Playa Punta Uva

Playa Punta Uva is one of the finest beaches on the Caribbean coast and a favorite spot for visitors to Costa Rica.  It is a beautiful spot, with palm trees gently swaying behind a white sand beach with calm, clear turquoise waters. This is an idylic spot to leave your worries behind and chill out in a hammock. Locals will be selling cold coconut water (pipa frias) for you to sip as you relax on the sands.

The beach is set within the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and nearby is the aptly named Sloth Point where you can see not only sloths, but monkeys and various colorful birds. If you walk to the peninsula, there is a trail that goes through it. It is a short five-to-ten-minute hike, and well worth it. If you walk to the other side of the headland you will find the equally beautiful beach of Playa Arrecife.

In addition to relaxing on the beach and going for a hike, you might want to try snorkeling and kayaking. You can snorkel on a coral reef, where you will spot myriads of tropical fish. Alternatively rent a kayak or SUP and paddle up the river behind the beach where you might see turtles, sloths, toucans, and monkeys.

The tiny little town of Punta Uva is only a short walk from the beach and hear you will find a handful of hotels and restaurants, along with a grocery store.