Whale Watching, Marino Ballena
Sail Marino Ballena National Park in search of humpback whales and dolphins, past the famous Whale's Tail sandbar.
* Rack rates before Costa Rica's 13% VAT. Includes hotel pickup & certified bilingual guide. Book now, pay later.
The experience
Marino Ballena National Park, near Uvita, is one of the best places in the Americas to see humpback whales. This is a full-day trip from Manuel Antonio, starting with a scenic hour-long drive south along the coast, then about three hours on the water looking for whales and dolphins.
It is named for the Whale's Tail, a sandbar shaped exactly like one, and the rock formations offshore are spectacular in their own right. Whale sightings are not guaranteed anywhere, but during the season the odds here are very good.
On the drive down, your naturalist guide points out the beaches and towns along the way, from Dominical to Playa Matapalo to Uvita. Once you board the boat at Marino Ballena, you cruise the coast for roughly three hours, passing rock formations like Roca Ballena, Las Cavernas, Roca Viuda, and Tres Hermanas while watching for whales and dolphins.
Humpbacks pass through here during their migration, often with their young, following the warm Central Pacific waters. When the sea is calm, there is a chance to jump in for a swim or a snorkel. This is a Uvita-area trip, so it pairs naturally with exploring the Uvita coast.
Highlights
- About three hours on the water in Marino Ballena National Park
- Humpback whales, often mothers with calves, during the migration season
- Dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds along the way
- The Whale's Tail sandbar and the offshore rock formations
- A naturalist guide who reads the coast and the conditions
- A chance to swim or snorkel when conditions allow
What's included
- Round-trip transportation from Manuel Antonio
- Certified bilingual naturalist guide
- Park entrance fees
- The boat tour and snorkeling equipment
- Snacks and water
What to bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- A light layer for the boat
- Swimsuit and towel
- A camera or phone in a waterproof case
A typical day
- 7:00 AM hotel pickup in Manuel Antonio or Quepos
- Scenic coastal drive south toward Uvita
- Board the boat at Marino Ballena National Park
- About three hours cruising the coast for whales and dolphins
- A swim or snorkel stop when conditions allow
- Return drive to your hotel
Departures & pickup
- Departs from Manuel Antonio and Quepos at 7:00 AM, about 6 hours door to door, from $165 per person.
- Tucanes runs this tour seasonally, roughly mid-July to mid-October, when humpbacks are present.
- A minimum of four guests is needed to operate with transportation from Manuel Antonio.
Frequently asked questions
Humpback whales, often with their calves. Marino Ballena is one of the best whale-watching spots in the Americas during the season.
No wildlife sighting is ever guaranteed, but in season they are very common. We will not head out if conditions make a sighting unlikely.
The Pacific can have some swell. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before boarding. The boat is stable for its size.
Dolphins, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, and many seabirds. The park is exceptionally biodiverse.
Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, light layers, a swimsuit, and a camera in a waterproof case. Do not bring anything you would hate to get wet.
About 6 hours door to door, including the hour-long drive each way and roughly three hours on the water.
Ready to book Whale Watching, Marino Ballena?
Free hotel pickup, certified bilingual guides, book now and pay later.
Prefer just your group? Take this tour private →
