About 20 minutes south of Uvita, Ojochal is a quiet village tucked into the jungle, known across the country for its restaurants, many run by expats from around the world. Around it: nearly empty beaches, the Playa Ventanas sea caves, El Pavón waterfall and the Coronado mangroves, explored by kayak. It is also an ideal base for Caño Island, Sierpe and Corcovado, which are closer than from Uvita. Here is what to do in and around Ojochal.
Wildlife you can see
Playa Ventanas and its sea caves
Minutes from Ojochal, Playa Ventanas is one of the south’s most photogenic beaches: dark sand, rocks and above all sea caves you can walk through at low tide. Parking is run by a local association (~1,500–2,000 colones). Come at low tide and do not stay in the caves on a rising tide: waves can rush in.
Playa Tortuga and the Marino Ballena beaches
Playa Tortuga, below Ojochal, is a long wild beach at the mouth of the Térraba River, where turtles nest in season. Swimming is tricky (currents, river mouth): it is mainly a walking and sunset beach.
For swimming, the Piñuela, Ballena and Colonia sectors of Marino Ballena National Park are 10–15 minutes north (~$6, card only), with the famous whale tail in Uvita.
El Pavón waterfall
About ten minutes from Ojochal, at the end of a dirt road, El Pavón waterfall is famous for a big round boulder wedged between two rocks, with water flowing underneath. The walk is very short (a few minutes, slippery steps) and access was free at last check, with no facilities. The main pool has current: the small pools downstream are better for kids.
Kayaking the Coronado mangroves
Our favorite: the Coronado mangroves, 10 minutes from Ojochal, are part of the vast Térraba-Sierpe wetland. You paddle quietly through the mangrove roots with a Boruca guide, from the region’s Indigenous people, looking for herons, kingfishers, monkeys, crabs and sometimes crocodiles.
$90 per person, about 3 hours, timed with the tide. Suitable for everyone, even without kayaking experience.
Tours from Ojochal
Ojochal is closer to Sierpe than Uvita: a great base for the Osa Peninsula.
- Caño Island: snorkeling with turtles and reef sharks, $145 for the day (from Sierpe or Uvita).
- Corcovado with a certified guide: $145 (San Pedrillo) or $155 (Sirena), from Sierpe.
- Sierpe mangroves by boat: $70 (3 h), birdwatching $75.
- Whale watching in Marino Ballena: $120 (December–March and July–November).
- Transfer from Ojochal: $50 per person if you do not have a car.
Where to eat and stay in Ojochal
Ojochal packs a surprising variety of restaurants for such a small village: French, Italian, Asian, fusion and Tico cuisine, often in jungle settings. Book dinner in high season and check opening days: many close one or two days a week, and some in rainy season.
You stay in forest lodges and villas, often with a pool and ocean view. A car is essential: village roads climb and are sometimes unpaved (4x4 recommended in rainy season).
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Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Ojochal?
The Playa Ventanas caves at low tide, El Pavón waterfall, kayaking the Coronado mangroves, and Caño Island or Corcovado from Sierpe.
Ojochal or Uvita: where to stay?
Ojochal for quiet, restaurants and proximity to Sierpe; Uvita to walk to the beach and the whale watching boats.
How far is Ojochal from Uvita?
About 20 minutes by car on Route 34.
Can you swim at Playa Ventanas?
With care: waves and currents can be strong. It is mostly visited for its low-tide caves.
How much is the Coronado mangrove kayak tour?
$90 per person for about 3 hours, with a Boruca guide.
