The PurUvita Guide to Costa Ballena, Costa Rica
Your perfect vacation in Costa Rica awaits.
Enjoy our guide to Costa Ballena; Uvita, Ojochal, Dominical and the Osa Peninsula. All the best activities, tours, beaches, restaurants and services are at your fingertips. Get acquainted with our little slice of paradise. Click on any of the titles, photos or points on the map for more information. PurUvita Jungle Resort is your perfect home base in Uvita, Costa Ballena. On the map, we are located near the Whale's Tail Beach on Route 34 just north of Barrio La Colonia. Come visit us soon!
One of the most beautiful beaches in the region, just 10 minutes south of PurUvita. This beach is not part of Marino Ballena National Park, so you do not have to pay to get in, but there is a small parking fee. This beach is notable for having sea caves at the north end of the beach.
72 locals recommend
Playa Ventanas
One of the most beautiful beaches in the region, just 10 minutes south of PurUvita. This beach is not part of Marino Ballena National Park, so you do not have to pay to get in, but there is a small parking fee. This beach is notable for having sea caves at the north end of the beach.
Very good beach for surfing, just 10 minutes north of PurUvita.
48 locals recommend
Playa Dominicalito
Very good beach for surfing, just 10 minutes north of PurUvita.
This beach has an incredible view of Ballena Island, just off the coast. It is just 5 minutes south of PurUvita. It is part of Marino Ballena National Park, so there is an entrance fee.
16 locals recommend
Playa Ballena
Carretera Pacífica Fernández OreamunoThis beach has an incredible view of Ballena Island, just off the coast. It is just 5 minutes south of PurUvita. It is part of Marino Ballena National Park, so there is an entrance fee.
This beach is usually nearly deserted, and is 8 minutes south of PurUvita. It is technically part of Marino Ballena National Park, but usually it is not patrolled.
23 locals recommend
Playa Piñuelas
This beach is usually nearly deserted, and is 8 minutes south of PurUvita. It is technically part of Marino Ballena National Park, but usually it is not patrolled.
This is a famous surfing beach for professional and advanced surfers. It is 15 minutes north of PurUvita. There is a nice esplanade that runs along the beach. There are often vendors set up selling souvenirs to the tourists.
79 locals recommend
Dominical Beach
This is a famous surfing beach for professional and advanced surfers. It is 15 minutes north of PurUvita. There is a nice esplanade that runs along the beach. There are often vendors set up selling souvenirs to the tourists.
A secret beach, and one of the most beautiful beaches in the region, just 5 minutes south of PurUvita. It can be accessed from the La Cusinga Eco Lodge from a trail that winds down to the beach. It takes about 20 minutes to walk down.
24 locals recommend
Arch Beach
A secret beach, and one of the most beautiful beaches in the region, just 5 minutes south of PurUvita. It can be accessed from the La Cusinga Eco Lodge from a trail that winds down to the beach. It takes about 20 minutes to walk down.
One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, just 5 minutes from PurUvita. Also known as the Whale's Tail, this is the top attraction in the Costa Ballena region. At low tide, it is possible to walk out the half-mile sand bar to a rocky outcropping. This is a great place to swim and the view of the Talamanca Mountains from this vantage point is breathtaking. This beach is part of Marino Ballena National Park, and so has an entrance fee.
48 locals recommend
Uvita Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, just 5 minutes from PurUvita. Also known as the Whale's Tail, this is the top attraction in the Costa Ballena region. At low tide, it is possible to walk out the half-mile sand bar to a rocky outcropping. This is a great place to swim and the view of the Talamanca Mountains from this vantage point is breathtaking. This beach is part of Marino Ballena National Park, and so has an entrance fee.
This is the closest beach to PurUvita, just 3 minutes away. It connects to Playa Uvita (the Whale's Tail Beach) to the north. It is an excellent swimming and surfing beach. This beach is also part of Marino Ballena National Park, so it does have an entrance fee.
