Nature
Marino Ballena National Park: the essential guide
Central America's first marine park, minutes from Ocean Melody: hours, fees, how to get there and the rules.
According to SINAC, Marino Ballena National Park (PNMB) is Costa Rica's first protected area created exclusively for its marine resources and the first marine park in Central America. National Geographic ranks it eighth among the world's best places to watch cetaceans.
- Created: June 9, 1992 (Executive Decree No. 21294-MIRENEM).
- Area: 5,160 marine hectares and 171 land hectares, with 15 km of coastline from the Morete River to Punta Piñuela.
- Four official entrances: Uvita, Colonia, Ballena and Piñuela.
- 17 coral species, spotted and bottlenose dolphins, manta rays, hammerhead sharks and humpback whales.
Hours and fees (SINAC)
- Uvita sector: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm · Colonia sector: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm.
- Ballena and Piñuela sectors: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Open every day of the year.
- Non-resident adult: $6.78 · Non-resident child: $5.65 (VAT included).
- National/resident adult: ¢1,130 · Child: ¢565. Card payment only (credit or debit).
- Tickets are sold at the official booths and valid all day; according to the ICT no reservation is needed.
How to get there
From San José, SINAC lists two routes: Route 34 (Costanera Sur) or Route 2 (Inter-American South), turning at San Isidro onto Route 234 towards Dominical. By bus, Tracopa (via Costanera, stopping in Uvita) or Transportes Blanco from Pérez Zeledón. The ICT adds that parking is available outside the park.
Not allowed
- Alcohol, smoking, drones (ICT), pets and single-use plastics.
- Taking shells, rocks or plants; touching or feeding animals.
- Bonfires, grills, horseback riding, vehicles on the beach and loud music.
SINAC recommends a hat, water, sunscreen and shoes for rocky areas; respect currents and marked danger zones, and keep valuables out of sight in your car.