Ballena National Marine Park

Watch in awe as whales and dolphins put on a show as they emerge from the water. This is the favorite spot of humpback whales and several types of dolphins. Depending on the season, the park turns into natural scenery for viewing these animals. Humpback whales arrive every year (from July to October) to carry out their reproductive cycles, at a point in the park with a rocky and sandy formation resembling a whale’s tail. This curiosity is the park’s main attraction. Inside the park you can visit the tombolo (whale’s tail), enjoy and walk along the beaches, or snorkel or scuba dive to see a wide variety of marine life. You can also enjoy the calm ocean that bathes these shores or take a boat trip to nearby islands. In addition to humpback whales, species like the spotted dolphin can be found in these waters, as well as bottlenose dolphins, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, parrotfish and mackerels. “Take advantage of your visit and enjoy the attractions of the area, such as horseback riding, canyoning and waterfalls, Gallardo said. The Ballena National Marine Park has four official access routes for visitors to enjoy, all via the Inter-American Highway South: Uvita, Colonia, Ballena and Piñuela.