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EXCURSIONS & TOURS
BALLENA MARINE PARK
The
national park Ballena is the first marine park in
Latin America. It was created in 1990 to protect
the coral and rock reefs. The park covers 13 kilometers
of coastline from Punta Uvita to Pi�uela Beach and
consists of 5,375 hectares of marine environment.
From the river Terraba (South of the park),which
connects the biggest mangrove area of Central America
to the sea, tons of micro organisms flow into the
sea. Another attraction for bigger and smaller fish
and their predators.
There
are 5 species of coral in the park (from the 18
existing ones in the west pacific ocean). The park
waters host swarms of Anchovies, lobsters, catfish,
Flying Fish, Trunk Fish, Trigger Fish, Caribbean
Snook, Jew Fish, Common Dolphins and Bottle Nose
Dolphins. The best time for whale watching is from
December to April when the park is home to Humpback
Whales, an endangered species of which only 5,000
remain today coming from the northern hemisphere
and between July and October when whales are visiting
from the Arctic.
The
snorkeling sites will be the around Ballena
Island or Punta Uvita. Recommended is
to do the snorkeling at Low Tide. The visibility
ranges will be between 25 to 75 feet, depending
the season.
The
sandy beaches of Ballena are visited by the Oliver
Ridley and Hawksbill Turtles from May till November,
but mainly in September and October.
Whales and
Dolphin tour combined with snorkeling: US $65 pp:
This
3-4 hour boat tour wil take you out on the ocean
to spot different species of whales and dolphins,
cruise the coastline and snorkel on 2 different
locations.
The
tour leaves at 8.00 AM from Uvita beach.
Includes
fruits, water, snorkeling equipment, park entree
fees and a specialized guide. Leaving at 8 AM
fromUvita. Pick up from the hotel, US $5
Kayaking tour Ballena US$ 45 pp
(appr.3 hours, min. 2 persons)
Caves &
Waves Kayaking tour Ballena:
Starting
from the beach of Pi�uelas, 3 kilometer North of
the hotel, the bilingual guide will tell you about
the national history of the park and give safety
instructions before paddling for about an hour to
the caves of Ventanas (2 of them are accessible
with the kayaks). Rest at one of the most beautiful
beaches of the zone ( Playa Ventanas) where you
will be set up on a tropical way with fruits and
drinks having some fun time surfing the waves on
your way back. Price $ 45 per person.
Diving Marino
Ballena:
Half
day 2 tank dive tour in Ballena marine Park Minimum
of 3 persons.
Includes
dive equipment, professional dive instructor, snack
and park fees.
Price
$ 90 per peson.
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