Uvita Beach, Short Break

Uvita Beach, Short Break

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3 Days From

$1156

Uvita Beach, Short Break

3 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica

Visiting: Uvita, San José

Tour code:

455778

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Physical rating:

MODERATE

Age range:

10-99

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish
From: $1156 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 31-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover the natural beauty of Costa Rica with our "Uvita Beach, Short Break" tour. This adventure takes you to the stunning Uvita Beach, nestled on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast. Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Juan Santamaria Airport, followed by a transfer to your choice of accommodation, either the 3-star Vista Ballena Hotel or the 4-star Cristal Ballena Resort & Spa. Explore the breathtaking Marino Ballena National Park, home to diverse marine life including coral, turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales. On Day 2, embark on a boat ride to Caño Island for an unforgettable snorkeling experience amidst vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine species. Enjoy a picnic lunch on Violines Island or back at Uvita Beach, depending on ocean conditions. This tour includes shared transfers, guided activities, and daily breakfast, ensuring a seamless and enriching Costa Rican getaway.

Highlights

  • Marino Ballena National Park: The highlight of Uvita is most definitely Marino Ballena National Park and the Whale’s Tail

  • The park was specifically created to protect marine life such as coral, turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales

  • Uvita is among the most stunning beaches on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast

  • Explore the wonderful Caño Island with a chance to see dolphins or whales depending on the season

  • Two snorkeling sessions at Caño Island in different locations chosen by the captain and guides

  • Caño Island is surrounded by coral reefs home to many species of fish, sea turtles, stingrays, morays, and white tip reef sharks

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : ARRIVAL SAN JOSE – UVITA (210km – 3hrs)

Location: Uvita

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Vista Ballena Hotel or Cristal Ballena Resort & Spa

After landing at Juan Santamaria Airport, a representative will meet and greet you before guiding you to the transport to your hotel (check-in around 3:00 pm). Uvita is among the most stunning beaches on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast. This place is a distinctly low-profile beach town that offers you a paradise of waterfalls, wildlife and laidback living. Enjoy the authentic essence of real Costa Rica.

Overnight in Uvita.

Day 2 : UVITA – CAÑO ISLAND – UVITA (3hrs by boat)

Location: Uvita

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Vista Ballena Hotel or Cristal Ballena Resort & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, after breakfast at the hotel, you will explore the wonderful Caño Island. This tour departs from Uvita beach and the boat ride has a duration of 1.5 hours approximately. During the boat ride, there is a chance to see Dolphins or Whales depending on the season of the year. The boat ride can be a little bumpy or enjoyable, depending on the tide conditions of the day. Once we arrive at the Island two snorkelling sessions will be performed in two different locations that are chosen by our captain and guides depending on the conditions of the day. The average time we spend for snorkelling is about 2.5 hours or more depending on the visibility and on the ability of the participants. After snorkelling the captain will drive the boat to the main beach of the island where there will be time to use the facilities (restrooms) and then get back to the boat. During this trip, lunch is provided but it will be held on the neighbour Island named Violines Island only if the ocean conditions are normal, in case not, we will return to Uvita beach and set up the lunch there. Caño Island is located at 53 km from the shore and surrounded by five platforms of low coral reefs with many coral species. The coral reef environments are home to many different species of fish as parrotfish, Moorish Idol, Crocodile Needlefish, Guinea Fowl Puffer, Cornet fish and schools of Jackfish just to name a few, and other aquatic animals such as sea turtles, stingrays, morays and white tip reef sharks.

Overnight in Uvita.

Day 3 : UVITA – DEPARTURE SAN JOSE (210km – 3hrs)

Location: San José

Meals Included: Breakfast

After one last breakfast, at the agreed time, pick-up at your hotel in Uvita to transfer you to Juan Santamaria Airport Rica to continue your trip. 

What's Included

  • Tour Guide

    Operated with English and Spanish-speaking guides only during included activities (Day 2). Please note you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only. There is no guarantee that you will be part of a group, or part of the same group during the tour.

  • Accommodation

    2 nights’ accommodation in Uvita with options ranging from the 3-star Vista Ballena Hotel to the 4-star Cristal Ballena Resort & Spa.

  • Meals

    2 Breakfasts and 1 Picnic Lunch (Day 2).

  • Transport

    Arrival and departure shared transfer from/to Juan Santamaria Airport or San Jose Hotel. Boat to Caño Island (Day 2).

  • Entrance Fees and Activities

    All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Snorkelling at Caño Island (Day 2).

What's Not Included

  • Unmentioned Services

    Services not mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Flights

    International and Domestic flights.

  • Departure Taxes

    Departure taxes.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees.

  • Personal Expenditures

    Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the programme.

  • Drinks and Fees

    Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any).

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours and activities.

