Punta Uva River (kayak and paddle spot)
Nature spot · Caribbean Coast · hidden gem
A calm creek behind the Punta Uva beach that locals and visitors paddle by kayak, an easy way to see birds and jungle edge away from the surf.
- Time there
- 1.5 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 5 / 10
- View
- 6 / 10
- Crowds
- 1 / 10
- Swimming
- 5 / 10
- Effort
- 2 / 10
- Location
- 9.63515, -82.69231 — Google Maps
Tip
Paddle early in the morning when the water is flat and the birds are active.
Be careful
Avoid it after heavy rain when the current picks up, and wear a life jacket.
Places nearby
- Restaurante SelvinFood & CoffeeSmall family restaurant on the road to Punta Uva, known for coconut-rice-and-beans plates and the local rondón soup, with a lively atmosphere in the evening.
- El Refugio GrillFood & CoffeeCalm, well-lit grill at the entrance to Playa Grande on the Manzanillo road, with a daily menu of the freshest fish and meats and a good wine list; a go-to for a sit-down dinner on the south coast.
- Punta Uva Dive CenterSurf, Boats & Diving · from $55Beachfront PADI dive shop at Punta Uva with shore and boat dives on the shallow Caribbean reef, courses from first-time Discover Scuba to Divemaster, and snorkel trips.
- Hotel Aguas ClarasStaysBoutique hotel of brightly painted Caribbean-style bungalows right on Playa Chiquita, south of Puerto Viejo.
- CHOCORARTFood & CoffeeChocolate factory and cacao farm on the Playa Chiquita road south of Puerto Viejo, rated 4.9 on Google and 4.8 on Tripadvisor.
- Caribe HorseParks & Wildlife · from $70Family-run stable since 2007 offering ethical horseback rides on rescued horses along the beaches and rainforest trails around Puerto Viejo, from a 1.5-hour beginner ride to full days.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/1122503050 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/1122503050