Humpback whale watching
WildlifeSeasonal
Seasonal or
restricted
What depends on tides, seasons or permits, with alternatives for when it isn’t possible
How to use this guide
For anyone planning Uvita around the season, the tide or a permit, and wanting to know what to do if things do not line up. Start with the calendar. Humpback whales pass from December to April and from July to November, peaking in August and September, when sightings are near-daily; outside those months, swap whale watching for the dolphin and snorkel trip to Isla Ballena. The Whale and Dolphin Festival takes place in September, and Envision Festival runs for several days once a year (the 2026 edition was from 23 February to 2 March): if your trip overlaps, book lodging well ahead, as prices rise across the area.
Next, the tide. Arco Beach can only be reached and left at low tide, via the Ballena sector, about 30 minutes across beach, a river and forest; if the tide does not suit, stay at Playa Ballena or Colonia. The park ticket is valid all day in all four sectors, so the 3 to 4 hour whale tour combines well with the beach: go in the morning or afternoon, whichever leaves low tide free. Piñuela Beach, about 10 km south, may be temporarily closed; if so, go to Playa Ballena or Playa Ventanas.
Caño Island (snorkelling) is a separate outing: tours leave from Drake Bay, about 45 min by boat, and it is only possible with a registered local guide. If money or time is short, skip it and stick to the park beaches, for $6.78. If you are only paying for one tour, make it whale watching in season.
Tips
- The park takes cards only. Look at the tide table at the entrance booth and do not leave valuables on the beach or in the car.
- Whale watching is run by local operators, not the park, from $80 per adult. The minimum age is 2 on covered boats, and in the dry season it sometimes includes a swim by the Whale's Tail.
- For Caño Island, book and pay at most 8 days ahead. No more than 10 people can be in the snorkel zone at a time, and single-use plastic and drones are not allowed.
- Visibility at Caño is usually better in the dry season, and many tours stop for lunch at San Josecito beach on the Drake coast on the way back.
Places in this guide
Compare the places and save your favourites. Opening hours and prices change: confirm them before you go.
- See the full card: Humpback whale watching
- See the full card: Whale and Dolphin Festival
2Whale and Dolphin Festival
CultureSeasonal
- See the full card: Envision Festival
3Envision Festival
NightlifeSeasonal
- See the full card: Arco Beach
4Arco Beach
BeachRestricted access
- See the full card: Piñuela Beach (Piñuela sector)
Piñuela Beach (Piñuela sector)
BeachRestricted access
- See the full card: Caño Island (snorkelling)
Caño Island (snorkelling)
WaterRestricted access
More guides for this destination
Beaches of Ballena Marine National Park
One ticket covers all four sectors for the day; plan around the tide table.
Waterfalls of Costa Ballena
From the big Nauyaca falls to small, free swimming holes; most need a car.
Ocean trips
Whale and dolphin watching, snorkelling and diving trips leave from Uvita beach; the sea is usually calmer in the morning.
Wildlife, reserves and rescue
Private refuges, rescue centres and mangroves to see wildlife with a guide, by day or night.
Free beaches and plans
Beaches outside the park, markets and villages with no entry fee.