SOUTH PACIFIC COSTA RICA

Whales, dolphins.
A wilder Pacific.

Build a South Pacific experience around Uvita, Marino Ballena and Drake Bay — from a marine day trip to a multi-day nature itinerary.

Two whale seasons. One extraordinary coastline.

Marino Ballena National Park is one of Costa Rica’s signature marine-wildlife destinations. Humpback whales arrive from both hemispheres in two principal periods, while resident dolphin species may be observed throughout the year. Wildlife sightings are natural and can never be guaranteed.

Southern migrationGenerally July–November in Marino Ballena.

Northern migrationGenerally December–April in Marino Ballena.

DolphinsResident dolphins can be encountered year-round.

CHOOSE YOUR PACE

South Pacific experiences from 1 to 4 days

Humpback whale tail in Marino Ballena National Park

1 DAY / MARINE EXPERIENCE

Marino Ballena Whale & Dolphin Experience

Ideal for travelers already in Uvita, Dominical or the South Pacific.

Uvita / Bahía Ballena base
Whale and dolphin boat experience, typically 3–4 hours
Seasonal humpback whales and year-round dolphin opportunities
Marino Ballena coastal scenery and marine wildlife

Uvita coast at Marino Ballena National Park

2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT

Uvita & Costa Ballena Getaway

A short South Pacific escape combining private ground transportation with the coast.

Day 1: private transfer to Uvita and coastal exploration
Day 2: whale & dolphin boat experience, then onward transfer or return
Customizable around your Costa Rica itinerary

Pantropical spotted dolphin porpoising in Costa Rica

3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS

Drake Bay — Whales, Dolphins & Wilder Pacific

A more remote nature-focused extension using Drake Bay as the base.

Day 1: travel to Drake Bay and local exploration
Day 2: marine wildlife excursion
Day 3: optional Caño Island snorkeling or Corcovado component, subject to availability

Pod of Pacific spotted dolphins off the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

South Pacific Discovery

Combine Uvita / Marino Ballena with the Osa Peninsula for a fuller regional itinerary.

Uvita and the Whale Tail area
Seasonal whale & dolphin watching
Drake Bay extension
Optional Caño Island, mangroves, bioluminescence or Corcovado depending on logistics and availability

When should you go?

For humpback whales: plan around the two migration windows. SINAC lists southern whales from July to November and northern whales from December to April in Marino Ballena. Visit Costa Rica also highlights the South Pacific for whale and dolphin watching and describes the Uvita experience as a 3–4 hour activity in season.

For a broader South Pacific trip: Drake Bay works well as a multi-day extension with access to Caño Island and Corcovado. Protected-area activities and specific excursions should always be confirmed before the itinerary is finalized.

TAILOR-MADE SOUTH PACIFIC

One day or several days — we can build it around your trip.

Tell us your travel dates, where you are staying and how much time you have. We’ll coordinate the ground portion and help shape the South Pacific experience around current availability and seasonality.

Plan My South Pacific Experience

Explore Costa Rica’s South Pacific

The South Pacific is a strong choice for marine wildlife, rainforest and multi-day exploration. Uvita, Marino Ballena and the wider southern coast can be integrated into a private itinerary with transportation and additional experiences elsewhere in Costa Rica.

Browse all Costa Rica tours · Arrange private transportation · Plan a South Pacific itinerary

Whales, dolphins.A wilder Pacific.