Bahía Ballena

Travel Guide

I took this photo on my mission trip in Costa Rica, early morning when the sun had just risen I was able to capture this shot with my DJI Mavic Pro #AdventurePhotoContest #Adventure
I took this photo on my mission trip in Costa Rica, early morning when the sun had just risen I was able to capture this shot with my DJI Mavic Pro #AdventurePhotoContest #Adventure
I took this photo on my mission trip in Costa Rica, early morning when the sun had just risen I was able to capture this "Patagonia" type shot with my DJI Mavic Pro #AdventurePhotoContest #Adventure
I took this photo on my mission trip in Costa Rica, early morning when the sun had just risen I was able to capture this "Patagonia" type shot with my DJI Mavic Pro #AdventurePhotoContest #Adventure
The beach was almost completely empty before sunset. The water was warm, and waves calm. Spotted some monkeys, crabs, and an iguana crawled by on the tree next to me... Highly recommend Flutterby House to stay in, just a short walk from the beach. Playa Uvita, Costa Rica, 2015.

Where to stay in Bahía Ballena

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Marina Vista

Marina Vista might not have many top sights, but Playa Dominical and Hacienda Baru are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Marina Vista
Villas Rio Mar

Villas Rio Mar

3 out of 5
Dominical Beach Bahía Ballena Puntarenas
Stay at this hotel in Bahía Ballena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (628 reviews)
Todo muy bien me encanto el lugar recomendado

Reviewed on 19 January 2026

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Villas Rio Mar
Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge & Spa

Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge & Spa

3.5 out of 5
12km South of Dominical Bahía Ballena Puntarenas
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Bahía Ballena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Playa Hermosa and Alturas Wildlife ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (151 reviews)
Couldn’t have enjoyed my stay more. The staff were very kind and accommodating. The room was excellent and the views were phenomenal. I’ll be back!

Reviewed on 16 January 2026

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Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge & Spa
Canavida Villas & Resort

Canavida Villas & Resort

4 out of 5
Calle la Union Bahía Ballena Puntarenas Province
The price is AED 290 per night from Jan 25 to Jan 26
AED 290
AED 478 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this vacation home in Bahía Ballena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 10 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Arco Beach and Uvita Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
Pool side furniture needed cushions to be comfortable because too hard to sit or to lay down other than that everything was great.

Reviewed on 19 January 2026

Canavida Villas & Resort
See all 641 properties in Bahía Ballena
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge & Spa

Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge & Spa

3.5 out of 5
12km South of Dominical Bahía Ballena Puntarenas
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Bahía Ballena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Playa Hermosa and Alturas Wildlife ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (151 reviews)
Couldn’t have enjoyed my stay more. The staff were very kind and accommodating. The room was excellent and the views were phenomenal. I’ll be back!

Reviewed on 16 January 2026

Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge & Spa
Canavida Villas & Resort

Canavida Villas & Resort

4 out of 5
Calle la Union Bahía Ballena Puntarenas Province
Stay at this vacation home in Bahía Ballena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 10 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Arco Beach and Uvita Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
Pool side furniture needed cushions to be comfortable because too hard to sit or to lay down other than that everything was great.

Reviewed on 19 January 2026

Canavida Villas & Resort
Hotel Uvita Forest

Hotel Uvita Forest

3.5 out of 5
Calle Garcia, Uvita Bahía Ballena Puntarenas Province
Stay at this aparthotel in Bahía Ballena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and premium TV channels. Popular attractions Secret Lau Pool and Catarata uvita are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
Everybody help very nice stuff

Reviewed on 11 January 2026

Hotel Uvita Forest
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Playa Tortuga

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Playa Tortuga during your travels in Bahía Ballena? While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Playa Tortuga

Hacienda Baru

4.5/5(23 reviews)

You can take time to visit Hacienda Baru during your travels to Bahía Ballena. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Hacienda Baru

Catarata uvita

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Catarata uvita during your travels in Bahía Ballena. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.

Catarata uvita

Reviews of Bahía Ballena

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
56
5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
27
4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Paula

I truly recommend. Gorgeous country with very friendly people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Do everything in your power to preserve this area - its wonderful

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Whale watching excursion was very enjoyaable

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Small town. Many dirt roads. Kind of dark. Not a lot to do, but there is a good restaurant La fogata. Primary activities are whale and dolphin watching tours. Wasn't impressed with the beach at all. Stick and debris all over. Use sunscreen!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Food in Uvita was excellent and if you are visiting anywhere I recommend going to the Nauyaca Waterfalls (but make sure you pay for the truck ride as it's miles of hiking over rough terrain vs. a 30 minute ride)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Ballena is so beautiful. We visited during the wet season and it is a great time to experience the rainfall and see many different animals. If you fly into SJO, there is a Walmart store and you can purchase anything including bottle water.