Playa Colonia
This is the closest beach to PurUvita, just 3 minutes away. It connects to Playa Uvita (the Whale's Tail Beach) to the north. It is an excellent swimming and surfing beach. This beach is also part of Marino Ballena National Park, so it does have an entrance fee.
Envision is an incredible Music Festival that takes place every February next to Playa Hermosa, just 8 minutes north of PurUvita.
Envision Festival
Ruta Nacional Primaria 34Envision is an incredible Music Festival that takes place every February next to Playa Hermosa, just 8 minutes north of PurUvita.
Local Restaurants in Costa Ballena
Here is a listing of some of our favorite recommended restaurants in the area. Click on any of the titles or photos for more information.
Great special occasion, adults only restaurant, fifteen minutes from PurUvita, with a world-class view. Highly recommended.
9 locals recommend
Hotel Three Sixty
Calle PerezosoGreat special occasion, adults only restaurant, fifteen minutes from PurUvita, with a world-class view. Highly recommended.
Excellent food and excellent service, just five minutes from PurUvita.
12 locals recommend
Sabor Español
Camino a Playa ColoniaExcellent food and excellent service, just five minutes from PurUvita.
Great food and service in a charming, open-air restaurant, just five minutes from PurUvita.
10 locals recommend
Carlito's Restaurant
Great food and service in a charming, open-air restaurant, just five minutes from PurUvita.
Cute little place near the beach, with great empanadas, just five minutes from PurUvita.
10 locals recommend
EL HORNITO - Empanadas Argentinas\Pizzas\Sandwiches
Camino a Playa ChamánCute little place near the beach, with great empanadas, just five minutes from PurUvita.
One of the best pizza places in Uvita, just four minutes from PurUvita.
28 locals recommend
Restaurante y Pizzeria La Fogata
One of the best pizza places in Uvita, just four minutes from PurUvita.
One of the best restaurants in the area, just ten minutes from PurUvita. Reservations are recommended.
70 locals recommend
Restaurante Citrus
Avenida Principal de OjochalOne of the best restaurants in the area, just ten minutes from PurUvita. Reservations are recommended.
Exotica
Avenida Principal de OjochalOne of the best restaurants in the area, just ten minutes from PurUvita.
Great little place to hang out, owned by our manager, Cristian! Friendly atmosphere, great coffee and food, just five minutes from PurUvita.
TAGUA Café Vivo
Great little place to hang out, owned by our manager, Cristian! Friendly atmosphere, great coffee and food, just five minutes from PurUvita.
Nice, open-air sushi restaurant with the best wine list in the area, just five minutes from PurUvita.
28 locals recommend
Mosaic Wine Bar & Cafe
Nice, open-air sushi restaurant with the best wine list in the area, just five minutes from PurUvita.
Great atmosphere and Mediterrenean food, just five minutes from PurUvita.
6 locals recommend
Beehive Mediterranean Restaurant Bar and Boutique
Great atmosphere and Mediterrenean food, just five minutes from PurUvita.
Incredible ocean view and great Italian cuisine, just eight minutes from PurUvita.
14 locals recommend
Gusto Italian Restaurant
Incredible ocean view and great Italian cuisine, just eight minutes from PurUvita.
Nice restaurant, just ten minutes from PurUvita.
14 locals recommend
Hotel Cuna del Angel - Dominical Costa Rica
Nice restaurant, just ten minutes from PurUvita.
Great little place with a nice view of the ocean, just twelve minutes from PurUvita.
32 locals recommend
¿Por Que No?
Costanera SurGreat little place with a nice view of the ocean, just twelve minutes from PurUvita.
Great ocean view, good food and good service, just six minutes from PurUvita.
Restaurant Pura Vida (at Hotel Cristal Ballena)
Great ocean view, good food and good service, just six minutes from PurUvita.
Ballena BISTRO
Goathouse169, Highway 34, Playa Ballena Costanera SurGreat food, just ten minutes from PurUvita.
