5/5 - Excellent
Paula
I truly recommend. Gorgeous country with very friendly people
Ballena
Travel Guide
Visit Ballena
Where to stay in Ballena
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.
Oxygen Jungle Villas & Spa
1.5 KM Noroeste del catarata, 4x4 vehicle ONLY, Ballena, Puntarenas
The price is AED 914 per night from Mar 16 to Mar 17
AED 914
AED 1,033 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Ballena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (284 reviews)
Gorgeous location
"A stunning place! The bar/restaurant and pool area are truly breathtaking and have been done to a very high standard. The staff were all fantastic and the food was generally good. There is lots to explore locally including the free waterfalls you can access from the hotel, a bigger waterfall further ..."
Reviewed on 9 February 2025
Villas Rio Mar
Dominical Beach, Ballena, Puntarenas
The price is AED 475 per night from Mar 15 to Mar 16
AED 475
AED 536 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Mar - 16 Mar
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Ballena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (575 reviews)
"Beautiful spot, excellent grounds, good restaurant. Not our first stay and not our last."
Reviewed on 17 January 2025
Canavida Villas & Resort
Calle la Union, Ballena, Puntarenas Province
The price is AED 308 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
AED 308
AED 458 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Ballena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 10 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Arco Beach and Uvita Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"Really enjoyed our stay - thank you very much!"
Reviewed on 8 March 2025
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.
Canavida Villas & Resort
Calle la Union, Ballena, Puntarenas Province
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Ballena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 10 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Arco Beach and Uvita Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"Really enjoyed our stay - thank you very much!"
Reviewed on 8 March 2025
Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge & Spa
12km South of Dominical, Ballena, Puntarenas
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Ballena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Playa Hermosa and Catarata uvita are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (148 reviews)
"Great place & staff!"
Reviewed on 6 November 2024
Luxury Jungle Villa~Honeymoon Privacy~Ocean View~Infinity Pool~Wildlife~A/C
Dominical
Stay at this villa in Ballena. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (73 reviews)
Amazing house up the mountain with ocean view
"Doug and Janet were great hosts. They were quick to respond with questions. They also met us at a local restaurant and led us up to the house. They also have Juli to be a concierge for your stay. She is amazing by scheduling excursions during your stay and was there when we could t find the location ..."
Reviewed on 30 January 2025
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
Catarata uvita
4.5/5(9 reviews)
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Catarata uvita during your travels in Ballena. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.
Playa Tortuga
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Playa Tortuga during your travels in Ballena? While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.
Hacienda Baru
4.5/5(23 reviews)
You can take time to visit Hacienda Baru during your travels to Ballena. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.
Reviews of Ballena
4.6
Top Destination
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.
- Playa Dominical
- Playa Tortuga
- Ventanas Beach
- Catarata uvita
- Hacienda Baru
- Arco Beach
- Pinuela Beach
- Secret Lau Pool
- Marino Ballena National Park
- Uvita Beach
- Punta Uvita
- Nauyaca Waterfalls
- Chirripó National Park
- Matapalo Beach
- Playa Ballena
- Playa Dominicalito
- Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge
- Playa Hermosa
- Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands
- Tortuga Beach
- Linda Beach
- Finca 6 Archaeological Site
- Parque Reptilandia
- Ciudad Cortes Central Park
- Palmar Norte Park
- Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons
- Quebradas Biological Center
- The Secret Gardens
- El Pavón Waterfall
- Samaritan Chocolate
- Cloudbridge Nature Preserve
- Costa Rica Stand Up Paddle Boarding