In short
- Tours last between 2.5 and 4 hours.
- Excursions cost roughly $60 to $95 USD.
- Boats board directly from the sand at the Uvita sector.
In this article
Marino Ballena National Park protects 5,160 marine hectares and a large coral reef. Taking a boat tour allows you to access deeper waters where humpback whales breed. Read on to learn how these tours work, what they cost, and what marine wildlife you might see.
How much do whale watching tours cost?
Prices range from $60 to $95 USD per person.
Most tour operators include the $6 USD park entrance fee in the total ticket price. The cost covers the boat ride, a local guide, and often snorkeling equipment. Many tours also provide bottled water and tropical fruit snacks.
How long is a whale watching boat tour?
Most marine boat excursions last around 3 hours.
Operators usually ask you to arrive at their local office before departure. After checking in, you walk about 15 minutes to the Uvita sector entrance. The time on the water focuses on tracking whales and dolphins along the coast.
What animals will you see on the tour?
Humpback whales and multiple dolphin species are the main targets.
The waters host humpback whales during their migrations. You also have a strong chance of seeing spotted dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Sea turtles and manta rays occasionally appear near the boat. Seabirds nest on nearby rock formations like the Tres Hermanas islands.
Do tours include snorkeling?
Yes, many tours include time for snorkeling if ocean conditions permit.
The park shelters 17 coral species. If the water is calm and clear, the captain will anchor near the reefs. Guides provide masks and fins. Note that visibility drops during periods of heavy rain or rough surf.
Where do the boats depart from?
All authorized boat excursions depart from the Uvita Tour Launch Area.
There is no dock or pier in the national park. You will board the boat directly from the sand at Playa Uvita. Be prepared to wade into shallow water to climb aboard. Wear water shoes or strap sandals.
When is the best time of year to go?
The highest chances of seeing whales are from August to October and January to March.
Southern Hemisphere humpback whales arrive between July and November. Peak numbers appear in August, September, and October. Northern Hemisphere whales visit between December and April. Morning tours offer calmer ocean waters for a smoother boat ride.
Questions travellers ask
Do boats have restrooms on board?
No, the small 24-seat boats used for these coastal tours do not feature onboard restrooms. Use the facilities in town before you depart.
Do you need a guide for Marino Ballena National Park?
You do not need a guide to walk the beaches or the Whale's Tail. However, a guided tour is mandatory if you want to explore the marine park by boat.
Can I swim during the boat tour?
Many tours allow a brief swimming or snorkeling break in the open ocean. This is strictly dependent on daily weather and sea conditions.
