Coral Expeditions Whale Watch

Uvita: Marino Ballena National Park Whale Watching Tour

★ 3.9 · 6 reviews

from $90 per person

Opens the operator's official listing with live dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 3 hours
Meeting point: Coral Expeditions office, Uvita
Cancellation: Free cancellation
On board: Snacks included
Run by: Coral Expeditions Costa Rica

Overview

This three-hour boat trip runs from Uvita into Marino Ballena National Park, run by Coral Expeditions Costa Rica, an operator based on C. La Curinga in Bahía Ballena. The crew keeps groups small and puts the emphasis on watching wildlife the right way: the captain and bilingual guide explain what humpback whales and dolphins are doing as you go.

Whale sightings depend on the season. Humpbacks pass through on migrations from both hemispheres at different times of year, which the operator describes as a rare natural draw for this stretch of coast, while dolphins are often around all year and sometimes swim alongside the boat. Along the way you cruise past sea caves and rock formations, see the Whale Tail sandbar, and get a swim stop in warm water. Snorkeling is not offered during the rainy season.

It suits travellers who want interpretation along with the scenery, and who are happy to be out on open water for a few hours with no guarantee of a sighting. There is no hotel pickup, so you make your own way to the office. Water and fresh fruit are provided, and the park entrance fee is already covered.

What's Included

Included

Bilingual certified guide, safety equipment, water, fresh fruits, and entrance fee to Marino Ballena National Park

Not Included

Vehicle parking fee ($8 / ¢4000 cash only), transportation services (to/from main office), or gratuity for the crew

Itinerary

Meet at the officeCheck in at Coral Expeditions Costa Rica on C. La Curinga in Uvita. Hotel pickup is not included, and parking at the site costs $8 or 4000 colones in cash.
Boat trip in the parkThe captain and guide take the small group out from the Uvita shoreline into the waters of Marino Ballena National Park for roughly three hours.
Whales and dolphinsThe crew looks for humpback whales, which appear on a seasonal basis, and dolphins, which can often be seen year-round and may follow the boat.
Coastal sights and swimAlong the way the boat passes sea caves, rock formations and the Whale Tail sandbar, and there is time to swim in warm tropical waters. Snorkeling is not available during the rainy season.
Return to shoreThe trip lasts about three hours in total.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before you book this one.

Getting there. You meet at the operator's office on C. La Curinga in Uvita, since hotel pickup is not part of the tour. If you drive, parking costs $8 or 4000 colones, cash only. Transport to and from the main office is otherwise your own arrangement.
What to bring. The listing recommends sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, beachwear, sandals and sunscreen. If you are prone to queasiness, bring motion sickness prevention; one reviewer noted the boat travelled a while before any whale appeared.
Pace and feel. The operator runs small groups and frames the trip as educational rather than purely scenic. One reviewer praised how much the staff knew and how friendly they were.
Food and drink. Water and fresh fruit are included, along with safety equipment and the Marino Ballena National Park entrance fee. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on board, and neither are pets, though assistance dogs are permitted.
Wildlife odds. Whales are seasonal, so sightings depend on when you visit. Dolphins are often present year-round. One reviewer described waiting a long stretch before a whale finally turned up.
Photography. Drones are not allowed, so plan on handheld photos. The listing's suggested kit, sunglasses and a hat included, doubles as sensible protection for a boat day.

Common issues. There are a few limits to be aware of. Whales are wild and seasonal, and one reviewer said the boat had to cruise a long time before a sighting. Snorkeling is off the table during the rainy season even though a swim stop remains. Hotel pickup, transport to the office and crew gratuities are not included, and parking costs $8 cash. Fishing and drones are prohibited on board.

Common Questions

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a bilingual certified guide, safety equipment, water, fresh fruit, and the entrance fee to Marino Ballena National Park. It lasts about three hours. Parking, transport to the main office, and tips for the crew are not included.

Is hotel pickup available?

No, pickup is not included. You meet at the Coral Expeditions office on C. La Curinga in Uvita. If you arrive by car, the parking fee is $8 or 4000 colones in cash.

Will we definitely see whales?

Not necessarily. Humpbacks pass through on migration from both hemispheres depending on the season, while dolphins can often be seen year-round. One reviewer mentioned a long wait before spotting a whale, which is simply how wildlife watching works.

Can I swim or snorkel on the tour?

Yes, there is time to swim in warm tropical water during the trip. However, snorkeling is not offered during the rainy season, so plan on a plain swim stop if you visit then.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the live booking page for anything beyond that window.

What should I bring and what is not allowed?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, beachwear, sandals and sunscreen, plus motion sickness prevention if the sea bothers you. Drones, fishing, alcohol, drugs and pets are not allowed, though assistance dogs are accepted.