Retirement should feel like a reward—and there’s no better reward than a life lived among the rolling jungle hills, tropical beaches, and warm-hearted communities of Southern Costa Rica. Whether you’re already living here or planning a scouting trip, the region around Uvita, Ojochal, and Chontales offers retirees a rich mix of nature, culture, and community.

Here’s your complete adventure guide to enjoying the pura vida lifestyle at your own pace.

1. Explore the Natural Wonders—Gently

Whale Watching in Uvita

• Season: July–October & December–March

   

• What: A relaxing 2.5-hour boat tour to see humpback whales and dolphins.

   

• Where: Tours depart from Marino Ballena National Park entrance.

   

• How to Book: Contact Bahia Aventuras at bahiaaventuras.com or call +506 2743 8294. Most tours include national park entrance, snacks, and an English-speaking guide.

   

Visit the Whale’s Tail

• What: A naturally formed sandbar in the shape of a whale’s tail, best seen at low tide.

   

• Where: Marino Ballena National Park, Uvita.

   

• Tips: Check the tide schedule online at tide-forecast.com. Arrive 1 hour before low tide. Entry fee is ~$6 USD.

   

Waterfall Hopping

• Uvita Waterfall: A short walk and $4 entrance fee. Visit Uvita Waterfall Nature Sanctuary on Google Maps. On-site cafe and butterfly garden.

   

• Cascada El Pavón: Free access. Drive 10 mins from Ojochal on the road to Punta Mala. Park by Soda La Cascada, then walk 5 minutes to the fall.

   

• Nauyaca Waterfalls: Choose the 4×4 truck ride for minimal hiking. Book through Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park at nauyacawaterfallscostarica.com.

   

Wellness, Yoga, and Spa Escapes

Yoga with a View

• Danyasa Yoga Retreat (Uvita): Gentle classes daily in a jungle setting. Check schedule at danyasa.com. Walk-ins welcome.

   

• Selva Armonia (Uvita Hills): Boutique eco-retreat with restorative yoga classes. Book via selvaarmonia.com. Transportation available from Uvita.

   

Massage & Holistic Wellness

• Spacio Spa (Uvita): Offers deep tissue, lymphatic, and hot stone massage. Book at +506 8699 7607 or spaciospa.com.

   

• Casa Linda Spa (Ojochal): Specializes in reflexology and elder care massage. Appointments by WhatsApp at +506 8455 7093.

   

Thermal Pools & Mud Baths

• Eco Termales San Isidro: About 90 minutes from Uvita. Relaxing hot springs with lush mountain views.

   

• Contact: Call +506 2770 1014. No website, but check Google Maps for directions: search “Eco Termales San Isidro”.

   

Enjoy the Food Scene

Culinary Highlights

• Citrus (Ojochal): French cuisine with a tropical twist. Reservations at citrusrestaurant.com or call +506 2786 5175.

   

• Exotica (Ojochal): Romantic ambiance, renowned for seafood and steak. Call +506 2786 5050 for dinner bookings.

   

• The Bamboo Room (Ojochal): Casual seafood spot with live music. Follow on Facebook @bambooroomcr for events.

   

Farmers Markets

• Uvita Feria: Every Wednesday 8 AM–2 PM. Located behind Banco de Costa Rica. Cash only.

   

• Tinamaste Organic Market: Every Tuesday 8 AM–1 PM. 30 mins north of Uvita on the way to San Isidro.

   

• Find listings and vendor info at feriasverdescr.com.

   

Wildlife Watching at a Relaxed Pace

Birdwatching Tours

• Reserva Playa Tortuga (Ojochal): Guided morning walks perfect for retirees. Book at reservaplayatortuga.org or call +506 2786 5200.

   

• Hacienda Baru (Dominical): Offers flat terrain trails and guided tours. Visit haciendabaru.com.

   

Sloth & Wildlife Spotting

• Jungle Photo Tour with Luis Diego: Small group wildlife tours, tailored to mobility levels. WhatsApp +506 8718 9661 or email info@slothphototour.com

   

Turtle Nesting

• Playa Tortuga Turtle Program: Night tours from August to December. Booking required via reservaplayatortuga.org.

   

Get Involved in Community Life

Volunteer Opportunities

• Reserva Playa Tortuga: Wildlife rescue and education. Email: info@reservaplayatortuga.org

   

• Escuela Verde (Uvita): Help with student English programs. Contact: info@escuelaverdecr.com

   

Language Exchanges

• Pura Vida Connections (San Isidro): Hosts English-Spanish meetups. Visit puravidaconnections.com for times.

   

• Uvita Language Exchange: Meet every Thursday at Sibu Café. Drop in around 4 PM.

   

Local Events & Music

• The Bamboo Room: Live music 3x per week. Check Facebook for schedule.

   

• Ojochal Community Events: Look for flyers at Fine Foods Market and Café Monka.

   

Easy Day Trips & Gentle Adventures

Coffee Tours

• Don Emilio’s Coffee Tour (Platanillo): Easy walking tour with lunch and tasting. Book via WhatsApp +506 8827 4898.

   

Art & Cooking Classes

• Studio Verde (Uvita): Art workshops with local materials. Reserve at +506 8322 2984.

   

• Sibu Cafe Cooking Class: Learn local dishes like ceviche and gallo pinto. Ask in person or message on Instagram @sibucafeuvita.

   

Scenic Drives

• Costanera Highway (Route 34): Drive from Dominical to Palmar. Stop at El Mirador in Ojochal for panoramic views.

   

• Route 243 to San Isidro: Winding mountain road with fruit stands and scenic overlooks.

   

Retirement, Reimagined

Southern Costa Rica offers something unique: an adventurous lifestyle that doesn’t demand intensity. You can be active, social, and engaged while still enjoying a laid-back rhythm.

Whether you’re watching whales breach, sharing stories over farm-fresh meals, or learning Spanish one friendly exchange at a time—this region gives retirees the freedom to age joyfully and vibrantly.

So pack your binoculars, your flip-flops, and your sense of curiosity.

Your next adventure starts now.