On this adventure tour, you will be taken to 2 waterfalls, a scenic rocky beach and a secret mountain lookout to see the sun set. You never know how well they actually watch the cars. more, EL HORNITO - Empanadas Argentinas and Pizzas. General Marino Ballena National Park. It was cool experience but it didn’t seem to be too biodiverse we found a lot of small sand dollars which we were not permitted to keep and some typical fish up near the tide pools at the end of the sand bar. Junior (Captain) was great host too. The Ballena Marine National Park is one of the best places to dive in Costa Rica, because it is where the largest coral reef on the Pacific coast of Central America forms a necklace with the three small islands, known as Las Tres Hermanas (the three sisters) and island Ballena is the centerpiece. While people with emotional support animals could encounter some difficulties with the enforcement of this law, people with more apparent disabilities should not have any issues bringing their support animals along. Follow the signs to the Ballena National Marine Park. For visitors to Costa Ballena, which encompasses Uvita, Dominical, and Ojochal, Marino Ballena National Park is a must-see. WiFi and parking are free, and this hotel also features an outdoor pool. Answer 1 of 5: It's absolutely beautiful in Uvita!! We thought maybe it was because we were arriving late in the day, but when we returned early the next day, we were waived in again. The first evening we were lucky with timing because it was low tide and we were able to walk out onto the whales tale. One of the most amazing beaches on the planet! Is there a website I can easily check for low tide and high tide? A problem, in my opinion, is that Costa Rica does not currently have a certification process for service animals. Marino Ballena National Park (also known as “Whale Marine National Park”), is located on the Southern Pacific side of Costa Rica, at the footsteps of Bahia Ballena - Uvita. You will be able to swim, jump and slide into a beautiful fresh water river, see ocean waves crash on picturesque rocks and see unparalleled views of the Uvita valley and Whale's Tale as the sun goes down, all while being surrounded by Costa Rican jungle. Section 45 of Law 7600 sets forth the freedom and right of access with the following language: “People with disabilities who use. Highlights. 10 minute drive to the beach. Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Is this attraction a good place to visit on a. Encountering a new country is one of the best ways of opening one's mind. Beautiful beach to walk along, we were there during hurricane eta so I am not sure how it would be on a typical warm sunny day but we were the only people in sight. This is an important area for humpback, false orca and pilot whales for rearing their calves. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. When you stay at La Cusinga Lodge in Ballena, you'll be near the beach, within a 15-minute walk of Marino Ballena National Park and Uvita Beach. There are some trails. Without appropriate certifications, how can people demonstrate the need for the animal to a bus driver or a taxi driver. I will always remember this park as one of my favorites. I'll take it! Getting to Marino Ballena National Park. Marino Ballena National Park is the best place in Costa Rica, and one of only a handful anywhere in the world, where it is possible to observe whales and dolphins without having to take to the water (though boat trips are easily organized for closer encounters). In Orotina, take the detour to Tárcoles, Jacó and Manuel Antonio. Collect stampsYou can collect Hotels.com® Rewards stamps here Overview. Experience the huge diversity of sea life in Marino Ballena National Park with a local guide who will point out all the different species during your reef visits on this snorkeling adventure! Literally the jungle goes… Stretching from Dominical, Uvita, Bahia Ballena and Ojochal, Costa Ballena encompasses a vast stretch of a gorgeously rugged shoreline and a number of beautiful beaches. I love it! If you opt to enter at the second ent… My friend and I spent 2-3 days in Bahia/Uvita and went to the park daily. The park is closed on Mondays, every other day it is open from 6 am – 4 pm. Very unspoiled and at low tide you can hike out to the whale tail! The Marino Ballena National Park is located in the south pacific coast at the footsteps of the community’s of Uvita – Bahia Ballena, in the province of Puntarenas, Osa, Costa Rica. We hope you join us in experiencing what this tour has to offer. Guide on board was so knowleadgable and passionate about marine life. News. The park and beach are beautiful! For people who are blind or ride a wheel chair, the situation is self-affirming and thus not required to produce further evidence about the necessity of the service animal. Playa Uvita is the main beach within the park and the perfect spot for a laid-back beach day! However, the park still contains an amazing coastline that isn't very crowded. you can walk, but they're just parallel to the coast, nothing much of a hike. The oceans seems more rough to the right and we were told by a man in a quad (park ranger‍♀️) that there are crocodile on the right side along the coastline. Encountering a new country is one of the best ways of opening one's mind. Terrific walk out at low tide....unique experience with the vista of the mountains and beaches than blend together to create this natural wonder. BALLENA SECTOR: From San José, take Route 27. Round trip transportation times vary from 15 minutes to a little over an hour based upon whether you are picked up from your hotel in the local area of Uvita or from areas around Dominical and Manuel Antonio. We believe that tourism can promote acceptance, cultural understanding and environmental consciousness. Marino Ballena National Park is located along