Walk the whale’s tail
At low tide, stroll out onto the natural sandbar that forms a perfect whale’s tail in the sea.
Puntarenas
Uvita
10+ tours available
Overview
Whales and the whale’s tail
Uvita, on the lush South Pacific coast, is home to Marino Ballena National Park and its famous sandbar shaped exactly like a whale’s tail. Fittingly, it is one of the best places on earth to see migrating humpback whales, surrounded by jungle, waterfalls and quiet beaches.
Highlights
- The whale’s tail sandbar
- Humpback whale watching
- Marino Ballena National Park
- Jungle waterfalls and swimming holes
- Quiet, uncrowded beaches
Uvita
Watch the experience
Things to do
Go whale watching
Boat tours offer close encounters with humpback whales and resident dolphins in season.
Snorkel the reefs
Explore rocky reefs full of tropical fish in the calm, protected national park waters.
Chase nearby waterfalls
Cool off at Uvita and Nauyaca waterfalls, with natural pools perfect for swimming.
Relax on wild beaches
Enjoy long, peaceful stretches of sand backed by rainforest and far fewer crowds.
Visit Marino Ballena park
Spend the day in the marine park, combining beach time with wildlife and tide pools.
Best time to visit
Humpback whales are most reliably seen from July to October and again December to March — one of the longest whale-watching seasons anywhere.
Getting there
About a 3.5 to 4 hour drive south of San José along the scenic coastal highway. Private transfers and shuttles are easy to arrange.
Travel tip
Check the tide chart before walking the whale’s tail — it is only fully exposed and walkable at low tide.
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