Parque Nacional Marino Ballena

Beautiful beach and park with clean waters. We attempted walking the whales tail at low tide, but it was too difficult with the waves crashing over the sand bar. The closer one got to the end of tail, the rockier the ground was. The shells are very prevalent at low tide. Very clean beach and warm waters.

The Whale’s Tail was absolutely amazing. It’s one of the most unique and beautiful beaches we’ve ever visited. When the tide is low, you can walk right out onto the sandbar and see the full shape of the tail, which is such a cool experience. The views are incredible and the water is so warm and clear. The beach itself was super clean, quiet, and felt very safe. There were families, couples, and solo travelers all enjoying the area in such a peaceful way. We loved how natural and untouched it felt, with beautiful palm trees and the sound of the waves in the background. It’s a perfect spot to swim, walk, relax, or just enjoy the scenery. If you’re anywhere near Uvita, this is an absolute must-see. We would definitely come back again.

Time your visit for low tide. (And don’t listen to Google about low tide— it led me completely astray.) Google said low tide would be 12:36 so we arrived at 11:30, only to find out low tide was actually at 4pm. There’s hardly anywhere to go at high tide but we managed to get to the back where the whale tail would later be uncovered at low tide. We managed to kill a few hours until the ocean was shallow enough to walk out to the island. The island was just sand and rocks but it was a cool experience. I highly recommend water shoes for the whale tail walk as the rocks at the island are very painful on bare feet. This is not a spectacular national park with versatility or lots to do but it is a lovely untouched beach that is worth a visit. Parking was $6 and park entry was $7/pp.

Family of three visiting on a Tuesday. It wasn’t too crowded. The beach is nice. I get that they only charge $6 per person but the restrooms were disgusting and there is not a single trash an in the whole park. Come on!!!

Absolutely beautiful beach! Be sure to bring water and snacks if you're planning to walk out to the "whale tail" - it is a BEAUTIFUL but hot - humid 1 hour walk (round trip) in the sand.

We went on a Friday morning and had the place practically to ourselves! I don't know if that's normal or not, but there were maybe a dozen other people there and we had the best time. The tide was out so the beach was exposed and maybe everybody just spread out? Anyway, the sand is soft and the water calm and warm and there's shady spots to put your stuff and it was just beautiful and clean and perfect.

I visited Parque Nacional Marino Ballena whilst staying in Uvita, and it was one of the highlights of my two-week visit to Costa Rica. There's plenty of parking around the site – both paid and free if you don't mind walking. Entry was quick and easy, costing just over $6 a person, so one of the cheaper parks. There isn't much in terms of facilities or anywhere to eat or drink inside, but there are lots around it. The beach is absolutely spectacular; pictures simply do not do it justice. 'The Whale Tail' was mostly under water whilst we were there, but you'll need to check tide times if you want to walk out there – or brave the waves. We arrived in the park around 9 am, and we went straight in, but by the time we left at 11 am there was a huge queue to get in and the beaches were much busier by the entrance. My tip would be to get there early for a quieter visit and some parts of the beaches entirely to yourself!

This national park is a lovely natural beauty that includes three beaches in the cost of the daily entrance (paid by card only). At this specific location you can visit the main attraction which is the bay in the form of a whale tail which requires a two-mile walk in the morning when it can be seen in the low tide. The park has free bathrooms and outdoor showers, near the entrance. Private, paid parking was available for $6 for the entire day near the entrance. There are restaurants and food sales available outside, but no other way to buy anything to eat or drink inside the park.