Marino Ballena Combination Tour with Whale and Dolphin Watching
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
During this Combination Tour, we explore Marino Ballena National Park in search of marine wildlife such as humpback whales, Pacific spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and sea turtles. Sightings depend on natural conditions and may vary by season and from day to day.
If ocean conditions permit, the tour includes time for swimming in open ocean waters and occasional snorkeling. The route also features a brief pass by Whale Island (Whale Rock) to observe seabirds like brown boobies and frigate birds, as well as coastal scenery near Ventanas Beach with its caves and rock formations.
Whale seasons:
From mid-July to October, Southern Hemisphere humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to breed and nurse their calves in the area. From late December to late February, Northern Hemisphere humpback whales migrate from the U.S. West Coast. While whale sightings are never guaranteed, our experienced crew follows all regulations and uses their expertise to maximize wildlife encounters.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Parque Nacional Marino Ballena
Visitors will explore Marino Ballena National Park by boat while searching for marine wildlife such as dolphins, sea turtles, and seasonal humpback whales. The experience includes scenic views of the coastline, nearby rock formations, and opportunities to observe seabirds in their natural habitat. When sea conditions allow, there is time to swim in open ocean waters. Throughout the visit, a bilingual naturalist guide provides educational commentary about the park’s marine ecosystem and conservation efforts.
What‘s Included
Coffee station available before the tour, with fresh tropical fruits served during the experience.
The use of snorkeling equipment is available during the summer season, provided that sea conditions and visibility permit.
Options
Marino Ballena Combination Tour with Whale and Dolphin Watching
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly reccomended
60annaprice,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This boat tour was amazing. We didn't see whales but saw dolphins, turtles, a heron and pelicans. Our guide, Jennifer is so knowledgeable and told us a lot about the area and the history of previous tribes. Snorkelling at the end was incredible.
Worthwhile trip
beachbrit2,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Last day of our trip, great time - saw spotted dolphins and Female Humpback with calf. Guide was knowledgable and made the experience enjoyable. Boat was comfortable and not overcrowded; we, as a group, decided to skip the swimming/snorkelling and stick with the animals which paid off. Overall, well organised, fun and tour lived up to its promise.
Watch the whale jump, spectacular.
110noeliar,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really loved the tour we could see the whales and the dolphins. The guys who do the tour worry that you feel good and enjoy the excursion to the fullest. Our monitor was Edward, they were all lovely.
Was left speechless & choked!
mikedaveross,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a trip! The guide & everyone on the boat were very welcoming, knowledgeable & super keen & excited to show you their beautiful wonders of Costa Rica! We got to see Humpback wales right up close to the boat. A lifetime experience (after missing out 12 years ago in NZ!) Thank you!
Superb
Hogyn D,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely superb from start to finish . The pre briefing with food & drink was so engaging , clear & professional. The boat was comfortable , seats 16 with 14 of us with sufficient space & good views for all . The views of the park are incredible . So beautiful& the commentary was excellent . The boat crew were superb , they know the waters so well & importantly know the wildlife - we saw a mother and calf humpback . Followed them for a good time . It was magical.
Lovely people fabulous boat and great sightings
ACathy3,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Met at the starting point where there was lots of coffee cold drinks and home made cookies and delicious banana bread We were lucky just 8 people on our boat and I had a front seat I was driven round to the boat which was rather handy Set off and first thing was a group of dolphins Off course looking for a whale and we were lucky to see a male and had very good views hung around to see him 3 times We saw mating turtles which is rare Then a trip to see the caves back to the whales tail where some people swam Dean who led the tour was excellent Great day
Amazing Combined Whale and Dolphin Tour
katyh874,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We recently went on a combined whale and dolphin watching tour with Bahia. It was one of the highlights of the trip and the company ran a really tight ship. The entire family was impressed with their organization and communication. We loved the tour. Uvita and Marino Ballena National Park is absolutely stunning. We were able to really observe the behaviour of a mother humpback and her calf. It was a major highlight of the trip. We would absolutely book with Bahia again. You can also book with them directly instead of going through TripAdvisor, which was a plus for me.
Whale tours
vincenzoParma,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful experience spotted many whales very close and the guys who accompanied us were very professional especially Jennifer who was very good at explaining all the behaviors of the whales
From US$95.00
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Operated by Bahía Aventuras