Dominical and Uvita Beach Hotels in Costa Rica

Best Dominical & Uvita Hotels and Attractions

Dominical and Uvita, nestled on Costa Rica’s south-central Pacific coast, are a nature lover’s paradise. These small villages boast a rugged coastline, famous among surfers for its excellent waves, warm water, and long, uncrowded beaches.

Beyond the surfer’s haven, the region offers a captivating blend of landscapes. Lush rainforests cloak rolling mountain ridges, while farmlands sprawl across the rural countryside. The picturesque rocky coastline meets the open Pacific Ocean, where dolphins and whales can be spotted in season. Uvita also hosts the famous Marino Ballena National Park.

Many attractive tours await visitors in Dominical and Uvita. You can hike through lush trails, observe a vibrant array of birds, soar through the rainforest canopy, or kayak amidst the serenity of the mangroves. Both towns cater to travelers with a diverse range of attractive accommodations and delicious local restaurants.

Best Things to Do in Dominical & Uvita

Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Refuge

This Rainforest Zip Line Tour imitates the flight of the region’s Chestnut-mandible Toucan as it leaps off a branch, swoops down through the forest, and then up into another tree! On this tour, eight cable rides take you from one ridge top to another as you cross above valleys and streams. This tour is a great way to see and learn about the forest and have fun at the same time.

The Mangrove and Rainforest Walk

Barú also offers excellent opportunities for hiking and birding. Explore the secondary and successional forests of the lowlands where trails are easy to navigate and birdwatching thrives. Along the way, you’ll encounter a bird blind overlooking a rookery. During the rainy season, this becomes a nesting ground for a variety of water birds.

For the adventurous Costa Rica explorer, Hotel Villas Rio Mar is your perfect Dominical hotel.

Horseback Riding

Embark on a horseback adventure at Rancho La Merced Wildlife Refuge. Spanning over 500 hectares, this refuge offers a diverse landscape to explore. Lush primary and secondary rainforests, open grasslands, mangrove forests, and winding rivers create a breathtaking tapestry of ecosystems.

Nauyaca Waterfalls

Explore Costa Rica’s hidden wonder, Nauyaca Falls! Journey south from Uvita with your guide, learning about the region’s culture and agriculture. Hike (or ride horseback) through the scenic countryside for 45 minutes, spotting exotic birds on the way. Cascading terraces await, with 45 and 20-meter drops perfect for photos and a refreshing dip. Relax in paradise, then savor a delicious Costa Rican lunch after your return hike. Cristal Ballena Hotel is our recommended Uvita hotel for enjoying some of the best wildlife observation and birdwatching, as well as its proximity to the Marino Ballena park and other natural attractions.

Marino Ballena National Park

This park was established as a protected refuge for several beaches in the Southern Pacific Zone and the preservation of the coral reef that stretches just off the shore of Bahia de Coronado. The park also provides a unique habitat for migrating humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Within the park, you can visit the famous tómbolo, or whale tail, where you can take a walk and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

We recommend Cuna del Angel Hotel as an ideal Uvita hotel to explore the Marino Ballena National Park and enjoy the area.

Sportfishing

Depending on the season, the waters of this region offer sailfish, marlins, jacks, yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, dorado, and more! What can be better than spending a morning out on the water fishing while enjoying the tropical ocean scenery that may also include sightings of whales and dolphins as an added bonus.

Surf Lessons

Calling all families and friends looking for a new adventure! This half-day surf lesson at Uvita is the perfect way to try something new or hone your surfing skills. Our highly experienced local instructors will guide you through mastering the basics, from standing up on your board to catching your first wave.

Nestled among the finest accommodations in the area, Kura Boutique Hotel is our advice for Uvita hotels.

Los Campesino Reserve

Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture at Los Campesinos Reserve, nestled near Londres and Quebrada Arroyo. This family-managed reserve, located in a stunning mountain range, offers a glimpse into traditional “tico” life. Learn about rainforest ecology, explore old vanilla plantations, and swim in a natural waterfall pool. Don Miguel Mora and his family will treat you to a delicious lunch and a thrilling walk across a suspension bridge spanning a deep gorge. Experience Costa Rica’s beauty and warmth at Los Campesinos.

Whale Watching

Explore Marino Ballena National Park, departing from Punta Uvita Beach. Search for humpback whales, with northern hemisphere visitors gracing these waters from December to March. Their southern hemisphere counterparts arrive from July to October, peaking in September and October. Enjoy dry season snorkeling at Whale Island and the Whale’s Tail (tide permitting). Spot a kaleidoscope of colorful fish and turtles in the crystal-clear waters.

Wildlife Observation in Dominical & Uvita

Dominical and Uvita boast many habitats, including a renowned national park and Hacienda Baru reserve with excellent wildlife viewing. Bird watching enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of avian species. Spotting monkeys, sloths, coatis, and agoutis is expected, with the possibility of encountering elusive peccaries, pumas, and anteaters for the truly fortunate. Whale watching becomes possible from January to April and July to October when humpback whales grace the waters. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles and dolphins year-round.

How to Get to Dominical & Uvita

  • Private transfer by bus: This private transfer to Uvita and Dominical will last approximately 4 hours with one of our private bilingual drivers. You can request stops to photograph gorgeous scenery, view wildlife, visit excellent local restaurants, meet local people, or take coffee breaks and stretch when needed.
  • By plane: There are 30-minute domestic flights from San Jose to Quepos airstrip; from there, we can arrange a land transfer to Uvita or Dominical. Or we can arrange a private charter for you from many other tourist destinations directly to Quepos.
  • By shuttle: This is a more affordable option than a private transfer, but it will take longer as the shuttle makes multiple stops along the way.

Visit Dominical & Uvita with Costa Rica Sun Tours

Uvita and Dominical captivate with famous surfing beaches, rich wildlife in both the rainforest and ocean, and a plethora of adventure tours for all interests. Contact us to plan your perfect Costa Rican escape in the south!