Tucked away from the tourist ridden sights of northern Costa Rica, Uvita is a quiet town that has maintained its Pura Vida lifestyle in almost every aspect. Its nestled on the Pacific Coast and its a refreshing escape from the touristy cities like Manuel Antonio and Jaco.
The beaches of Uvita are very secluded and each one has their own nuances that make them uniquely beautiful. Every time we visit Costa Rica, we search for the next beach to escape to and so far, Playa Tortuga and Playa Ventanas have been at the top of our lists.
Playa Tortuga
Playa Tortuga is tucked away from the highway and can quickly be missed if you don't know where to look which adds to its appeal. Its a quiet beach with an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean which offers breathtaking picture opportunities. With little to no visitors, most days you will have this beach all to yourself to explore.
If the conditions are right, you can find stumble upon beds of sand dollars that have dozens of these beautiful sea urchins in perfect condition. Our first visit, we were shocked to even find one but by the end of the day we counted over 30! It was incredible to find so many and we always return to show family and friends the treasure of sand dollars hidden at Playa Tortuga.
IMPORTANT TIP! During one visit, our car was broken into while we were enjoying the beach. Luckily nothing was stolen, but we still had damage to our car rental. So please do not leave anything in your vehicle to tempt any thieves. Costa Rica is a very safe country but unfortunately there is petty crime everywhere.
Playa Ventanas
Playa Ventanas, "Window Beach", is a local favorite and an oasis hidden to many tourists. The beach sprawls out from the thick line of palm trees and is surrounded by rocky formations filled with caves you can explore at low tide. The palm trees offer a perfect lounge spot to escape the sun and the caves are an interesting photo op for you and your family.
Be prepared to pay a small entrance fee, $2 when we visited, but the money goes toward security to ensure your cars will be safe while you are enjoying the beautiful beach. Grab a few imperials and ceviche and you can spend an entire day lounging at Playa Ventanas.