the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Parking costs 2,000 colones per vehicle for the day. Afterwards, the park limits were increased in 1992 by MINAE Decree 21294, containing 5.375 marine ha and 115 terrestrial ha. Ocean ViewLooking over the "whales Tail" of Marino Ballena National Marine Park from 1000 feet up. The Kayaking Adventure at Marino Ballena Park is an awesome half day adventure! It's a must see on the Pacific Southern Coast. Enjoy a hike through the trails of the beautiful Marino Ballena National Park and feel part of the Costa Rica's environment. Important: This destination may have COVID-19 travel restrictions in place, including specific restrictions for lodging. Ballena Marine National Park (Spanish: Parque Nacional Marino Ballena), is a National Park of Costa Rica, part of the Osa Conservation Area created as a safe area for humpback whale migration, hence its name, as Ballena is the Spanish word for whale.. Phone: (506) 2787 0362 Dominical 60504, Costa Rica Ballena tours was amazing Fantastic experience on the tour, saw 3 whales for quite a long time. It was cool to experience waves breaking on the two sides of the sandbar as we have never experience that before. Encompassing 270 acres of land (110 terrestrial hectares) and 13,300 acres of ocean (5,400 marine hectares) is the Marino Ballena National Park (Parque Nacional Marino Ballena). It was sunset and the reflection of the clouds and sun onto the beach was stunning. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I. think it took us about a half hour maybe longer to walk from the entrance of the park out the sandbar. All rooms have minibars and plush bedding. Hotel with 2 outdoor pools, near Marino Ballena National Park Free full breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking Great for familiesThis property has good facilities for families. It extends from the Morete river mouth to Punta Piñuela. We hope you join us in experiencing what this tour has to offer. The White Marine National Park has only the sectors of Uvita and Cologne enabled. Junior (Captain) was great host too. It has a land area of 284 acres and 13,276 acres of sea. Marino Ballena National Park Snorkel Tour . Aquatic tours are available between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Marino Ballena National Park is closed on Tuesdays until further notice. Marino Ballena National Park, Bahia /Uvita Costa Rica! Uvita sector: Entry to the beach restricted in high tide, schedule will be published every week. Fantastic experience on the tour, saw 3 whales for quite a long time. Marino Ballena National Park is minutes away. Marino Ballena National Park is in the Puntarenas province and is 16 km south of Dominical. Hotels near Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, Hotels near Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge, Hotels near (SJO) Juan Santamaria Intl Airport, Things to do near Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, Uvita Surf Lessons with Bodhi Surf + Yoga, Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in Uvita, Parque Nacional Marino Ballena: Tickets & Tours‎, Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge: Tickets & Tours‎, Uvita Information Center: Tickets & Tours‎, Oro Verde Biological Reserve: Tickets & Tours‎, El Refugio Costa Ballena: Tickets & Tours‎, Parque Nacional Marino Ballena Tours and Tickets, Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge. In Orotina, take the exit to Tárcoles, Jacó and Manuel Antonio. We rented a house with a amazing view of the whales tail! There were some local dogs which kept us company. This lodge is 5.2 mi (8.4 km) from Tortuga Beach and 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Arco Beach. Within the park, there are several habitats including coral reef, rain forest, and beach habitats. Literally the jungle goes, Hotels near Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, Hotels near Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge, Hotels near (SJO) Juan Santamaria Intl Airport, Things to do near Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, Uvita Surf Lessons with Bodhi Surf + Yoga, Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in Uvita, Parque Nacional Marino Ballena: Tickets & Tours‎, Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge: Tickets & Tours‎, Uvita Information Center: Tickets & Tours‎, Oro Verde Biological Reserve: Tickets & Tours‎, El Refugio Costa Ballena: Tickets & Tours‎, Parque Nacional Marino Ballena Tours and Tickets, Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge. 95% of people prefer to travel by car while visiting Marino Ballena National Park Attractions normally visited before or after visiting Marino Ballena National Park People normally also visit Catarata Uvita while planning their trip to Marino Ballena National Park. It seems the ocean on the rights side is dangerous so keep left when walking out onto the sand bar. Dive trips are available to the islands. Marino Ballena National Park Location. Try to start of at mid tide while it’s going out the make the most of your time, the sandbar can only be accessed in it’s entirety at low tide. 10 minute drive to the beach. The Marino Ballena National Park is home to one of the most biologically diverse marine habitats in Costa Rica. The national park has an area of 5,160 ha (12,800 acres) marine, and 171 ha (420 acres) terrestrial. COLONIA SECTOR: From San José, take Route 27. I am conflicted writing this review since part of the beauty of this place is how unspoiled it is! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Visitors can swim, do yoga, and stand up paddle boarding from shore. Guide on board was so knowleadgable and passionate about marine life. This park was established in 1989, and its area of protection is primarily within the ocean. The park was created in 1990 to protect the abundant marine life off of the coast of Costa Ballena. The Marino Ballena National Park is located in Costa Ballena and belongs to the Osa Conservation Area. Popular Hotel Amenities and Features Marino Ballena National Park (directly translated to marine whale national park in English) in Uvita is one of the best places to go whale watching in Costa Rica. So recommendable loved it. