Costa Rica Vacation Planner - Family Fun & Surf - Uvita, Puerto Jimenez, Manuel Antonio

Ultimate Costa Rica 8-Night, 9-Day Family Fun, Kid-Friendly, Beach and Surf Vacation -  Puntarenas and Osa Peninsula regions with family-friendly activities, safe surf towns, and kid-friendly attractions. The itinerary prioritizes locations that are great for families, offer safe and fun surf spots, and include plenty of wildlife and adventure opportunities. The locations are ordered based on proximity to San José International Airport (SJO), starting with the second furthest, then the furthest, and ending with the closest.

Itinerary Overview

• Duration: 8 Nights, 9 Days

• Region: Puntarenas and Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

• Locations: Uvita (2nd furthest), Puerto Jiménez (furthest), and Manuel Antonio (closest)

• Focus: Family fun, kid-friendly activities, safe surfing, and wildlife

• Budget: $150–$250 per night for accommodations, $100–$200 per person for each tour or activity

• Airport: San José International Airport (SJO)

Day 1: Saturday – Arrival and Travel to Uvita

• Drive Time: ~3.5 hours (210 km / 130 miles) from San José International Airport (SJO)

• Activity: Settle into your hotel, explore the area, and enjoy a relaxing evening by the pool.

Days 2-3: Uvita (2 Nights)

Why Uvita?
Uvita is a serene, family-friendly destination with safe beaches, gentle surf, and proximity to Marino Ballena National Park, famous for its whale tail-shaped sandbar and abundant marine life.

Top 5 Family-Friendly Hotels with Pools (Breakfast Included):

1. Oxygen Jungle Villas: Luxurious boutique hotel with jungle views and a pool.

2. Vista Celestial: Stunning ocean-view villas with a family-friendly pool.

3. Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge: Eco-lodge with a pool and breakfast included.

4. Hotel Vista Ballena: Affordable, family-friendly, with a pool and breakfast.

5. La Cusinga Lodge: Eco-friendly lodge with a pool and breakfast included.

Best Surf Spots and Kid-Friendly Activities (Within 30-Minute Drive):

• Playa Hermosa (Uvita): Gentle waves perfect for beginner surfers and kids.

• Playa Uvita: Calm waters and a great spot for swimming and paddleboarding.

• Playa Dominicalito: Smaller waves, ideal for kids and families.

Top 5 Restaurants:

1. Sibu Café: Healthy, organic meals and great coffee.

2. The Bamboo Room: Live music and fresh seafood.

3. La Parcela: Stunning ocean views and fresh seafood.

4. El Hornito: Delicious wood-fired pizzas.

5. Bar y Restaurante Los Laureles: Authentic Costa Rican dishes.

Top 10 Animals to Spot:

1. Humpback whales (seasonal)

2. Dolphins

3. Scarlet macaws

4. Howler monkeys

5. White-faced capuchin monkeys

6. Sloths

7. Iguanas

8. Coatis

9. Toucans

10. Poison dart frogs

Sights of Interest/Attractions:

• Marino Ballena National Park: Famous for its whale tail-shaped beach and marine life.

• Nauyaca Waterfalls: Stunning waterfalls perfect for swimming and hiking.

• Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary: Rescue center for local wildlife.

Top 5 Family-Friendly Tours or Surf Options ($100–$200):

1. Whale Watching Tour (Seasonal)

2. Family Surf Lessons at Playa Hermosa

3. Snorkeling at Marino Ballena National Park

4. Kayaking in the Mangroves

5. Horseback Riding to Nauyaca Waterfalls

Day 4: Travel from Uvita to Puerto Jiménez (Osa Peninsula)

Travel Details:

• Drive Time: ~4.5 hours (200 km / 124 miles)

• Details: Scenic drive through lush landscapes, passing through Palmar Norte and along the Golfo Dulce to reach Puerto Jiménez.

Days 5-7: Puerto Jiménez (3 Nights)

Why Puerto Jiménez?
Puerto Jiménez is a gateway to the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park, offering pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and family-friendly eco-lodges.

Top 5 Family-Friendly Hotels with Pools (Breakfast Included):

1. Copa de Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort: High-end beachfront resort with a pool and breakfast.

2. Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge: Boutique eco-lodge with a pool and breakfast included.

3. El Remanso Lodge: Luxurious eco-retreat with a focus on families and breakfast.

4. Playa Cativo Lodge: Exclusive beachfront lodge with a pool and breakfast.

5. Iguana Lodge Beach Resort & Spa: Family-friendly, beachfront, with a pool and breakfast.

Best Surf Spots and Kid-Friendly Activities (Within 30-Minute Drive):

• Matapalo Beach: Gentle waves for beginner surfers and kids.

• Pan Dulce Beach: Long, gentle waves perfect for families.

• Backwash Bay: Fun waves for intermediate surfers.

