Marino Ballena National Park in Costa Rica

Marino Ballena National Park in Costa Rica

Marino Ballena is located on the Southern Pacific coast in an area of incomparable beauty, in the Ballena Bay district between the mouth of Higuerón or Morete River and Piñuelas Point.

Created on Feb. 6, 1989, Marino Ballena National Park became the first marine reserve in Latin America whose sole purpose was to protect important natural marine habitats. Among the protected habitats are sandy and rocky beaches, estuaries, mangroves, cliffs, rocky reefs, coral reefs and the odd geological formation known as the Tombolo de Punta Uvita. Each of these habitats is important for the reproduction of the diverse species of the Osa Peninsula. The total protected area consists of 5,375 marine acres and 110 acres of land, all possessing tremendous biological importance. Humpback whales have been visiting Costa Rica’s Pacific coast for thousands of years. During the months of August, September and October, whales arrive from the southern hemisphere. From December through April, they arrive from the northern hemisphere.

Ballena Bay’s warm, gentle and shallow waters, protected by islands and reefs, create perfect conditions for whales to reproduce and nurture their little ones before returning to colder waters. These great sea mamals surface and dive regularly, so it's common to site a whale tail here, making Marino Ballena a major whale watching destination. The humpback whale (megaptea noveangleae) is on the International List of Endangered Species. Costa Rica actively protects this impressive species, and that is one of the main reasons for the creation of the Marino Ballena National Park in Costa Rica. Because of its great scientific value and extensive scenic beauty, the marine park is a valuable resource for environmental education and ecological tourism development.

Coral Reefs

Organic reefs, commonly known as coral reefs, are one of the region’s most important marine resources. The reefs’ structure is porous and half empty inside. As the reef grows larger, cavities and canals begin to join one reef to the next, permitting a great variety of species to interact with each other within the marine ecosystem.

Coral reefs are tropical communities that grow in an atmosphere of 18 to 23 degrees Celsius, which makes them sensitive to temperature changes, exposure and sediment deposits, in particular.

Other protected marine life

Other protected marine life systems within the park are inhabited by species such as dolphins, turtles, manta rays, crabs, worms, lobsters, algae, various types of fish, sponges and mollusks such as cambute. Bird species found

within the protected Marino Ballena area include frigates, white ibises, pelicans, mot-mot and striped birds.

Whales Tail

Additionally, researchers and visitors can marvel at a curious geologic formation found in the park, the “Tómbolo de Punta Uvita.” Earth and sand deposited at the base of the rocky island peak over centuries of tides have connected the tombolo’s head to the coast, creating this rare tombolo phenomenon. This geological name "tombolo" is not nearly as important as the name that comes to mind in everyone as they see it for the first time: a whale tail. The formation is known as "Whales Tail" far and wide. And ironically, one can go whale watching by Whales Tail and spot a real whale tail.

Whale watching and other tours

Marino Ballena National Park in Costa Rica offers numerous tours, including numerous whale watching options.