A Paradise for land and marine species

The Marino Ballena National Park is located in Costa Ballena and belongs to the Osa Conservation Area. It extends from the Morete river mouth to Punta Piñuela. It was declared National Marine Park in 1989, and its limits extended in 1992. It has a land area of 284 acres and 13,276 acres of sea.

Exploring the Marino Ballena National Park

The focus of Marino Ballena National Park is to preserve the rich marine ecosystem and its pristine landscape value. In its warm waters, we find very interesting geological formations, such as sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and small barren islands.

Offshore there is a row of small islands and submerged rocks, starting with Roca de la Viuda and followed by the famous Whale Tail located at Punta Uvita , a 700 meters long sand isthmus, which at low tide can be walked between the two large bays, with a 360 ° view over the sea, the beaches, and the mountains. It is the largest coral reef on the Central America Pacific coast, forming a crescent necklace with three little islands known as The Three Sisters and Ballena (Whale) Island. The terraces are home to a large amount of habitat for countless marine species comprising 18 species of coral, whales, dolphins, sea turtles, fish, starfish, mollusks, crabs, sea fans and sponges, among others.

By protecting the coral reefs and keeping our beaches and rivers healthy, we take care of a unique and rich ecosystem, which is a breeding and reproduction area for whales and many marine species.

If you want to walk on the plunger or Paso de Moisés at Uvita Beach you should do it at low tide. During the low tide, you can walk to its very end.

The park is fortunate to receive two annual migrations of whales, the Humpback Whale of the North visits the South Pacific Coast from December to March and the humpback whale of the South begins migration in July which ends in October.

Find here information about whale watching tour >>>

Camping:

In the Marino Ballena National Park camping is allowed only in Colonia or Chamán, and Piñuelas beaches, bonfires and consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the Park.

RESTRICTIONS:

Pets, bonfires and alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
Marino Ballena Park, Costa Ballena, Osa, Costa Rica camping allowed areas

 

How to get to, schedules and fees

From San José, take Route 27 towards Orotina, pay attention to the exit to Jaco – Tárcoles, carry on to Parrita and Quepos, and follow the new Coastal Highway (route 34) to Dominical and from there to Uvita. Travel time: about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Alternatively, from San José, take Cerro de la Muerte (Route 2), to San Isidro and then take route 234 to Uvita. Travel time: about 4 hours and 30 minutes.

From Palmar go North on the Coastal Highway.

Nearest airports: Quepos and Palmar Sur.

TRACOPA buses, on their way from San José to the Panamanian border, make a stop in Uvita. Travel time: about 3 hours 30 minutes.

The Park is open from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm every day, the entrance fee is $ 2 for nationals or residents and $ 6 for foreigners. THIS ENTRANCE ALLOWS YOU TO VISIT ALL PARK BEACHES ON THE SAME DAY.

If you want to walk on the path or Paso de Moisés at Punta Uvita, you should do it at low tide.

Find here the information about South Pacific Costa Rica tides chart >>>

Dare to Discover and Enjoy…

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Need help planning your Costa Rica vacations? We look forward to helping you!

Email: carlos@ballenatales.com
Phone: +(506) 8946 7134