Top 5 Restaurants:

1. Briza Azul Restaurant (Lapa Rios): Gourmet dining with stunning views.

2. Copa de Arbol Restaurant: Fresh seafood and farm-to-table dishes.

3. El Remanso Restaurant: Organic, locally sourced meals.

4. Puerto Jiménez Soda: Authentic Costa Rican dishes.

5. Playa Cativo Restaurant: Upscale dining with a focus on sustainability.

Top 10 Animals to Spot:

1. Scarlet macaws

2. Howler monkeys

3. White-faced capuchin monkeys

4. Spider monkeys

5. Sloths

6. Tapirs

7. Jaguars (rare)

8. Toucans

9. Dolphins

10. Humpback whales (seasonal)

Sights of Interest/Attractions:

• Corcovado National Park: One of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

• Golfo Dulce: A tropical fjord with incredible marine life.

• Matapalo Trails: Stunning hiking trails with abundant wildlife.

Top 5 Family-Friendly Tours or Surf Options ($100–$200):

1. Snorkeling at Cano Island

2. Family Surf Lessons at Pan Dulce Beach

3. Kayaking in the Mangroves

4. Night Hike to Spot Nocturnal Wildlife

5. Dolphin Watching Tour in Golfo Dulce

Day 8: Travel from Puerto Jiménez to Manuel Antonio

Travel Details:

• Drive Time: ~4.5 hours (200 km / 124 miles)

Days 8-9: Manuel Antonio (2 Nights)

Why Manuel Antonio?
Manuel Antonio offers a mix of luxury, family-friendly activities, and abundant wildlife. The national park is one of the most popular in Costa Rica, with easy trails and stunning beaches.

Top 5 Family-Friendly Hotels with Pools (Breakfast Included):

1. Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort: Beachfront, family-friendly, with a pool and breakfast.

2. Gaia Hotel & Reserve: Luxurious, eco-friendly, with a pool and breakfast.

3. Parador Resort & Spa: Family-friendly, with multiple pools and breakfast.

4. Makanda by the Sea: Boutique hotel with a pool and breakfast.

5. Tulemar Resort: Family-friendly villas with pools and breakfast included.

Best Surf Spots and Kid-Friendly Activities (Within 30-Minute Drive):

• Playa Espadilla: Gentle waves for beginner surfers and kids.

• Playa Playitas: Fun waves for intermediates.

• Manuel Antonio National Park: Easy trails, wildlife spotting, and calm beaches.

Top 5 Restaurants:

1. Emilio’s Café: Great for breakfast and kid-friendly meals.

2. Café Milagro: Healthy, organic meals for the whole family.

3. El Avión: Fun atmosphere with a plane-themed restaurant.

4. La Luna at Gaia: Upscale dining with stunning views.

5. Barba Roja: Casual spot with great burgers and seafood.

Top 10 Animals to Spot:

1. Sloths

2. Howler monkeys

3. White-faced capuchin monkeys

4. Iguanas

5. Coatis

6. Scarlet macaws

7. Toucans

8. Hummingbirds

9. Dolphins

10. Butterflies

Sights of Interest/Attractions:

• Manuel Antonio National Park: Easy trails, wildlife, and stunning beaches.

• Playa Biesanz: Quiet, family-friendly beach.

• Rainmaker Conservation Project: Hanging bridges and waterfalls.

Here’s the completed Top 5 Family-Friendly Tours or Surf Options ($100–$200) for Manuel Antonio:

Top 5 Family-Friendly Tours or Surf Options ($100–$200):

1. Family Surf Lessons at Playa Espadilla: Perfect for beginners and kids, with experienced instructors.

2. Guided Tour of Manuel Antonio National Park: Explore the park’s wildlife and beaches with a knowledgeable guide.

3. Catamaran Sunset Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride with snorkeling, snacks, and stunning sunset views.

4. Dolphin Watching Tour: Spot dolphins and other marine life in the calm waters near Manuel Antonio.

5. Horseback Riding to Nauyaca Waterfalls: A fun and scenic adventure for families, with swimming at the falls.

Day 9: Travel from Manuel Antonio to San José International Airport (SJO)

• Drive Time: ~3 hours

Be sure to check out our Surf Costa Rica page for more Costa Rica surf and travel info. And grab some local style at our Surf Shop before your trip. For sure! A simple “pura vida” goes a long way here, so does repping the local team to start a conversation, make some friends, and let everyone know you want to be here and you’re here to surf. Because you’re one of the good ones. “Let’s Look Good Out There”.

Plus, we have tons more blogs to help you get your bearings, find your right spot, and get it wired. Join us and tag us on social and subscribe to our twice-monthly newsletter for rad event invites, news, real good discounts, and all things Costa Rica surf. We’re not trying to crowd the lineup in your email or drop in on your inbox, just trying to let you know what’s out the back and help you time it up for your set wave. Pura Vida!

Keep the stoke alive, ride with respect, and enjoy the pura vida every wave delivers. See you in the lineup!