The whale tail park
Marino Ballena National Park
Located at the footsteps of the communities of Uvita and Bahia Ballena, the Ballena Marine National Park was established as a sanctuary for the humpback whales that migrate each year. It is one of Costa Rica's most biologically diverse marine habitats, a haven for marine birds, fish, dolphins, reef sharks, sea turtles - as well as two healthy coral reefs.
We would highly recommend booking with them
We went on the whale and dolphin tour. Risto was an excellent tour guide, he had loads of knowledge and made sure everyone was happy and comfortable. Bahia Adventures is a proper outfit with excellent facilities, we would highly recommend booking with them.
Explore beyond Uvita's famous whale tail
The destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts
Costa Rica’s first marine park, Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita is a gem for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable adventure amidst stunning natural beauty. Explore golden sandy beaches, hike gentle trails through lush rainforests, and marvel at the park’s iconic whale tail-shaped sandbar during low tide. The park’s diverse ecosystems provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing from both land and water. Lucky visitors will spot:
- monkeys
- sloths
- scarlet macaws
- toucans
- herons
- dolphins
- whales
- sea turtles
From July to October and December to February, witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of humpback whales breaching offshore. The Marino Ballena National Park is the perfect destination for nature-loving families seeking both relaxation and excitement.
The best whale watching and gateway to the Osa Peninsula
Marino Ballena National Park serves as an ideal base for whale watching aficionados and adventure seekers, as well to explore the wonders of the Osa Peninsula. During peak whale-watching seasons (July to October and December to February) join a guided boat tour to observe majestic humpback whales and playful dolphins up close in their natural habitat.
The park’s strategic location allows easy access to other protected areas, such as the renowned Corcovado National Park and Caño Island Biological Reserve. These nearby attractions offer unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking through pristine rainforests, and world-class snorkeling and diving experiences. With its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, Marino Ballena National Park provides the perfect starting point for an unforgettable Costa Rican adventure, combining the best of marine and terrestrial ecosystems in one remarkable destination.
Come explore Ballena Marine National Park and beyond with us!
Tours to explore Marino Ballena National Park
Featured tours in Uvita
The national parks we visit are some of the most biologically diverse and wild places in Costa Rica. The southern Pacific of Costa Rica is truly a nature-lover's paradise. Experience them for yourself!
Whale & Dolphin Combo Tour
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Sea Kayaking Uvita Beach
Kayak through a small mangrove forest, snorkel the reef at…
Birding & Nature Walk in Ballena National Park
Explore the famous Whale Tail at Punta Uvita on this…
Marino Ballena Park Boat Tour
Explore the Marino Ballena National Park by water for a…
Get to know the Marino Ballena National Park
About the protected area
Costa Rica’s national parks are must-see destinations for nature-lovers, and the protected areas in Osa are no exception. Find out more about the Marino Ballena National Park below and then join us on a tour.
Visiting Ballena Marine National Park is special
A marine national park
The Marino Ballena National Park is located in the south pacific coast at the footsteps of the community’s of Uvita – Bahia Ballena, in the province of Puntarenas, Osa, Costa Rica. The park pertains to the Area of Conservation for the Osa region and was officially declared as a Marine National Park in 1989. The park covers an extension of 171 land hectares and 5,375 sea hectares and is named after the humpback whales that migrate from mid July and October, and again in December through March from feeding and mating grounds in the north and south hemispheres to the warm tropical waters of Costa Rica. The objective of the park is to conserve the rich marine ecosystems that are found inside the park boundaries. The Marino Ballena National Park forms part of the 1% of Costa Rica’s protected marine territory; a country which has 11 times more marine territory than land, and contains at least 85 species that are endemic to its’ waters.
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Characteristics of the Marino Ballena National Park
Scenic views at every turn
The Marino Ballena National Park is comprised of golden sandy beaches (playa uvita, playa arco, playa ballena, and playa pinuelas), rocky shorelines, cliffs, islands, mangrove ecosystems, rock and coral reefs. The parks’ northern boundary starts from river Morete (Rio Morete) and extends south to Pinuela point (Punta Pinuela), covering approximately 9 miles (15km). The most prominent land formation found within the park is the Punta Uvita Whale Tail (Punta Uvita Tombolo), a sand bar that extends 1 kilometer into the pacific ocean. During low tide visitors can enjoy a walk out to the Punta Uvita Tombolo where rock reef stretches out forming the shape of a whale tail. The park also contains a large stretch of coral reef, the most common species being the Stony Coral – (Porites lobata), and forms a crescent necklace with the small rock island of La Viuda (the Widow), one large island called Isla Ballena (Whale Island) and three small rocky islands known as Las Tres Hermanas (Three Sisters). South of the Marino Ballena Park borders, but forming part of the stretch of different land formations, are the famous sea caves of Ventana Beach.
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Wildlife experiences
Abundant marine life
The Marino Ballena National Park is home to one of the most biologically diverse marine habitats in Costa Rica. Marine birds such as pelicans, brown booby and frigates can be observed on the islands and rocky formations. Approximately 70 species of fish (bi-color parrot, bump-head, puffer, butterfly, marlin, tuna, wahoo, etc.), humpback whales, (Megaptera novaeanglieae), brydes (Balaenoptera edeni), orca (Orcinus orca), false orca (Pseudorca crassidens), pilot (Globicephala sp.) spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata), spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris), bottle-nose dolphins (Tursiops truncatuas) sharks, crabs, starfish, worms, sea snakes, lobstes (Panulirus sp.), sponges and mollusks (Strombus galeatus) all form part of the diverse marine life found in the park. Also observed in the park are olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and green turtles as well as reptiles like the green iguana.
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Snorkeling destinations
Coral reefs
The Marino Ballena National Park contains a total of 18 coral species making it one of the best snorkeling places to observe corals of the central-south pacific of Costa Rica, second to Cano Island Reserve. Inside the park boundaries visitors can snorkel and dive to observe eight coral community’s and two coral reefs with the majority of three different species of corals; Stony Coral (Porites Lobata), Star Column Coral (Pavona clavus), Cauliflower Coral (Pocillopora elegans). Together, Marino Ballena National Park and Cano Island Reserve make for the best Costa Rica snorkeling and diving destinations.
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Ready to visit Marino Ballena National Park?
As a leader in marine tourism, we take great care in ensuring the safety of our guests, staff, and the wildlife. Join us for an unforgetabble experience!
Explore other parks in Osa
Destinations we visit
The national parks we visit are some of the most biologically diverse and wild places in Costa Rica. The southern Pacific of Costa Rica is truly a nature-lover's paradise. Experience them for yourself!
