At Bahia Aventuras we play an active role in leading the community of Uvita – Bahia Ballena in the implementation of best practices for sustainable marine tourism and responsible community development. We recycle our motor oil, plastics, glass, paper, and aluminum, and support the local school recycle program, and collaborate with Marino Ballena National Park park rangers and officials in conservation and community service projects. Owner and operator Walter Brenes plays a significant role in his community as the president of the local community micro-credit bank and fiscal of local marine tour operators association.
Bringing Different Cultures Together
Our tours and community service projects bring people together in interactions that allow travelers to experience the real culture and lifestyles of the local people. Through these interactions we enhance people-to-people understanding and grow friendships between people of different countries, languages, cultures, religions, socio-ecnomic classes and political outlooks with an emphasis on equality among all humans regardless of personal circumstances.
Enhancing the Quality of Life of Community Members
We support local providers of services for housing, transportation, food, entertainment, arts and crafts, etc. to enhance the quality of life for the everyday people of Uvita – Bahia Ballena. We organize hands-on activities for visitors and are committed to implementing special community service projects with different organizations.
Environmental Education Programs
Through creating environmental awareness and education opportunities for community members we help to protect against destruction and promote activities that help to clean up and restore environmental balance and a healthy eco-system. We believe in supporting the efforts of people who use natural resources wisely and in a sustainable way.
Marine Tourism Best Practices
With the KETO Foundation, and the Association of Marine Tour Operators of the Marino Ballena National Park, we helped to develop the standards for Responsible Marine Tourism Practices. Through many meetings, discussions, and trainings, drafts of the standards were developed, reviewed, and revised in a consensus-building process. Development of the standards for Planning of Boat Tours, Boat Maintenance, Training of Boat Captains and Guides, Community Responsibility, Navigation, Whale watching, Snorkeling and Scuba Diving, is only the beginning of the implementation phase and then field-testing. We are constantly implementing the rigorous standards to achieve the most Responsible Operation of Marine Tourism possible, and continue providing visitors the best and most sustainable boat and nature tours in Uvita – Bahia Ballena, Osa, Costa Rica.
Friends of Bahia Aventuras
Bahia Aventuras community education center facilitates marine education trainings and hosts workshops for the community from various organizations such as:
Thinking Beyond Borders
The University of Denver-Professional MBA
Program Rustic Pathways
MarViva
Fundacion Integral Campesina (FINCA)
Fundacion Keto
Grupo Siempre Unidos para Reforzar Nuestro Futuro (SURF)
Fundacion CRUSA
Global Journey Inc.
