Uvita
Do you know about Uvita? Located in the province of Puntarenas, on the southern Pacific coast, this village, still untouched by mass tourism, has the appearance of a terrestrial paradise.
Uvita is renowned for its surf spot, numerous waterfalls, as well as its Marino Ballena National Park and its sandbar that gives this coast the resemblance of a whale’s tail. It seems that nature has done things right, as the waters of Marino Ballena Park welcome whales from July to October and from December to April. Coincidence…?
During your visit, make sure to arrive at the park 2 hours before low tide to be able to walk on the stretch of water forming the whale’s tail, covered by the waters at high tide! The park’s beach is lined with lush vegetation: coconut trees, driftwood scattered along the fine sandy beach, a wild landscape with a postcard-like allure!
During the whale season, many local operators offer observation tours of these impressive marine mammals. The warm waters of the marine park host humpback whales and their calves; they stay there for 2 to 3 months after birth, like an open-air nursery. During this period, the whales don’t eat (as they can’t access their basic diet of plankton), they nurse their calf, consuming an average of 200 liters of milk per day. Once the calf has gained enough weight and fat, they can join the chilly waters of the South and North Pacific.
For the rest of the year, it’s also possible to observe dolphins and sea turtles.
During your visit, don’t hesitate to venture further south towards Ojochal; food enthusiasts will find an excellent culinary scene there. This village, popular among many expats, is home to some of the best restaurants in the region.
