Bahia Ballena is a wide geographical area extending from Dominical Beach, to Playa Tortuga and the mouth of Rio Térraba, this area includes the entire coast of Ballena Marine National Park.

In the Marino Mallena National Park, you can walk at least 15 kilometers in this endless beach.

Ballena Bay includes several beaches: Dominical, Dominicalito, Hermosa, Playa Uvita, Playa Chaman Playa Piñuelas, etc.

Playa Uvita has the peculiar characteristic that at low tide, many natural pools are revealed among the natural rock formations, where you can observe many species of marine life, such as colorful fish, mollusks, star fish, birds and many others.

Playa Uvita is also inside the conservation area of the Ballena National Park, therefore industrial fishing, hunting, or extraction of any type of marine wildlife is prohibited.

The Ballena National Park is located at the outlet of the Higuerón River or Morete and Punta Piñuelas, district of Bahía Ballena. The park includes some 5,375 hectares of sea and 115 hectares of land. The park protects important habitat like sandy Beaches, rocky Beaches, tidelands, mangroves, cliffs, islands, rocky reefs, the tide pools at Punta Uvita and the coral reef that all play and important role in the reproduction of marine diversity.

At Playa Uvita you can camp and enjoy the basic services that the park provides, such as fresh water, restrooms, showers, restaurants, cabinas, etc. You can go snorqueling in the natural pools to observe the varied marine life. It is also possible to rent a boar to go sport fishing or scuba diving, or take a tour to Caño Island, Violines Island or Ballena Island.

Getting there: it is located about 18 km south of Dominical. Available services: water, restrooms, restaurant, cabins, hotels, stores, offices, Internet, public telephone, electricity, super market, hardware store, discothèque, and pharmacy.

What to do: body surfing, boogie boarding, fishing, camping, kayaking to explore the rocks, swimming in the ocean or river, sport fishing, Tours to the Islands, horseback riding, ultralite tours, participate in turtle conservation projects, scuba diving, Soccer or Beach volleyball, observation of birds and wildlife.

Activities that are prohibited:: swimming where the lifeguards indicate that it is dangerous, throwing garbage on the Beach or in the streets. The maximum speed limit in town is 25 km/h. Driving of motor vehicles is prohibited on the Beach (according to law of traffic #7331). Hunting or the abuse or pursuit of wild animals such as garrobos, iguanas and birds is prohibited, as well as fishing with poison, nets, or spear guns. Bonfires are also restricted as much of the firewood is home to many creatures.

Where to stay and eat: In Uvita there are many options for dining. If you are looking for something more affordable look for a “soda” (typical Costa Rica cuisine). Options for lodging include Beach houses, bungalows, cabins and camping areas.