Playa Hermosa

Scarlet macaws in the almond trees along a 3-kilometer stretch of dark sand.

Playa Hermosa is a dark-sand beach roughly 5 minutes north of Uvita, over 3 kilometers long and largely undeveloped, lying just outside Marino Ballena National Park with free access. It works for surfing at mid to high tide and for walking or relaxing at low tide, and scarlet macaws are sometimes seen in the almond trees along the shore. A lifeguard tower operates during peak season.

SwimmingRip currents, dangerous to swim
SurfBeginner surf

Good for

Facilities

Getting there

Head north on the Costanera about 5 minutes from central Uvita; the main entrance has a red shipping container marked with a white cross in the parking lot.

On the map

Tide times · All beaches in Costa Ballena

Nearby in Uvita

Sportfishing $$$

Aventuras Del Pristis - Bahia Ballena

Uvita

Owner-operated inshore and offshore sportfishing charter based in Bahia Ballena, run by Captain Esteban Jimenez Gomez, a local fisherman with over 15 years of experience who also works on fish research projects at the University of Costa Rica. Trips reach productive grounds within about 20 minutes by boat on a 25-foot custom center console, targeting roosterfish, mahi mahi, sailfish, tuna and marlin, with catch cleaning and filleting included.

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Whale & Dolphin Watching $$

Bahia Aventuras

Uvita

A Costa Rican-owned, CST-certified marine tour operator in Bahia Ballena, running humpback whale and dolphin tours inside Marino Ballena National Park since 2007. The same team also runs Cano Island snorkeling, Terraba-Sierpe mangrove kayak and wildlife trips, offshore and inshore sportfishing, and guided night and birding walks. Two whale seasons, July to October and late December to February, bring humpbacks from both hemispheres.

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Kayaking & SUP $$

Bahia Ballena Kayaks

Uvita

Ecotourism company operating in Bahia Ballena, Uvita for more than 13 years, offering ocean kayak and snorkel tours, mangrove kayak trips, whale and dolphin watching, sport fishing, and Isla del Cano and Corcovado excursions. Bookings run through phone, WhatsApp or the company's Spanish-language website.

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