About Uvita

Some places are not created equal and Uvita, Costa Rica is one of them. Known for many things locally and by those in the know, Uvita is still growing in reputation among tourists and expats. But those who do find themselves here can quickly tell that they have reached a diverse and inspired community of people who welcome people with open arms. It is a community that is dependent on the growing tourism industry. There is a sense that Uvita is about to make it onto the world stage. With shows like Keeping Up With The Kardashians and The Simpsons featuring this tiny, environmentally-friendly nation, it’s only a matter of time before everyone realizes that Uvita is the real Costa Rica: a pura vida village that is ready to inspire the world.

Geography

Those who decide to move to Uvita come to learn that peace, relaxation, and appreciation of nature are the main themes to life here. There are a number of different landscapes to choose from that cater to the different preferences for paradise-seekers. Between the cooler mountainsides and the more lively and warm coastal region, there are dozens of different property types that range from budget-friendly to exclusive luxury.

 The greater Uvita area is divided into a few different communities dotted along the highway. General consensus says that Uvita begins in the south at Ballena, where the Marino Ballena National Park begins and finishing in the north at Playa Hermosa. Thousands of hectares of land and coastal regions are protected to varying degrees, both publicly and privately. This includes primary and secondary tropical wet forest, pastures, mangroves, and the Tapir’s Wildlife Corridor. This region's many nature preserves are dense and connected, making Uvita a great place to find the stunning wildlife that people visit Costa Rica to see.

 Playa Uvita is located in the heart of Uvita and is the setting for the infamous Whale’s Tail beach formation. This is a spectacular sight to behold up close and from a distance. Many of Uvita’s mountainside communities feature properties with fantastic vistas of this natural wonder. Accessible throughout the year, this 2-mile white sand beach has moderately sized waves and azure blue water. Swimming conditions are ideal for boogie boarding and splashing around in the surf. Witness breathtakingly beautiful landscapes with estuaries and mangrove swamps, plus stunning natural rock formations that dot all along the coast.

Amazing Whale's Tail views and walk-to-the-beach vicinity are some of the most sought after in Uvita's residential communities

Beaches: Punta Uvita, Playa Chaman, Playa Colonia, Playa Ballena

Waterfall: Catarata de Uvita

Communities: Hermosa, San Josecito, Chaman, Bahia, La Union, Ballena

Essential services: banks, pharmacies, doctors, dentists, lawyers, ICE, INS, rental cars, public & private elementary and high schools, veterinarian clinics and animal rescue centers, hardware stores, home decor

 Uvita is the commercial center of the Costa Ballena. This is where the greatest number of services can be found in the region, which would be within a 20 minute drive of most communities in the Costa Ballena. After the road from Dominical to Uvita was extended in the 1990s, this used to be the furthest south that the roads came from the north. It was virgin development land, newly converted from pasture. It quickly became the end of the line for commercial goods to be shipped and thus became a center for the distribution of goods. The community and its multitude of services expanded from there.

The flatness of the main commercial district makes it an ideal place for people who prefer to cycle instead of drive most of the time. Many Uvita residents can walk or cycle between stores, banks, clinics and home — all within an afternoon. There are also a number of restaurants in the main commercial district offering a variety of culinary experiences.

Marino Ballena National Park is at the center of Uvita and likely played a big role in this area becoming a popular destination. The signature Whale’s Tail cola formation is uniquely beautiful, especially in that this marine park attracts bi-annual visitations of Humpback whale pods who come to birth new calves in this special subduction zone.

Many of the tourists who visit the Costa Ballena opt to stay in Uvita because of its range of accommodations, services and activities. Rental properties, BnBs, hostels and hotels are abundant, each with their own special offerings. There is more commercial investment happening today in Uvita than ever before and it will likely continue to expand with the rate of tourism.

Families are also drawn to Uvita because this is where several of English-language and bilingual schools are located. There is no shortage of young families moving to Costa Rica from all over the world, looking to offer their children a different kind of experience. Even if it’s just for a year or two, traveling to a new land, especially one as nature-filled as the Costa Ballena, is an enriching experience that is highly valued by those who are willing to try out life in Costa Rica.

Homes in Uvita are a mix of modern luxury homes in some of the newer satellite developments with views of the Whale’s Tail, modest modern homes within walking distances to beaches, and older, simpler homes in the more central communities. This results in a motley of residents mixing together in town along with the many tourists. If you’re into people watching, Uvita offers the best seat in the house.