Stay Where the Whales Come
Bahía Ballena is the bay in front of Uvita, on Costa Rica's South Pacific coast. At its center is Marino Ballena National Park and the Whale's Tail, a sandbar shaped like a tail that appears at low tide. Humpback whales come here twice a year to give birth: from the north early in the year, and in far greater numbers from the south between August and October.
The homes WildRoots looks after sit within a short drive of the park entrances, between the beach and the hills above the bay. They are private houses, not hotel rooms: your own kitchen, pool and terrace, with the town's restaurants, the weekly feria and the boat tours a few minutes away.
Every home is cared for by a team that lives here. You get a guest guide with directions and local recommendations, and a WhatsApp line answered around the clock in English and Spanish, usually within minutes. Casa Canto Ballena and The Ballena Scape are two of the homes in our care.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I see whales in Bahía Ballena?
Humpbacks reach this bay twice a year. A smaller northern group arrives earlier in the year, and the larger southern group comes through around September and October. That second run is the one most people plan a trip around.
Do I need a 4x4 to reach the house?
For some houses yes, for others no. Roads here vary a lot between the flat land near the bay and the hills above it, and the rainy months make the difference bigger. Ask us about the specific house before you book your car.
How do I check availability?
Message us on WhatsApp and tell us your dates and how many people are coming. We will tell you what is open, what suits the group, and what the house is actually like, rather than sending you a brochure.
When to Visit Bahía Ballena
December to April is the dry season: clear skies, calm sea and the busiest weeks of the year, so book early. May to November is the green season, with afternoon rain, lush hills and lower rates. September and October are the peak of the southern whale migration and the Festival de Ballenas y Delfines in Uvita.
From any of our homes you can walk the Whale's Tail at low tide, take a boat to see whales and dolphins or out to Caño Island, visit Nauyaca Waterfalls near Dominical, or drive to Ojochal for dinner. Ask us and we will point you to the tour operators and restaurants we trust.
What Every Stay Includes
Private homes in Bahía Ballena, looked after by people who live here.
Guest Support
A WhatsApp line answered around the clock in English and Spanish, help with check in, and a guest guide that covers the house, the road and the area.
Local Recommendations
Whale and dolphin tours, Marino Ballena, Nauyaca Waterfalls, restaurants and the weekly feria, recommended by people who live here.
A Home That Is Ready
Cleaned between every stay, pool and AC checked before you arrive, and a local team that fixes things quickly if something comes up.
Direct Contact
Message us on WhatsApp for availability, longer stays or questions before you book. We answer quickly, in English and Spanish.
