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.

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.

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.

Sun Damage or Photoaging

Sun Damage or Photoaging AUTHOR: Dra. Mónica Alfaro 03.01.2023 Your skin is constantly exposed to a variety of components in the environment that can damage the skin or cause photoaging. 70% of the aging […]

The Costa Ballena Lifeguards safe Lives every Day

The Costa Ballena Lifeguards save Lives every Day AUTHOR: Brad Dean 03.01.2023 Guardavidas de Costa Ballena Lifeguards is a Costa Rican non-profit association comprised of volunteers. Created as the first public-private partnership in Costa Rica, […]

Revista digital Gratuita Costa Rica blog

Pain and Pleasure of Living in Osa

Alexandra Luty talks about Pain & Pleasure of Living in Osa. She tells you about advantages and disadvantages of living in the South Pacific.

Transatlantic Voyage

The ship VEGA was on a transatlantic voyage. SAILCARGO purchased her while finishing the wooden cargo vessel CEIBA in Costa Rica. The company is amassing a fleet of cargo vessels to transport products such as coffee and cacao under sail and is on a mission to prove the value of clean shipping.

Pancito Café now at Plaza Ventanas

Pancito Café urged for more space to prepare their sweet and savory delicatessen, so they opened their new facilities at Plaza Ventanas. Come by!

Mirador Don Roger - An Experience Worth Having

What to Experience When You Visit Uvita!

A site not only recommended for its beautiful views is the Mirador de Don Roger. Incredible view and food! Don Roberto and his family await you!

Lamb Ribs in Mango Curry - by Mayron Q Peraza

Lamb Ribs in Mango Curry – Mayron Q Peraza

Chef Mayron of nFusion@Villas Alturas Restaurant shares a delicious recipe for the upcoming New Year’s Eve parties: Lamb Ribs in Mango Curry.

Who Is up for Spring?

After this year’s long and heavy rains, which again had a heavy toll on the Southern zone, we welcome the Costarrican spring and summer!

Leilani McGonagle, Expression of Female Capacity

Leilani McGonagle elected First-ever Athlete Commission of the International Surfing Association (ISA). Get to know this Costa Rican surfer!

Dominical Festival de la Luz - Fire Breather

Festival de la Luz – Dominical

Dominical’s first “Festival de la Luz” took place on December 10, 2022; if the vibe and community turnout are any indicator, it was a hit.

The Festival of Hearts and Light

Festival of Hearts and Light: You could hear the festival de la luz even before seeing it. The spectators did not shy away from the persistent rain.

Cultural Heritage

The cultural heritage of a nation or region is not solely composed of monuments and museum collections, but also of living intangible expressions. Learn about the Borrucas dance of the Diablitos.

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.