By the Where to Stay in Costa Rica editorial team · Updated November 5, 2026
The Short Answer
Stay in the hills above Uvita for the views this coast is famous for: jungle sloping down to the sea and the sandbar shaped like a whale's tail in Marino Ballena National Park. Our pick is Kura Boutique Hotel. Roads up are steep and often dirt, so rent a 4x4 or ask about transfers.
Stay in Dominical, 15 to 20 minutes north, for surf, a small backpacker scene and cheaper beds. Stay in Ojochal, 15 to 20 minutes south, for quiet beaches and the best restaurants on the coast.
The Costa Ballena's Towns Compared
| Area | Best for | Beach | Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dominical | Surfers, budgets, a lively village | Powerful surf, strong currents | Rough for swimming, dusty main street |
| Uvita town | Whale tours, the national park, groceries | Marino Ballena beaches | The town itself is plain |
| Hills above Uvita | Views, honeymoons, privacy | 10–20 min drive down | Steep roads, need a car |
| Ojochal | Food, quiet, couples | Playa Tortuga, Playa Ventanas nearby | Spread out, few services |
Map of Uvita and Ojochal Hotels
Uvita is at the center, with Marino Ballena's beaches below it and Ojochal to the south.
Map prices come from Booking.com and other partners through Stay22. Enter your dates on the map to see live rates.
Search all Uvita stays →Best Splurge Hotels
All three are adults only, with views and pools worth the price.
Kura Boutique Hotel
Hills above Uvita, Uvita
Our top pick: an adults-only design hotel high above Uvita, with an infinity pool looking straight at the Whale's Tail.
Best for: Honeymoons
- Adults only
- Ocean-view infinity pool
- Suite with private pool
More about this hotel
An adults-only design hotel high above Uvita with an ocean-view infinity pool and a master suite with its own pool. A strong honeymoon pick; the hotel runs a shuttle up its steep, unpaved road.
Opens Booking.com with prices for your dates
Photo: Yricordel, CC BY-SA 3.0
Oxygen Jungle Villas
Hills inland from Uvita, Uvita
Adults-only villas with huge ocean views and an infinity pool, in the hills inland from Uvita.
Best for: Romantic jungle stays
- Adults only
- Infinity pool
- Riverside spa
More about this hotel
Adults-only villas and suites in the jungle inland from Uvita, with a palm-lined infinity pool and a riverside spa. The beaches are about a 10-minute drive.
El Castillo Boutique Hotel
Ojochal hilltop, Uvita
Adults-only boutique hotel on a hilltop in Ojochal, with a dramatic pool and sunset views.
Best for: Couples who want views
- Adults only
- 180-degree ocean views
- Breakfast and dinner on site
More about this hotel
An adults-only hotel about 300 ft above the Pacific in Ojochal, with 180-degree sea views, a pool and breakfast and dinner on site. Uvita is about 20 minutes north.
Opens Booking.com with prices for your dates
Photo: Los Paseos from Earth, CC BY-SA 2.0
Best Mid-Range and Budget Stays in Uvita and Ojochal
A family-friendly boutique hotel and an adults-only jungle lodge near the beach.
Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Ballena, south of Uvita, Uvita
Hillside boutique hotel with a large infinity pool and ocean views; it welcomes families.
Best for: Couples and families
- 15-minute walk to Marino Ballena
- Pool and spa
- Breakfast included
More about this hotel
Air-conditioned suites with balconies, a pool, a spa and breakfast included, about a 15-minute walk from Marino Ballena National Park.
Opens Booking.com with prices for your dates
Photo: Federico Mata, CC BY 3.0
Hotel Villas Gaia Ecolodge
Playa Tortuga, Ojochal, Uvita
Adults-only jungle ecolodge above Playa Tortuga, Ojochal, with a path down to the beach.
Best for: Couples on a budget
- Adults only
- Private trail to the beach
- Breakfast included
More about this hotel
An adults-only ecolodge with a private trail to Playa Tortuga (about 12 minutes on foot), a view pool, a restaurant and breakfast included.
Opens Booking.com with prices for your dates
Photo: Los Paseos from Earth, CC BY-SA 2.0
Map of Dominical Hotels
Dominical village is compact; Dominicalito and the coast road run south toward Uvita.
Map prices come from Booking.com and other partners through Stay22. Enter your dates on the map to see live rates.
