The place where nature carved a whale's tail, a symbol of life and a marine sanctuary.
Marino Ballena National Park, where Bahia Ballena is located, is open every day from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The main access points are the Uvita, Colonia, and Piñuela entrances. We recommend checking the official schedule, as it may vary by season, on the SINAC website.
Admission for non-residents is approximately $15 USD per person per day. For residents, the fee is ₡1,000.00 colones. It is important to check the official website or the park ticket office for updated prices, which you can find at this link.
To fully enjoy Bahia Ballena and its surroundings, it is recommended to plan at least half a day, about 3 to 4 hours. This will allow you to walk along the whale's tail (if the tide allows), swim in the sea, and admire the scenery. If you want to go snorkeling or take boat tours to watch whales, a full day would be ideal.
The Whale's Tail is an impressive natural formation, a sand-and-rock tombolo that, at low tide, takes on the perfect shape of a whale's tail. Its significance lies in this astonishing display of nature and in being a symbol of the humpback whales that visit these waters. It is a meeting point between land and sea, where wildlife flourishes.
The best time to visit is during low tide, when the Whale's Tail is fully visible and accessible. You can check local tide tables to plan your visit. As for the time of year, humpback whale watching season runs from July to October and from December to April. For more information about whale watching, you can visit Bahia Aventuras.
Access to the beach and the Whale's Tail formation can be challenging for people with reduced mobility, as the terrain is sandy and may include difficult stretches. However, some areas of the park are more accessible. We recommend contacting the Marino Ballena National Park administration directly for detailed accessibility information by calling +506 2786 5395.
Uvita and its surroundings offer many options. You can explore the Uvita waterfalls, such as Uvita Waterfall and Pavón Waterfall, or visit other nearby beaches like Ventanas Beach with its impressive caves. There are also snorkeling and diving excursions on nearby reefs, and be sure to enjoy the local flavor at the many restaurants in the area.
Yes, I recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and enough drinking water. Wear comfortable footwear for walking on the sand, and if you plan to swim, do not forget your swimsuit. Protect your belongings and, most importantly, respect the natural environment and keep a safe distance from wildlife. For a deeper experience, consider an audio guide to enrich your visit.
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