Bahia Aventuras

Uvita boat and nature tour operator

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Snorkel the Crystal Blue Waters of Cano Island

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Some of the best Costa Rica snorkeling happens to be a short one hour boat cruise from the beautiful towns of Bahia-Uvita, Osa.  The magical place to snorkel is called Cano Island and it offers visitors pristine crystal clear waters to discover mother oceans mysteries.  Explore the world below the oceans surface and become enchanted forever.

Cruise with us!

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The Bahia Aventuras I is a 2008 boat design complimented with a 2008 Suzuki 250HP that allows for comfort and style when navigating. It has 14 individual seats and accomadates any of our tours; a 4 person Private Sportfishing Tour to a 14-passenger Bahia Aventuras Combo Tour. The boat is great for whale watching, snorkeling trips to Cano Island, nature tours to Corcovado National Park, sport fishing, bird watching tours through the mangroves, dolphin encounters, and just cruising the beautiful Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita-Bahia Ballena, located in the south pacific near the osa peninsula of Costa Rica.

Bahia Aventuras earns a spot in Costa Rica Spirits Magazine

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Costa Rica Spirits

Bahia Aventuras gains fame in the March 2010 Edition of the bi-lingual German – English travel magazine Costa Rica Spirits.  The issue focuses on Costa Rica’s beautiful places and the articles about the southern pacific region-from Costa Ballena to the Corcovado National park-exemplify that the area is one of the best places in Costa Rica to visit.  One unique place to spend your vacation is Uvita-Bahia Ballena where Bahia Aventuras operates it’s whale watching,  dolphin encounters, sportfishing, corcovado national park, snorkeling and visits to Cano Island.  With operations expanding Bahia Aventuras will soon be offering diving, surfing and kayaking to make it the ONE STOP SHOP for all your marine tour needs.  Come visit us in Uvita-Bahia Ballena!

Humpback whale watching near Uvita-Bahia Ballena

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Scientists believe that early whales actually walked the earth. The theory, supported by recent fossil finds in the foothills of the Himalayas, is that about 53.5 million years ago, whales were amphibious. They originated as land mammals, and gradually ventured into the water in search of food. They fed on fresh and saltwater fish. Eventually, they lost their legs and nostrils, and became the creatures we know today.
Marine mammals such as whales spend their entire lives at sea. So how can they sleep and not drown? Scientists have observed two basic methods of sleeping: They either rest quietly in the water, vertically or horizontally, or sleep while swimming slowly next to another animal. Young whales rest, eat, and sleep while their mother swims, towing them along in her slipstream. This is called “echelon swimming.” At these times, the mother will also sleep on the move. In fact, she cannot stop swimming for the first several weeks of a newborn’s life. If she does for any length of time, the calf will begin to sink; it is not born with enough body fat or blubber to float easily.
Killer whales are the largest dolphins. They get their name because they sometimes eat other, larger whales.
The voice of the blue whale is one of the deepest voices on the planet. It is so powerful that it can travel for perhaps a hundred miles underwater.
The blue whale is the largest whale. They may grow up to 100 feet and weight as much as several elephants.
Some whales do not have teeth. They have baleen instead. Baleen whales do not have teeth. They have baleen. Baleen is made of the same material as our fingernails or hair. Each baleen plate overlaps the next. Baleen plates hang from the upper jaw of the whale, sort of like vertical blinds (It feels like thick plastic  hair!)
Baleen whales eat plankton such as krill and small fish. Depending on the kind of toothed whale, it may eat may eat fish, squid, crabs, shrimp, seastars, sharks, seals, sea lions, penguins, even other whales, dolphins and porpoises.
Whales do not have gills, so they cannot breathe under water. They must come up to the surface of the water to get air. The air is breathed in and out through their “blowhole,” which is on their back.
Whales “migrate” further than any other animal.  In the warm summer months, whales feast to build up their blubber and other fat reserves. Then, as the weather and water begin to cool when winter approaches, the whales begin their migration to warmer places. They do not stop to eat, but swim almost constantly, stopping only to rest for short periods of time.

Whales “migrate” further than any other animal.  In the warm summer months, whales feast to build up their blubber and other fat reserves. Then, as the weather and water begin to cool when winter approaches, the whales begin their migration to warmer places. They do not stop to eat, but swim almost constantly, stopping only to rest for short periods of time.  Just off the coast of Uvita-Bahia Ballena near the Osa Peninsula the humpback whales demonstrate their acrobatic ability!  Come join us for whale watching and dolphin encounters during our boat tours!

