- From Manuel Antonio
- ~1 h
- Whale seasons
- Jul–Oct & Dec–Mar
- Nauyaca
- 45 m
- For the whale's tail
- Low tide
Marino Ballena National Park
The park protects the coast and sea between Uvita and Ojochal. Its symbol, the whale's tail (Punta Uvita), is a sandbar and rocky reef that forms a tail shape at low tide. Check a tide table and arrive about two hours before low tide to walk out along it. Humpback whales come to breed and give birth in its warm waters twice a year: southern-hemisphere whales from about July to October, and northern ones from about December to March.
Whale and dolphin tours from Uvita often include snorkelling at Ballena Island.
Book whale watching ↗Nauyaca Waterfalls
A spectacular two-tier waterfall in the hills above Dominical. Access is through private land: walk about 4 km each way, ride a horse, or take the 4x4 shuttle, and swim in the large pool beneath the lower fall.
Nauyaca tickets include the 4x4 shuttle option, or combine the falls with a horse ride.
Book Nauyaca waterfalls ↗Where to stay
Dominical for surf and nightlife, Uvita for the national park and whale tours, and Ojochal for quiet hillside villas and the best food on the coast.
Many hotels sit on the hills above the coast, with ocean views; a 4x4 helps on the steep driveways.
Hotels in Uvita ↗Plan your trip to Costa Ballena
Tours & tickets
Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.
See tours ↗Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
When can you see whales in Uvita?
Humpback whales visit Marino Ballena from about July to October and again from December to March. September is often the best month.
When can you walk the whale's tail in Uvita?
Only around low tide. Arrive about one to two hours before low tide and leave before the tide comes back in.
How far is Uvita from Manuel Antonio?
About 60 km, roughly 1 hour on the paved Costanera highway (Ruta 34).
Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.