Uvita & Dominical, Costa Rica

Uvita & Dominical is a destination in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Best time to visit: Whales visit July to October and December to April. December to April is driest.

Key facts

RegionPuntarenas, Costa Rica
Best time to visitWhales visit July to October and December to April. December to April is driest.
How to get thereAbout 3.5 hours from San José, 45 minutes south of Manuel Antonio.

Uvita and Dominical are on the Costa Ballena coast: the whale's-tail sandbar of Marino Ballena National Park, humpback whale season, jungle waterfalls and surf.

Best time to visit

Whales visit July to October and December to April. December to April is driest.

How to get there

About 3.5 hours from San José, 45 minutes south of Manuel Antonio.

New places are on the way.

Questions travelers ask

When is whale season in Uvita?

July–October (southern humpbacks) and December–April (northern humpbacks).

When can I walk the whale's tail?

At low tide. Check the tide table before you go.

Is Dominical good for surfing?

Yes, for experienced surfers; currents are strong.

Are there waterfalls nearby?

Yes: Nauyaca, Uvita and Pavones waterfalls.

Can I visit Corcovado from here?

Yes, boat tours to Caño Island and Drake Bay leave from Uvita.

Nearby destinations