Marino Ballena National ParkPhotos, Pictures, Prints

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Turtles and Humpback Whales

Marino Ballena National Park is a national park located in Costa Rica. This park was named after the humpback whales (ballenas in Spanish) that migrate here each year. From December to April, the whales arrive in the tropical waters to mate before returning to the north.

Famously, this park boasts the largest coral reef on the Pacific Coast of Central America. This reef forms crescent, with three small islands known as Las Tres Hermanas (three sisters) as well as Ballena island rising from the water.

Attractions in this areas include Playas Uvita and Ballena. These stretches of white and golden sand provide habitat for green marine iguanas (iguana verde.) Mangroves fill the spaces between the beaches, thereby providing habitat to sea creatures.

Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles also use this area for reproduction. They lay their eggs on the beach at night between May and November. The largest numbers arrive on the waning moon, usually in September.

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