Marino Ballena National Park

This park is located in the Pacific, between Punta Uvita and Punta Piñuela in the Cortés district, in the province of Puntarenas. It has an extension of 110 land hectares and 5.375 sea hectares. *Marino
Ballena National Park* is one of Costa Rica's newest national parks, created in an attempt to conserve some of the marine resources of the
South Pacific region, which are under siege from over fishing and unchecked tourism development. Bordered on the south by Punta Piñuela,
then extending out to sea for 9 kilometers, heading north 6 kilometers before coming back to shore at Punta Uvita in the southern end of Playa Hermosa, the park is ideal for scuba diving and beachcombing activities as it includes open ocean, islands and long, wide beaches This area was created to secure the reproduction and desove of many sea species, and also to preserve the productivity of biological communities that lives in the zone. Also protects different environments like: sand beaches, rock beaches, cliffs, islands, organic reefs, etc. It has a great value for environment education and tourism.

One of the most important sea environments of the area is the organic reef, also called coral reefs. The structure of these reefs is porous, with 50% empty space. When the reefs grows, many canals are created that communicate with each other, allowing great variety of life to grow. This coral reef is tropical communities that grows in a temperature between 18ƒ and 23ƒ. They are very sensitive to changes in temperature, exposition and sediment depositions. Only three species
of coral are known here. Crabs, worms, lobster, several species of fish, sponges and mollusks are common species protected in other environments off the park. Also two kind of reptiles are reported. Among sea birds we find pelicans, bobo birds and others. The piece of land that joins Punta Uvita Island to the coast is one of the geological formations that scientists and tourists like most.

*Park Facilities and Hours*

Camping is permitted within the park. The entrance fee is $6, but is rarely collected.

View Map and how to get there.

View map Ineractivo of the National Parks of COSTA RICA

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