Board a small boat from Uvita and head for Marino Ballena’s Whale Tail to search for humpbacks, dolphins and turtles. This guided three-hour tour combines wildlife viewing with a swim and local insight into Costa Rica’s marine protections.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The boat slips out of Uvita before sunrise and the Pacific opens like a moving horizon, wind on your face and the Whale Tail sandbar receding into a thin line of surf. In calm seas the captain eases the bow toward Punta Uvita, scanning for blows and the flash of dorsal fins; the crew’s binoculars become a shared tool, translating distant specks into rushing spouts and breaching bodies.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people in average physical condition; mostly sitting with short periods of moving on deck and optional swimming
Wildlife
History
Marino Ballena protects a distinctive tombolo and coastal habitats long used by local communities; the park now balances tourism with fisheries and conservation.
Conservation
Operators in the park follow guidelines to avoid disturbing whales—keeping distance, limiting approach speed and minimizing noise. Choose companies that support park fees and local stewardship.
Reserve your spot on the Whale and Dolphin Watching in the Whale Marine Park today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring reef‑safe sunscreen
Use mineral-based sunscreen to protect skin and the park’s reefs—apply before boarding and reapply after swimming.
Prepare for seasickness
If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication an hour before departure and choose a seat near the center of the boat.
Binoculars and camera
A compact binocular and a zoom lens will increase your chances of identifying distant blows and pod behavior.
Early start pays off
Tours often depart in the morning when seas are calmer and marine mammals are most active—arrive 20–30 minutes early.
Binoculars
Helps spot distant blows, breaches and dolphin pods beyond naked-eye range.
Reef‑safe sunscreen
Protects skin while reducing harm to corals and marine life.
Light rain shell and layers
Wind and spray can be cool—layers keep you comfortable on the open deck.
all
Small dry bag and towel
Keeps electronics dry and provides a towel for swim stops.