Park Admission, Water And Fruit

Uvita: Whale Watching in the Ballena National Marine Park

New listing

from $95 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: Costa Ballena Explore office, Uvita
Cancellation: Free cancellation
On board: Snacks included
Run by: Costa Ballena Explore

Overview

This three-hour boat trip from Uvita has whale-watching as its main focus during the season, which comes around twice a year, and it also makes time for the wider marine life of the protected area, including dolphins, turtles, fish and several bird species. Costa Ballena Explore runs it, with guides in English and Spanish.

The route touches a few set points. La Piedra Ballena, a natural bird sanctuary, doubles as the swim stop, with roughly 25 minutes in the water. After that comes the Ventanas Caves, where you can see natural caves formed millions of years ago. The trip closes with a pass along the five beaches of the national park, while the guide explains the history behind each one.

Park admission, life jackets, insurance, water and fruit are included; lunch, towels, snorkeling and photos or videos are not. Be at the meeting point by 8:30 am; no hotel pickup is listed.

What's Included

Included

Ballena Marine Park admission ticket
Safety gear (life jackets)
Tour guide
Boat ride
3-hour excursion
Water and fruit
Insurance

Not Included

Towels
Pics or videos
Snorkeling
Lunch

Itinerary

Meet at the officeArrive at the Costa Ballena Explore office in Uvita, at 5775+JJ, Provincia de Puntarenas, by 8:30 am to start the tour. No hotel pickup is listed.
Transfer to the parkTravel by car to Marino Ballena National Park to board the boat.
Whale and wildlife watchingCruise the protected waters looking for whales in season, plus dolphins, turtles, fish and various bird species.
La Piedra Ballena swim stopStop at this natural bird sanctuary for about 25 minutes of swimming in the sea.
Ventanas CavesView the natural caves near Playa Ventanas, formed millions of years ago.
Scenic beach tourTake in the five beaches of Marino Ballena National Park while the guide shares the history of each one, then return to finish the tour.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points from the listing are worth knowing before booking.

Getting there. No pickup is listed, so plan your own transport to the operator's office in Uvita. Aim to arrive by 8:30 am, since the tour starts from there.
What to bring. The listing recommends swimwear, beachwear, comfortable clothes, flip-flops and water shoes. Sunscreen and insect repellent also make the list, along with motion sickness prevention if the sea bothers you.
Swim stop. There is a swim stop of about 25 minutes at La Piedra Ballena, so come ready to get in the water. Snorkeling is not included.
Food and drink. Water and fruit are included. Lunch and towels are not, so eat beforehand and bring your own towel.
Rules on board. Plastic bags and plastic bottles are not allowed, nor are smoking, vaping, alcohol or drugs. Pets cannot come, though assistance dogs are permitted, and touching or feeding marine life is off limits.
Photos. Pictures and videos are not included, so bring your own camera. Leave large bags and luggage behind, as they are not allowed.

Common issues. Whale sightings depend on the season, which runs twice a year, so timing your visit matters. No hotel pickup is listed, which means arranging your own way to the Uvita office for the 8:30 am start. The listing also rules out luggage, large bags, plastic bottles and baby carriages, and sea conditions can affect comfort, hence the motion sickness advice.

Common Questions

What is included in the price?

The tour covers park admission, the boat ride, a guide, life jackets, insurance, and water and fruit. Towels, lunch, snorkeling and photos or videos are not included. The excursion itself runs three hours.

Is Ballena Marine Park entry an extra cost?

No. The admission ticket to the Ballena Marine Park is included in the tour price, so you do not pay separately at the gate.

Is hotel pickup included?

No pickup is listed. You need to be at the Costa Ballena Explore office in Uvita, at 5775+JJ, Provincia de Puntarenas, by 8:30 am for the start.

Can children or people with limited mobility join?

The listing does not state age or mobility restrictions. Baby carriages are not allowed on the tour. If you have specific needs, check with the operator through the booking page before reserving.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Inside that window the listing does not promise a refund.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, beachwear, comfortable clothes, flip-flops and water shoes, plus sunscreen and insect repellent. Motion sickness prevention is also recommended. Note that plastic bottles, plastic bags, luggage and large bags are not allowed.