Marino Ballena National Park
Encompassing 270 acres of land (110 terrestrial hectares) and 13,300 acres of ocean (5,400 marine hectares) is the Marino Ballena National Park (Parque Nacional Marino Ballena). Positioned just 10 mi (16 km) south of Dominical and 112 mi (180 km) southwest of San Jose, Marino Ballena is one of the newest national parks in Costa Rica. Established in 1990, the park contains the largest coral reef on the Pacific side of Central America. The park&s waters are also great vantage points for viewing the humpback whale as it migrates (Dec. to April) from as far away as Alaska and Hawaii down to Cano Island, just off of the Osa Peninsula.
The water just off shore provides wonderful snorkeling as the park is mostly oceanic, except for the mangrove and wildlife riddled 9.3 miles (15 km) of coastline. Camping is permitted within the park. The entrance fee is $6, but is rarely collected.
At the north end of the park is Uvita, a small community with gorgeous beaches and incredibly clear-blue water. Playa Uvita is a good place to ride horseback, scuba dive, swim or just go for a walk on its clean sandy beach. The beach is inside the protected area of the park, so hunting any of the marine life is strictly prohibited. Snorkeling and scuba diving are favorite activities as are visits to the mangroves where green marine iguanas, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles gather.
Boat tours are available to Ballena Island (Isla Ballena) 1.9 miles (3 km) offshore which provides an excellent opportunity to observe a plethora of marine life and explore the phenomenal ocean floor below.
Marino Ballena National Park itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Marino Ballena National Park itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Solo Exclusive Trip
An incredible country which went beyond expectations. Absolutely amazing & so many memorable experiences. The welcome from all the people & the hospitality everywhere is fantastic. I always felt safe
An Adventure of a Lifetime
Costa Rica has really got itself well organised for tourism, the service was spot on, the travel timing accurate ( although some of the roads were really poor, pot holed). Hotels and activities are really geared for tourists and they made us feel welcome.
Experiences in Marino Ballena National Park
Explore hand-picked Marino Ballena National Park tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Marino Ballena Park Combination Tour (Whale - Dolphin combo Tour)
Sea Kayaking at Ballena Marine Park
Marino Ballena Park Boat Tour
Where to stay in Marino Ballena National Park
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Marino Ballena National Park accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
The Vista Ballena Hotel
The Vista Ballena Hotel is south of Domincal, in the southern Pacific town of Uvita. This part of Costa Rica is most famous for its whale watching tours, but as you’ll see there is an incredible variety of wildlife on land as well.
Cabinas Los Laureles
Cabanas Los Laureles is located in Uvita, a small beach town set in the South Pacific Region of Costa Rica. Uvita is relaxed, lovely, and near the wonderful Marino Ballena National Park. Accommodations consist of both cabins and individual rooms, all of which are stocked with new beds and private hot water bathrooms. Wood-paneled walls make for a pleasant, natural décor, and private balconies provide guests with a wonderful place to relax.
Oxygen Jungle Villas
Oxygen Jungle Villas is located just outside of Uvita, a small and mellow coastal town along the South Pacific Region of Costa Rica. Uvita lacks large crowds and big development, and has an assortment of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
Cristal Ballena Hotel & Spa
The four-star Cristal Ballena sits on the southern Pacific coast, on Playa Ballena. Here you will find the Ballena Marine National Park, just outside of the small village of Uvita. This breathtaking national park is an important breeding ground for the Humpback Whale and is excellent for turtle watching. This coastal region has outstanding beaches, several of which are situated within the national park.
La Cusinga Lodge
La Cusinga Lodge is located in the small town of Uvita, along Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast. Laying 11 miles (17 km) south of Dominical, Uvita is less crowded than other beach destinations, but just as charming.
Hotel Cuna del Angel
Hotel Cuna del Angel is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica, near the surf town of Domincal. The exclusive and cozy boutique hotel sits amidst the surroundings of exuberant tropical jungle and stunning beaches. This sun drenched area boasts a mixture of pristine beaches, radiant sunsets and lush forests that line the beach.
Hotel DiuWak
Hotel DiuWak is situated in Playa Domincal, found in the Central Pacific Zone of Costa Rica. DiuWak, in the native indigenous Bri Bri language, means "sun people' and that's exactly what you'll find in this popular destination: visitors soaking up the warm tropical sunshine and rejuvenating their souls. This wonderfully diverse area has both marine and terrestrial environments, from beaches and reefs to mangrove swamps and virgin mountain forest.
Hotel Villas Rio Mar
Hotel Villas Rio Mar is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica, approximately 30 miles from Quepos and a short walk from Dominical&s splendid beach. Dominical offers a variety of delightful restaurants, sodas (local eateries), shops, and general stores. The surrounding area lends itself to complete natural beauty and wonders worth exploring like the national parks, the Chirripo Mountain Range, beautiful bays, deserted beaches lined with swaying palms and much more.
Mono Feliz
Mono Feliz – which means “The Happy Monkey” in Spanish – is located near the village of Ojochal in Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Region. Although Ojochal is less developed than other parts of the country, it is by no means lacking in natural beauty or a bounty of things to do.
El Castillo Boutique Luxury Hotel
Hotel El Castillo is a beautiful boutique hotel in Ojochal. Set just 600 feet (180 m) above the ocean, this hotel has elegant rooms and unbeatable views.
Hacienda Baru
Hacienda Baru is an eco-lodge located near Dominical along Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. Dominical is famous for its stellar surfing and relaxed atmosphere.
Alma de Ojochal
Alma de Ojochal is a lovely B&B set within the mountains of Ojochal. The hotel’s five beautifully appointed rooms all enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean.
Flora & fauna in Marino Ballena National Park
The wildlife and plant life you might encounter in Marino Ballena National Park, from iconic species to the rare finds our local insiders know where to look for.
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Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
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