Morning Whale And Dolphin Tour

Bahia Ballena Whale and Dolphin Tour - Morning

★ 4.8 · 210 reviews

from $75 per person

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

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours
Meeting point: Martin Adventours office, Uvita
Cancellation: Free cancellation
On board: Snacks included
Run by: Martin Adventours

Overview

This morning trip from Uvita meets at 08:00 and spends roughly two and a half to three hours searching for whales and dolphins inside and around Parque Nacional Marino Ballena. Martin Adventours runs it, and the listed route is a pass by the Punta Uvita section of the park, about an hour in Ballena Bay, about an hour around Isla Ballena, and a short stop at Uvita Beach before returning to the office where the tour began.

Snacks, bottled water and the use of snorkelling equipment are included. There is no toilet on the boat, a detail worth knowing before a morning on the water. The group is capped at 24 travellers and everyone on board must be at least 6 years old, with valid ID or a passport.

Reviews of this exact tour describe friendly, knowledgeable guides, fresh fruit served on board, and frequent sightings of whales, mothers with calves, and dolphins. Results vary with the season and with nature itself: some reviewers saw whales several times in one outing, others got dolphins only. A few reviewers also mention being given a choice between looking for more whales and going swimming or snorkelling, though this depends on how the outing unfolds.

What's Included

Included

Snacks
Bottled water
Use of snorkelling equipment
Free on-site parking by main office

Not Included

Toilets on board (Restroom on board)

Itinerary

Meet at Martin Adventours officeThe tour meets at the operator's office in Uvita, Bahía, at 08:00. Free on-site parking is available by the main office.
Pass Parque Nacional Marino BallenaThe boat passes by the Punta Uvita section of the marine park, about 15 minutes.
Ballena BayAround one hour in Ballena Bay, with free admission.
Isla BallenaAbout one hour around Isla Ballena. Admission is free.
Uvita BeachA stop of about 15 minutes at Uvita Beach.
Return to the officeThe activity ends back at the original meeting point, roughly two and a half to three hours after departure.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the morning go more smoothly, from what the boat does and does not have to how the sighting odds work.

Getting there. The meeting point is a few blocks from the beach, so some walking is involved, as one reviewer noted with surprise. The listing gives detailed driving directions to the office, and free parking is available on site.
Sun protection. One reviewer mentions bringing a hat and sunglasses.
Food and drink. Snacks and bottled water are included. Several reviewers describe fresh fruit served on board, plus cookies on at least one trip. There is no need to carry your own water, though you can.
Snorkelling gear. Use of snorkelling equipment is included. Some reviewers swam or snorkelled on this tour, so pack swimwear in case a swim stop happens.
Wildlife odds. Reviewers report everything from multiple humpback sightings to dolphins only. One reviewer who travelled outside the main season felt the trip was poor value without whales. Nature sets the schedule, not the crew.
Group feel. The boat takes a maximum of 24 travellers. Reviewers describe the crew as caring and respectful of park rules around the animals, with a responsible captain. When choices arise, such as whales versus swimming, the majority decides, which one group found frustrating.

Common issues. The listing notes the tour is not wheelchair accessible, is not recommended for travellers with back problems or pregnancy, and has no toilet on board. Weather cancellations and a minimum traveller count both apply; in either case you are offered a different date or a full refund. No changes or refunds are possible within 24 hours of the start time.

Common Questions

What is included in the price?

Snacks, bottled water, use of snorkelling equipment and free on-site parking at the operator's office are included. There is no restroom on board. The tour lasts two and a half to three hours.

Where does the tour meet, and is there parking?

It meets at the Martin Adventours office in Uvita, Bahía, at 08:00, and ends back at the same point. Free on-site parking is available by the main office. The listing provides driving directions via Costanera Sur, turning right just after the Naluri Collections Home Goods Store. Note the meeting point is a few blocks from the beach.

Is hotel pickup provided?

No pickup is listed. The listing gives a specific meeting point at the operator's office in Uvita, and the tour starts and ends there. Travellers need to make their own way to the office, on foot or by car, with parking available on site.

Can children join the tour?

Yes, but all guests must be 6 or older and carry valid ID or a passport. The listing also states the tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travellers with back problems or pregnant travellers. Most travellers can participate.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the 08:00 start for a full refund. Inside that window, no refund and no changes are accepted. The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of travellers; if it is cancelled for either reason, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a hat, sunglasses and sun protection, plus ID or a passport for every guest, since the listing requires valid ID for the minimum age of 6. Reviewers also recommend being prepared for a walk between the office and the beach.