Marlin’s guidebook
Natural Beauty / Adventure
some of my favorite spots to visit in nature
First marine park in Costa Rica. Amazing sunsets, long walks on the beach. The 'Whale Tail' is a truly magical place, where waters are protected and it is fun to swim. Fun snorkeling and marine life watching boat tours.
Main entrance is about 15 min driving from The Sanctuary
176 locals recommend
Parque Nacional Marino Ballena
First marine park in Costa Rica. Amazing sunsets, long walks on the beach. The 'Whale Tail' is a truly magical place, where waters are protected and it is fun to swim. Fun snorkeling and marine life watching boat tours.
Main entrance is about 15 min driving from The Sanctuary
Hike, Horseback-ride or take the car into this magical waterfall. Cool water to swim in and great for picnic. About 45 min drive from the Sanctuary
201 locals recommend
Nauyaca Waterfalls
Dominical - San Isidro PZHike, Horseback-ride or take the car into this magical waterfall. Cool water to swim in and great for picnic. About 45 min drive from the Sanctuary
Beautiful pristine island off the coast. World class scuba diving, great snorkeling, marine life observation and breathtaking views. I recommend Ballena Info Center for booking a tour.
18 locals recommend
Caño Island Biological Reserves
Beautiful pristine island off the coast. World class scuba diving, great snorkeling, marine life observation and breathtaking views. I recommend Ballena Info Center for booking a tour.
Very cool waterfall with several swimming holes. You can order lunch at the entrance and they prepare it for you down by the river.
About 50 min drive from The Sanctuary
56 locals recommend
Eco Chontales Waterfall
Very cool waterfall with several swimming holes. You can order lunch at the entrance and they prepare it for you down by the river.
About 50 min drive from The Sanctuary
Food scene
favorite places to eat
Delicious food! I recommend the ceviche and fish burger ^_^ About 10 min drive from The Sanctuary
21 locals recommend
Ballena BISTRO
Goathouse169, Highway 34, Playa Ballena Costanera SurDelicious food! I recommend the ceviche and fish burger ^_^ About 10 min drive from The Sanctuary
Really good food!! and access to one of my favorite beaches ;)
About 15 min drive from the Sanctuary
16 locals recommend
Villa Leonor at Ballena Beach Club
Really good food!! and access to one of my favorite beaches ;)
About 15 min drive from the Sanctuary
Chill patio, great coffee, amazing conversation! Downtown Uvita, lovely vibes and such cool people making the best coffee in town.
About 15 min drive from The Sanctuary
TAGUA Café Vivo
Chill patio, great coffee, amazing conversation! Downtown Uvita, lovely vibes and such cool people making the best coffee in town.
About 15 min drive from The Sanctuary
Aracari is La Cusinga Lodge's restaurant, which is a local favorite for their amazing food, long standing tradition of conservation in the area and friendly staff. Organic, fresh, locally sourced products. Great for cocktails and sunsets. I really like their mojitos.
*They give you access to their hiking trails and Arco beach (local gem) if you eat at their restaurant.
About 10 min drive from The Sanctuary
8 locals recommend
The Aracari Restaurant
Aracari is La Cusinga Lodge's restaurant, which is a local favorite for their amazing food, long standing tradition of conservation in the area and friendly staff. Organic, fresh, locally sourced products. Great for cocktails and sunsets. I really like their mojitos.
*They give you access to their hiking trails and Arco beach (local gem) if you eat at their restaurant.
About 10 min drive from The Sanctuary
Great food, fresh ingredients and the chef is a magician in the kitchen. Staff is super friendly and the cocktails so delicious. I recommend the spicy margarita.
About 25 min drive from The Sanctuary, up a steep road.
20 locals recommend
Restaurante Scala
EscalerasGreat food, fresh ingredients and the chef is a magician in the kitchen. Staff is super friendly and the cocktails so delicious. I recommend the spicy margarita.
About 25 min drive from The Sanctuary, up a steep road.
Really good food. I prefer the dinner menu. 20 min drive from The Sanctuary
70 locals recommend
Restaurante Citrus
Avenida Principal de OjochalReally good food. I prefer the dinner menu. 20 min drive from The Sanctuary
Yummy Argentinian food. Fresh empanadas and friendly staff. Close to one of the entrances to Ballena Marine Park.
About 15 min from The Sanctuary
10 locals recommend
EL HORNITO - Empanadas Argentinas\Pizzas\Sandwiches
Camino a Playa ChamánYummy Argentinian food. Fresh empanadas and friendly staff. Close to one of the entrances to Ballena Marine Park.
About 15 min from The Sanctuary
The best Falafel in town!! Near the main entrance to the Ballena Marine National Park.
About 15 min drive from The Sanctuary
8 locals recommend
Falafel Uvita
The best Falafel in town!! Near the main entrance to the Ballena Marine National Park.
About 15 min drive from The Sanctuary
Wood-Oven Pizza, prepared by very friendly staff.
About 10 min drive from The Sanctuary
25 locals recommend
Pizza Time
Costanera SurWood-Oven Pizza, prepared by very friendly staff.
About 10 min drive from The Sanctuary
Local Brewing company. Yummy food. Located in Uvita. Can get a bit hot at noon... but the beer helps :)
8 locals recommend
Whale Tail Brewery
Local Brewing company. Yummy food. Located in Uvita. Can get a bit hot at noon... but the beer helps :)
Sightseeing
Central America's biggest wet land. Home of many species of animals and plantlife. Taking a tour with La Perla del Sur early in the morning to see all creatures of the mangrove as they wake up to the new day is really magical.
About 1hr drive from The Sanctuary
Humedal Nacional Térraba Sierpe
Central America's biggest wet land. Home of many species of animals and plantlife. Taking a tour with La Perla del Sur early in the morning to see all creatures of the mangrove as they wake up to the new day is really magical.
About 1hr drive from The Sanctuary
Laundry
Laundry Bahia Ballena,Lavanderia
Laundry place in Uvita, call Mirna: +506 88933866
City advice
Getting around
Taxi and Express Service
trusted taxi service (also great for running errands, bringing food deliveries...) Geovanny: +506 88706040
Delivery/express service: Andy Express: +506 70084098
*tell them you are at Marlin's place by La Cusinga
Don't miss
Holistic Therapies at the Sanctuary
at the Santuario de la Ballena, we offer Holistic Therapies, Sound Therapy and Yoga Classes right at the Loft!
www.marlintherapies.com for more info
+506 84105461
Don't miss
Feeling Good Spa
Aida’s massages are amazing!! great to recover after exploring the area.
+506 83125208