Playa Punta Uva Beach in Puerto Viejo Region, Costa Rica – A Caribbean Coastal Gem
Nestled along Costa Rica’s vibrant Caribbean coast in the Puerto Viejo region of Limón Province, Playa Punta Uva Beach is a pristine tropical paradise, recently ranked No. 41 on the 2025 World’s 50 Best Beaches list. Known for its powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a protective coral reef, this serene beach offers a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure. Located just 8.5 kilometers south of Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva—named after the sea grape trees dotting its rocky point—is part of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, ensuring minimal development and abundant wildlife, from sloths to sea turtles. Whether snorkeling vibrant reefs, kayaking to spot sloths at Sloth Point, or savoring Caribbean cuisine, Playa Punta Uva delivers an unforgettable escape. Let’s dive into why this coastal gem is a must-visit destination
Location and Accessibility
Playa Punta Uva Beach is in Punta Uva, a small village 8.5 kilometers south of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón Province, roughly 225 kilometers from San José. The nearest major airport is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, a 5-hour drive via Route 32, 241, and 36. Alternatively, fly to Limón International Airport (LIO, ~1 hour from Punta Uva) via domestic flights from SJO (~€80, Sansa Airlines), then take a taxi (~€30).
Access options from Puerto Viejo include:
- Bus: Buses to Manzanillo run hourly (6:45 AM-7:45 PM, ~€1, extra Sunday services at 12:45, 3:45, 5:45 PM). Get off at Punta Uva after Bungalows Punta Uva; the beach is a 5-minute walk. Public buses are limited, with unreliable schedules.
- Bicycle: Rent bikes in Puerto Viejo (~€5/day) for a flat, 20-minute ride along Route 256.
- Taxi/Tuk-Tuk: A 15-minute ride costs ~€8.
- Car: Rent a car (~€40/day) for flexibility; park on dirt roads near the beach (limited spaces, avoid valuables in sight). Entrances are off Route 256 near Selvin’s Restaurant or Punta Uva Adventures.
The beach is free to access, with three gravel entrances in good condition. The flat terrain suits most visitors, but pack essentials, as facilities are minimal outside restaurants.
Scenic Beauty and Natural Charm
Playa Punta Uva Beach, alongside Playa Punta Uva Arrecife to the south, is a Caribbean masterpiece. Its golden-white sand stretches beneath swaying coconut palms and Indian almond trees, meeting emerald-green waters protected by a coral reef. The reef ensures calm, bathtub-warm seas (26°C-29°C), ideal for families. A rocky point, named for sea grape trees, divides the beaches, with a 5-10 minute trail offering views of Arrecife’s cove and a small cave. The lush jungle backdrop, part of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge, teems with sloths, monkeys, and toucans, while the beach remains uncrowded, hosting only a handful of visitors daily. Sunsets glow with vibrant hues, and the absence of vendors enhances its natural serenity. Avoid manzanillo trees (small leaves, toxic sap) and falling coconuts.
Adventure and Water Activities
Playa Punta Uva offers diverse activities, with some rentals available locally but no public facilities.
Snorkeling
The coral reef near Arrecife, accessible by swimming, hosts tropical fish, crabs, and small octopuses. Rent gear at Punta Uva Dive Center (~€10/day) or Pacho’s Place. Morning snorkeling ensures calm waters; avoid touching reefs or using repellent to protect the ecosystem. Not ideal for kids due to waves.
Swimming
Calm, reef-protected waters are perfect for swimming, with sandy bottoms free of coral or rocks at the second entrance (post-bridge from Puerto Viejo). Safe for kids, though monitor for jellyfish or sea urchins.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Kayak rentals (~€5-10/hour) at Sloth Point (Playa Punta Uva’s river) offer jungle paddling with sloth sightings. Paddleboard tours (~€30) explore the coast or Quebrada Ernesto river, spotting herons and turtles. Avoid pricier operators like Sloth Point’s first hut (~€20/hour).
