Bahía Ballena

Travel Guide

A beach with a sandy shore, calm water, and a backdrop of mountains and dense forest.
An aerial view of a beach with turquoise waters, a sandy shoreline, and a small green island.
An aerial view of a narrow, sandy beach with clear turquoise waters on both sides, surrounded by dense greenery.
An aerial view of a beach with clear turquoise waters, a sandy shore, and lush green mountains in the background.
A beach with rocky foreground, people walking, and a mountain range in the background.

Where to stay in Bahía Ballena

Find the best Bahía Ballena areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Bahía Ballena
Learn more about Bahía Ballena

Marina Vista

Marina Vista might not have many top sights, but Hacienda Baru and Playa Dominical are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Villas Rio Mar

Villas Rio Mar

3 out of 5
Dominical Beach Bahía Ballena Puntarenas
$112 nightly
The price is $127 total per night from Oct 3 to Oct 4
$127 total
Oct 3 - Oct 4
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Bahía Ballena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Villas Rio Mar
Canavida Villas & Resort

Canavida Villas & Resort

4 out of 5
Calle la Union Bahía Ballena Puntarenas Province
$83 nightly
The price is $94 total per night from Oct 18 to Oct 19
$94 total
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this vacation home in Bahía Ballena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 10 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Arco Beach and Cerro Ballena are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (111 reviews)
"Un lugar espectacular para vacacionar. Tranquilo, muy bien equipado, hermosa vista. Sólo que se debe mejorar las indicaciones para llegar, la indicación no es tan precisa las aplicaciones pueden llevarte por un camino más corto pero intransitable para vehículos sencillos."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2026

Canavida Villas & Resort
Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge & Spa

Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge & Spa

3.5 out of 5
12km South of Dominical Bahía Ballena Puntarenas
$214 nightly
The price is $242 total per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
$242 total
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Bahía Ballena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Playa Hermosa and Alturas Wildlife ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (192 reviews)
"Beautiful boutique hotel, service was great. We enjoyed the pool, drinks and breakfast. Room very comfortable, outside shower, coffee machine, with a porch. Everything was outstanding!"

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2026

Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge & Spa
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

Canavida Villas & Resort

4 out of 5
Calle la Union Bahía Ballena Puntarenas Province
Stay at this vacation home in Bahía Ballena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 10 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Arco Beach and Cerro Ballena are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (111 reviews)
"Un lugar espectacular para vacacionar. Tranquilo, muy bien equipado, hermosa vista. Sólo que se debe mejorar las indicaciones para llegar, la indicación no es tan precisa las aplicaciones pueden llevarte por un camino más corto pero intransitable para vehículos sencillos."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2026

Canavida Villas & Resort
Cedrela Beach Villas

Cedrela Beach Villas

3.5 out of 5
Cam. a Playa Colonia Bahía Ballena Provincia de Puntarenas
Stay at this villa in Bahía Ballena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Uvita Beach and Playa Colonia are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (24 reviews)
"Needs more blankets"

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2026

Cedrela Beach Villas
Morning Glory

Morning Glory

2 out of 5
Camino a Playa Chaman Bahía Ballena Provincia de Puntarenas
Stay at this apartment in Bahía Ballena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Uvita Beach and Playa Colonia are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (10 reviews)
"What a great stay we had at this beautiful, relaxing place! The owners had clearly put a lot of care into providing for guests needs. Well equipped kitchen. Range of seating on the balcony overlooking the fantastic pool and garden."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2026

Morning Glory
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.

Stay near popular Bahía Ballena attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

Is Ballena worth visiting?
Ballena is worth visiting for its natural beauty and wildlife encounters. Travelers can enjoy the scenic Playa Tortuga or visit the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary to observe local animals. These attractions offer engaging experiences for those looking to connect with nature and relax by the sea.
What is Ballena known for?
Ballena is known for its natural attractions, including the scenic Playa Tortuga. Travelers can also visit the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, which focuses on wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Another highlight is Catarata uvita, a beautiful waterfall. This city in Costa Rica offers a chance to experience its rich natural environment.
What is a good itinerary length for Ballena?
A good itinerary length for Ballena is two to three days to experience highlights like Playa Tortuga, Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, and Catarata uvita. You can also try activities such as surfing in Marino Ballena National Park. For a more in-depth trip, four to five days allows time for a painting experience or bird watching in Uvita, letting you explore the area at a relaxed pace. See Ballena Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Ballena?
Ballena offers travelers a mix of beautiful natural sights and exciting outdoor adventures:

  • Surf in Marino Ballena National Park.
  • Visit Playa Tortuga, a scenic beach.
  • Explore Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Discover Eco-Chontales Waterfalls and spectacular beaches.
  • Go bird watching in Uvita's Oro Verde.

How do I plan a trip to Ballena?
To plan your trip to Ballena, search for places to stay and book your flights and rental car in advance. You can explore attractions like Playa Tortuga, Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, and Catarata uvita. Also, consider booking activities such as a Painting Experience, Surfing in Marino Ballena National Park, or Bird Watching in Uvita.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Bahía Ballena?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Bahía Ballena by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Bahía Ballena with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Bahía Ballena trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Bahía Ballena?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Bahía Ballena can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Bahía Ballena trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Bahía Ballena trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Bahía Ballena trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Bahía Ballena trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Bahía Ballena?
If it's your first trip to Bahía Ballena, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Bahía Ballena hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Bahía Ballena hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Bahía Ballena

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