Playa Dominical, Marino Ballena national park, Pacific coast, Costa Rica.

Getty Images/age fotostock RM

Parque Nacional Marino Ballena

Top choice in Quepos to Uvita


Famous for its wide, 4km-long beach, part of which is shaped like whale's tail at low tide, this small but important marine park protects coral and rock reefs surrounding several offshore islands, along with migrating humpback whales, dolphins and nesting sea turtles. The best times of year for whale spotting are from December to April and July to November. You can walk along the sandy 'whale's tail' at low tide only; at high tide much of the beach is covered.

At the end of the 'whale's tail' are rockpools, and kids will enjoy searching for small marine life here. However, ferocious waves break at the end of the tail, so it's not suitable for swimming – keep kids at a distance from it so they don't end up being swept away.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Quepos to Uvita attractions

1. Farmers Market

1.27 MILES

Held a short distance from the main entrance to Uvita, along the unpaved road, this sweet little farmers market on Saturdays is a good place to mingle…

3. Cascada Verde

2.07 MILES

Around 2.5km inland and uphill (toward Cascada Verde hostel), this waterfall plunges into an inviting deep pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. Visitors…

4. Reserva Biológica Oro Verde

3.33 MILES

A few kilometers before Uvita is a signed turnoff to the left. A rough dirt road (4WD only) leads 3.5km up the hill to this private reserve on the farm of…

5. Playa Ventanas

6.51 MILES

Tucked behind a grove of coco palms, this crescent-shaped, black-sand-and-pebble beach has elaborate rock formations at either end, and is called …

6. Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary

6.81 MILES

Around 1.5km east and uphill from Dominical, this wildlife sanctuary takes in injured and orphaned animals as well as illegal pets. Its mission is to…

7. Reserva Playa Tortuga

8.31 MILES

Set up in 2009 by Costa Rican scientists, this excellent center conducts several important projects, including an inventory of local mammals and…

8. Playa Dominicalito

8.37 MILES

Three kilometers south of Dominical, this sheltered bay is favored by beginners when the surf is big in Dominical. Surf schools from Dominical frequently…