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.

UVITA

OJOCHAL

SAN ISIDRO

SIERPE

GOLFO DULCE

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.

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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, […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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.

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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 […]

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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