About Marino Ballena National Park
Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, or Ballena Marine National Park, is a marine park located south of Manuel Antonio, along the central Pacific coast in Puntarenas Province.
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Created as a safe area for humpback whales, which migrate through the waters every year, it was the first Costa Rican protected wildlife area established exclusively for its marine life. In fact, Ballena means whale in Spanish, making it one of the most important whale migration areas on the Central American coastline.
While the majority of the park covers thousands of acres of ocean, it also includes the beautiful beaches, mangroves, coral reefs and nearby islands that make up this 9-mile stretch of coast around Uvita from Playa Hermosa to Playa Piñuelas.
The park is easily one of the main attractions of the small town of Uvita, with visitors coming for whale watching, snorkelling, surfing and enjoying the incredible natural scenery.
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How to Get to Marino Ballena National Park
There are 4 different entrances to the national park: Uvita Sector, Colonia Sector, Ballena Sector and Piñuela Sector. Uvita is the most popular entrance and the easiest place to reach.
By Car
The easiest way to get to Uvita is by driving. The town is located about 3.5 hours south of San Jose. To get to the Uvita sector of the national park, you do not need a 4WD, as the roads to the main entrance and parking area are in good condition, even in the rainy season.
By Bus/Shuttle
To reach Uvita by public transport, you can hop on one of the Tracopa CR buses from San Jose down the Costanera. Ask to be dropped in Uvita. The journey should take about 4 hours and cost around 6,000 colones per person ($12). However, once you’re in Uvita, you’ll have to organise a taxi or tour to the sector you wish to visit.
Parking at Marino Ballena National Park
If you plan on visiting the Uvita sector of the park, there are a couple of parking areas near the entrance. They charge around 2,000 – 4,000 Costa Rican colones ($4-7 USD) for the day, on top of the entrance fee for the park.
Facilities at Marino Ballena National Park
There are no facilities inside the park area, but you’ll find some toilet and shower facilities near Playa Uvita. There are also a few eateries in Uvita not far from the beach if you need snacks or a meal.
Things to Do at Marino Ballena National Park
While Marino Ballena National Park’s main attraction is the humpback whale migration, you’ll find plenty of other things to do in the park
Enjoy Whale Watching
Ballena National Marine Park is named after the humpback whales that migrate to the waters off the coast from August to November (heading north from Antarctica) and mid-December to April (heading south from Alaska) each year.
The best way to see a humpback whale is on a whale-watching tour that explores the waters off the coast for a few hours by boat to get a closer look at these huge mammals.
Snorkelling and Scuba Diving at Cano Island
The waters off the coast of South Puntarenas are brimming with marine life and colourful coral reefs. The best place to enjoy some snorkelling and diving is Caño Island Reserve, located about a 1 hour or so boat ride from the national park. Visibility here usually exceeds 80 ft around the small islands.
Snorkelling and Diving Tours to Cano Island leave in the mornings from Uvita.
Some of the animals that you might see include Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles, manta rays, barracudas, bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, whitetip reef sharks, and moray eels.
Go Surfing
The stunning beaches along the coast around Uvita offer some of the best surfing in Puntarenas for all levels.
Both Playa Hermosa and Playa Uvita attract beginners and experienced surfers who come for the varying waves that hit the coast all year round. You’ll find plenty of surf schools in Uvita willing to teach you the basics, including this full morning surf session for all levels.
Kayaking with a Small Group Tour
A completely unique way to explore the Ballena National Marine Park is by kayak. Join a 3-hour kayaking group tour from Uvita, where you’ll be able to take in the abundant wildlife along the coast. On the journey, you can encounter dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and a myriad of bird species.
Walk to the Whale Tail
For those not keen on getting in the water, another highlight of the national park is the natural formation known as the Whale Tail. During low tide, the water recedes enough to reveal a whale tail-shaped rocky and sandy formation. From the Uvita sector entrance, it is about a 2-kilometer (1.2 miles) walk to the Whale’s Tail one way, or around 30 minutes.
Be sure to time your walk with the tides schedule, as the water here comes up very quickly. Once the tide turns, the sandy beach recedes rapidly, often leaving walkers scrambling to collect their belongings and make their way back to the main beach before the walking path disappears underwater.
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FAQs:
Can you Swim at Marino Ballena National Park?
Yes, you can swim in the national park, particularly at beaches such as Playa Uvita and Playa Hermosa. However, you must be aware of strong sea currents and sometimes big waves.
Can you Fish at Marino Ballena National Park?
The marine-rich waters off the shores of Marino Ballena make it a great place to try sport fishing. The waters are filled with Marlin and Swordfish, as well as Mahi-Mahi, Tuna, Mackerel, Sea Bass, and Horse Mackerel. It’s best to join a chartered fishing tour to reach the best waters.
Can you Surf at Marino Ballena National Park?
Yes, Ballena National Marine Park is particularly known for its surfing. There are waves for all levels at many of the beaches, with Playa Hermosa and Playa Uvita being the main spots known for good surf. It’s even suitable for beginners.
Is Marino Ballena National Park Safe?
While the park and town of Uvita are safe to visit, be aware that petty crime is a problem in this area, especially in the car parks and on the beach. Thieves have been known to come out of the bushes to snatch visitors’ belongings while they were swimming and break into cars to retrieve valuables left inside.
Where to Stay near Marino Ballena National Park
Mid Range/Budget Hotel: Seren Glamping
This mid-range glamping resort is located 300 meters from Uvita Beach. Each tent has its own ensuite with a bathtub and outdoor shower, plus a raised wooden platform to sit outside and enjoy the sound of the waves. It also has an outdoor pool, garden, and free WiFi.
Luxury Hotel: La Cusinga Eco Lodge
This environmentally-friendly eco-lodge is located in Uvita within a 250-acre private reserve that borders the Ballena National Marine Park. The lodge offers rustic cabins with unbeatable sea views, plus the onsite Acari Restaurant provides locally sourced, fresh, and gourmet meals with a fusion twist.
Where to Eat near Marino Ballena National Park
Sebas Restaurant
A true hidden gem in Uvita, this small restaurant is tucked inside a hotel not far from the beach and the park entrance. It serves completely organic, farm-to-table cuisine, blending local Costa Rican flavours with a Mediterranean twist. Standout features on the menu include the grilled octopus, ceviche, fresh homemade pasta, and ribeye steak. There’s also plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
Soda Ranchito Dona Maria
Offering an authentic Costa Rican dining experience in Uvita, this restaurant is located just off the main highway. It’s a simple spot offering delicious food at great prices. All the ingredients are locally sourced, and the menu is reflective of local fare, with typical gallo pinto, ceviche, arroz con pollo, and empanadas as the highlights.
El Hornito
This quaint little restaurant inside Bambu Beach Hostel & Hotel is located just a short walk from Uvita Beach. With a focus on Argentinian-style food, the restaurant boasts rave reviews for its empanadas, sandwiches and pizzas. They also offer plenty of vegan, gluten-free and plant-based options.
The Bottom Line
For one of the most visually unique and wildlife-rich places on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, the Ballena National Marine Park is undoubtedly a highlight of visiting Uvita.
With whale watching, surfing, exploring the beaches, and snorkelling the reefs, a visit to this spectacular park should be high on your itinerary for southern Costa Rica.
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