Horseback Riding

Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Uvita, Costa Ballena · $$

Verified against live sources on July 3, 2026

A working cattle ranch and private wildlife refuge near Punta Uvita, adjacent to Marino Ballena National Park, offering horseback rides through pasture, forest trails and along Playa Hermosa. Rides run daily at set times, with a dedicated sunset tour scheduled around the tide, and helmets and children's saddles are provided.

Contact and links

Where to find it

Approximate location. Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge serves the Uvita area; contact them for the exact spot.

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Wildlife Sanctuary $$

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Non-profit wildlife rescue center between Dominical and Uvita, adjacent to the Savegre Biosphere Reserve and the Paso de la Danta biological corridor connecting the coast to the Osa Peninsula. Alturas has rescued roughly 210 species of native Costa Rican wildlife and runs guided tours, internships and volunteer programs alongside its rehabilitation work.

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Bahia Aventuras

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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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