Summer Student Travel Groups

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Summer Student Travel Groups
Bahia Aventuras has started organizing plans to host several student travel groups for the summer of 2010 in Uvita-Bahia Ballena.  Community service, whale watching, snorkeling, surf lessons, and cultural exchanges are some of the highlights of the 2010 summer programming.
For the third year in a row Bahia Aventuras will play host to Rustic Pathways Surf and Service program.  The program has a focus on learning how to surf, community service, and participating in cultural exchanges with local community members and youth.  Included in the program is the famous Cano Island Snorkel Tour with Bahia Aventuras where students get to learn about the Marino Ballena National Park, participate in whale watching, dolphin encounters, and snorkel beautiful reefs in one of Costa Rica’s best island tours!
When the students aren’t busy taking surf lessons, snorkeling, whale watching or enjoying a beautiful sunset they will work closely with community members on small-scale construction, environmental, and social projects that will contribute to community’s economic development.  By working alongside community members the students will immerse in the flow of life in the friendly beach town of Uvita-Bahia Ballena and learn about the culture of PURA VIDA!
Radical sunsets, beaches lined with palm trees, crystal clear blue water, and friendly locals all contribute to a great week for the students in Uvita-Bahia Ballena.

Student Travel GroupBahia Aventuras has started organizing plans to host several student travel groups for the summer of 2010 in Uvita-Bahia Ballena. Community service, whale watching, snorkeling, surf lessons, and cultural exchanges are some of the highlights of the 2010 summer programming. For the third year in a row Bahia Aventuras will play host to Rustic Pathways Surf and Service program.  The program has a focus on learning how to surf, community service, and participating in cultural exchanges with local community members and youth.  Included in the program is the famous Cano Island Snorkel Tour with Bahia Aventuras where students get to learn about the Marino Ballena National Park, participate in whale watching, dolphin encounters, and snorkel beautiful reefs in one of Costa Rica’s best island tours!  When the students aren’t busy taking surf lessons, snorkeling, whale watching or enjoying a beautiful sunset theyCommunity Servicewill work closely with community members on small-scale construction, environmental, and social projects that will contribute to community’s economic development.  By working alongside community members the students will immerse in the flow of life in the friendly beach town of Uvita-Bahia Ballena and learn about the culture of PURA VIDA!  Radical sunsets, beaches lined with palm trees, crystal clear blue water, and friendly locals all contribute to a great week for the students in Uvita-Bahia Ballena.

The Adventures of Aventuras

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The Adventure of Aventuras – by Kristal Griffith
In September of 2009, four students in the Professional-MBA program at the University of Denver set out on an adventure. They were charged with the mission of helping a business in Costa Rica become profitable while having a positive impact on people and the planet. That business was Bahia Aventuras.
Walter Brenes, the owner of Bahia Aventuras, has had opportunities to work with educational institutions in the past, but chose to work with the faculty at the University of Denver because of their approach. The introduction between Brenes and the University of Denver was made by Global Journeys Inc. owner Franco Marini and staff member Kay LatchmanSingh.
“We felt that Franco, Kay and the DU staff were dedicated to creating an experience that brings people together to enhance people-to-people understanding and grow friendships between people of different countries, languages, cultures, religions, socio-economic classes and political outlooks with an emphasis on equality among all humans regardless of personal circumstances,” Brenes says.
The students traveled to Costa Rica and met Brenes and his staff for the first time on the morning of Sept. 4, 2009.
“I was nervous to meet the Bahia team,” says Geoff Bieging, a P-MBA student. “I didn’t know how sophisticated their business practices would be, nor did I know if language or business practices would be a huge barrier. Fortunately, Walter speaks great English, and he was able to share a vision that is consistent across all borders.”
The participants did have communication help. Travis Bays, long-time friend and Peace Corps volunteer, helped Brenes start the business in 2007. His knowledge of the business and fluency in Spanish and English was critical.
“I cannot express how impressed I was with Walter and Travis,” says Pete Crowe, P-MBA student. “Here are two guys our age who were willing to take a risk on something they truly believe in. They are working to create a successful business and they are always thinking about how the business can contribute to the local community of Bahia Ballena.”
After the initial meeting, the Denver and Bahia teams decided to meet for dinner that evening at a local pizza restaurant called La Fogata. It was a memorable evening for all.
“My favorite part of my entire trip was the evening spent at the local pizza shop,” says Chaun Powell, P-MBA student. “It was important to me because it helped me understand what was important to Walter and Travis. Meeting Walter’s family made it clear to all of us that there is more to this than a business plan and a financial statement.”
“Rapidly we were able to connect on a very intimate level,” Bays says. “From our first meeting to the dinner party at La Fogata Pizza, our relationship as a team was built with shared values underlining friendship as number one.”
Since September, the two teams have been communicating through email and Skype to come up with ideas to build Bahia Aventuras.
It’s been an education of heart and mind for Team Denver.
“I think DU struck gold with Bahia Aventuras,” Powell says. “Walter and Travis’s innate excitement never die attitude, and unprecedented charisma have certainly made this experience memorable. I look forward to future memories made between the two teams as Bahia grows in an ethical and sustainable manner.”
“If anything, it has helped me learn how to probe a business owner and learn some of his/her key touch points,” Bieging says.
“I was truly inspired by Travis’s incredible motivation, Walter’s incredible spirit and how savvy both these guys really are,” Crowe says. “It was refreshing and encouraging to see two friends take a risk on something they believe in and work like crazy to make it happen. And there is no doubt these two will make it happen!”

