Playa Ballena

One of the largest Pacific coral reefs reachable straight from the beach.

Blue Flag beach Turtle nesting Protected area

Marino Ballena National Park

Playa Ballena gives the national park its name and sits a few kilometers south of Uvita, reached through the Ballena sector ranger station. One of the largest Pacific coral reefs accessible from Costa Rican shore lies offshore here, drawing snorkelers, and Olive Ridley and hawksbill turtles nest on the beach from roughly May through October. It is also a prime vantage point for watching migrating humpback whales.

SwimmingModerate surf, swim with care
SurfNot a surf beach

Good for

Facilities

Getting there

Enter through the Ballena sector of Marino Ballena National Park on Highway 34, a few kilometers south of the Uvita entrance; the same park ticket covers all sectors same-day.

Sea turtles

Species: Olive ridley, Hawksbill

Nesting season: May to November

Nesting is concentrated on Playa Bahia Ballena, the park's main ranger-station beach.

On the map

Tide times · All beaches in Costa Ballena

Nearby in Uvita

Whale & Dolphin Watching $$

Bahia Aventuras

Uvita

A Costa Rican-owned, CST-certified marine tour operator in Bahia Ballena, running humpback whale and dolphin tours inside Marino Ballena National Park since 2007. The same team also runs Cano Island snorkeling, Terraba-Sierpe mangrove kayak and wildlife trips, offshore and inshore sportfishing, and guided night and birding walks. Two whale seasons, July to October and late December to February, bring humpbacks from both hemispheres.

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Kayaking & SUP $$

Bahia Ballena Kayaks

Uvita

Ecotourism company operating in Bahia Ballena, Uvita for more than 13 years, offering ocean kayak and snorkel tours, mangrove kayak trips, whale and dolphin watching, sport fishing, and Isla del Cano and Corcovado excursions. Bookings run through phone, WhatsApp or the company's Spanish-language website.

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Park & Nature Guide $$

Ballena Aventura

Uvita

Local, family-founded tour operator in Bahia Ballena started by fisherman Captain Maximino 'Chumi' more than 30 years ago, offering guided hikes and boat trips inside Marino Ballena National Park plus Corcovado and Isla del Cano excursions. The company describes itself as a pioneer of Uvita whale watching, now running mangrove, kayak and sportfishing tours alongside its park guiding.

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More things to do in Costa Ballena