Ballena Tales Magazine & Travel Guide - Library
Ballena Tales is a Magazine and Travel Guide for the South Pacific region of Costa Rica based in Uvita on the Costa Ballena since 2008. It connects companies of Costa Ballena and Osa - South Pacific with the rest of Costa Rica and the world. We are a multi-lingual and multi-professional team and are proud of our open and long-standing cooperation with national and international partners.
In Ballena Tales Magazine & Travel Guide you will find useful and entertaining information about sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, lifestyle, wildlife and adventure of the Osa Peninsula and Costa Ballena.
Stay up to date - Here you will find our latest articles and posts of the current issue
MAGAZINE

FUNDRAISING: DAWG’S LIFE LINE
Fundraising is the lifeline of any dog and cat rescue operation, especially in Costa Rica, where there is no government funding. Fundraising allows DAWG (Domestic Animal Welfare Group) to do what they do – to […]

FIVE MAES BURGER
Five Maes emphasis is on locally sourced ingredients from dairy, to vegetables, to meat, the burgers are made in house with 100% ground brisket

TAI CHI the supreme art
Tai Chi is a martial art, and it is acknowledged as ‘The Supreme Art’ because, in spite of its seeming simplicity, it is an encompassing set of skills.

The Poisonous Granular Frog
The spectacular family of poisonous frogs (Dendrobatidae) surprises with its beautiful and colorful and lethal frogs. In Costa Rica, we have eight species of poisonous frogs. Those of the genus “Silverstoneia” and “Allobates” are not […]

Environmentally friendly Agriculture for a Sustainable World
With cutting-edge technologies, more awareness, and knowledge, a sustainable and healthy world no longer seems a utopia. However, although the economic and political force continues to stalk and prescribe mass crops, accompanied by the harmful […]

Herons stalking by the river- Costa Ricas special Birds
Herons: Surely you’ve ever seen a bird with long legs and beak. Its neck seems to bend and extend dramatically. With all the patience in the world, it remains still near the water waiting. With […]

Coral Reefs – the Rainforests of the Sea
Often called the “Rainforests of the Sea,” coral reefs support over one-quarter of all marine species on the planet. Here in Costa Rica, we can easily relate to that. Unfortunately, another comparison to rainforests can […]

Red wine – the new manna?
Red wine is rich in molecules with antioxidant effects, such as polyphenols among which resveratrol is found. These molecules can decrease and even block oxidative stress related to pathologies such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, or cancer. […]

The OSA Comm-Unity in Dominical
Everybody in Dominical and environments knows Pepe López, not only for his Spicy Life Vegan Hot Sauce, which he sells at the Farmers Markets, giving every meal an exotic final touch. Since he has been […]

The fascinating underwaterworld of Caño Island
Waking up with the tingling feeling in your stomach that today will bring something special, is always exciting. This sensation got even better with the warm welcome at Costa Rica Dive & Surf. Smiling people, […]
Three Times Falling in Love in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is magical – there are lovely and unique places where natural beauty creates a chemistry between two people that feels like you are destined to be together for eternity. It’s happened to me […]

El Mercado in Uvita: second round of the Sun
The planet has been around the sun twice since December 6, 2017 when the market of entrepreneurs and craftsmen El Mercado was inaugurated in Bahia, Uvita. Challenges overcome, lessons learned successfully and experiences acquired gratify […]
Latin Rhythms at the Sud Restaurante
Likewise, residents and visitors look forward to Saturday, the day Latin dance lessons are taught at the Sud Restaurant in Ojochal. Alex, the owner, teaches rhythms such as salsa, bachata, cumbia, merengue, and sometimes chachachá. […]
The Boruca Gallery Gift Shop
The Boruca Gallery Gift Shop is located at Pacific Edge Eco Retreat in Dominicalito, just south of Playa Dominical. The gift shop has grown through its 25 years, having an extensive collection of intricate hand-carved […]
RETRO Restaurant, Cafe & Bar – a different gastronomic experience
The chef perfectly understands the importance of a gluten-free menu, and that distinction is printed in the Retro Restaurant’s gastronomic offer:

10 years of Envision: Leave no Trace!
“We all are affecting the world every moment, whether we mean to or not. Our actions and states of mind matter, because we are so deeply interconnected with one another.” Ram Dass At the Envision […]
Three Sixty: Luxury with a local touch
Three Sixty Luxury adult-only hotel with a unique 360° ocean view. A rare retreat where sky and sea come together above an ocean of virgin rainforest.
Ballena Blues Series at Villa Leonor, Playa Ballena
Kick off: BLACK CAT BONE, BLUES on FIRE, DAVID BOHN, MOJO DADDY and others will be performing from mid-January to late March 4th Annual. Friday Afternoon Club kicks off with OUT OF THE BLUE first […]
A Delicatessen at Plaza Tangara
In Ojochal, at the new Plaza Tangara, they have opened a delicacies store: L’Épicerie. Chef Marcella, the owner of the business, explains: “We offer select products that you cannot find anywhere else.”
Costa Rica „Champion of the World“
For the first time, the UN awards this recognition to a country, acknowledging the efforts made by the Ticos to protect nature and fight against climate change. Since its launch in 2005, the recognition that […]
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.