Now you have all the tips to make your own visit here really memorable! 4.5 615 reviews #5 of 10 things to do in Uvita National Parks Beaches Nature & Wildlife Areas Closed now 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About Suggested duration More than 3 hours Features animals Learn more about animal welfare in tourism Suggest edits to improve what we show. Sunset Tour to Playa Fantasia on Sealounge Catamaran. The Marino Ballena National Park was established in 1989 but the first decree was repealed in 1990, and in 1992 it was legitimized with an approximate land area of 5331ha. There are flat hiking trails along the beach area. This blog may contain affiliate links. The activities in and around the national park are among the top things to do in Uvita. The majority of visitors stay in hotels in the Uvita area. (+506) 2479-9762 Its been affectionately named the Whale Tail, paying homage to the fact that it is the best humpback whale watching place in Costa Rica. Throw all your waste in the waste basket and try to produce as little as possible. +506 2269-1170 Those looking for luxury have to check outOxygen Jungle Villas & Spa. The park was created in 1992 and covers a large area of roughly 13,000 acres of beaches, lowland rainforests, and ocean. If possible use biodegradable soaps for showers and washing, and not pollute. If youre here in September, you also have the opportunity to join the Annual Whale & Dolphin Festival at the park. The whales tail at Punta Uvita, whale watching, the beaches with rainforests in the backdrop and more activities make the Marino Ballena National Park one of the must-visits in your Costa Rica travel itinerary. Youll get the chance to explore tiny ecosystems of fish and crabs, and maybe even see whales and dolphins during the migrating seasons! So far we talked about the beaches and the marine species. Marion Ballena National Park is actually one of the best places in Costa Rica to see humpback whales. Travel Better | 13 Wonderful Things To Do in Uvita. This is a curious but welcome coincidence, considering that this formation is completely natural. The closest town is Uvita, which is also where the main park entrance is located. www.flyadventureair.com The same companies that arrange whale watching tours will also be able to arrange snorkelling trips out to the protected reef. There are multiple theories behind the geological formation. 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. Playas Uvita and Ballena are relatively unvisited stretches of white and golden sand. As the tail blocks the ocean, the water is shallow and warm creating an opportunity for snorkeling. Marino Ballena National Park has reefs near the islets away from the shore. Anytime of the year is a great time to go as this national park doesnt get super crowded. This entrance is also the closest one to the Whale Tail sandbar. Whether the tail or the whales came first, theres little denying that The Whales Tail beach (also known as Punta Uvita) is quite a incredible quirk of nature. Best weather: Dry season. There are 7 ways to get from La Fortuna to Marino Ballena National Park by plane, shuttle, car or bus Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Marino Ballena National Park is one the best places for whale watching in Costa Rica. I havent seen that before. info@arenalrafting.com, Thematic Activities Humpback whales visit the park from both the northern and southern hemisphere. Dry season: December to April are the best time to visit if you wish to avoid rains and enjoy clear days for snorkeling and kayaking. (+506) 2479-7215 and 1 more. We like the very last one as their parking lot is completely covered. By Ballena Tour. Dry season:From mid-December to mid-April, with sporadic rains. Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! You can easily pay at the entrance on the day you arrive. The Ncura(Porites lobata)is the most prevalent, and within the diverse reefs there are associated organisms such as the bumphead parrot fish (Scarus perrico), butterfly fish (Chaetodon humeralis), yellow fin surgeonfish(Acanthurusxanthopterus), freckled porcupine fish (Diodon holocanthus), lobsters, starfish, and sea fans. Its a great way to cool off and take in the beautiful surroundings. 2479 9943 The Colonia entranceis named after the Colonia beach nearby, hugely popular among surfers due to the great waves. How to buy tickets for Marino Ballena National Park? This sector is more popular among locals and surfers as the beach it goes to, Playa Colonia has good surfing waves. (+506) 2766-6768 The distances from the major cities/ towns are as follows: The drive is scenic passing by Pacific beach towns, lush green mountains, river bridges and miles of plantain and palm cultivation fields. Alternatively, you may use, We're sorry, hotels cannot be booked for more than 30 days. While the season lasts from December to March, the best months during this time are January and February. This period has the best whale-watching season starting July. Typically, the tour starts from the agencys office where a bilingual guide explains the itinerary. A guided tour into Marino Ballena National Park, the first national park created in Costa Rica to protect the marine resources, is one of the best places in the world for whale watching according to National Geographic. Hi Kelly, hope you can visit Costa Rica some day. The property features spectacular views, an infinity pool, gorgeous rooms, and an included breakfast. In Orotina, take the exit to Trcoles, Jac and Manuel Antonio. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that dont include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. Do not forget your hat and sunscreen, also try to wear walking shoes for rocky areas. The migrating whales can be spotted in this area at two different times every year well tell you more on that to come! Check it out below! La Cola de la Ballena (Whale Tail): It is a natural rocky and sandy formation caused by the sedimentation generated by tides. Highlights: Costa Rica's first marine park, Marino Ballena protects 15 km of pristine coastline, over 5,000 hectares of Pacific Ocean waters, and Cao Island - a snorkeling and diving hot spot. This is payable upon arrival to the ticket office, and at the time of writing, must be paid by card. Just be careful about the current. The same will be useful if you plan to go for birding and wildlife walk. There are birds like scarlet macaws, tanagers, woodpeckers, toucans and animals such as, howler and capuchin monkeys and sloths. Bring lots of sunscreen and water, this area is really hot and humid. This is one of the best places in Costa Rica to go whale watching. At the start of the tour, the guide explains the whales behavior and shares other details about the park. Tenorio Volcano National Park (Rio Celeste). Powered by TrekkSoft, the website builder and booking solution. Mytanfeet is full of local tips, detailed guides, photos, videos and maps to help you plan the perfect trip to Costa Rica. It has become a world-renowned destination for its picturesque setting and diverse marine wildlife who call it home. Marketing activities within the park boundaries. Visiting during these months is certainly still possible as there are often several hours a day of sunshine and far fewer tourists, but it does mean no full days of lying in the sun, especially muddy hiking trails (some of which are closed during the rainy season), and rougher seas during storms. Marino Ballena National Park. (+506) 2297 2736 If you go at high tide, you wont be able to walk all the way down as the sand will be covered. Was established in 1990 and protects 5,510 hectares of beach, mangrove estuary, lowland rainforest and marine habitats. Bring snacks and water (no drinkable water available). For budget travelers,Hostel Cascada Verdeis a top choice. Whilst there are two distinct whale watching seasons here (one for the Southern Hemisphere Humpbacks, and another for the Northern Hemisphere Humpbacks), there are a couple of months where the waters along this section of the coast are empty. Whilst the primary function of the national park is to protect the marine area, the the park also includes 9 miles of beautiful coastline, backed by lush, dense rainforest, much of which can be explored via a number of short trails. . COLONIA SECTOR: From San Jos, take Route 27. Shuttles are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. Inside the park, there are also designated camping areas for those interested in an immersive wildlife experience. This curiosity is the main attraction of the place. The hotel has a beautiful pool, includes breakfast, and has modern rooms. Youll have the chance to swim and snorkel too! If you use Google Maps, enter Parqueo Bahia as your destination. Whether you arrive from San Jose or Liberia, you will be on well paved highways. 1-866-816-0197 Ballena National Park Marino Ballena National Park is named after the Humpback Whales that migrate here each year from December to April to mate before returning to the frigid waters to the north. Alternatively, if you have your own snorkel and mask (fins arent allowed), you can enjoy snorkelling by yourself just off of theWhale Tail at low tide. There are countless companies in Uvita offering this experience, with prices ranging from $50 - $100 per person. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. Marino Ballena National Park is the first marine park not only in Costa Rica but in all of Central America. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 15 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Marino Ballena National Park, best places in Costa Rica to go whale watching, 15 BEST Tours in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, 10 BEST Places to go Scuba Diving in Costa Rica, 10 BEST Tours and Places to go Kayaking in Costa Rica. The tail itself is only fully visible with an aerial view, but walking along the beach can be a unique experience in and of itself. (+506) 8811-6636 Inside the park you can visit the tmbolo (whale tail), go and enjoy the beaches or practice superficial and deep diving to see a huge range of marine life. It feels like walking on the ocean as the whales tail keeps the water from reaching your feet. You can expect to pay anywhere from 2,000 to 4,0000 colones ($3-6 USD) for the lots around here. Animals | If you head along any of the parks nature trails, its quite possible that youll come very close to wild animals - remember that they are, most importantly, wild. By diving, the white-tip reef sharks and nurse sharks can be seen. We had to wait for some time as there was a queue. Just keep your ticket so you can show it for re-entry if you want to visit more than once in a day. Get Exclusive Costa Rica Travel Tips and our Free Travel Guide Straight to You! There are sloths, raccoons, pizotes and even the occasional puma or ocelot will roam through. Start time: Check availability. These months coincide with rainy season and it can get quite rainy so bring a rainjacket or umbrella. As one of the crown jewels of Costa Rica, Marino Ballena National Park is a must-visit if youre at all interested in wildlife especially whales! If youre a scuba diver, you definitely need to dive there to see turtles, manta rays, dolphins and more animals. The dense rainforests of the hills surrounding the region extend till the ocean shore. Crime | Non-violent thefts are an unfortunate but not uncommon crime along the beaches here, especially in quieter areas. Respect the rules of public use of the park and check the tide table published at the entrance. Humpbacks congregate off the Pacific coast to mate from December to April. By Ballena Tour. Indeed, the whales are certainly not the only mammals who flock here for mating purposes. The sunsets are also SPECTACULAR in and around the Tail and the patterns in the sand when the tide goes out are fascinating. 