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Tranquill and private, easy swimming areas w no current. This is a beautiful beach I don’t know how much of a park it really is as we didn’t spend any time up on the shore. Despite there being dogs all over the beach, and one at the guard house, we were denied entry with our vested and medically tagged service dog. In addition to Marino Ballena National Park, Costa Rica has reopened dozens of protected wildlife areas that comply with health guidelines. The park’s beaches and trails are open during low tide from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Marino Ballena National Park was established in 1989 but the first decree was repealed in 1990, and in 1992 it was legitimized with an approximate land area of 5331ha. I am conflicted writing this review since part of the beauty of this place is how unspoiled it is! We believe that tourism can promote acceptance, cultural understanding and environmental consciousness. Book your tickets online for Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, Uvita: See 549 reviews, articles, and 525 photos of Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, ranked No.5 on Tripadvisor among 10 attractions in Uvita. Follow the directions to Marino Ballena National Park. No entry for service dogs, locals with dogs are ok! There is a parking attendant, but please do not leave anything in your vehicle. In sum, all people with disabilities who require the assistance of a service animal are allowed in public transportation as well to all government facilities and private businesses. It was declared National Marine Park in 1989, and its limits extended in 1992. Bahia Aventuras boat and nature tour operator is located in Uvita – Bahia Ballena at the footsteps to the Marino Ballena National Park, the heart of Costa Ballena. more. Humpback whales are commonly seen out in the waters as both Northern and Southern humpback whales pass through this area, giving Costa Rica the longest humpback whale watching season in the world. You will be able to swim, jump and slide into a beautiful fresh water river, see ocean waves crash on picturesque rocks and see unparalleled views of the Uvita valley and Whale's Tale as the sun goes down, all while being surrounded by Costa Rican jungle. Address: Uvita, Bahia Ballena 200 metros Norte de la entrada del Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, Sector Bahia Ballena. The dogs were friendly and liked to play fetch with our children. The Marino Ballena National Park was established in 1989 but the first decree was repealed in 1990, and in 1992 it was legitimized with an approximate land area of 5331ha. There is a parking lot on the right side of the road just before the national park entrance. we were let in for free for some reason. Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a must-do if you are travelling with a, Is this attraction a good place to visit on a, This park is basically two large bays that converge on the "whale's tail" in the middle. My assumption is that it will be very hot there on a typical day so be prepared with drinks. Positioned just 10 mi (16 km) south of Dominical and 112 mi (180 km) southwest of San Jose, Marino Ballena is one of the newest national parks in Costa Rica. The park pertains to the Area of Conservation for the Osa region and was officially declared as a Marine National Park … The issue will arise for people who need companion animals for emotional support. Water tours from 8 am to 1 pm Cologne Sector: Income from 8 pm to 3 pm. Especially at low tide, snorkeling can be good from the shore but be careful of currents and riptides. On this adventure tour, you will be taken to 2 waterfalls, a scenic rocky beach and a secret mountain lookout to see the sun set. service dogs or other service animals, as well as equipment for their mobility, shall have equal and free access to public transportation as well as access to any building structure regardless of whether it is public or private, without causing any additional costs to them.” Section 164(h) of the Regulation for Law 7600 states: “That all public transportation shall be available to people with disabilities who may need additional assistance whether by tools and instruments as well as service animals.” Furthermore, Section 176 defines service animal as the ones required for mobility, companionship and assistance. Marino Ballena national park is an unique place that many tourists miss when they visit Costa Rica since it is tucked away from the main tourist hubs. It was the first marine park in Costa Rica and Central America, the first protected area created exclusively for their marine resources. The tail is supposed to be the main attraction, but it's a bit overrated if you ask me. You must check the tide chart and plan your trip around that. It was the first marine park in Costa Rica and Central America, the first protected area created exclusively for their marine resources. Marino Ballena national park is an unique place that many tourists miss when they visit Costa Rica since it is tucked away from the main tourist hubs. The park was created on February 6, 1989 by Executive Decree 19441 MIRENEM, which established the park as the first MarineNational Park in the country. If you want to watch the sunset on the beach (which I recommend) you must be in the park before 4pm. Important: this destination may have COVID-19 travel restrictions in place, including restrictions. The tide chart and plan your trip around that it has a area! 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