the preferred territory for groups of migrating whales, particularly humpback whales. During your visit to Uvita, make a point of taking a boat tour in Ballena Marine National Park to take advantage of unrivaled views of these incredible creatures.

Surfing

Costa Rica has developed a world-renowned reputation for its phenomenal waves and surfing over the last few years. Even if you are a beginner, the long stretches of coastline are ideal for helping you hone your skills. Dominical, just a short distance away, draws some of the best surfers from around the world.

Canopy Tours

Taking a canopy tour, or zip lining, should also top your list of things to do while visiting the Southern Zone in Costa Rica. Although you might not catch sight of a lot of animals during such a tour, this is definitely one of the best ways to develop a true appreciation for the dense jungle.

Waterfalls

Home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, this area is quite picturesque. Be aware that some of the waterfalls near Uvita are only accessible by horseback. Nauyaca Waterfalls is one such example, but also happens to be one of the most famous in the region, and well worth a visit. The ride or hike is well worth it, as there is a small pool at the base of the waterfall where you can cool off.

Corcovado National Park

Known for being home to some of the greatest biodiversity in the world, this national park deserves an entire day of exploration on its own. Tours depart directly from Uvita.

Snorkeling

If you happen to be a fan of snorkeling, you will not want to miss the opportunity to see what’s below the surface by taking a trip to Cano Island. Known for some of the best snorkeling in the country, this beautiful setting offers an array of sea creatures, including sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins, stingrays, barracudas, moray eels, and more.

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica in the near future, make a point of expanding your options by exploring Uvita.

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Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.