Marine Sanctuary: Dance of the Giants in Uvita

Overview

There are moments that take your breath away. Feeling the salt spray as a 40-ton humpback whale breaches the ocean’s surface is one of them. At Costaricanbreath, we’ve crafted this experience not just as a tour, but as a full immersion into one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles.

From your comfortable haven at Hotel Uvita Forest, you’ll fall asleep to the serenade of the jungle meeting the sea. The next day, you’ll set sail into the protected waters of the Marino Ballena National Park, a vital sanctuary that hosts two distinct humpback whale migrations each year. Our expert local guides will not only lead you to an encounter with these gentle giants but will also share the secrets of this vital marine ecosystem, home to dolphins, sea turtles, and countless seabirds.

This is an invitation to pause, to take a deep breath of the Pacific air, and to capture a memory that will pulse within you forever.

Highlights

Record-breaking migration: Watch majestic humpback whales complete one of the longest mammal migrations on the planet. They travel more than 8,000 km (5,000 miles) from Antarctica to breed and give birth in the warm, safe waters of Costa Rica.

Explore a Pioneering Marine Park: Navigate the waters of Marino Ballena National Park, the very first marine park established in Central America. It was created with the specific purpose of protecting this critical whale sanctuary.

Walk on a Natural Wonder: Stroll along the iconic "Whale's Tail" tombolo, a stunning natural sandbar that magically appears only during low tide, perfectly mimicking the shape of its most famous visitor.

Discover Abundant Biodiversity: It's not just about whales! Enjoy frequent sightings of playful Spotted and Bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of marine birds. Every moment on the water is a new discovery.

Experience a Globally Unique Phenomenon: Uvita is one of the few places in the world privileged to host two whale-watching seasons per year, as it welcomes separate pods migrating from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Enjoy a Seamlessly Curated Escape: Relax knowing everything is taken care of. Your park entrance fees, expert-led boat tour, and serene lodging are all perfectly arranged for a hassle-free and profound connection with nature.

Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrival in Paradise & Jungle Whispers

Beginning at 3:00 PM, you can check in at Hotel Uvita Forest.

Take the afternoon to settle in, enjoy the pool, or take a quiet walk through the lush surroundings. As evening falls, let the sounds of the jungle welcome you. The adventure is about to begin.

Lodging: Hotel Uvita Forest, , Bahía Ballena, Uvita.

Day 02 : Encounter with the Giants

After a delicious tropical breakfast at Aroma Café, we'll meet at 8:00 AM at the main entrance to the Uvita sector of the Marino Ballena National Park.

At 8:30 AM, we’ll depart on a comfortable and safe boat for a 3 to 4-hour tour. We will navigate the turquoise waters in search of majestic humpback whales, spotted dolphins, sea turtles, and marine birds. During the trip, we’ll visit the park’s famous “Whale’s Tail” sandbar formation.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Uvita’s pristine beaches, visit a local waterfall at 700 meters of the hotel, or simply relax at the hotel.

Lodging: Hotel Uvita Forest, , Bahía Ballena, Uvita.

Day 03 : One Last Ocean Breath & Farewell

Wake up at your own pace and enjoy your final breakfast in paradise. You can use the morning for one last walk along the beach at low tide.

Check-out is at 11:00 AM. You’ll depart with your spirit recharged and your memory filled with the sun, the salt, and the unforgettable image of the ocean’s giants.

Lodging: Hotel Uvita Forest, , Bahía Ballena, Uvita.

What's included?

Cost includes

2 nights' accommodation at Hotel Uvita Forest.

2 full breakfasts at Aroma Café.

Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour (approx. 3-4 hours).

Certified, bilingual local guide during the boat tour.

Entrance fee to the Marino Ballena National Park.

Bottled water and fresh fruit during the boat tour.

All applicable taxes.

What's Excluded

Transportation to and from Uvita.

Lunches and dinners.

Gratuities for guides and hotel staff (optional).

Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

About the Whale Watching Tour

What is the absolute best time of year to see whales in Uvita?

Uvita is incredible because it has two distinct whale-watching seasons, giving you a very wide window to visit! The “peak” season with the highest number of whales is the Southern Migration from late July to early November. A second, beautiful season brings whales from the north from late December to late March.

Is seeing a whale guaranteed?

We are entering the wild, natural habitat of these magnificent creatures, so we can’t offer a 100% guarantee. However, during the peak seasons, our sighting probability is consistently over 95%. Our experienced captains are experts at locating them. What we can guarantee is a beautiful journey on the Pacific with very high chances of seeing dolphins, sea turtles, and marine birds.

How close do we get to the whales?

We operate with the utmost respect for the animals and strictly follow the regulations of the Marino Ballena National Park. This means we maintain a safe and respectful distance (usually around 100 meters / 300 feet) to ensure the whales are not disturbed in their natural sanctuary.

What happens if it rains on the day of our tour?

A little tropical rain won’t stop us! The tour generally runs rain or shine, as tropical showers are often brief. The tour will only be canceled by the boat captain in the event of unsafe sea conditions like high winds or thunderstorms. In such a rare case, we will work with you to reschedule your tour or provide a full refund for the tour portion of your package.

Is the tour suitable for children and seniors?

Absolutely. The boat tour is a fantastic and generally calm experience for all ages. It requires some mobility to get on and off the boat, but our crew is always there to assist. It’s a wonderful family activity.

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand plans can change. Our policy is as follows:

Cancellations made more than 30 days before the check-in date receive a full refund, minus a small processing fee.
Cancellations made between 15 and 29 days before check-in receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations made less than 15 days before check-in are non-refundable.

Is transportation from San José (or elsewhere) to Uvita included?

Transportation to Uvita is not included in this package. Your adventure begins when you arrive at the hotel in Uvita. If you need advice on the best way to get here, whether by rental car or a shared/private shuttle, we would be happy to provide recommendations!

What should I bring with me on the boat tour?

We recommend bringing: comfortable and light clothing, a swimsuit (under your clothes), sandals or water shoes, a hat or cap, sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and of course, your camera! A light rain jacket is also a good idea, just in case.

Are the boats safe and are there life jackets?

Yes, safety is our top priority. All our partner vessels are fully licensed, insured, and equipped with all required safety gear, including life jackets for every passenger. Our captains are highly experienced in these waters.

What if I am prone to seasickness?

The waters inside the bay of the Marino Ballena National Park are generally quite calm. However, if you are particularly prone to motion sickness, we strongly advise taking preventative medication before you leave for the tour. Please consult your doctor for the best option for you.