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:

Green Ibis
The images wouldn’t have won any awards, but they were good enough to identify the bird as a Green Ibis (Mesembrinibis cayennensis). The species wasn’t seen again until November 2022, ten years later.

The Coastal Challenge
The Coastal Challenge (05-10 February), one of the world’s most grueling, scenic, and exciting long-distance stage races, takes place in our backyard – showcasing the area’s rich biodiversity, stunning scenery, and unspoiled beaches.

Tumeric
Turmeric works best in conjunction with fat and black pepper. You can also buy it capsulated at the pharmacy, but I prefer it fresh from the farmers market or from my own garden, where it grows and thrives.

The Moon, Part 1
Something subtle yet magical about the Moon makes us wonder and marvel at its presence. The Moon in astrology represents our emotions and how we process them, our ancestry and our past, the subconscious and deeper aspects of our psyche.

Boruca: Baile de los Diablitos 2023
We went to the annual Baile De Los Diablitos of the indigenous tribe of the South Pacific in Costa Rica: the Boruca. Marie takes you on the journey.

How to Cross the Border
Some of us need to cross the border in order to be able to stay in Costa Rica. It’s more straightforward than it sounds in the first place.

Give your pineapple a second life and DO THE TWIST…
Pineapples are easy to get and served on many occasions. But let’s first focus on the facts – some of them sadly will leave a bitter taste in your mouth. Coco from the Vegan Pirates tells us a short story about pineapples in Costa Rica.

Free Digital Magazine in Costa Rica Ballena Tales #88
Ballena Tales is an essential free digital magazine in Costa Rica, helpful for travelers, residents, and investors

Don’t let your Neighbors go Hungry Tonight!
The Family Support Center of Ojochal cares about families distress and hungry children. And they have some ideas how you can help as well!

ITCZ – Intertropical Convergence Zone
It sneakily snakes her soggy way around the globe, bringing storms, floods, mudslides, misery and also, life-giving rains and reprieve to many areas around the tropical and sub-tropical world. This is the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

How to stay and experience Uvita
Lara Klüter used every minute in Uvita, since she came here as a trainee for Ballena Tales. She knows where to go, what to eat and what you definetly shouldn´t miss, when you come to Uvita!

Welcome to Dominical, your surf dream!
Dominical is the gateway to Osa, Costa Rica’s southern pacific. Crossing the bridge over the Baru opens a portal to an alternate universe of fun and excitement. Especially surfing brings attention to Dominical.

How to build your house and not die trying
Jose Guillen knows how to build houses. What´s his most important learning after being an architect for years? Let´s talk about it!

TREASURY WILL CHARGE TAXES TO AIRBNB
The list of cross-border digital services on which the tax rate of 13% value added tax (VAT) must be applied was updated as of November 1st. The new services included in the list are hosting services: Airbnb, Homeaway and Vrbo.

The Importance of a Regulatory Plan
We would like to tell you why the regulatory Plan is an important instrument for the developement policy in Costa Rica and many other things…

Oilbird (Steathornis caripensis)
There are just 11 official records of the Oilbird in Costa Rica, including my report. The spectacular Corcovado National Park was sending me the best birding vibes ever. There is no research about this bird distribution or natural history in the Osa Peninsula.

Price Auto Sales Now in Uvita!
The owner shares: In less than two years, Price Auto Sales have become the favorite pre-owned car dealer amongst ex-pats and long-time visitors.

The Catch & Relax Yacht
Navigating around the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park is spectacular. Enjoy the rich coastline in search of dolphins or whales, or sneak a stunning sunset from Tulemar Bay is magic.

Does your pet have fleas?
Fleas are dark reddish-brown insects and once on your pet, they begin to feed immediately by ingesting your pet’s blood, usually within 3 minutes!

THE BONE BREAKERS
Por Jack Ewing tells us about the beauty of the caracaras, a bird that is also known as “the bone breaker”. Wether or not that is true, let’s find out!

The silent ones have arrived
Rutas Eléctricas have brought electric cars to Costa Rica. Our author Dagmar Reinhard was there and is thrilled!

Monitor your Health at UvitaLab!
UvitaLab is located in the new “VITA PLAZA” Medical Center. The atmosphere is friendly and the laboratory has state-of-the-art technology.

Hacienda Barú – Nature²
Visit Hacienda Barú and connect with your natural side. Zip through the canopy, explore our trails with local guides or hike the self-guided trails.

FOSSIEL- Petrified Furniture in Costa Rica
After Jamie O`Brian was already very successful with his fossil furniture pieces in Boston, he has now recently opened his new store “FOSSIEL” in Costa Rica.