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Whale Watching: Costa Rica's Best Spot
4.7
26 Ratings
Uvita
Experience the thrill of a Whale and Dolphin Combo Tour in Ballena National Marine Park. Witness the majestic Humpback whales and their babies in the warm waters of Costa Rica.
Experience the thrill of a Whale and Dolphin Combo Tour in Ballena National Marine Park. Witness the majestic Humpback whales and their babies in the warm waters of Costa Rica.
Duration:
3 hours, 15 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Dolphin Tours - The Combo tour begins once all participants have gathered at our Uvita office, which serves as the meeting point. Our certified guide will provide a detailed overview of the tour at the start. At our office, guests can enjoy snacks such as pastries, bananas, coffee, and orange juice. A short walk leads to the beach of Marino…
- Dolphin Tours - The Combo tour begins once all participants have gathered at our Uvita office, which serves as the meeting point. Our certified guide will provide a detailed overview of the tour at the start. At our office, guests can enjoy snacks such as pastries, bananas, coffee, and orange juice. A short walk leads to the beach of Marino Ballena National Park, where the boat tour commences. Participants will explore the area and its wildlife, including whales (seasonally dependent), dolphins, various bird species, and turtles. Highlights of the tour include The Whale Rock, Playa Ventana with its impressive caves, and the iconic whale tail formation. Guests will also have the chance to swim in the ocean while exploring the national park. Refreshments such as fruits and water will be available during the tour. After the excursion, guests can either stay in the national park or return with us to our office where the tour concludes.
What's Included
- Dry bag for electrical items
- Snacks
- Entrance fees to the Marino Ballena National Park
- All fees and taxes
- Parking
- Tea and coffee
- Swimming time
- Showers
- Dry bag for electrical items
- Snacks
- Entrance fees to the Marino Ballena National Park
- All fees and taxes
- Parking
- Tea and coffee
- Swimming time
- Showers
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- snorkeling -depends on water visibility conditions
- Lunch
- snorkeling -depends on water visibility conditions
Additional Information
Experience the excitement of dolphin watching on an exhilarating boat tour. Cruise around the Marino Ballena National Park, Piedra Ballena, and other stunning locations as your guide leads you to encounter whales, sea turtles, and a natural marine bird sanctuary. Start your journey at the meeting point with refreshments including coffee, juice,…
Experience the excitement of dolphin watching on an exhilarating boat tour. Cruise around the Marino Ballena National Park, Piedra Ballena, and other stunning locations as your guide leads you to encounter whales, sea turtles, and a natural marine bird sanctuary. Start your journey at the meeting point with refreshments including coffee, juice, pastries, and bananas while waiting for the group to gather. Then, board a boat and prepare to spot marine life. Observe playful sea creatures as you navigate through the Marino Ballena National Park, Piedra Ballena, Tres Hermanas Rocks, Ventanas Caverns, and the Punta Uvita Tombolo (whale’s tail). Delight in a visit to a natural marine bird sanctuary to see both resident and migratory birds, as well as reptiles like green iguanas and lizards. Dive into the water for a snorkeling stop, weather permitting.
- In season you can reserve up to a minimum of 1 person
- low season there is a minimum of 8 people to operate
- low season April - June- July -November
Location
Dolphin Tours
South of Uvita passing the Banco Nacional, from the main highway # 34 to the right on the paved road towards the official entrance of the Marino Ballena National Park, in Bahía, turn right one kilometer, we are next to the Pizza Express (loana) Restaurant in Bahía Ballena.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(26 Ratings)
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Pat
Feb 14, 2025
Very nice experience - Superb morning with departure at 8:30, after a reservation the day before via WhatsApp.
Plan sandals, swimwear, towel and sunscreen.
Until all the fashion arrives, we are offered fruit juice, bananas and cakes.
Then we go on foot on the beach to board the boats (about 18 people per boat) feet in the water.
They are animal friendly and do not get too close not to disturb them which we appreciated!
We saw humpback whales with their young, dolphins, turtles, brown pelicans.
The guide was passionate and gave useful explanations.
Then we approached an island with birds and caves carved into the cliff.
Snorkeling break in clear and wonderfully warm water.