Scuba Diving
PADI-certified dives with Punta Uva Dive Center (~€60/dive) explore reefs with starfish and eels. Night dives are available for advanced divers. Best in February-March or August-September for visibility.
Photography
The palm-lined shore, reef, and jungle are ideal for photography. The viewpoint trail and Sloth Point’s river offer sloth and sunset shots. Drones capture the cove’s scale at low tide.
Hiking
A 5-10 minute trail between Playa Punta Uva and Arrecife offers views and a cave. Nearby Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge has 2-hour jungle hikes to hidden waterfalls (~€55 with guides).
Pack trash bags to maintain the refuge’s pristine state.
Attractions Near Playa Punta Uva Beach
The Puerto Viejo region offers rich natural and cultural attractions.
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
A 10-minute drive south, this refuge protects turtles, manatees, and coral reefs. Hike trails to Punta Mona’s beaches or spot wildlife (~€5 entry).
Jaguar Rescue Center
6 kilometers north, this center rehabilitates sloths, monkeys, and toucans. Tours (~€20, 2 hours) educate on conservation; book ahead.
Cahuita National Park
15 kilometers north, this park features coral reefs and trails with sloths and raccoons. Snorkeling tours (~€30) and free entry make it popular. Closes at 4 PM.
Playa Chiquita
4 kilometers north, a quieter beach with clear waters, ideal for swimming.
Playa Cocles
6 kilometers north, known for surfing and vibrant food stalls, busier than Punta Uva.
These enhance the region’s eco-tourism appeal.
Local Cuisine and Dining
Punta Uva’s dining reflects Caribbean flavors with coconut, spices, and seafood. No vendors are on the beach.
- Rice and Beans: Coconut-infused with fish or chicken.
- Rondón: Spicy seafood stew with root vegetables.
- Patacones: Fried plantain slices with dips.
- Agua de Sapo: Ginger-lime-cane sugar drink.
Nearby options include:
- La Sirena (0.5 km): Seafood, ceviche, cocktails (~€10/meal).
- Selvin’s Restaurant (0.5 km): Authentic rice and beans (~€8).
- Arrecife Restaurant (0 km): Beachfront, pricey Caribbean dishes (~€12).
- GypSea Cafe (Playa Chiquita, 4 km): Smoothies and bowls (~€6).
Pack a picnic for the beach to avoid higher restaurant costs.
Accommodation Options
Punta Uva offers jungle and beachfront stays, with more options in Puerto Viejo.
- aWà Beach Hotel (0.1 km): Adults-only, eco-friendly bungalows, from ~€150/night.
- Kama Kiri Treehouse Lodge (0.3 km): Bungalows by Rio Ernesto, from ~€110/night.
- Casa Viva Beach House (0.2 km): Beachfront villas for 6, from ~€175/night.
- Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel (Playa Cocles, 6 km): Luxury, from ~€200/night.
- Airbnb Rentals (Punta Uva/Puerto Viejo): Jungle cabins, from ~€50/night.
Book early for February-March. Camping is allowed but rare; check with locals.
Best Time to Visit laya Punta Uva Beach in Puerto Viejo
Visit Playa Punta Uva from February to March or September to October for drier weather (27°C-31°C), calm seas, and clear snorkeling. October-November hosts Limón’s carnivals, adding vibrancy but crowds. May to November is wetter, with rougher waves, though less busy. Mornings or weekdays ensure solitude.
Conclusion
Playa Punta Uva Beach in Costa Rica’s Puerto Viejo region is a Caribbean gem, with white sands, turquoise waters, and a coral reef, earning its No. 41 global ranking in 2025. Ideal for snorkeling, kayaking at Sloth Point, or hiking jungle trails, it offers tranquility within the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge. Savor coconut rice at La Sirena or visit the Jaguar Rescue Center for wildlife encounters. Accessible by bike or bus from Puerto Viejo, this uncrowded haven embodies “Pura Vida.” Pack sunscreen, rent a kayak, and immerse in this tropical paradise!