  • Porterage and Gratuities

    Porterage and gratuities.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Sun protection, sunglasses, bathing suit, closed shoes, a hat or cap and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. 

Please Note

  • Please be advised that the airport departure transfer is a shared service with an estimated arrival at the airport between 12:30 and 13:30. If you need to arrive at the airport earlier, an upgrade to a private transfer is necessary (available at an additional cost)
  • The start times and durations of the transfers are approximate
  • In many hotels in Costa Rica, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
  • Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed
  • No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
  • We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-2 Uvita:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Vista Ballena Hotel or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Cristal Ballena Resort & Spa or similar 4*

Mode of Transport

The tour includes shared transfers from/to Juan Santamaria Airport or San Jose Hotel, and a boat ride to Caño Island on Day 2.

Accommodation

Enjoy 2 nights' accommodation in Uvita with options ranging from the 3-star Vista Ballena Hotel to the 4-star Cristal Ballena Resort & Spa, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-2 Uvita:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Vista Ballena Hotel or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Cristal Ballena Resort & Spa or similar 4*

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of marine life can I expect to see during the tour?

    During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of marine life including coral, turtles, dolphins, humpback whales, parrotfish, Moorish Idol, Crocodile Needlefish, Guinea Fowl Puffer, Cornet fish, schools of Jackfish, sea turtles, stingrays, morays, and white tip reef sharks.

  • What activities are included on Day 2 of the tour?

    On Day 2, you will explore Caño Island, which includes a boat ride from Uvita beach, the possibility of seeing dolphins or whales, and two snorkeling sessions at different locations around the island. Lunch will be provided either on Violines Island or back at Uvita beach, depending on ocean conditions.

  • What should I bring with me for the tour?

    It is recommended to bring comfortable and light clothing, sun protection, sunglasses, a bathing suit, closed shoes, a hat or cap, and mosquito repellent.

  • Are there any specific requirements or notes I should be aware of?

    Yes, the start times and durations of the transfers are approximate. In many hotels in Costa Rica, triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed, which may not meet international standards for triple rooms. Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. No refund is provided for unused services, and splitting of the package is not allowed. The itinerary and activities may change due to weather conditions, technical problems, or security reasons.

  • What kind of accommodation options are available?

    Accommodation options include the 3-star Vista Ballena Hotel or the 4-star Cristal Ballena Resort & Spa in Uvita.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 2 breakfasts and 1 picnic lunch on Day 2.

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes shared transfers from/to Juan Santamaria Airport or San Jose Hotel, and a boat ride to Caño Island on Day 2.

  • Will there be a tour guide during the activities?

    Yes, the tour is operated with English and Spanish-speaking guides during the included activities on Day 2. However, you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only, and there is no guarantee that you will be part of a group or the same group during the tour.

  • Do you offer any travel insurance?

    We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure. 

  • Are flights included in the tour?

    No, they are not included

  • When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

    Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.

  • Is there any option for solo traveller?

    Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.

  • What does the price include?

    What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.

  • Are Visa fees included in the price?

    No, visa fees are not included

Reviews of this operator

Brian  

Exotic Costa Rica

12-Feb-2022

We were delayed a couple of times in getting to Costa Rica and our tour operator, Roy, was extremely accommodating of the changes. The trip was partially guided, so though lodging and transportation were covered there were a few days where I could have used help coordinating afternoon activities.

Peter Herbert  

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste

11-May-2022

A little aprehensive on 1st day with no tour leader... but ran better that clockwork, a few natural obstacles overcome. Good hotels, transport , drivers AND OUTSTANDING GUIDES.....A THEN THERE WAS THE WILDS OF COSTA RICA AND ITS PEOPLES ....

Jean Walsh  

Exotic Costa Rica

17-Mar-2022

This trip was much anticipated and lived up to all of our expectations. We had a wonderful experience. If we had questions, Andres was immediately responsive. It was such a nice feeling to know we could reach him.

Susan Langton  

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park

06-Jan-2022

Our trip was well organized, all of the service providers ( transfers, guides, accommodations) we friendly and professional, and each location was as promised. A bit more local information would have been useful in preparing for the trip, but nothing that wasn't able to be accommodated on the fly.

Marianne Brownell  

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park

03-Oct-2022

Terrific experience!

Debra R  

PURAVIDA CR

26-Jun-2023

Great staff taking care of us along the way! Hotel choices were unique and beautiful and accommodating.

Keith  

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste

08-Mar-2022

A good tour with 4 completely different ecosystems. A couple of long travel days.

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Monday - Wednesday

Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025
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Tuesday - Thursday

Apr 29, 2025 - May 01, 2025
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Wednesday - Friday

Apr 30, 2025 - May 02, 2025
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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Destination Services Costa Rica requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services costa rica charges.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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