When we got back in the boat we were offered watermelon and pineapple.
I recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tdumond83
Jan 21, 2025
Fabulous experience ! - Excellent experience with the two guides: good informations about the whales , we discovered one whale which stayed with us during a long time . A very nice tour : I recommand 200%!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sascha
Nov 10, 2024
Amazing Tour with a passionate Team - Our whale tour in Uvita was outstanding from start to finish. Booking was easy, the directions were clear, and the meeting point was simple to find. The team on-site was incredibly professional, and they took special care with one member of our group who was in her 12th week of pregnancy. The crew made sure all necessary safety measures were in place so that she could enjoy the tour comfortably and safely.
The boat was comfortable and safe, with plenty of shade and life vests for everyone. We immediately felt well taken care of and could fully relax and enjoy the experience.
Our guide, Michael, was fantastic. He had an impressive knowledge of the region’s nature and wildlife, and he shared his passion with us through fascinating facts. We were especially grateful for his thoughtful and caring approach when one of our group members suffered from severe seasickness – he quickly found a solution to help, ensuring everyone could continue the tour comfortably.
Unfortunately, we didn’t see any whales due to the season, but the team went above and beyond to increase our chances. Michael and the captain took us extra far out to sea after hearing over the radio that other boats had spotted whales, making every effort to give us the best possible experience. Their dedication and determination were truly remarkable.
Refreshments were also provided throughout the tour: fresh fruit and drinks were available from start to finish, which was a welcome touch in the warm weather.
Michael and the whole crew showed a genuine love for the natural beauty of the region and were eager to share it with us. Even without seeing whales, the tour was a memorable experience, thanks to their passion and the stunning landscapes we explored.
Conclusion: Even without a whale sighting, this tour is absolutely worth it. The team is dedicated, knowledgeable, and truly committed to giving guests the best possible experience of Costa Rica’s natural wonders!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_m
Oct 21, 2024
Great Experience - October 18, 2024
Humpback season was still in.
We were fortunate enough to see 3 different mother/ calves together in a relatively small area. Spotted a pair of sea turtles.
Later, we were shown sea caves in the southern Uvita coast.
The guide/ crew were very informative and had a genuine passion for conservation.
Review provided by Viator
Kimde2530xh
Oct 20, 2024
We saw whales! - Had a great experience, really friendly and professional crew. Very respectful of the whales and mindful of the environment. Kimberley was a great guide, making it fair for everyone on the boat to see, she had lots of information and knowledge and a great sense of humour. Such a great tour and could then spend the rest of my day in the national park.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Loutinen
Oct 9, 2024
Exceptional day - The explanations, the transport, the captain and his assistants along with the Kim Guide were very good. It was an exceptional day, where we saw 6 whales, turtles, dolphins and pelicans. Quite the experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janmehnert
Oct 5, 2024
Great and well organized experience! - Staff were friendly and helpful. You've noticed that you like to do your job and are passionate about it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Camper67574068738
Feb 4, 2025
Great cruise with lots of dolphins and whales. - Reception with coffee and sweet treats and bananas. We've been on a wonderful trip. Seen a lot of dolphins and whales. Also snorkeled at the end and finally we got delicious pineapple and watermelon. Highly recommended!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Motmots
Jan 4, 2025
Beautiful nature in Uvita - We enjoyed the boat ride, the landscapes of the lush green coast were beautiful. We saw pantropical spotted dolphins at the end of the tour. We didn't see any whales, probably cos this is not main whales season.
Getting onto the boat is likely to require getting in the waves and getting quite wet. We wish we had known this in advance to dress accordingly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carolasd3799zb
Feb 22, 2025
Bits of whale back seen - The information beforehand was a bit scant. For example, it was not described that we had to get into the boat via the beach through the water. The snack in advance was also rushed through like crazy. Likewise, the snorkeling lasted 5 minutes. Actually, it was maybe 15. If we had known that the snack had to run out before the start time we would have arrived earlier. Also no closed shoes on and set me up for little snorkeling.
However, the staff was very nice and they did everything to see a whale. Personally, I got out of the water for the tail. On the boat I learned that whales do not actively surface when there are calves around. So I did see whales. Especially pieces of back from fairly close range.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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