Humpback whale swimming in the Pacific Ocean near Uvita, Costa Rica

Marino Ballena National Park · Uvita

Combination Tour — Whale & Dolphin Watching

Dolphins year-round · Seasonal humpback whales

Tours / Marine wildlife

Duration
2.5–3 hours
Departure
8:30 a.m.
Meeting time
8:00 a.m.
Rates
Adults $85 · Children $58

Uvita dolphin and whale watching experience

Uvita is one of Costa Rica’s best places to spot humpback whales. Marino Ballena National Park was the country’s first protected wildlife area created specifically to conserve marine resources, and the first marine park in Central America.

The tour departs from Uvita Beach and explores the coastal scenery of Marino Ballena National Park, including Ventanas Beach’s marine caves, Whale Island, the famous Whale’s Tail sandbar and striking rock formations along the coast.

Watch frigatebirds, brown pelicans and other marine birds throughout the journey. Depending on the season and ocean conditions, there may also be time to snorkel or swim in the warm water near rocky areas. Dolphins can be seen year-round; wildlife sightings are always natural and cannot be guaranteed.

Whale season in Uvita

Northern humpback whales

Late December through late February. These whales migrate to Costa Rica from areas near California and Washington State.

Southern humpback whales

Mid-July through the end of October. Humpback whales travel from Antarctica to Marino Ballena National Park to breed and raise their calves.

Whale watching photos

Humpback whale breaching beside the boat in the Pacific Ocean off Uvita, Costa RicaHumpback whale breaching with both pectoral fins spread near the forested coast of UvitaHumpback whale falling backwards into the ocean with white pectoral fins raisedHumpback whale breaching vertically in front of the green hills of Marino BallenaHumpback whale breaching with water spraying off its pectoral fin near UvitaHumpback whale breaching with its long pectoral fin extended over the Pacific wavesHumpback whale tail fluke rising above the ocean with water cascading offHumpback whale tail fluke against the mountains of the Costa Ballena coastHumpback whale slapping its tail fluke on the water with a big splash in UvitaHumpback whale tail fluke raised high above the Pacific with the coast of Uvita behindHumpback whale diving with its tail fluke dripping water near Marino Ballena National ParkHumpback whale tail fluke lifting out of the ocean against the green rainforest coastlineHumpback whale arching its tail fluke before a deep dive off the Costa BallenaHumpback whale tail fluke curved under cloudy mountains near Uvita, Costa RicaHumpback whale tail fluke sweeping water into the air in the Pacific off UvitaHumpback whale raising its full tail fluke straight up before diving in Marino BallenaHumpback whale tail fluke slamming into the Pacific with the forested coast of Uvita behindHumpback whale breaching high out of the water with both pectoral fins open off the Costa BallenaHumpback whale tail fluke sweeping sideways with barnacled tips near UvitaHumpback whale tail fluke sinking into the calm Pacific with water pouring offHumpback whale beginning a dive with its tail fluke tipping into the waves near Marino BallenaHumpback whale tail fluke arching gracefully before a deep dive off UvitaHumpback whale white underside of the tail fluke rising against the open blue PacificHumpback whale tail fluke lifting with a curtain of water falling off the Costa BallenaHumpback whale dark tail fluke rising vertically out of the turquoise PacificHumpback whale white underside of the tail fluke spraying water in the open ocean off UvitaHumpback whale tail fluke folding over the surface with water streaming offHumpback whale spyhopping with its head above the water off the Costa Ballena coastHumpback whale tail fluke sliding under the waves with a splash near Marino Ballena

Cancellation Policy

Our legal name is registered in Costa Rica as KENSOF SRL, ID 3-102899394.

Deposits

A 50% deposit is required only for tours to Corcovado National Park and the Snorkeling Caño Island Tour. This deposit is non-refundable and covers commissions, park entrance fees, taxes, and tour organization costs.

In the event of a cancellation by the Company, a 100% refund of the total amount paid will be issued only if the minimum number of participants required for the tour is not met. The Company also reserves the right to cancel tours due to uncontrollable natural phenomena, natural disasters, National Park restrictions, or mechanical problems with the vessels or any other uncontrollable factors preventing the tour.

Refunds for all other tours

The deposit or total amount paid may be refunded in accordance with the refund conditions described below:

  • · 100% of the total amount paid will be refunded if the reservation is canceled at least 3 days prior to the scheduled tour date.
  • · 50% of the total amount paid will be refunded if the reservation is canceled 2 days prior to the scheduled tour date.
  • · No refund will be issued if the reservation is canceled 24 hours or less before the scheduled tour.

Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and we do not reimburse for non-observations.

Coral Expeditions Costa Rica (KENSOF SRL) is not responsible for loss, accidents, or incidents during tours. Photos on our website are copyrighted, and requests can be made through our email.

Rescheduling Policy

Clients who wish to change or reschedule their booked activities may do so subject to availability. The Company will make every effort to accommodate the requested changes; however, rescheduling is only possible if space is available in the National Parks to be visited and the vessels required for the tour are available on the requested date.

Please note that additional fees may apply when rescheduling a tour, particularly for National Park entrance permits and other non-refundable reservations or services that must be rebooked.

Responsibility

Coral Expeditions Costa Rica, represented by KENSOF SRL, ID 3-102899394, its owners, associates, agents, and employees, disclaim any responsibility for injuries, theft, or failure of any means directly or indirectly caused by any tour in Costa Rica.

We are not responsible for civil disturbances, government restrictions, changes by third-party service providers, or damages related to other services affecting your reservation. Changes to the itinerary can be made for comfort and well-being, with negotiations agreed upon in writing. The safety of luggage and belongings is the client's responsibility, although our company ensures client safety in our facilities.

Medical and Health Service

Clients with health conditions or disabilities should inform our staff in advance. During activities, a first aid kit is available, but clients must be aware that our staff is not a doctor. Private medical assistance can be arranged at the client's expense.

Insurance

We have a basic insurance policy covering civil liability and direct damage provided by the National Insurance Institute. Clients wanting additional coverage can obtain it in their country or in Costa Rica and add the document to the disclaimer.

Your next adventure

Request a reservation

Select the date you would like to take this tour and send us your request. We will confirm availability by email.

No online payment. Your reservation is subject to availability and our confirmation.

Planning several activities? Add this one to your itinerary and send them all in one request.

1. Preferred date

October 2026

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2. Your details