If you’re traveling along Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, chances are Uvita will pop up on your itinerary often as a recommended overnight stop.
We did stay in Uvita, but only for one night and honestly?
If we were planning the trip again, we wouldn’t stay overnight at all.
That doesn’t mean Uvita isn’t worth visiting quite the opposite.
It is worth visiting… just not necessarily worth staying in.
Here’s our honest experience, especially if you’re traveling as a family.
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What Is Uvita Like?
Uvita has a very distinct feel compared to other Costa Rica stops.
The vibe is:
- laid-back
- backpacker-focused
- surf-and-nature oriented
- functional rather than polished
There’s nothing wrong with that but for families, it didn’t offer much beyond what we could easily access from nearby locations.
We found Uvita to feel more like a gateway town than a destination in its own right. As you step off the bus there is a welcoming row of stalls selling momentos and after a few more steps you’ll find a row of restaurants too.
Is Uvita Good for Families?
Uvita isn’t unsafe or unsuitable for families but it’s not especially engaging either.
For us, it felt:
- quieter than expected in the evenings
- limited in walkable attractions
- better suited to backpackers or short stays
We do recall the first moment we looked up though and was like “wowwww, the moon is the other way round!”
If you’re traveling with kids and looking for:
- wildlife experiences
- memorable activities
- variety
you’ll likely get more value staying elsewhere and visiting Uvita as a day trip.
Marino Ballena National Park: The REAL Reason to Visit Uvita
The standout reason to visit Uvita is Marino Ballena National Park and this alone makes the stop worthwhile.
This national park is famous for:
- the Whale Tail sandbar
- calm beaches
- whale watching (seasonal)
- easy access for families
Entry Prices (at time of visit)
- Adults: approx. $6 USD
- Children: approx. $2 USD
Prices are reasonable, and the experience feels relaxed and unhurried perfect for families who want beach time without crowds.
Visiting Ballena National Park With Kids
This is one of the most family-friendly national parks we visited.
Why it works so well:
- flat, easy walking
- plenty of space for kids to roam
- calm water conditions
- simple facilities
If you are looking to truly appreciate the view of the whale tail though you would need a drone perspective. As it stands, drones are legal for recreational use in Costa Rica. You don’t need to be a pro to use one and we have found this one has been ideal for use as a beginner and not too expensive either.
👉 What to pack for Ballena National Park:
- reef-safe sunscreen
- sun hats
- reusable water bottles
- lightweight beach towels
- sandals or water shoes
You don’t need much just protection from sun and heat, especially as you are out on the open beach without any shade.
Why We Wouldn’t Stay Overnight in Uvita Again
For us, staying overnight didn’t add anything extra to the experience.
Reasons we wouldn’t stay again:
- limited evening atmosphere
- better accommodation options nearby
- easy access from other towns
- Ballena National Park can be done in a few hours
Instead, Uvita works beautifully as a half-day or full-day stop before moving on.
A Better Option: Visiting Uvita From Dominical
If you’re staying in Dominical, Uvita is an easy and worthwhile day trip.
Why this works better:
- short drive
- better accommodation base
- more relaxed evenings
- wildlife-rich surroundings
We personally found Dominical to be a much nicer place to slow down as a family which is where we went from Uvita. As it is only a 20 minute taxi/bus drive from Dominical we could have just visited Uvita from here as a day trip.
👉 Where to Stay in Dominical: Hotel Villas Río Mar Review
Planning your Costa Rica route?
You can see our full itinerary here.
👉 Costa Rica with Kids: A Real Itinerary You Can Copy
And if you’re looking for practical travel tips, we share everything from e-sims to travel insurance here.
👉Traveling as a family isn’t just about booking flights and accommodation.
If you also like video content, you can see our overall Costa Rican experience here too:
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