7331, or boats that threaten the lives of bathers. The average high during the daytime is around 90 degrees and in the upper 70s at night. Contact Associations of local guides, local tourism operators, and local organizations that can support you to hire tour guides and tours. If the main reason youre here is for whale watching, you should make sure there are whales to watch! The beaches and trails inside the park are open from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. Then the chase begins (without intruding in the whales space). What to see and do at Marino Ballena National Park? Look back when you reach the end of the strip for a panoramic view of the Uvita beach and the surrounding mountains. Thankfully, on Discover Cars its easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that dont. However, it is right across from Uvita Waterfall and Uvita Beer garden in a quiet area surrounded by lush forest. Rainmaker Park Hanging Bridges & Waterfalls Tour with Jade Tours. info@anhingatours.com, Thematic Activities Located just offshore along the Central Pacific coast in South Puntarenas, the Ballena National Marine Park protects more than 13,000 acres of ocean and 9 miles of coastline. Its perfect for families, and they also have a pool. Located by the laidback town of Uvita, the Marino Ballena National Park is a must-do for anyone travelling along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. English, Spanish. Related read: Theres good surfing around Marino Ballena or make sure to check out the top places to surf in Costa Rica to catch more great waves! Of course, we cant forget about perhaps one of the most unique experiences that the park provides whale watching! It is also known as the Tmbolo and the passage of Moses. SPECTACULAR VIEWS, MODERN 3 BEDROOM WITH PRIVATE BEACH ACCESS, View all hotels near Parque Nacional Marino Ballena on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Parque Nacional Marino Ballena on Tripadvisor, Uvita Surf Experience with Amigos del Sol Costa Rica, View all attractions near Parque Nacional Marino Ballena on Tripadvisor, Hotels near Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, Hotels near Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge, Hotels near Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO), Motels near Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO), Uvita Surf Lessons with Bodhi Surf + Yoga, Parque Nacional Marino Ballena: Tickets & Tours, Uvita Information Center: Tickets & Tours, Oro Verde Biological Reserve: Tickets & Tours, Parque Nacional Marino Ballena Tours and Tickets, Full-Day Tour to Alishan National Park from Kaohsiun, Prague's Little Venice: Sightseeing Canal Cruise with Refreshment, Sierra Madre Villages Half-Day Cultural Tour, Tulum Archeological Site Skip-the-Line Ticket, Skip the Line: Florence Accademia Gallery and Michelangelo's David Ticket, Horseback Riding in the Alabanian Alps 1 day/1 night including transfers, Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium in St. Augustine. Whale watching is one of my favourite past-times and it would be awesome to see the mom with her babies. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. But you can do it only during the low tide and need to carry your own snorkeling gears. Discover everything you need to know for a visit in our guide. Thanks for all of the tips! If youve missed the low tide and wish to come back for the next one, youre in luck! Like other national parks in Costa Rica, there is an entry fee to get in. This is thanks to the two different types of humpback whales that pass by the country throughout the year. During low tide, the water recedes to reveal a marvelous formation of rocks and sand in the form of a tail. Central Pacific, Costa Rica. If you want to get your steps in, you can walk all the way to the Whales Tail from there. from $137.69. Marino Ballena National Park - Uvita Information Center CREATION: The park was created on February 6, 1989 by Executive Decree 19441 MIRENEM, which established the park as the first MarineNational Park in the country. This touris the most popular one, with a reasonable price of $95 USD that includes snorkeling equipment, a guided boat tour out at sea, and some tasty snacks. www.sarapiqui.com Mobile ticket. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Bathrooms available near the ranger station. If you dont have one, consider heading to the observation platform at the end of Uvita beach (maps). It is important to note that in the Marino Ballena National Park the following are not allowed: Feel free to reach out and were happy to answer any questions you may have. 4 hours 30 minutes. But thats about it. COMPLETE Guide to Visiting Paquera, Costa Rica +11 Fun Things to Do! You will see a couple parking lots right as you pull up to the entrance. Bring snorkeling equipment to really enjoy the amazing coral reef here, especially at low tide. Locals prefer this one as it is less busy and more picturesque. Chances are high that you will get to see a mother and a baby swim together during these months. The setting on land is absolute paradise: palm trees, golden sands, sunshine, and not a single high-rise in site. This look like a spectacular place to visit. To get to the Uvita sector, you do not need a 4wd or 44. Wet season: May November are the rainy months. Please note that some links on our blog are affiliate links. The park stretches from the southern end of Playa Hermosa to the northern end of Playa Piuela and about 9 miles (15 km) seaward. Inside the park, there are no facilities. When it comes to the many places to visit in Costa Rica, Marino Ballena National Park should rank high on your list. The park was created in 1990 to protect the abundant marine life off of the coast of Costa Ballena. This ticket allows you to explore the entire park at your leisure for the whole day. Swim, stand up paddle, surface snorkel, walk, lounge, watch the sunset. Contiguo al Restaurante La Flor de la Sabana de Uvita. Im so happy that I got to experience it through your blog which seems to have captured the area so perfectly. As this area is not overly touristic and due to the size of this national park, it never feels crowded here.
Hungry Man Fried Chicken Calories,
Luxury Resorts Near Delhi Within 300 Kms,
Medical College, Dungarpur,
Tijuana Local Walking Tour From San Diego,
Drone Show Tonight Near Me,
Articles M
