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 1,494 per night from May 1 to May 2
AED 1,494
AED 1,738 total
includes taxes & fees
1 May - 2 May
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! (287 reviews)
"The staff was very courteous, friendly and helpful"
Reviewed on 19 April 2025
Villas Rio Mar
Dominical Beach, Ballena, Puntarenas
The price is AED 404 per night from May 4 to May 5
AED 404
AED 456 total
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
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! (592 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly. The room was clean, the pool and the gardens were spacious. The restaurant was delicious and reasonably priced. Electric vehicle outlets are available for those with electric vehicles; just bring your charger."
Reviewed on 23 April 2025
Canavida Villas & Resort
Calle la Union, Ballena, Puntarenas Province
The price is AED 294 per night from May 11 to May 12
AED 294
AED 477 total
includes taxes & fees
11 May - 12 May
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
Pure Paradise at Casa Oropéndola – A Dream Getaway
"We stayed at Casa Oropéndola at Canavida Resort from March 31st to April 4th, and it was nothing short of magical. The property is absolutely stunning—tucked into the lush hills of Uvita with breathtaking ocean views and surrounded by nature. Waking up to the sound of howler monkeys and tropical ..."
Reviewed on 11 April 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
Pure Paradise at Casa Oropéndola – A Dream Getaway
"We stayed at Casa Oropéndola at Canavida Resort from March 31st to April 4th, and it was nothing short of magical. The property is absolutely stunning—tucked into the lush hills of Uvita with breathtaking ocean views and surrounded by nature. Waking up to the sound of howler monkeys and tropical ..."
Reviewed on 11 April 2025
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 ...
A paradise
"Wonderful property in a fantastic environment"
Reviewed on 14 March 2025
Uvita Beach House: Your ideal hub for Exploring the Lush Southern Zone of CR
Uvita
Stay at this vacation home in Ballena. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Uvita Beach and Playa Colonia are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
"Beautiful clean property just as described. Close to the beach/ wildlife, supermarket, and restaurants. The little pool in the back was perfect for a cool dip on hot days. Kitchen included everything we needed to cook at home. Would definitely recommend and stay again on a future visit."
Reviewed on 23 April 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
- Arco Beach
- Pinuela Beach
- Hacienda Baru
- Secret Lau Pool
- Uvita Beach
- Marino Ballena National Park
- Nauyaca Waterfalls
- Punta Uvita
- Chirripó National Park
- Playa Dominicalito
- Playa Ballena
- Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands
- Tortuga Beach
- Playa Hermosa
- Matapalo Beach
- Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge
- Linda Beach
- El Pavón Waterfall
- The Secret Gardens
- Quebradas Biological Center
- Alexander Skutch Bird Sanctuary
- Samaritan Chocolate
- Ciudad Cortes Central Park
- Eco Chontales Waterfall
- Playa Garza
- Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons
- Finca 6 Archaeological Site
- Topolandia