On the Pacific Coast in Costa Rica’s Province of Puntarenas, close to the town of Uvita the Ballena Marine Park is situated. The park covers the beaches between the southern part of Playa Hermosa and the northern edge of Playa Pinuela and almost 10 miles of open sea westward. Inside the park are the sandy beaches of Uvita and Ballena, where green marine iguanas can be spotted, warming up in the hot sand and diving in the ocean to feed on the algae on the rocks. It’s also where marine turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. The season for the Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles is from May till November, although the highest numbers can be spotted in September. You have to be very careful not to disturb the turtles by wearing dark clothes, no perfume or mosquito repellent and only infra red flashlights should be used. The turtles always come back to the same stretch of beach and recognize the smell and look of it and are easily disturbed. After the turtle finishes digging the hole for the eggs and starts the process of laying, it goes in a trance and can safely be approached. Between the beaches there are stretches of magnificent mangrove forests and off shore one of the most beautiful coral reefs is situated.. The waters of the Marino Ballena Marine Park are favorite feeding grounds of turtles, sharks, dolphins, marlin, tuna, and manta rays and sail fish. The most impressive spectacle of the Marino Ballena Marine Park is provided by the Humpback whales, that gave the park its name. From both hemispheres the whales migrate from the cold waters of the arctic circles to the warm waters of Costa Rica to mate and give birth, after traveling more than 10,000 miles. The whales can be spotted in the Marino Ballena Marine Park almost all year long, except in the months of May, December, January, February and March. Especially the area around Isla del Cano is preferred by the whales, because of its shallow waters. Thousands of dolphins live in the water of Marino Ballena National Park and can be spotted al year round. The coral reefs offer a spectacular stage where the colorful marine life can be observed scuba diving and snorkeling. The perfect starting point to visit the Marino Ballena Marine Park is the small town of Uvita, approximately 10 miles south of the popular surfing town of Dominical. It’s a long drive away from San Jose in the Central Valley, but definitely worth it.