Tour of the Marino Ballena National Park

The Marino Ballena is located on the southern pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the Osa Peninsula. It is part of the Area of Conservation of the Osa Peninsula and it was officially named a National Park in 1989 to preserve the 4500 hectares of coral reef that encompass the Las Tres Hermanas and the Ballena Islands. Most people go to Marino Ballena to watch the Humpback Whale that migrate there to feed and mate between July and October, and from December to March.

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This mesmerizing Park is a favorite with those seeking a memorable vacation that offers extraordinary experiences, such as whale and dolphin watching. Its glorious white sand beaches, such as Playa Ballena, Playa Uvita, Playa Arco, Playa Ventanas, Playa Piñuelas and Playa Pinuelas, it rocky shorelines, coral reefs and mangrove make it one of the most interesting place to visit on Earth. It could be said that its most incredible feature is a land bridge, or Tombolo, that links the mainland of Uvita Bay to the offshore coral reef; this natural bridge was formed by sedimentation and can be only accessed during the low tide.

The Marina Ballena National Park is home to the most biologically diverse marine life in Costa Rica.  It has over 70 species of fish, including humpback whales, marlin. Tuna, orcas, bottle-nose dolphins, spinner dolphins, spotted dolphins, sharks, false orcas, parrot fish, also sea snakes and more. The Leather-backs, Olive Ridley and Green turtles also have been observed as well as aquatic birds such as pelicans, Brown Booby Frigates and reptiles such a the Green Iguana. It contains over 18 species of coral species, thus its popularity as a snorkeling and scuba diving destination, only second in place to the Cano Island Reserve. Splendid corals, algae, mollusks, sponges, echinoderms and crabs that have someone adapted to the strong tides can also be observed.

The Costa Rica whale watching tours packages of Marino Ballena also teach its visitors about the whales, when then come and when they leave, how entire families migrate and travel together for thousands of miles, and why they do it. Indeed, this region of Costa Rica is recognized as one of the main breeding ground for two separate groups of Humpback that come from the two hemispheres; on group travels from the south of Chile and the Antarctic while the other group comes from California. Other species such as the Sei Whale, Fin Whale, Killer Whale, Bryde’s Whale and Melon Headed Whale have also been seen in the area. As an added bonus, the travelers are also treated to joyful encounters with an array of varieties of dolphins all year around, as these actually live in these waters.

The Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours work with specially trained guides that will share their extensive knowledge of whales and dolphins. The tours combine sightseeing, whale and dolphin watching, hiking, snorkeling, and hiking for those who wish too. The boat rides follow the stunning coastline of the Marino Ballena until they reach the spots where the whales and the dolphins can be observed. From there those who wish to snorkel or scuba dive are provided with the necessary equipment. Pack lunch is usually provided, and tourists are encouraged to bring swimming gear, binoculars, waterproof cameras, water, snacks, and sunscreen lotion.

To inquire about the several Costa Rica vacation homes we have to offer go to our website at www.villascostarica.com or call toll free 1 888-771-2976.