Search all Dominical stays →Best Places to Stay in Dominical
A romantic boutique hotel, a family resort and a surf hostel.
Hotel Cuna del Ángel
Dominicalito, between Dominical and Uvita, Dominical
Romantic boutique hotel between Dominical and Uvita, with a spa and restaurant.
Best for: Couples
- Infinity pool and spa
- Gluten-free kitchen
- Between Dominical and Uvita
More about this hotel
A boutique hotel between Dominical and Uvita with an infinity pool, a spa, air-conditioned rooms and a fully gluten-free kitchen.
Opens Booking.com with prices for your dates
Photo: Catinmotion, CC BY-SA 4.0
Hotel Villas Río Mar
Dominical, on the Río Barú, Dominical
Garden bungalows by the river in Dominical, with a big pool; good for families.
Best for: Families
- Pools and gardens
- Wildlife on the grounds
- Restaurant and breakfast
More about this hotel
Villas in gardens on the Río Barú about 900 m from Dominical village, with pools, a restaurant and plenty of wildlife. Popular with families.
Opens Booking.com with prices for your dates
Photo: Haakon S. Krohn, CC BY-SA 3.0
Cool Vibes Beach Hostel
Dominical village, Dominical
Budget beach hostel in Dominical village, steps from the surf.
Best for: Budget surf trips
- Steps from Dominical beach
- Private rooms with AC and kitchens
- Pool and free parking
More about this hotel
A few steps from Dominical's surf beach, with private rooms that have air-conditioning, bathrooms and kitchen facilities, plus a pool and free parking.
Opens Booking.com with prices for your dates
Photo: Haakon S. Krohn, CC BY-SA 3.0
Costa Ballena Hotels at a Glance
Prices change by date and room type, so check your own dates on Booking.com before you decide.
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Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & SpaBallena, south of Uvita, Uvita · Mid-rangeCouples and familiesCheck prices -
Hotel Cuna del ÁngelDominicalito, between Dominical and Uvita, Dominical · Mid-rangeCouplesCheck prices -
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| Hotel | Location | Price level | Best for | Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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Kura Boutique Hotel
Adults-only boutique
|
Hills above Uvita, Uvita | Splurge | Honeymoons | Check prices |
|
|
Oxygen Jungle Villas
Adults-only villas
|
Hills inland from Uvita, Uvita | Splurge | Romantic jungle stays | Check prices |
|
|
El Castillo Boutique Hotel
Adults-only boutique
|
Ojochal hilltop, Uvita | Splurge | Couples who want views | Check prices |
|
|
Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Boutique hotel
|
Ballena, south of Uvita, Uvita | Mid-range | Couples and families | Check prices |
|
|
Hotel Cuna del Ángel
Boutique hotel
|
Dominicalito, between Dominical and Uvita, Dominical | Mid-range | Couples | Check prices |
|
|
Hotel Villas Río Mar
Garden resort
|
Dominical, on the Río Barú, Dominical | Mid-range | Families | Check prices |
|
|
Hotel Villas Gaia Ecolodge
Adults-only ecolodge
|
Playa Tortuga, Ojochal, Uvita | Budget | Couples on a budget | Check prices |
|
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Cool Vibes Beach Hostel
Beach hostel
|
Dominical village, Dominical | Budget | Budget surf trips | Check prices |
Hotel details checked on November 5, 2026.
Whales and the Whale's Tail
Humpback whales visit this coast in two seasons: whales from the northern hemisphere from about late December to April, and southern-hemisphere whales from about mid-July to early November, with the peak from August to October. Uvita holds a whale and dolphin festival each September. Boat tours leave from Playa Uvita.
Marino Ballena National Park is open daily from 7 am to 6 pm, with a small entry fee. The Whale's Tail sandbar at Punta Uvita can only be walked at low tide, so check a tide table. Watch for rip currents on the open beaches.
Getting to Uvita
- From San José airport (SJO): 3.5 to 4 hours, either on the coastal highway past Jacó and Quepos or inland over the mountains via San Isidro. The coastal route is easier.
- From Manuel Antonio: about 1 hour to Dominical on the paved coastal highway, and about 15 minutes more to Uvita.
- By air: the nearest scheduled flights land at Quepos, about an hour north.
- By bus: direct buses run from San José to Uvita.
- Continuing south: Sierpe, the boat dock for Drake Bay, is about an hour further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to help you choose where to stay.