10 tips for whale watching in Uvita, Costa Rica

Want to see humpback whales leap from the waves? Head to Uvita, Costa Rica.

There’s nothing quite like watching a 40-ton humpback whale launch itself out of the water. And Uvita, a laid-back village on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, is one of the best places on Earth to see it happen. Every year, humpbacks migrate here in two waves — one from the north and one from the south — making it a whale-watching hotspot for much of the year.

Planning a trip? Here are 10 no-nonsense tips to help you make the most of this wild encounter.

1. Where to go whale watching in Uvita

Uvita, on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, is one of the best places in the country to see humpback whales. EEvery year, they migrate here to mate and give birth, making this stretch of coast a prime spot for whale watching — and a highlight if you're planning a trip to Costa Rica.

The best place to see humpbacks here is Marino Ballena National Park, a protected stretch of ocean and coastline created in 1989. It’s home to one of the largest remaining coral reefs on the Pacific coast — and, more famously, a seasonal crowd of humpback whales who arrive to mate and give birth.

Even the land plays along: Punta Uvita, a beach shaped like a whale’s tail (yes, really), connects to the mainland via a sandbar you can walk across at low tide. Expect tide pools, coral reefs and a solid chance of spotting whales offshore.

2. Marino Ballena National Park

Most people come to Marino Ballena National Park to see the whales, but it’s worth sticking around to explore the park itself — especially if you're interested in a broader Costa Rica wildlife tour experience.

There are four main beach entrances: Uvita, Colonia, Ballena, and Piñuelas, running north to south. Each has a ranger station with maps and info. All except Uvita offer basic shower and toilet facilities — though not all are staffed year-round.

Opening hours: daily from 7am to 4pm. Entry is $12 per person and valid at all entrances for the day.

Camping is allowed at Colonia, Ballena and Piñuelas — just set up well above the high-tide line and check in with a ranger. Expect to pay $20 per person.

3. When to go whale watching in Uvita

Here’s the good news: Costa Rica has two whale watching seasons, so your chances of seeing humpbacks in Uvita are strong most of the year.

The first season runs from late December to late March, when whales migrate from the North Pacific, mainly off the Oregon coast. January and February are peak months for sightings — though the migration is smaller than what comes later.

The second season, from late July to late October, is the real showstopper. Humpbacks from the Southern Hemisphere make the long swim up from Antarctica to breed. The population is bigger, encounters are more frequent, and you might spot mothers with their calves in Uvita’s calm, sheltered bay.

If you’re wondering about the best time to visit Costa Rica for whale watching, August and September are your sweet spot — right in the middle of the southern migration, when whales are most active and the crowds are thinner.

4. How to go whale-watching in Uvita

The easiest way to see humpback whales in Uvita is by boat — and that means booking a spot with a reputable local tour operator.

Tours are usually run on small boats, which means fewer people, better views, and a high chance of spotting whales up close. But it also means seats fill up fast, especially in peak season. Book ahead if you want your pick of departure times — and brush up on a few essential Costa Rica travel tips to make the most of your day on the water.

Here are a few tried-and-tested options:

• Bahía Aventuras – Known for friendly guides and small-group experiences, they run whale watching and snorkelling combo tours, plus sea-kayaking trips inside Marino Ballena National Park.
• Uvita 360 – Offers dedicated whale watching tours, along with surf lessons, stand-up paddleboarding excursions, and gear rentals if you want to explore under your own steam.

5. What does it cost to watch whales in Uvita?

Expect to pay around $80–100 USD for a standard whale watching tour in Uvita. Most trips last about half a day and often include snorkelling stops around Marino Ballena National Park — gear is usually provided, but check with your tour operator to be sure.

Prices vary slightly depending on the season, group size, and whether extras like food or hotel pick-up are included. Kids usually pay less, and some operators offer discounted rates if you book direct or in a group — helpful if you’re exploring Costa Rica on a budget.

6. What should I expect from a tour?

Most whale watching tours in Uvita run on small boats, usually seating 15 to 25 people — small enough to stay nimble and close to the action.

Trips last about three hours and are led by certified guides, who’ll fill you in on the marine life, local ecology, and the significance of Marino Ballena National Park. If you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins, sea turtles, or even manta rays alongside the whales.

Tours depart rain or shine, but they can be rescheduled if the sea gets too rough.

7. What will I see?

If you’re visiting during whale watching season, odds are high you’ll spot humpback whales — the stars of the show. These 50-foot giants are surprisingly agile, and if you’re lucky, you’ll witness one breach clean out of the water.

Bryde’s whales also cruise through the area, though they’re a little more elusive. And if you hit the timing right, you might see whale calves sticking close to their mothers, learning to navigate the bay.

But it’s not just about whales. Uvita’s waters are home to several species of dolphins — including bottlenose, spotted, common, spinner, and rough-toothed dolphins. They often travel in pods and love to ride the bow wave.

You might also spot sea turtles, manta rays, and the occasional booby or frigatebird circling above — making Uvita a worthy addition to any Costa Rica itinerary focused on wildlife.

8. What should I bring?

To get the most out of your whale watching tour in Uvita, pack smart. Here’s what to bring:

• Binoculars – Great for spotting whales and dolphins before anyone else and catching the details of their acrobatic moves.
• Sunscreen – You’ll be exposed on open water, even if it feels cooler than inland. Go for reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine environment.
• Swimwear – Most tours include a snorkelling stop, so come ready. If you have your own snorkel gear, bring it—though most operators provide it.
• Waterproof camera or GoPro – Ideal for capturing life below the surface during snorkelling. You don’t need it for whale shots, but it’s a nice bonus for reef encounters in Marino Ballena National Park.
• Hat and sunglasses – Glare on the water can be intense.
• Water and snacks – Not always included on board, and you’ll want to stay hydrated.

9. What else can I do in Uvita?

There’s more to Uvita than whale watching. May to October is also turtle nesting season, when olive ridley and hawksbill turtles come ashore to lay their eggs along nearby beaches. Ask around for local guides who can take you to safe, responsible nesting viewings.

If you’re up for more time on the water, try snorkelling, sea kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. Tours often explore the reefs and coastline within Marino Ballena National Park, where you might spot turtles and rays along the way.

Prefer to stay dry? Head inland:

• Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge offers trails for hiking and horseback riding through jungle and mangroves.
• Reserva Biológica Oro Verde is a hotspot for birdwatching, especially if you’re into toucans, tanagers, and motmots.
• Nauyaca Waterfalls, one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica, is just a short drive away — perfect for a cool swim after a sweaty hike.

With so much marine life, plus inland adventures nearby, Uvita makes a strong case for extending your stay — something to consider when figuring out how many days to spend in Costa Rica.

10. How can I visit Uvita to watch whales?

Uvita is accessible by bus from major destinations like San José, Quepos, Dominical, and San Isidro de El General. Buses are reliable and affordable, though journeys can be long — expect around 5–6 hours from the capital, depending on traffic.

If you're planning to explore the region — visiting places like Dominical for surfing or Quepos for Manuel Antonio National Park — the local bus network makes it easy to hop between towns.

That said, renting a car in Costa Rica gives you far more flexibility, especially if you’re aiming to hit remote beaches or explore southern Pacific coast at your own pace.