The Adventure of Aventuras – by Kristal Griffith

In September of 2009, four students in the Professional-MBA program at the University of Denver set out on an adventure.

Team Denver-Bahia AventurasThey were charged with the mission of helping a business in Costa Rica become profitable while having a positive impact on people and the planet. That business was Bahia Aventuras.

Walter Brenes, the owner of Bahia Aventuras, has had opportunities to work with educational institutions in the past, but chose to work with the faculty at the University of Denver because of their approach. The introduction between Brenes and the University of Denver was made by Global Journeys Inc. owner Franco Marini and staff member Kay LatchmanSingh.

“We felt that Franco, Kay and the DU staff were dedicated to creating an experience that brings people together to enhance people-to-people understanding and grow friendships between people of different countries, languages, cultures, religions, socio-economic classes and political outlooks with an emphasis on equality among all humans regardless of personal circumstances,” Brenes says.

The students traveled to Costa Rica and met Brenes and his staff for the first time on the morning of Sept. 4, 2009.

“I was nervous to meet the Bahia team,” says Geoff Bieging, a P-MBA student. “I didn’t know how sophisticated their business practices would be, nor did I know if language or business practices would be a huge barrier. Fortunately, Walter speaks great English, and he was able to share a vision that is consistent across all borders.”

The participants did have communication help. Travis Bays, long-time friend and Peace Corps volunteer, helped Brenes start the business in 2007. His knowledge of the business and fluency in Spanish and English was critical.

“I cannot express how impressed I was with Walter and Travis,” says Pete Crowe, P-MBA student. “Here are two guys our age who were willing to take a risk on something they truly believe in. They are working to create a successful business and they are always thinking about how the business can contribute to the local community of Bahia Ballena.”

After the initial meeting, the Denver and Bahia teams decided to meet for dinner that evening at a local pizza restaurant called La Fogata. It was a memorable evening for all.

“My favorite part of my entire trip was the evening spent at the local pizza shop,” says Chaun Powell, P-MBA student. “It was important to me because it helped me understand what was important to Walter and Travis. Meeting Walter’s family made it clear to all of us that there is more to this than a business plan and a financial statement.”

“Rapidly we were able to connect on a very intimate level,” Bays says. “From our first meeting to the dinner party at La Fogata Pizza, our relationship as a team was built with shared values underlining friendship as number one.”

Since September, the two teams have been communicating through email and Skype to come up with ideas to build Bahia Aventuras.

It’s been an education of heart and mind for Team Denver.

“I think DU struck gold with Bahia Aventuras,” Powell says. “Walter and Travis’s innate excitement never die attitude, and unprecedented charisma have certainly made this experience memorable. I look forward to future memories made between the two teams as Bahia grows in an ethical and sustainable manner.”

“If anything, it has helped me learn how to probe a business owner and learn some of his/her key touch points,” Bieging says.

“I was truly inspired by Travis’s incredible motivation, Walter’s incredible spirit and how savvy both these guys really are,” Crowe says. “It was refreshing and encouraging to see two friends take a risk on something they believe in and work like crazy to make it happen. And there is no doubt these two will make it happen!”

