Costa Ballena Guide, Costa Rica Free Digital Magazine and Travel Guide
*Ballena Tales* is a digital and interactive guide highlighting the wonders of Costa Ballena, in Costa Rica's South Pacific. This magazine offers in-depth coverage of activities, services, natural attractions, wildlife, dining options, accommodations, and events in the region.
With an innovative approach, it combines print and digital publications within an ecosystem that includes a blog, business directory, and links to social media profiles and advertiser websites. The digital edition has a global reach, with thousands of readers, while the print version reaches over 8,000 readers in the region.
According to studies, each print copy is read by an average of 2.3 residents and 18 visitors, resulting in approximately 142,000 readers per year, with a print run of 7,000 copies.
In addition to its informative and engaging content, *Ballena Tales* supports community and environmental initiatives, contributing pro bono to positive projects for the sustainable and cultural development of the South Pacific. Its editorial mission is to satisfy readers while boosting the value of advertiser brands and promoting the overall growth of the region.
DISCOVER THE SOUTH PACIFIC
Costa Ballena, located in the Osa Canton, is a region where the tropical forest meets the South Pacific Ocean, offering a unique natural environment. This area stretches from the Barú River in Dominical to the mouth of the Térraba River in Coronado, encompassing communities such as Dominical, Dominicalito, Uvita, Bahía, Ojochal, and Coronado.
One of its main attractions is Uvita Beach, located within the Marino Ballena National Park. This park stands out for the impressive natural formation known as the "Whale's Tail," a sandbank that stretches 2,296 meters in length and 2,800 meters in width, making it the third-largest in the world. At low tide, visitors can walk to the edge of this formation, enjoying spectacular views and an unforgettable experience.
Costa Ballena combines natural beauty, biodiversity, and picturesque communities, establishing itself as a prominent tourist destination in Costa Rica.
Costa Ballena includes the three towns of Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal.
They have much to offer, from yoga retreats and surfing competitions to culinary events and a nature walk in the jungle. The tropical climate of Costa Rica's South Pacific and the happiness of its people create a great atmosphere in bars and restaurants, where one can enjoy a good meal, a cold beer, and generally a pleasant evening.
Come and enjoy! READ MORE:
The South Pacific paradise of Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places in the country. Ballena Tales is always there to help. Whether it's finding transportation or a good spa in the area, we know how to reach them or where to find them! By browsing through our Services Section, you can learn more about the services Costa Ballena offers. READ MORE:
Costa Ballena offers you the best surfing conditions: Sunshine almost every day, big waves, and a laid-back atmosphere and lifestyle. Dominical has specially developed into a real surfers' paradise.
The tides chart is one of the favorite pages of our visitors. It is essential to know the ideal time to visit the whale tail at the Marino Ballena National Park, and also useful for lovers of sports fishing and surfing. READ MORE:
What to Look for when Selecting a Surf Instructor:
Most instructors in this part of Costa Rica are experienced surfers and know the area well, but that doesn’t mean they can teach you to surf. The main requirement they should have is a certification by the ISA (International Surfing Association) – Surf Instructor 1.
Infant Privilege in Dominical
What in some countries is perceived as a basic service for the children’s community, in Costa Rica can become a privilege. Privilege because many people struggle to obtain it and give up on the road, […]
FUEGO COFFEE ROASTING CO, top quality fresh houseroasted coffee
Fuego Coffee Roasting Co. is an extension of Fuego Brew always moving forward, the brewery has branched into another realm of flavors to heighten your senses
The Herbalist from China Kichà
Albín Miguel Garro Sánchez is a native herbalist of the small town of China Kichà in the mountains of La Amistad, Pérez Zeledón. For generations, the family of twelve brothers cultivates the land of their […]
United for sharks
United for sharks? When we tell people that in Costa Rica shark meat is legally sold in supermarkets, people are baffled. “But how? Isn’t Costa Rica so famous for environmental protection, green energy, and so […]
Drake Bay, incredible beaten path destination for sportfishing in Costa Rica
Drake Bay, incredible beaten path destination for sportfishing in Costa Rica. Fish Drake Bay has two boats to choose from for all budgets, and we welcome all fishermen from children to professionals. Check out TripAdvisor as we remain the #1 sportfishing tour for Drake Bay.
