Cristal Ballena Hotel

Set on a forested hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Cristal Ballena offers peaceful surroundings, comfortable rooms, and easy access to coastal and foothill birding sites. The hotel sits in the transition zone between lowland rainforest and Pacific coastal forest. The mix of forest edge, gardens, and nearby protected areas makes it a good spot for…

Quick Facts on Cristal Ballena Hotel
- Type of Location
- Habitat
  Lowland Rainforest, Coastal Forest, Gardens
- Commonly Seen Bird Species
  Fiery-billed Aracari, Yellow-throated Toucan, Golden-naped Woodpecker, Laughing Falcon, Black-hooded Antshrike, Spot-crowned Euphonia, Black-cowled Oriole, Bright-rumped Attila

What to Expect During Your Stay at the Cristal Ballena Hotel...

Rooms and Amenities

Cristal Ballena features spacious Junior Suites and Family Suites, all with air conditioning, hot water, private balconies, and views of the ocean or gardens. Rooms include mini-fridges, ceiling fans, and coffee makers. The hotel’s open-air restaurant serves a full menu with international and Costa Rican dishes, and dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.

Birding on the Property

The gardens are planted with native trees and flowering plants that attract hummingbirds, tanagers, and flycatchers. Though there are no formal feeders on the property, there are trails. The setting is birdy and relaxing, and many species can be seen from the pool or restaurant terrace.

Other Activities Available

Guests can enjoy a large pool with ocean views, spa services, and nearby access to Marino Ballena National Park. The hotel also helps coordinate boat tours, waterfall visits, and cultural activities in the Uvita–Bahía Ballena area.

Cristal Ballena Hotel

Travel & Logistics

Conservation Initiatives
Cristal Ballena has planted native species throughout the gardens to support local wildlife and pollinators. The hotel also reduces single-use plastics and promotes sustainable tourism within the community.
How to Get There
The hotel is just a few minutes from the town of Uvita and the entrance to Marino Ballena National Park. It’s easily reached via the coastal highway (Route 34) and has paved access to the parking area.
Seasonal Notes
Birding is good year-round, but the dry season (Dec–Apr) offers the most reliable weather. During the green season (Aug–Nov), flowering and fruiting trees can attract more frugivores and hummingbirds, and the landscape is lush and vibrant.
Best Times to Visit
The dry season (December to April) is ideal for birding and photography. May to July offers a nice mix of weather and activity. The green season (August to November) can bring daily rains but is still rewarding for birders seeking a quieter experience.

A Few More Notes on Cristal Ballena Hotel

Set on a forested hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Cristal Ballena offers peaceful surroundings, comfortable rooms, and easy access to coastal and foothill birding sites.

The hotel sits in the transition zone between lowland rainforest and Pacific coastal forest. The mix of forest edge, gardens, and nearby protected areas makes it a good spot for both widespread and regional species.

Cristal Ballena is located just south of Uvita in Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific lowlands. It’s a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Marino Ballena National Park and birding sites along the coast and in the foothills.