Snorkeling & Kayaking At Marino Ballena National Park

Snorkeling & Kayaking At Marino Ballena National Park

HIGHLIGHTS
- Great variety of birds, monkeys & marine life
- Possible sightings of dolphins, Humpback & Pilot Whales
- Great coral & rock reefs
- Scenic views of Ballena & Tres Hermanas Islands

INCLUDED
- Transportation to and from Dominical
- Bilingual naturalist guide
- Lunch
- Park entrance fee
- Fruits and drinks
- Snorkling equipment

Tour Cost: $55

MARINO BALLENA NATIONAL PARK

The Marino Ballena National Park was created in 1990 to preserve and protect the 4500 ha of coral reef that surrounds Ballena & Las Tres Hermanas Islands. This park also protects 13 km of pristine coastline including beautifully scenic beaches such as: Playa Ventanas, Playa Piñuelas, Playa Ballena, Playa Hermosa and Playa Bahia. Marino Ballena Park's most interesting feature is a Tombolo, or land bridge, which links the offshore reef to the mainland of Uvita Bay. This natural bridge, formed by sedimentation, can be seen and accessed only at low tide.

In the park there can be found sponges, corals, mollusks, algaes, echinoderms, crabs and other creatures which are adapted to the strong tidal swell. Green Iguanas abound in the park, feeding on the plentiful alga plants. It is also an important refuge and nesting place for numerous marine birds including the frigate and the sea earwig. It is considered the most median point of reproduction of the Humpback Whale which comes to these tropical waters during winter months.

TOUR DESCRIPTION

We will launch our kayaks at Playa Piñuelas, a short 30 minute drive from Dominical in our comfortable van. Along the way we may stop to watch birds, monkeys, sloths, etc. Aside from exuberant flora and fauna you will also see breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. At the put-in, our bilingual guides will tell you all about the park's history and teach you important safety techniques. We do our best to make sure that you get what you expect from the tour and will provide you the safest equipment available.

An easy 1½ hour paddle brings us to Ballena Island where a lunch of fruit and cold drinks in tropical style will be provided. We will then snorkel around the island, observing the richest marine fauna in the area. Or, if you prefer, you may choose to simply relax on the island and explore the numerous caves. After an adventurous day we’ll paddle back to Playa Piñuelas and return you to your hotel.

Departure Time: 7:30 am Return Time: 1:30 pm

What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, strap sandals, hiking or sneakers shoes, mosquito repellent, sunblock, sunglasses, raincoat or poncho, binoculars, camera, plastic bags, extra water bottle, dry clothes to change into, and a towel. And don’t forget your prescribed medicine if you take any.

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