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Located along Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast in the southern part of the Puntarenas province, the Marino Ballena National Park sits some 13 km south of Dominical. Established in 1990, this park was created to protect the many whale species that comes here to nest off Costa Rica’s shores between the months of December and April. Deriving its name from the Spanish word ‘ballena’, which means whale, the Marino Ballena National Park also offers some great swimming, diving and snorkeling opportunities.
Peaceful and tranquil, this national park is rarely visited and thus makes for an excellent way to spend a few days in relative seclusion. The beaches here are stunning and pristine, with green marine iguanas scurrying all over the place. Also home to a mangrove habitat and protecting the largest coral reef on the Pacific side of Central America, this national park is visited by hundreds of whales every year. Melon-headed whales, humpback whales and sperm whales are regularly spotted here along with common, bottle-nosed and spinner dolphins. Between the months of May and November, olive ridley and hawksbill turtles also come ashore here to nest.
Protecting roughly 110 hectares of beach and 5,400 hectares of the ocean, the Marino Ballena National Park has a US$ 7 entrance fee and is a great way to spend quiet afternoon at the beach. While camping is allowed at the park, no amenities are available here, so you will have to bring your own. The ranger station is located in Playa Bahia, some 7 km south of Uvita. If you wish to stay near this national park, there are a number of cabinas, hotels and accommodations in the area ranging from basic rooms to more luxury suites with stunning views of the ocean.
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