Marino Ballena National Park

Marino Ballena National Park

Costa Rica Coast

Costa Rica Coast

Marino Ballena National Park is a part of the largest reef on the Pacific coast of Central America, a key member of Las Tres Hermanas, or three sisters. Situated in between Playa Hermosa and Playa Pinuela, Ballena Island is one of the most sought after spots for whale watching in the area. This southern Pacific coast line is a well-known whale migration destination for Humpbacks, especially during the months of December, January, February, March, and April. The whales take warm solace here to mate before heading back up to the cold north to continue their journey.

There are thickets of mangrove between the beaches around the park,  as well as lowland rainforest and other various marine habitats. The entire area takes up just at 5,510 hectares of protected land. While here your group may choose to snorkel (during low tides only), beach comb, or perhaps try to spot the forming sand and debris bridge to Punta Uvita Tombolo. If you are visiting anytime May to November you may catch an Olive Ridley and Hawksbill Turtle laying eggs in the sand while sunbathing on the beach. At any time, though, you will have a good chance of spotting the regulars around here, such as a dolphin, marine iguana, coral, lobster, ibis, pelican, or sponge!