Dolce Uvita
Great Italian cuisine, just five minutes from PurUvita.
Nice beach-side bar and grill in Dominical, just 15 minutes from PurUvita.
33 locals recommend
Tortilla Flats
Nice beach-side bar and grill in Dominical, just 15 minutes from PurUvita.
Uvita's very own craft brewery and restaurant! Next door to Tagua in Uvita, just 5 minutes from PurUvita.
8 locals recommend
Whale Tail Brewery
Uvita's very own craft brewery and restaurant! Next door to Tagua in Uvita, just 5 minutes from PurUvita.
Cafe Mono Congo
Nice little cafe in Dominical, just 15 minutes from PurUvita.
Heliconia Restaurante
100 metros surGreat food in Ojochal, just 10 minutes from PurUvita.
Nice restaurant with a great view, at La Cusinga Eco Lodge, just five minutes from PurUvita.
8 locals recommend
The Aracari Restaurant
Nice restaurant with a great view, at La Cusinga Eco Lodge, just five minutes from PurUvita.
Nice cafe and restaurant, on the main drag in Uvita, just four minutes from PurUvita.
40 locals recommend
Sibu Café
Carretera Pacífica Fernández OreamunoNice cafe and restaurant, on the main drag in Uvita, just four minutes from PurUvita.
Awesome craft brewery and restaurant in Dominical, just 15 minutes from PurUvita.
79 locals recommend
Fuego Brew Co.
Awesome craft brewery and restaurant in Dominical, just 15 minutes from PurUvita.
One of the best pizza restaurants in Uvita, just 1 minute from PurUvita.
25 locals recommend
Pizza Time
Costanera SurOne of the best pizza restaurants in Uvita, just 1 minute from PurUvita.
Bagel Time
The best bagels in Uvita, just 1 minute north of PurUvita.
Uvita Beer Garden
Nice beer garden, just 5 minutes from PurUvita.
House Of Ginger
Good Chinese food in Uvita!
Nice little Tico restaurant with a fantastic sunset ocean view, just 3 minutes from PurUvita.
7 locals recommend
Restaurante Mirador don Roger
Nice little Tico restaurant with a fantastic sunset ocean view, just 3 minutes from PurUvita.
One of the best Tico restaurants in Uvita, just 4 minutes from PurUvita.
15 locals recommend
Bar Restaurant Los Laureles
400 metersOne of the best Tico restaurants in Uvita, just 4 minutes from PurUvita.
Good restaurant and live music venue, just 12 minutes south of PurUvita.
30 locals recommend
The Bamboo Room
Calle PerezosoGood restaurant and live music venue, just 12 minutes south of PurUvita.
Five Maes
Burger restaurant just 2 minutes from PurUvita.
The Dome Restaurant
Good drive-in, just 2 minutes north of PurUvita.
Mystic Sushi
Good sushi in Uvita, just 2 minutes north of PurUvita.
Nice little restaurant at the Uvita waterfall, just 6 minutes north of PurUvita.
61 locals recommend
Catarata uvita
Calle BejucoNice little restaurant at the Uvita waterfall, just 6 minutes north of PurUvita.
Restaurante Maracuya
Good food just 3 minutes north of PurUvita.
Decent restaurant and bar, just 2 minutes north of PurUvita.
26 locals recommend
Marino Ballena Restaurant
Ruta Nacional Primaria 34Decent restaurant and bar, just 2 minutes north of PurUvita.
La Choza De Alejo
Great Mexican restaurant and bar, just 2 minutes from PurUvita.
Indómitos Cafe
Great vegetarian food, just 5 minutes from PurUvita.
Falafel Uvita
Falafel in Uvita! Just 4 minutes from PurUvita.
Los Almendros Restaurant
Nice little restaurant near the main entrance to Marino Ballena.
Heladomania del sur
Ice cream shop in Uvita, 3 minutes north of PurUvita.
