Uvita, Costa Rica, also known as Uvita de Osa, is a charming town located in the southern part of the Pacific Coast. The area is famously known as Bahía Ballena (Whale Bay), named after the colossal rock formation that protrudes from the ocean, resembling the shape of a whale’s tail. This stunning region hosts both Southern and Northern Humpback whales twice a year, during their breeding and birthing periods. The tail and the beaches around it have been ranked among the world’s most magnificent beaches and are part of the Parque Nacional Marino Ballena (Marine Whale National Park). The park spans across 110 hectares (270 acres) of protected land and 5,375 hectares (13,200 acres) of protected ocean, making it one of only two national marine parks in Costa Rica.
Uvita is a hub for adventure and eco-tourism, attracting eco-friendly expats and visitors alike. The town has a lively restaurant and bar scene that caters to the tourist crowd. The area is also home to various parks and preserves, such as Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Preserve, Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge, El Pavon and Nauyaca Waterfalls, and the Oro Verde Biological Reserve. The wildlife diversity in the region is unparalleled, including Howler and Capuchin monkeys, tapirs, jaguars, pumas, dolphins, whales, parrots, macaws, pelicans, and crocodiles to name a few.
Uvita hosts several annual events, including the Whale Festival in September and the Envision Festival in February/March.
