Whale’s Tail Costa RicaUvita, Marino Ballena and the Costa Ballena coast.
Costa Ballena · South Pacific

Uvita and the Whale’s Tail

At low tide, a sandbar and rocky reef at Punta Uvita form the shape of a whale’s tail, inside Marino Ballena National Park. Humpback whales visit these waters in two seasons each year. Here is how to time your visit, what to book and where to stay.

Whale watchingWhere to stay
River mouth and beach in the Dominical–Uvita area (aerial)
River mouth and beach in the Dominical–Uvita area (aerial) · Photo: WildPhotography.com
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Plan your visit

Rocky coastline and surf, Dominical–Uvita area (aerial)
Rocky coastline and surf, Dominical–Uvita area (aerial) · Photo: WildPhotography.com
Park

Marino Ballena

Tides, entry and the tail walk.

Humpback whale fluke, Pacific coast of Costa Rica
Humpback whale fluke, Pacific coast of Costa Rica · Photo: WildPhotography.com
Seasons

Whale watching

Two humpback seasons.

Waterfall in the forest of the Dominical–Uvita area (aerial)
Waterfall in the forest of the Dominical–Uvita area (aerial) · Photo: WildPhotography.com
Day trips

Beyond Uvita

Caño Island, Corcovado, Nauyaca.

River mouth and beach in the Dominical–Uvita area (aerial)
River mouth and beach in the Dominical–Uvita area (aerial) · Photo: WildPhotography.com
Stay

Where to stay

Uvita, Dominical and Ojochal.

Top tours

Southern PacificViator

Whale Watching at the Marino Ballena National Park

Whale watching in Marino Ballena National Park.

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UvitaViator

Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Uvita

Whale and dolphin watching from Uvita.

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UvitaGetYourGuide

Cano Island Snorkeling Tour from Uvita

Caño Island snorkelling from Uvita.

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Manuel AntonioViator

Nauyaca Waterfall Adventure -All-Inclusive Full Day tour

Nauyaca Waterfalls full day.

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Stay nearby

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Guides

Rocky coastline and surf, Dominical–Uvita area (aerial)
Rocky coastline and surf, Dominical–Uvita area (aerial) · Photo: WildPhotography.com
Guides

Walking the Whale’s Tail at Low Tide

The most photographed walk on the coast takes a little planning.

Humpback whale fluke, Pacific coast of Costa Rica
Humpback whale fluke, Pacific coast of Costa Rica · Photo: WildPhotography.com
Guides

Uvita’s Two Whale Seasons, Explained

Humpbacks come from both the north and the south Pacific.

River mouth and beach in the Dominical–Uvita area (aerial)
River mouth and beach in the Dominical–Uvita area (aerial) · Photo: WildPhotography.com
Guides

Three Days in Uvita

Enough time to see the highlights without rushing.