LE FRENCH CAFE
Nice little cafe 1 minute north of PurUvita.
Mica Linda Bar & Restaurant
Unnamed RoadSeaside bar, just 10 minutes south of PurUvita.
Pancito Café
Nice little cafe, 10 minutes south of PurUvita.
Plaza Ventanas Ice Cream Parlor
Ten minutes south of PurUvita, look for the enormous dinosaurs.
Ricar2 El Avión
Ever been to a restaurant in an old airplane in the rainforest?
Bar Jolly Roger
Wings are their thing!
Adventures & Activities in Costa Ballena
Incredible zip lines, monkey swings and canopy tour, just 20 minutes from PurUvita.
26 locals recommend
Osa Canopy Tour
Incredible zip lines, monkey swings and canopy tour, just 20 minutes from PurUvita.
Costa Canyoning
Not for the faint of heart...rappelling down waterfalls!
Catarata uvita
Calle BejucoThe Uvita Waterfall, just six minutes from PurUvita.
Costa Rica Dive and Surf, Ballena, just five minutes from PurUvita.
13 locals recommend
Costa Rica Dive and Surf
Costa Rica Dive and Surf, Ballena, just five minutes from PurUvita.
Horseback riding on the beach or through the mountains of Uvita.
21 locals recommend
Rancho La Merced /
Ruta Nacional Primaria 34Horseback riding on the beach or through the mountains of Uvita.
Bahia Ballena Kayaks
Kayaking at Marino Ballena National Park!
Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Refuge, just 15 minutes from PurUvita.
44 locals recommend
Hacienda Barú Lodge
Costanera SurHacienda Baru National Wildlife Refuge, just 15 minutes from PurUvita.
Bahia Aventuras
Whale and dolphin tours, just 4 minutes from PurUvita.
Reserva Biológica Oro Verde
Oro Verde Biological Reserve.
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica, just 30 minutes north of PurUvita.
31 locals recommend
Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica, just 30 minutes north of PurUvita.
Often described as the most beautiful beach in Costa Rica, the world-famous Whales Tail Beach of Marino Ballena National Park is just 5 minutes from PurUvita.
176 locals recommend
Parque Nacional Marino Ballena
Often described as the most beautiful beach in Costa Rica, the world-famous Whales Tail Beach of Marino Ballena National Park is just 5 minutes from PurUvita.
This is an awesome tour of the largest mangroves in Central America. Just 40 minutes south of PurUvita.
8 locals recommend
Kokopelli Mangrove Tour
This is an awesome tour of the largest mangroves in Central America. Just 40 minutes south of PurUvita.
Exotic animal rescue, open for tours, just 10 minutes from PurUvita.
34 locals recommend
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary
Calle San Martin NorteExotic animal rescue, open for tours, just 10 minutes from PurUvita.
Santa Lucia Falls
Beautiful watrerfalls!
Rancho Diandrew
Waterfalls, hiking and more!
Rafting Uvita Savegre River Meeting Point
Whitewater Rafting!
Bodhi Surf + Yoga
Surfing lessons and Yoga!
Osa Mini Golf - OMG
Mini Golf in Uvita!
Reptile Land, near Nauyaca Waterfalls, approx. 30 minutes north of PurUvita.
29 locals recommend
Parque Reptilandia
Reptile Land, near Nauyaca Waterfalls, approx. 30 minutes north of PurUvita.
Cascada El Pavón
Nice waterfall just 15 minutes south of PurUvita.
The highest waterfall in Costa Rica, at approximately 600 feet.
16 locals recommend
Diamante Water Fall
The highest waterfall in Costa Rica, at approximately 600 feet.
Cerro Chirripó
The highest point in Costa Rica.
Ballena Tour
Whale watching, boat trips to Corcovado National Park and other tours.
Approximately 40 minutes north of PurUvita, Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica's most visited National Park.
