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.
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.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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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.
Related Attractions
Ballena Island, Costa Rica
Ballena Island features nesting colonies of seabirds such as the blue-footed booby and the frigatebird. Lizards such as green iguanas and basilisks also make Ballena Island their home. Dolphins and whales can be spotted off-shore, as well as other marine life. Snorkelling in the reefs around Ballena Island is a popular activity.
