Piñuela Beach is the southernmost beach within the Ballena Marine National Park. It is our top recommendation for families with children or anyone seeking a small bay with calm waters.

There is plenty of natural shade available, and the ranger station provides access to toilets and showers. Since parking is limited, we recommend arriving early during low tide.

You may have already seen pictures or heard of the iconic “Whale's Tail”. This representative landmark is popularly named in various ways. However, this is in fact, the Tombolo of Uvita.

Ballena Beach, or also known as “Sector Ballena”, forms part of the Ballena Marine National Park and is the third section found north to south within the park (Uvita, Colonia, Ballena and Piñuela). These are some characteristics that make this section one of our top picks:

Just 75 min away from Yabá Chiguí Lodge, you will find the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park. Its natural beauty has captivated, with all reason, Costa Ricans and visitors alike for years. However, this high popularity sometimes translates into an overcrowded beach and a rushed experience.

Here are some ideas/tips to get the best out of your visit to this unique gem:

Be sure to save a full day for this trip. It takes a 45-50 min drive from Yabá Chiguí Lodge.

As important as a good night sleep is a good meal. Ojochal, Uvita, Dominical and their surroundings are known for their culinary diversity but more so for their dining experiences.

We love breakfast time! So, for the most important meal of the day, we are happy to prepare for you from a healthy yoghurt parfait or pancakes, to homemade tortillas, huevos rancheros, a selection of hams and cheeses and the traditional gallo pinto. Or even an Indian breakfast with chapatis and raita.

To protect our incoming guests and keep our staff safe, we follow the COVID-19 prevention protocols issued by the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health of Costa Rica and the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism. 

Could you imagine watching in a single place the merging of the largest river of Costa Rica with the sea, streams of freshwater that wriggle along the beach, multicolour caves and a sanctuary of boisterous macaws?

Furthermore, enjoying an astonishing sunrise in this extraordinary natural setting. You will never forget it.