557 locals recommend
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
Approximately 40 minutes north of PurUvita, Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica's most visited National Park.
Sirena Station in Corcovado National Park can be reached by boat from Sierpe and Drake Bay. If you want to see a plethora of exotic animals in the wild, such as Baird's tapirs, toucans, scarlet macaws and all four Costa Rican monkey species, this is the place. This area was described by National Geographic as one of the most biologically intense places on earth.
Sirena Ranger Station
Sirena Station in Corcovado National Park can be reached by boat from Sierpe and Drake Bay. If you want to see a plethora of exotic animals in the wild, such as Baird's tapirs, toucans, scarlet macaws and all four Costa Rican monkey species, this is the place. This area was described by National Geographic as one of the most biologically intense places on earth.
Drake Bay is a beautiful place well worth the visit. It can be accessed by boat from Sierpe.
13 locals recommend
Bahía Drake
Drake Bay is a beautiful place well worth the visit. It can be accessed by boat from Sierpe.
Finca 6 World Heritage Site. Museum and interpretive center for the mysterious stone spheres which are found throughout the region.
Finca 6
Finca 6 World Heritage Site. Museum and interpretive center for the mysterious stone spheres which are found throughout the region.
Cano Island, the best scuba diving and snorkling off mainland Costa Rica, approximately one hour boat ride from Uvita.
39 locals recommend
Isla del Cano
Cano Island, the best scuba diving and snorkling off mainland Costa Rica, approximately one hour boat ride from Uvita.
Bienestar Uvita Yoga Shala
Lura Shopteau, yoga healer, just 4 minutes north of PurUvita.
San Buenas Golf Resort and Spa
Golf in Costa Ballena, about 30 minutes south of PurUvita.
Zion Paragliding
Main StreetParagliding over the beautiful Costa Ballena coastline.
Rama Surf
Camino a Playa ColoniaRama Surf lessons, surfboards, etc., 2 minutes from PurUvita.
Colo tico surfboards
Surfboard rental, 2 minutes from PurUvita.
Nana's Surf
Surfboard rental, 2 minutes from PurUvita.
Morete Adventure Tour
Jardines del MoreteATV Morete Adventure Tours will get your heart pumping!
This is the place in Sierpe where you book your boat trips to Drake Bay. Sierpe is about 40 minutes south of PurUvita.
Marisquería, Bar y Restaurante Las Vegas
This is the place in Sierpe where you book your boat trips to Drake Bay. Sierpe is about 40 minutes south of PurUvita.
Corcovado National Park is the crown jewel of Costa Rica's National Park system. It is one of the few lowland tropical rainforest wilderness areas that remain in the country.
58 locals recommend
Corcovado National Park
Los Patos Sirena TrailCorcovado National Park is the crown jewel of Costa Rica's National Park system. It is one of the few lowland tropical rainforest wilderness areas that remain in the country.
If you are lucky, you will swim with wild pods of dolphins and whales in Drake Bay. Contact Sierra Goodman for a tour.
The Divine Dolphin
If you are lucky, you will swim with wild pods of dolphins and whales in Drake Bay. Contact Sierra Goodman for a tour.
Surfing Uvita
Surfboards and surfing lessons.
Uvita Arts Center
Calle la FarallaArts Center, just 10 minutes north of PurUvita.
Local Services
Farmacia Costa Ballena
Ruta Nacional Primaria 34Our pharmacy in Uvita, just 3 minutes from PurUvita.
Banco Nacional
Ruta Nacional Primaria 34Our local bank and atm, just 2 minutes from PurUvita.
Banco de Costa Rica
Our local bank in Uvita, just 3 minutes from PurUvita.
Our main supermarket with a great selection of food and wine, just 2 minutes from PurUvita.
39 locals recommend
BM Uvita
Our main supermarket with a great selection of food and wine, just 2 minutes from PurUvita.
Servicios Medicos Bahia Ballena
Local medical services in Uvita.
