Blue Whale in Costa Rica
October 30th, 2012
The blue whales in the Pacific Ocean are majestic creatures [...]
Isla Ballena
Isla Ballena is a small tropical island situated in the province of South Puntarenas on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Isla Ballena correctly translates into ‘whale island’ for it is one of the most biologically diverse places in the country, with a great number of whales. The ocean surrounding the isle is flourishing with exquisite marine creatures such as different species of dolphins, whales, sharks, rays, octopuses, eels, turtles, and numerous kinds of fish. The island is popular for whale watching tours; many pods of whales migrate to the warmer Pacific during the breeding season and labor periods. During the right season, which are the months between December and April, various pods of whales can be observed breaching and plunging in the ocean. Commonly seen species are Humpback, Orca, False Killer, Sei and Pilot whales. Besides whale-watching tours, the island is also renowned for dolphin-watching tours. Spinner, bottle-nose and spotted dolphins are frequently seen portraying amazing acrobatic moves in the ocean. Just like marine wildlife, terrestrial creatures are profuse. There are flocks of exotic seabirds like gulls, bananaquit birds, blue-footed booby birds, frigate birds and as well as basilisks and green iguanas. Playa Ballena is located close by the island spreading over the space of 1.5 miles. The long stretch of white-sand shoreline is purely unspoiled and stunningly beautiful. The beach offers the travelers to have intimate strolls, leisurely sunbathes, hearty picnics along with a chance to play exciting water-sports that include scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, boogie-boarding and plenty of more adrenaline-rushing activities. Vacationers can take boats to the Playa Ballena from the isle to snorkel and dive at the coral reefs, which are one of the biggest reefs in the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
Ballena National Marine Park
Ballena National Marine Park, the geological wonder, covers some part of Isla Ballena. Although there is no direct entrance to the park from the island, it is possible to gain entry by taking a boat which is arranged by the ranger stations. It is the must-visit attraction of Costa Rica; it is known for its several types of eco-systems that include wetlands, cliffs, dense mangroves swamps, rocks, coral reefs, several beaches and coastlines that support intense marine life. There are various endangered species that are being sheltered by the park; they are olive ridley turtles, hawks-bill turtles, leather-back turtles, green turtles, large colonies of sea-birds, whales, especially humpback whales, dolphins, schools of rays and numerous more. The park, named after Humpback whales, was established in 1990, and extents to a wide area of 110 sea hectares and 5,375 sea hectares. Travelers are offered inspiriting opportunities to observe rare animals, experience awesome aquatic sports and be rejuvenated both physically and mentally amidst the sublime ambiance.
Nearby Isla Ballena
Places located in close proximity to the island are Bahia Uvita on the northeast, Ballena on the northwestern side at about the distance of 3 km, and Punta Mala to the southwest.
The accommodations nearest to the island are:
Cristal Ballena Hotel Resort & Spa
La Cusinga Eco Lodge
Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa
Isla Ballena is a quiet, serene place which should be considered for every itinerary to the Central Pacific of Costa Rica.
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