Costa Ballena Area

Stretching from Dominical south to Ojochal, Costa Ballena encompasses a vast stretch of a gorgeously rugged shoreline and a number of beautiful beaches.

This southern Pacific region of Costa Rica features unspoiled beauty and natural charm that expresses an overarching appeal and gives a unique character to the region.

Nature Paradise

Celebrated for its incredible biodiversity, Costa Ballena is a hot spot for nature lovers, conservationists and eco-adventurers alike.

The beautiful coastline of Costa Ballena includes the beaches of Dominical, Playa Dominicalito, Playa Hermosa, Playa Uvita, Playa Arco, Playa Bahia Ballena, Playa Pinuelas, Playa Ventanas and Playa Tortuga. These beaches offer various water sport opportunities like snorkeling, kayaking, diving, surfing and scuba diving.

Other activities available in the area include sport fishing, canopy tours and tree-climbing adventures.

Spotting Whales

Known as Costa Ballena or the Whale Coast, for the large number of migratory whale spotted here, the most popular attraction in the area includes the unique whale and dolphin watching adventures.

The lush forestation surrounding Costa Ballena is teeming with wildlife and the mangroves near Ojochal offer excellent bird watching opportunities for bird lovers.

Relish in the tours to the pre-Columbian stone spheres or enjoy the ecology of the region on trips to the Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge with its miles of deserted beaches, variety of habitats and nature trails.

You can even horseback ride to the breathtaking Nauyaca Waterfalls, some 10km from Costa Ballena, and experience nature in its splendor.

Ballena Marine National Park

The Ballena Marine National Park is the major attraction in the area.

Created to preserve the fragile marine ecosystem and natural habitats of the marine species, it covers around 110 hectares of coastline and 5300 hectares of ocean. Attracting millions of tourists to its beautiful coral reef each year and the park encompasses two gorgeous beaches of Ballena and Bahia while serving critical habitat to the endangered turtle species and various marine life.

Diverse Accommodations

Travelers of all tastes and budgets will be delighted with the variety of lodging options available in the area.

From inexpensive eco hotels to luxury beach resorts and lodges, accommodations are available on Costa Ballena’s coastline all the way from Dominical to Ojochal.

Map of Costa Ballena

Click to enlarge map - Costa Ballena Map

Getting to Costa Ballena

Buses from the Tracopa bus terminal in San Jose will take you via the Costanera Highway through Jaco, Quepos to Dominical and finally to Uvita.

Those driving to the area can take either Costanera south along the coast or you can take the Inter-American highway to San Isidro de General and drive to Dominical from where they can take the paved Costera Sur highway to reach Costa Ballena.