Our local tourist information center in Uvita, just 3 minutes from PurUvita.
20 locals recommend
Uvita Information Center
Our local tourist information center in Uvita, just 3 minutes from PurUvita.
Policia Uvita
Cortez Hospital is the main hospital in the area, approximately 30 minutes south of PurUvita.
Hospital Tomás Casas Casajús
Carretera Pacífica Fernández OreamunoCortez Hospital is the main hospital in the area, approximately 30 minutes south of PurUvita.
Mareas Supermarket
Camino a Playa ChamánMini market, 2 minutes from PurUvita.
Great little supermarket, has a little bit of everything, 4 minutes from PurUvita.
7 locals recommend
Mini Super Tatiana
Great little supermarket, has a little bit of everything, 4 minutes from PurUvita.
GS La Colonia
Gas station and mini market, 1 minute from PurUvita.
uvita urgent care
Uvita Urgent Care, just 3 minutes from PurUvita.
Costatika Language School
Learn Spanish, just 2 minutes from PurUvita!
Ibarra Pharmacy is well-stocked with anything you need, just 2 minutes from PurUvita.
Farmacias y Macrobioticas Ibarra
Ruta Nacional Primaria 34Ibarra Pharmacy is well-stocked with anything you need, just 2 minutes from PurUvita.
Adobe Rent a Car - Uvita
Adobe Car Rental in Uvita.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Car Rental in Uvita.
hertz rent a car uvita
Hertz Car Rental in Uvita.
National Car Rental
Ruta Nacional Primaria 34National Car Rental in Uvita.
Alamo/National/Enterprise rent a car
34Alamo Car Rental in Uvita.
Solid Car Rental
Solid Car Rental in Uvita.
Tracopa Bus Station, Uvita, just three minutes north of PurUvita.
Parada de autobus de Uvita Tracopa LTDA
Tracopa Bus Station, Uvita, just three minutes north of PurUvita.
Carwash Uvita
Uvita Car Wash
ICE Charging Station
n34 Costanera SurICE Electric Vehicle Charging Station, 3 minutes north of PurUvita.
El Mercado.cr
Ruta Nacional Primaria 34Wednesday Farmers Market in Bahia, 4 minutes from PurUvita.
BM Super Pacífico
One of our two main supermarkets in Uvita, 3 minutes north of PurUvita.
UVITA PRINT
Camino a Playa ColoniaUvita's own print shop, 4 minutes north of PurUvita.
Sala De Belliza Grey
Local salon in Uvita, 4 minutes north of PurUvita.
Playa Ballena Airport
Six minutes south of PurUvita.
Palmar Sur Airport
Palmar Airport, approximately 35 minutes south of PurUvita.
PurUvita Jungle Resort - Your home away from home in Costa Ballena. Learn more at puruvita.com.
YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME IN COSTA BALLENA.
South of Km 164, Costanera Highway 34
Uvita de Osa, Costa Ballena, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
puruvita.com / WhatsApp +39 333 590 1301
PurUvita Jungle Resort
YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME IN COSTA BALLENA.
South of Km 164, Costanera Highway 34
Uvita de Osa, Costa Ballena, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
puruvita.com / WhatsApp +39 333 590 1301
City/town information
Sierpe is the gateway to the largest mangroves in Central America, Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park. Sierpe is approximately 40 minutes south of PurUvita.
19 locals recommend
Sierpe
Sierpe is the gateway to the largest mangroves in Central America, Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park. Sierpe is approximately 40 minutes south of PurUvita.
Uvita
Uvita, the center of Costa Ballena.
Ojochal
Calle del JardinOjochal is approximately 10 minutes south of PurUvita.
Boruca Indigenous Reserve. Site of the New Year's Diablitos Festival, Boruca is home to master carvers.
10 locals recommend
Boruca people
Boruca Indigenous Reserve. Site of the New Year's Diablitos Festival, Boruca is home to master carvers.