Coastal Kayaking at Marino Ballena Park



Good to Know
Embark on a thrilling half-day kayaking adventure at Marino Ballena National Park, launching from the iconic Whale Tail. This guided tour offers an immersive experience paddling alongside rugged rock formations and lush rainforests, with opportunities to explore peaceful mangroves. While the focus is on the breathtaking views and paddling, a seasonal stop for a refreshing swim or snorkel is also included. The tour covers transportation, park entrance fees, and snacks, promising a memorable coastal exploration.
The Kayaking Adventure at Marino Ballena Park is an awesome half day adventure!
Round trip transportation times vary from 15 minutes to a little over an hour based upon whether you are picked up from your hotel in the local area of Uvita or from areas around Dominical and Manuel Antonio. You will be brought into the Marino Bellena National Park and your admission is included in the tour. Your guide will provide life jackets and paddles and explain the plan of activities yet to come.
You will be launching your kayak from the famous Whale Tail beach, named for its unique shape, looking exactly like the tail of the humpback whales that come here to breed twice a year. This rock formation emerges as a sandbar during low tide and hosts numerous tide pools. Convergent currents create the amazing geographic feature as if Nature were giving the whales a landmark to show them where to come.
Kayaking along the beautiful coastline we stop to snorkel the colorful coral reefs in search of tropical fish and other marine life. From here it is possible to encounter bottle nose dolphin, sea turtles or maybe even a whale sighting depending on the time of year.
After snorkeling, we will kayak a little more in the surf or along the mangroves where many sea birds build their nests. Also found in this area are monkeys, iguanas and red macaws.
Light snacks of fresh fruit will be provided and water will be available throughout the tour. It is recommended to wear water shoes on this trip as Whale Tail beach consists of a combination of small rocks and sand. Times of tours vary depending upon the time of low tide. The Park provides tide table information that may be useful to your vacation planning.
What to Bring
Includes
Available in: Dominical, Uvita, Manuel Antonio, Uvita 4x4
Tour Times
Tour Type
- Adventure
- Beach
- Snorkeling
Location
Lattitude: N 9° 8' 43.95" (9.145542)
Longitude: W 83° 45' 52.98" (-83.764717)
Recent Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Marino Ballena Kayaking Adventure?
The Kayaking Adventure at Marino Ballena Park includes round-trip transportation, a professional guide, park entrance fees, and light snacks with water.
What activities are part of the kayaking tour at Marino Ballena Park?
Participants will kayak along the beautiful coastline, explore mangroves, and may enjoy a seasonal stop for a swim or snorkel. Opportunities to spot marine life like dolphins, sea turtles, and various seabirds are possible.
What should I bring for the Marino Ballena kayaking tour?
It is recommended to bring a swimsuit, towel, water shoes or sandals with a back strap, sunblock, and insect repellent for the tour.
From which areas does the Marino Ballena Kayaking Adventure offer pickup?
Transportation is provided from hotels in the local Uvita area, as well as from regions around Dominical and Manuel Antonio.
Related Costa Rica Travel Planning
- Explore DominicalRead the destination guide for Dominical.
- Explore Finca Baru PacificoRead the destination guide for Finca Baru Pacifico.
- Explore UvitaRead the destination guide for Uvita.
- Explore Marino BallenaRead the destination guide for Marino Ballena.
- Explore Manuel AntonioRead the destination guide for Manuel Antonio.