Costa Ballena
Beginning with Playa Uvita and including a number of beaches to the south, the Costa Ballena encompasses a stretch of beautiful and rugged shoreline, where lush mountains form the backdrop to a chain of tranquil seaside communities. At low tide, visitors to Punta Uvita can walk out to the famous rock and reef formation that perfectly resembles a whale's tail.
Much of the coast is protected by Ballena National Marine Park, which shelters the fragile marine ecosystem. Many visitors have fallen in love with Playas Uvita, Ballena and Ojochal and later relocated permanently. Canadians, Germans, French and Americans make up the bulk of the ex-pat population. One benefit of such an international community is a selection of fabulous bakeries and restaurants nestled along the coastal highway.