BALLENA MARINE PARK

The national park Ballena is the first marine park in Latin America. It was created in 1990 to protect the coral and rock reefs. The park covers 13 kilometers of coastline from Punta Uvita to Piñuela Beach and consists of 5,375 hectares of marine environment. From the river Terraba (South of the park),which connects the biggest mangrove area of Central America to the sea, tons of micro organisms flow into the sea. 

The best time for whale watching is from December to April when the park is home to Humpback Whales, an endangered species of which only 5,000 remain today coming from the northern hemisphere and between July and October when whales are visiting from the Arctic.

The snorkeling sites  are around Ballena Island or  Punta Uvita. The visibility ranges between 25 to 75 feet, depending the season.

The sandy beaches of Ballena are visited by the Oliver Ridley and Hawksbill Turtles from May till November, but mainly in September and October. 

This 3-4 hour boat tour wil take you out on the ocean to spot different species of whales and dolphins, cruise the coastline and snorkel on 2 different locations.

The tour leaves at 8.00 AM from Uvita beach.

Includes fruits, water, snorkeling equipment, park entree fees and a specialized guide. 

Price US $ 65 pp

 

(appr.3 hours, min. 2 persons)

Price US $ 45 per person.

 

Starting from the beach of Piñuelas, 3 kilometer North of the hotel, the bilingual guide will tell you about the national history of the park and give safety instructions before paddling for about an hour to the caves of Ventanas (2 of them are accessible with the kayaks). Rest at one of the most beautiful beaches of the zone (Playa Ventanas) where you will be set up on a tropical way with fruits and drinks having some fun time surfing the waves on your way back. 

 

Half day 2 tank dive tour in Ballena marine Park Minimum of 3 persons.

Includes dive equipment, professional dive instructor, snack and park fees.

Price US $ 100 pp.

 

 

 

 

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