Playa Ventanas

Tip

Visit the caves at low tide and bring a waterproof flashlight. Parking is about ₡2,000 per car before 2 pm, less after.

Be careful

Waves can surge into the caves suddenly: don't go deeper than calf-deep water. Rip currents are common, so wade or boogie-board close to shore. The lot isn't guarded; leave nothing in the car.

Getting there

Caves are explorable only at low tide. A river crossing on the access road can be tricky after heavy rain.

Places nearby

• Heliconia RestauranteFood & CoffeeA jungle restaurant in Ojochal set on the bank of a small river, with trees growing right through the patio and capuchin monkeys sometimes watching the lunch crowd.
• Reserva Playa Tortuga (sea turtle hatcheries and releases)Parks & WildlifeA local non-profit that protects sea-turtle nests on the beaches around Ojochal and Uvita from July to December, moving eggs to hatcheries.
• Restaurante ExóticaFood & CoffeeOpen-air fine dining under a thatched roof in the Ojochal jungle since 1998: French technique with Asian, Polynesian and Mediterranean touches, from sea bass carpaccio to duck breast and a chocolate dessert.
• Citrus RestauranteFood & CoffeeChef-run creative cuisine in Plaza Tangara, Ojochal, with a modern dining room and a menu built around local seafood, crispy pork belly and house cocktails.
• Mica Linda Bar & RestaurantFood & CoffeeA small open-air bar and restaurant at the water's edge next to the boat launch for Isla Garza, south of Ojochal.
• Ballena BistroFood & CoffeeA popular bistro on Highway 34 in Ballena, a little south of Uvita, inside the 'Goathouse' building, cooking the same reliable food for more than a decade: tuna poke bowls, mahi-mahi sandwiches, coconut-mango curry and homemade ice cream, with vegan and gluten-free choices.