Audio Guide of Uvita de Osa

The natural formation known as the 'Whale's Tail' is in Marino Ballena National Park, open from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays). It is reached via the South Coast Highway from Dominical (15 min). More details at SINAC.

Yes. Admission to Marino Ballena National Park costs ₡2,500 for Costa Rican nationals and $16 for foreigners (children pay less). Tickets are purchased at the main entrance. 2024 prices confirmed by the Uvita tourism office.

We recommend 2–3 hours: 30 min to walk to the formation at low tide, 1 hour to explore it and take photos, plus extra time to relax on Uvita Beach. Bring water and sunscreen.

It is a unique natural formation where a sandbar meets the sea, creating the silhouette of a whale's tail visible at low tide. It is also a sanctuary for humpback whales (August–October and December–April) and a protected area since 1989.

The dry season (December–April) is best for sunny days. For whale watching: August–October (southern migration) and December–April (northern migration). Check tide tables at Uvita tides.

The main access has uneven ground and sand. The walk to the Whale's Tail (1 km) is not wheelchair accessible. However, there are nearby viewpoints such as Bahía Ballena Viewpoint.

We recommend: 1) Nauyaca Waterfalls (25 min by car), 2) Dominical Beach for surfing (15 min), 3) Corcovado National Park (1.5 h), and 4) El Pavón Waterfall. More info at Visit Costa Rica.

1) Wear water shoes for slippery rocks 2) Arrive 2 hours before low tide 3) Do NOT leave trash 4) Restrooms are at the main entrance 5) Shops are in Uvita (3 km). Check the tide schedule the day before: Uvita tide forecast.