Marino Ballena National Park
Established in 1990, Marino Ballena National Park is best known for the migration of the Humpback Whales during the months of December through April as well its breathtaking scenery. The park encompasses some 270 acres of beach and over 13,000 maritime acres which house a variety of different aquatic species, including the largest coral reef on Central Americas Pacific Coast.
Stretching 6 miles along the coast, Marino Ballena National Park includes three beaches, a mangrove forest, a coral reef, and numerous rocky isles and islets. The three beaches are Playa Ballena, Playa Pinuela, and Playa Ventanas. With the high cloud forest mountains sprinkled with numerous waterfalls serving as the backdrop to these beaches, many consider these to be the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica.
Activities
The coral reef of Marino Ballena National Park is the largest on the Pacific Coast in Central America. Snorkeling in this area is great and provides a fun outdoor activity for visitors. Surfing, kayaking and diving are other popular activities offered in the area. Camping is permitted on the beaches but visitors must be able to provide everything they will need. This is sometimes the best way to go if you want to watch the turtle nesting taking place at night. Please be aware that petty theft can be a problem if camping.
Park Admission Fees and Hours
Marino Ballena National Park can be reached from Highway 34 and is less than an hour west of San Isidro. Visitors should expect a 10USD admission fee and park hours are 8am-4pm daily. The fee does not include a guide. A guide is highly recommended to ensure that visitors have a chance to witness all the sights and wildlife that you will most likely not see on your own.
Weather and Packing List
The South Pacific is a region of vast contrasts in weather. Temperatures remain the same nearly year round with average day time highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and night time lows in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies by month with the months of December through April being the driest.
Visitors should pack a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent.
Fun Fact: Marino Ballena National Park is the best place in Costa Rica to observe whales from shore, though do keep in mind boat rides will bring you much closer.
