Marino Ballena aka “The Whale’s Tail” is a National Park located between Playa Uvita and Playa Ballena.

At a Glance

From Escaleras Escape: 15 minute drive

Parking Fee: 2,000 colones ($3) /car for the day

Entry Fee: 1,000 colones/person ($2) for locals or 3,000 colones/person ($6) for foreigners.

It’s a Whale of a Time!

As the name suggests, Marino Ballena National Park is one of the best places in all of Costa Rica to go whale watching. The Humpback Whales migrate to these warm waters from both the North and the South giving Costa Rica the longest humpback season in the world!

Make sure and try to visit the park during low tide when the ocean recedes exposing a 1km long sandbar in the shape of a whale’s tail. During low tide you can walk out onto the sand bar and explore it for yourself.

About the Park

Marino Ballena protects 5,510 hectares of sandy beaches, mangrove estuaries, lowland rainforests, and marine habitats.

The beaches are a beautiful golden color and they are massive. With over 14km (8.6 miles) of coastline you could spend days in the park and still not explore the entire thing.

Tours & Attractions

Besides whale watching, tourists and locals enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches and partake in fun water spots like swimming, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and boating.

Snorkeling and diving the reef are always fun options, but if you’re looking for REALLY good snorkeling, we would recommend Cano Island over Marino Ballena.

And lastly, there are local flight tours that if planned during low tide would ensure a new epic perspective of the whale’s tail from above!

Best Time to Visit

Visiting Marino Ballena is sure to be a highlight of your trip any month of the year, but low tide is the best time to visit.

Whale Watching: August & September are the best months, however, you can also spot whales from January-April during their mating season.

Don’t Forget

Necessary food and water for you and your group as there is no restaurant along the beach or access to drinkable water.
Bathrooms are available near the ranger station, but not within the park.
Sunscreen and a sun shirt. It’s a 1 km walk out to the whales tale and the sun can be intense. (you can find shade beneath the beautiful palm trees that line the beach.)
A camera/go pro….this place is STUNNING.
Swim suits and beach towels

Getting There

Turn right at Blue Butterfly Rock.

Drive past TLC, and take one of the 3 available roads down the mountain to the highway. (The roads on the mountain are constantly changing so make sure to message Blake or Barbara for their recommended road for you and your guests during the duration of your stay.)

Take a left onto the Costanera Sur and drive into Uvita.

Take your first right after the BM Supermarket. (Right before Krill Souvenirs and after Naluri Collections)

There are several parking lots right outside the park’s entrance costing 2,000 colones (about $3) for the entire day.

You will see tons of tourist shops between the parking lot and entrance where you’ll have the option to shop and purchase your tours if you wish to do one.

The entrance fee is 1,000 colones ($2) for locals and 3,000 colones ($6) for foreigners.