Spend three hours on the Pacific off Uvita searching for humpbacks, dolphins and turtles in Marino Ballena National Park. This boat tour combines coastal geology, guided natural history and optional snorkeling when conditions allow.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A swell lifts the boat and the shoreline of Marino Ballena slides by: basalt headlands, exposed rock shelves and a spare beach that chisels the Pacific into a living coastline. On this three‑hour guided tour from Uvita, the ocean is the stage and the mammals are the performers — whales breach, dolphins thread the bow, and turtles bob like slow buoys.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to step on/off a boat and stand for periods
Wildlife
History
The park was created to protect critical marine habitat on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast and to manage whale migration corridors and coastal ecosystems.
Conservation
Operators work within park rules to minimize disturbance: maintain distance from animals, limit landings, and encourage reef‑safe products and responsible snorkeling.
Reserve your spot on the Whale Watching Guided Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Choose a morning departure
Mornings usually have calmer seas and better light for spotting blows and dorsal fins — book the earliest slot available.
Bring reef‑safe sunscreen
Protect coral and yourself: use reef‑safe sunscreen and reapply after snorkeling.
Prepare for motion
If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication before boarding and sit mid‑boat where motion is minimized.
Respect wildlife distance
Keep hands and cameras away from animals; follow the guide’s instructions to avoid disturbing whales and turtles.
Reef‑safe sunscreen
Protects marine life and prevents sunburn during open‑boat exposure.
summer
Light waterproof jacket
Wind and spray are common — a windlayer keeps you warm on the return leg.
winter
Motion‑sickness medication or wristbands
Helps prevent nausea in choppy conditions; take meds before boarding.
Snorkel mask (optional)
The tour supplies snorkel gear, but bringing a personal mask improves fit and comfort if you plan to swim.
summer