Whale watching in Marino Ballena National Park

Wildlife encounters in the Marino Ballena Marine Reserve

Magical moments with the giants of the ocean

Some moments stay with you forever. Watching a humpback whale rise from the Pacific is undoubtedly one of them. From the small harbour in Uvita, you head out by boat into the protected waters of Marino Ballena National Park – where these gentle ocean giants come either to breed or to rest during their migration, depending on the season.

Accompanied by a local captain and a naturalist guide, you learn how to spot blows, fins and those majestic tail flukes – and you experience a moment of pure emotion, carried by the rhythm of the waves.

This marine safari is far more than an excursion – it is a profound connection with nature, in a place where humans step into the background and the ocean takes centre stage.

Boat excursion in Marino Ballena National Park

(Ethical) observation of humpback whales

Accompanied by a local naturalist guide

A rare encounter with some of the largest marine mammals on Earth

With a bit of luck, sightings of dolphins, turtles and other marine life

Our Tours Including Whale Watching in Costa Rica

A nature experience like no other

Marino Ballena National Park, on Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast, is a protected marine paradise known for its rich underwater life and the annual migration of whales. Each year, humpback whales pause here – either to give birth or to rest during their long journey.

Your boat excursion is led by certified specialists who follow strict safety distances and ethical wildlife-watching guidelines. Far from mass tourism, the focus here is on the quality of the experience – and on respecting the animals rather than chasing a spectacle.

During the season, it’s not uncommon to spot several whales on a single tour – and with a bit of luck, you may even hear their haunting songs.