Marina Ballena N.P.

The word “Ballena” means whale." This park received this name because of the shape of the rocky formation on the beach that resembles the tail of a whale. From this peaceful setting you can enjoy watching whales and dolphins. Here, marine species are protected from overfishing and exploitive commercial practices for the preservation of marine life, the protection of the coral reef, and well-being of local fishers. This park is part of the Osa Conservation Area.

Ballena Marine National Park protects 5,375 Ha. of the sea and 115 ha of land. Within the boundaries of the park live amazing coral forming incredible reef structures. Supplementing the live coral, are rock formations forming reefs of their own. But, in addition to the permanent life that the occupy the park, there are a vast plethora of mobile animals that need this national park. The coral reef is one of the best developed of the Central Pacific, and the diversity of species is uncountable. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatum) and common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) can be seen close to the shore year-round. This park is the perfect spot to watch the migration  giants of the sea such as the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). These huge (up to 15 m length= 50 feet) aquatic mammals come from the North (July to October) or from the South (December to March) during their breeding season.

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