Bahia Aventuras and Thinking Beyond Borders – Bringing different cultures together

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Bahia Aventuras and Thinking Beyond Borders – The Ideal start to a Gap Year Program
In September 2009 Bahia Aventuras teamed with Thinking Beyond Borders for the second year in a row to help facilitate the best gap year program in the world!  Thinking Beyond Borders gap year program is designed for students to explore international development through global service learning and academic study.  The organization has the mission:
To empower youth as agents of proactive change by developing consciousness of global issues.
To translate learning into action.
Thinking Beyond Borders program orientation in Uvita – Bahia Ballena, is an opportunity to prepare for eight months of service learning and traveling throughout South America, Africa, Asia and the USA.  During the orientation students begin exploring the curriculum by learning about various development issues and why they are immediate problems in each country.  They also learn how to travel in a culturally sensitive manner, how to communicate with people when you don’t speak the same language, and how to immerse yourself into a new community.  Finishing out the orientation, students learn the safety protocol, including how to prevent minor illness, general traveling “do’s and don’ts, and good conduct to keep yourself healthy and safe.  The orientation program challenges students to develop new perspectives on themselves and the world. Set goals to reach new levels of personal and global consciousness. Identify strengths and pinpoint areas to improve. Engage in team building and leadership activities that unite this incredible and talented group of individuals.

In September 2009 Bahia Aventuras teamed with Thinking Beyond Borders for the second year in a row to help facilitate the best gap year program in the world!  Thinking Beyond Borders gap year program is designed for students to explore international development through global service learning and academic study.  The organization has the mission:

  • To empower youth as agents of proactive change by developing consciousness of global issues.
  • To translate learning into action.

The Ideal start to a Gap Year Program

Thinking Beyond Borders program orientation in Uvita – Bahia Ballena, Osa, Costa Rica is an opportunity to prepare for eight months of service learning and traveling throughout South America, Africa, Asia and the USA.  During the orientation students begin exploring the curriculum by learning about various development issues and why they are immediate problems in each country.  They also learn how to travel in a culturally sensitive manner, how to communicate with people when you don’t speak the same language, and how to immerse yourself into a new community.  Finishing out the orientation, students learn the safety protocol, including how to prevent minor illness, general traveling “do’s and don’ts, and good conduct to keep yourself healthy and safe.  The orientation program challenges students to develop new perspectives on themselves and the world. Set goals to reach new levels of personal and global consciousness. Identify strengths and pinpoint areas to improve. Engage in team building and leadership activities that unite this incredible and talented group of individuals.

Bahia Aventuras and Thinking Beyond Borders

Together with Bahia Aventuras Team Members and local community leaders, the Thinking Beyond Borders students attend workshops about local community economic development.  Connect with nature and create powerful experiences while participating in whale watching, snorkeling, and dolphin encounter boat tours in the Marino Ballena National Park.  Learn yoga and surfing while living for 10 days where the rainforest and the ocean come together.  They hike through primary and secondary rainforest, swim under waterfalls, play beach soccer and reflect on the journey to come while watching the sunset over the famous Punta Uvita Whale Tail.

Check out the album of Thinking Beyond Borders 2009-10 student photos from the 11 day orientation in Costa Rica!

Responsible Marine Tourism Practices

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Bahia Aventuras, the KETO Foundation, and the Association of Marine Tour Operators of the Marino Ballena National Park, in Uvita – Bahia Ballena have been working together over the last few months in the development of 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.  Next, is the implementation phase and then field-testing.  Many local companies are still in the process of adopting the standards and will work together with the KETO Foundaton and the Association of Marine Tour Operators of the Marino Ballena National Park to evaluate their overall effectiveness, attainability, and affordability.
Leading the way in accomplishing the standards is Team Bahia Aventuras.  Establishing a plan for each category, Bahia Aventuras will be implementing the rigorous standards in 2010  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.

Bahia Aventuras, the KETO Foundation, and the Association of Marine Tour Operators of the Marino Ballena National Park, in Uvita – Bahia Ballena have been working together over the last few months in the development of 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.  Next, is the implementation phase and then field-testing.  Many local companies are still in the process of adopting the standards and will work together with the KETO Foundaton and the Association of Marine Tour Operators of the Marino Ballena National Park to evaluate their overall effectiveness, attainability, and affordability.

Leading the way in accomplishing the standards is Team Bahia Aventuras.  Establishing a plan for each category, Bahia Aventuras will be implementing the rigorous standards in 2010  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.

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Bahia Aventuras S.A.
Uvita, Bahia Ballena,
Peninsula de Osa, Costa Rica
info@bahiaaventuras.com
Office: +506 2743-8362
Mobile: +506 8846-6576
Mobile: +506 8706-9637 (24 hours )