Marino Ballena National Park: Where Whales and Beaches Unite
Discover Costa Rica's marine paradise: beaches, whales, and the iconic Whale's Tail at Marino Ballena National Park.
Marino Ballena National Park, Costa Rica's first marine park, protects a stunning 9.3-mile stretch of coastline, including the famous Whale's Tail. It's a haven for humpback whales, dolphins, and beach lovers alike.
A brief summary to Parque Nacional Marino Ballena
- Osa, Puntarenas Province, CR
- +50627865392
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check the tide charts before visiting to see the Whale's Tail at low tide.
- Bring sunscreen, water, and appropriate footwear for walking on sand and rocks.
- Visit during whale watching season (July-October or December-March) for a chance to see humpback whales.
- The park only accepts credit cards for entrance fees.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Uvita sector entrance, the Whale's Tail is approximately a 2-kilometer (1.2 miles) walk along Playa Uvita. The walk takes around 30 minutes. Be sure to check the tide charts and plan your visit during low tide to fully experience the Whale's Tail. Parking near the Uvita entrance costs around 2,000-4,000 Costa Rican colones (~$4-6 USD).
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Public Transport
From San José, take a Tracopa CR bus to Uvita. Once in Uvita, the Uvita sector entrance to Marino Ballena National Park is a short taxi or bus ride away. Bus fare from San José to Uvita is approximately $10 USD. Taxi from Uvita center to the park entrance is approximately $3-5 USD.
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Driving
From San José, drive along Route 34 (Costanera Highway) to Uvita. The drive takes approximately 4 to 4.5 hours. Once in Uvita, follow signs to Parque Nacional Marino Ballena and the Uvita sector entrance. Parking near the Uvita entrance costs around 2,000-4,000 Costa Rican colones (~$4-6 USD).
Discover more about Parque Nacional Marino Ballena
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Corcovado National Park - Sirena and San Pedrillo Ranger Station
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Punta Uvita
1.4 km
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Uvita Beach
1.7 km
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Flutterby House
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Osa Costa Rica
2.2 km
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Arco Beach
5.2 km
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Rancho Pacifico
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Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge & Spa
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Cristal Ballena
7.1 km
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Hotel Cuna del Angel - Dominical Costa Rica
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Pacific Edge Eco Lodge
11.1 km
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Plaza Ventanas (Administración)
12.1 km
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Costa Paraiso
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Nauyaca Waterfalls
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Don Lulos Nauyaca Waterfall
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Unmissable attractions to see
Bodhi Surf + Yoga
1.7 km
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Playa Colonia
2.7 km
Discover Playa Colonia: A serene beach within Marino Ballena National Park, perfect for families, surfers, and sunset lovers in Uvita, Costa Rica.
Costa Canyoning (Waterfall rappelling tour)
2.9 km
Experience the thrill of waterfall rappelling in Uvita, Costa Rica with Costa Canyoning. An unforgettable adventure for all skill levels.
Rancho La Merced /
3.0 km
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Envision Festival
3.3 km
Discover the Envision Festival, a multi-day celebration of music, art, and ecological awareness set in the stunning landscapes of Uvita, Costa Rica.
Waterfall and hidden natural pools
4.8 km
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Oro Verde BirdWatching Uvita
5.5 km
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Café Don Emilio.
10.8 km
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Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park
12.0 km
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Playa Dominicalito
12.7 km
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Hacienda Ebano
14.6 km
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Parque Reptilandia
15.6 km
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Río Barú
15.6 km
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Dominical
15.7 km
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Dominical Beach
16.7 km
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Essential places to dine
Rancho Cielo Alto - BY RESERVATION ONLY
4.7 km
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Restaurante Scala
9.0 km
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La Parcela Resturant and Cabins
12.2 km
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Selva Orgánica Café y EcoMercado
15.6 km
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Fika Bar & Restaurante
15.7 km
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Lori Restaurant
16.2 km
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Fuego Brewing Company
16.3 km
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El Pescado Loco
16.4 km
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Luna Nueva Bar y Restaurante
17.0 km
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Mirador Los Chorros
17.5 km
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Urban Farm
24.1 km
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Restaurante Chirripo
24.8 km
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Kamut
25.0 km
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Snack la Bonita
27.2 km
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Manantial de Montaña
31.6 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Costa Verde Surf shop
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Tico Roots Souvenier
15.7 km
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Tico Roots Souvenirs, Supporting Local and National Artist
16.3 km
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Souvenirs Raíces
16.4 km
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Centro Comercial Montegeneral
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Mariposario Casa Alegria, ecotour ,yoga & cafe Restaurante
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Casa de Windell
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Gelateria El Parque
50.2 km
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JP Seats & Shade Manuel Antonio Beach
50.3 km
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Souvenir Colores de Costa rica (Gift Shop)
50.5 km
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Supermarket Pura Vida
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Authentica Gift Shop - Manuel Antonio
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Indigo by Jungle Sol
52.1 km
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Jungle Avenue
52.1 km
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Supermarket
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Whale Tail Brewery CR
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The Bamboo Room Restaurant
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Sonia's bar krustaceo kascarudo
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Bar la Terraza
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Centro Turístico, Bar y Restaurante La Perla
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Rio Chirripo
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Kapi Kapi Chirripo Eco Mercado & Café ️
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Crestones Base Camp
43.2 km
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Lauraceas Restaurante Cafeteria Lodge
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Tami Lodge & Cafetería
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Restaurante Doña Marlen
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Bar y restaurante los malinches
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B&B Beach and Drinks
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Bar Y Restaurante Relax
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Cocos
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Rincón de la Nacha
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La Disco Club
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Éxtasis Discoclub
51.6 km
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Copa De Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort
51.9 km
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Drake Bay Wilderness Resort
52.0 km
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Nature Cafe
52.8 km
Experience the fusion of nature and art at Nature Cafe in Drake Bay, offering delicious meals in a stunning tropical setting.
Barrio ZUKO
53.3 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Quepos at Barrio ZUKO, where lively music and vibrant atmosphere create unforgettable moments.
Salón Comunal de Quepos, DINADECO
54.1 km
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D'Todos
54.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Quepos at D'Todos, where expertly crafted cocktails and a lively atmosphere await.
Republik Sport Bar
54.5 km
Discover the vibrant Republik Sport Bar in Quepos, a hotspot for sports fans and night owls, offering great drinks and lively entertainment.
Ericka Centro de Uñas
54.5 km
Experience tranquility and beauty at Ericka Centro de Uñas in Quepos, the ideal lounge for pampering during your Costa Rican getaway.
malecon de quepos de noche
54.5 km
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Rancho el atardecer
65.9 km
Dive into the energetic nightlife of Tausito at Rancho el Atardecer, where music and dance create unforgettable moments in Cartago Province.
Rancho el Burro
65.9 km
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cirporacion cefa
65.9 km
Dive into the vibrant nightlife of Paraíso at Cirporacion Cefa, where rhythm, energy, and unforgettable memories await you.
