SouthernCostaRica.comTwo protected areas shape the marine side of southern Costa Rica. The national park covers the coast around Uvita, with a sandbar you can walk at low tide. Caño Island Biological Reserve lies offshore from the Osa Peninsula and is visited by boat with a registered guide. Plan around entry points, tide timing, permitted operators and snorkel and dive limits. It suits families, snorkelers, divers and whale watchers.
Rules on this page come from SINAC, which manages both areas through the Osa Conservation Area (ACOSA). We reviewed them in October 2026. Hours, closures and fees change, so confirm them before you go.
Marino Ballena National Park
SINAC lists four official sectors: Uvita, Colonia, Ballena and Piñuelas. SINAC has listed some sectors as temporarily closed at times, and its posted hours have differed between pages, so check current hours at the ranger station or with your stay on the day.
The park protects about 15 km of coast, from the Río Morete to Punta Piñuela. Its beaches include Playa Uvita, with moderate waves and mangroves at its northern end, and Playa Ballena, with small waves and fine sand.
The whale's tail. Off Punta Uvita, a sandbar called a tómbolo joins the beach to the point. From above, it looks like the tail of a whale. You can walk it only at low tide, so plan with the tide table, set off early and turn back before the water rises. Playa Arco is also reached only at low tide, through the Ballena sector.
Planning a park visit
- Buy entry at the park. Marino Ballena isn't on SINAC's online booking list, and SINAC says parks outside that system sell entry at their ticket booths, paid by credit or debit card.
- Your ticket covers entry only. Guides, gear and boat trips are arranged separately with local operators.
- Bring food, not a stove. SINAC allows prepared food in protected areas but not gas stoves, grills or fires, and you must carry all your trash out. Pets aren't allowed.
- Rain isn't a refund reason. SINAC doesn't refund entry for cloud, rain or rough seas, so watch the forecast and the tide table together.
If you're staying in Uvita, you can walk to the Uvita sector from town. Ojochal is also close: see Ojochal for stays and beaches south of the park.
Boat tours in the park
Humpback whales visit this coast in two seasons, December to April and July to November. Read about whale-watching rules and seasons before you choose a boat.
- Bahía Ballena whale and dolphin tour, morning: starts at the operator's office in Uvita, with a 15-minute walk through the park to the boat. Snorkel gear is included. View on Viator Partner link
- Whales and dolphins from Uvita: a boat tour of the park with snorkeling and a visit to sea caves. Park entrance fees are included. View on Viator Partner link
Compare more Uvita activities on GetYourGuide.
View on GetYourGuide Partner linkCaño Island
Caño Island is a biological reserve with a permanent ranger station, coral reefs and marine life such as manta rays, dolphins and sea turtles. Tours leave from Uvita and from Drake Bay, a common Caño Island departure point.
Rules for visiting. SINAC's Caño Island page sets these conditions:
- You must visit with a local guide registered with ACOSA.
- Visits must be reserved and prepaid with SINAC, so ask your operator to confirm it has done so. SINAC's online reservation system (SICORE) explains how to request a Caño reservation and pay by bank voucher.
- Snorkeling and diving are allowed only in the zones set by decree, and SINAC limits how many people can be in the water at one time.
- Drones need a permit from Costa Rica's civil aviation authority.
SINAC's Caño page dates from the pandemic period, when visits were limited to the marine area. Ask your operator whether landing on the island is allowed now and what the current limits are.
A snorkel day to Caño from Uvita
- Caño Island snorkeling tour: leaves from the Martin Adventours office in Uvita, with a guide who is licensed or certified, snorkel gear, safety gear, water and a typical Costa Rican lunch on a local beach. Children need to be at least 6, and every guest needs ID. View on Viator Partner link
The boat ride to the island crosses open water, so it can be bumpy. ICT names Caño Island among its humpback sighting areas, so whales can be seen on the crossing in season.
What to pack
A dry bag, a waterproof phone pouch, reef-safe sunscreen and motion-sickness bands make boat days easier.
- Dry bagView on Amazon Partner link
- Camera dry bag (boat landings)View on Amazon Partner link
- Waterproof phone pouchView on Amazon Partner link
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreenView on Amazon Partner link
- Motion-sickness wristbandsView on Amazon Partner link
Tides and sea conditions decide both the sandbar walk and boat trips. Check current conditions with your operator the evening before, and keep the next morning open in case of a weather delay.
For roads, buses and transfers, read about getting to the coast.