The Sparrow, Permissive Adoptive Mothers
Permissive Adoptive Mothers A few weeks ago, while cooking, I heard in the garden a sharp, loud, demanding, and continuous “peep” that seemed to ask for constant attention. Without hesitation, I went out with my […]

Tide Charts South Pacific Costa Rica
The tide charts is important to know what is the ideal time to visit the whale tail, it is useful also for lovers of sportfishing and surfing…
Family Traditions in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is full of many beautiful family traditions for all the different holidays. The family is the number one priority in this country and something for which I have immense respect.
The Costarican Hognosed Pitvipers
The genus Porthidium or Hognosed pitvipers in Costa Rica are represented by four species. Two of them are endemic, the White-tailed Hognosed Pitviper and the Costa Rican Hognosed Pitviper.
Building CEIBA – Progress at the Jungle Shipyard
SAILCARGO INC. is a carbon-negative marine freight company building the first traditional wind-powered ship here in Costa Rica. In around two years, the Ceiba will transport 350 tons of coffee, cacao, and other goods from Central America to the United States and Canada.
A Journey Towards Organics
A Journey Towards Organics Meet Miliki Lopez Mendez, a graduate of Vida Autenica’s organic agriculture program, and one of our founding vendors at Feria Tinamaste. Thirty-five years ago, Miliki was working on a conventional agricultural […]
Plasmage New Non-surgical rejuvenation
Plasmage has revolutionized aesthetic medicine by offering new non-surgical treatment options. This new technology, like many others, is available in Costa Ballena.
Mini Monsters with an Incredible Digestive System
What looks like a miniature pre-historic monster (1 to 2 kilos), is listed by Guinness Book of World Records as the world´s fastest lizard. It will eat almost anything from fruit to juveniles of its own species, and is commonly found in the Costa Ballena.
New Shareholders Registration Law
Among others, a recent change in tax legislation created an obligation where every Costa Rican company or corporation must declare to the Central Bank of Costa Rica who its shareholders are. The company representative must file a sworn declaration and obtain a digital signature authorization.
Fridays: EcoFeria in Dominical
Every Friday, the EcoFeria takes place at the Patron`s restaurant. It is a space to get to know local farmers and produce and meet people from all over the world, who promoted eco-friendly and small businesses in the area.
December 2019, the Nutcracker Ballet in the South Pacific of Costa Rica
Happy Feet Ballet & Performing Art present the magical performance of the timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker Ballet in the South Pacific of Costa Rica
The Sports Adventure in the Heart of Osa
From December 13 to 20, 2019, La Saharienne will venture into the heart of Osa. For the first time in Costa Rica, a great 100% feminine and supportive multisport event will take place. It is a sport and human adventure out of the ordinary. For a week, the 70 women’s teams of two members will tackle tests in the disciplines: trail, mountain bike, canoe, bow and arrow, and ax throwing.
Draft Brewery in Dominical Costa Rica Wins a Gold Medal in 2019
From the beginning, the draft brewery Fuego Brew Co. in Dominical Costa Rica has dreamed of having an award-winning beer. This year 2019 the dream became a reality.
South Pacific Costa Rica Magazine and Travel Guide, La Saharienne
Sports-Adventure–Solidarity is the motto of La Saharienne, and Puerto Cortés will be its headquarters. In a few weeks, we will be receiving French athletes ready to compete in the South Pacific.
Amazing Whale Watching tour 2020, Marino Ballena Park
The waters surrounding Marino Ballena National Park are ideal for whale watching tour, as the clear, deep blue water allows for easy viewing.
Remaining in balance
Practicing a lot of one particular sport can lead to muscle generation in the areas of frequent use, leaving other parts of your body left to compensate. For example, surfers build most of their muscle in the upper body, lacking relative leg strength. For cyclists, legs get most of the workout, and the opposite can occur.
The Chirripo Valley
Taking a walk through this place not only recharges you with good energy and happiness, but it is also a gift for the soul to appreciate such beautiful views. The diversity in attractions is fascinating. You can enjoy from the newly opened Butterfly Kingdom, fresh trout, hot springs, Swiss cheeses, chocolate factory, to delicious artisan bread. Restaurants offer unique cuisine, hotels, trails and birdwatching.
Laughter is the best medicine
I remember one of my first was experiences with an ATM here. The ATMs are, naturally, in Spanish, and this made doing something simple like withdrawing money complicated. One day I entered the booth to use the ATM to take out 160,000 colones. My first problem was, and sometimes still is, was entering all those zeros!