Marino Ballena National Park boat tour from Uvita: Whale watching
Spot whales and dolphins on a guided boat tour through a protected marine park
A three-hour guided boat tour departing from Uvita explores Marino Ballena National Park, known for humpback whale migrations January–April and July–November. The tour includes park entry, snorkeling equipment, and a naturalist guide who explains the marine ecosystem and conservation efforts. Depending on the season, you'll watch for humpback whales, false-killer whales, bottlenose dolphins, Pacific spotted dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds including pelicans and brown boobies.
Step-by-step itinerary
Guided boat tour in Marino Ballena Park
- Arrive at tour office
- Apply sanitation protocols
- Check-in and introductory talk
- Talk at Marino Ballena Park entrance
- Receive park tickets and safety rules
- Walk 100 meters to boat
- Begin guided boat tour
What’s included
- Safety equipment and snorkeling gear.
- daily entry ticket to Marino Ballena National Park.
- parking.
- fresh fruit, snacks and water.
- live guide in English or Spanish.
- Every day 08:30
Information
Three-hour guided boat tour from Uvita through Marino Ballena National Park to spot humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles and seabirds, with snorkeling in dry season.
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The experience
The tour departs at 8:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. from the office in Uvita, where you'll complete a brief check-in and hear an introductory talk before heading to the boat. A short 100-meter walk along the beach gets you to the water. Once aboard, your guide leads the tour through Marino Ballena National Park, sharing details about the marine ecosystem, the park's history, and ongoing conservation work. Humpback whales are most likely during their migration seasons (January through April and July through November), but the park also hosts false-killer whales, bottlenose dolphins, Pacific spotted dolphins, and sea turtles year-round.
Snorkeling is available during the dry season when water conditions are safe and clear. The tour includes all snorkeling equipment, safety gear, parking, park entry tickets, and fresh fruit, snacks and water. Your guide speaks English or Spanish. The whole outing runs three hours, leaving your afternoon or morning free depending on which departure you choose.
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.
When are humpback whales most likely to appear on this tour?
Humpback whales migrate through Marino Ballena National Park from January to April and again from July to November, making those the peak seasons for whale watching on this tour.
What marine animals besides whales might I see?
The park is home to false-killer whales, bottlenose dolphins, Pacific spotted dolphins, and sea turtles. Seabirds including white ibis, pelicans, and brown boobies are also common sightings.
Is snorkeling included on every tour?
Snorkeling is available only during the dry season when water conditions are suitable for safety and visibility. Your guide will let you know if snorkeling is possible on your departure date.
What time does the tour depart?
The tour departs at 8:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. from the office in Uvita, with a short walk to the boat at the beach.
Operated by Ballena Tour Costa Rica. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Marino Ballena National Park boat tour from Uvita: Whale watching
3h · EN · ES
from US$ 84.42 per person
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