COSTA BALLENA COSTA RICA’S SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST

COSTA BALLENA -on Costa Rica’ Southern Pacific, stretches thirty miles along the Pacific ocean from Dominical and south to Ojochal.
Ballena in Spanish means whale.  This is the area of Costa Rica to see whales in certain months of the year.  August and September are good month as well as January and February to take a boat out and you have a very chance of seeing them.

The access to the area by road is good..so if you are renting a car getting there is pretty easy.

There are mountains, unspoiled rivers, dense jungle and the Pacific Ocean.  You will see monkeys, sloths, so many species of tropical birds, hundreds of varieties  of flowering plants and hugh old growth trees.

You will not see high rise hotels and hoards of tourists.  The beaches offer great surfing
with waves for beginners as well as advanced.  For beginners go just south of Dominical  to Dominicalito .  There you can get lessons and also rent a surf board.

There are hotels and eco lodges for all price ranges.

SWIM UNDER A WATERFALL  The mountain range seems to drop right into the ocean and there are many gorgeous waterfalls in the region.

FISHING-Outdoor activities offered are deep sea fishing and fishing close to shore.

SURFING  for all levels.

HORSEBACK RIDING in the jungle or on the beach

HIKING into the jungle and rain forest to see monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, and of course the rain forest trees, many of which are old growth with meter wide buttresses and seem to reach the sky.

SNORKELING- take a boat out to Cano Island where snorkeling is fantastic.

SCUBA–  Cano Island and its off shore waters offer superb Scuba diving opportunities.

MANGROVE SWAMPS–most dense mangroves found in the world.

MILES OF OPEN STRETCH BEACHES AND  gorgeous sunsets.

EAT FRESH SEAFOOD

What months can I see Whales?  Certain months of the year whales can be spotted from your boat.  August and September and January and February.

OR SIMPLY HANG OUT AND ENJOY THE NATURE!

Ballena Marine National Park  is located here.  Miles and miles of beige sandy beaches, mangrove swamps, and the largest coral reef on the Pacific Coastline of Costa Rica.  You will need to hire a guide with a boat to take you snorkeling or scuba.  They are familiar with the best locations.

Humpback Whale

Dolphins can be seen and in season the humpback whales  (August)  which migrate from the cold water of the north to mate here in these warm waters.   Also the green Marine Iguanas perched on the rocks.  They come out of the water to bask in the sun.

From May thru November you may see the Oliver Ridley and Hawksbill turtles lay their eggs on the beaches at night.  September is best month is see them.  Go when the moon is waning and the night is dark.

Vacationing to Costa Ballena?  Contact “The Costa Rica Learn Travel Company
anncreed23@gmail.com   Ann-the Costa Rica Expert–  is a vacation planner for Costa Rica with 12 years experience.           www.costaricalearn.com