Central Pacific Coast - Ballena Marine National Park Parque Nacional Marino Ballena

Created in 1990, Ballena Marine National Park protects rock and coral reefs in 4,500ha/11,115ac of ocean surrounding Ballena Island. 13km/8mi of beaches, mangrove swamps, river mouths and rocky headlands on the mainland are also protected. All of Costa Rica's six species of mangrove occur within the park.

There are two beaches within the park, Ballena Bay Beach and Piñuela Beach, and both are nesting grounds for the olive ridley and hawskbill sea turtles. Dolphins are sighted in the area year round, and humpback whales migrate through the area from December to March. Snorkelling is possible at Uvita Point. While a ranger station is present in the park, it remains largely undeveloped.