Bahia Aventuras

Uvita boat and nature tour operator

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Flickr
  • Email
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Our Boats
    • Client Testimonials
    • Responsible Tourism Practices
    • Friends of Bahia Aventuras
  • Tour Options
    • Marino Ballena Park Combination Tour (Whale & Dolphin)
    • Caño Island Snorkeling Tour
    • Sport Fishing Trips
    • Corcovado National Park Day Tour (Hiking)
    • Nature Walk in Ballena National Park
    • Sierpe Mangrove & Wildlife Tour
    • Sea Kayaking Uvita beach
  • National Parks
    • Corcovado National Park
    • Caño Island Biological Reserve
    • Marino Ballena National Park
    • Terraba Sierpe Mangroves
  • Directions
  • Additional Information
    • Hotels in Uvita Bahia
    • Interesting Facts About Costa Rica
    • FAQs
    • COVID 19 Information
    • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
    • Reservations
    • Newsletter Sign Up
  • Media
    • Blog
    • Video Gallery
    • Wallpapers
    • Photo Gallery
You are here: Home / Archives for Uvita

Volunteering in Uvita, Costa Rica

January 25, 2011 by bahiaaventuras Leave a Comment

In the beginning of 2010, me and my girlfriend decided to take a break from our jobs at home and to look for possible volunteer positions in Central America. We started by contacting several organizations and soon it was clear that Costa Rica was the country with most possibilities in this area.

We flew to Costa Rica in November 2010, ready to start working in December. We stumbeled upon the company Bahía Aventuras on www.sustainabletrip.org And it seemed to offer everything we wanted: the possibility to work in a marine environment, a connection to a national park and interesting fields of volunteer work. Travis was very quick in answering our inquiery and soon a skype meeting was set up. The enthusiasm of Travis regarding his work and the possibilities for us made it easy to decide that we would like to join Bahía Aventuras for one month.

We came to the community of Bahía in December and were able to find a nice apartement ten minutes away from our office. The first day at worked was all about introducing ourselves to the staff and making a working plan for the next four weeks. Bahía Aventuras resulted to be very cooperative and flexible – we were able to bring in our own ideas, wishes and suggestions. Finally, we agreed on the following things: our work would consist of optimizing and reprogramming the website www.bahiaaventuras.com, taking (tour) pictures for the company as well as evaluating the tours offered and defining measures to improve them. In exchange, we would be able to join the tours for free and use the surfboards of Bodhi Surf without charge. An employee of Bahía Aventuras also rented two bikes for a reasonable price for our time in Bahía. We also appreciated the possibility of using the wifi internet connection of our office for private matters.

Our working week was never the same – our timetable was pretty much defined by tour schedules, wheather conditions and the quality of the internet connection. Some of the work (editing photos, writing reviews of the tours, drawing sitemaps and a guideline for website improvements) was able to be done from our appartement, everything related to website programming and staff meetings had to be done at the office. It was a good feeling to have a list of goals which we should achieve after our month of work instead of having concrete times of work. That made it possible for us to connect work and leisure time in a flexible way (Waves are good in the morning? Let’s go surfing before we head to the office!) .

Travis took very good care of us – we installed a formal meeting once a week where we discussed our progress and other oportunities of working outside of the company (e.g. surf lessons for the kids of the community, GPS training, spanish lessons, taking photos of surf lessons etc.). We felt very welcome in the company and the community itself. A number of other volunteers made it easier for us to compare our experiences. We definitely made a good choice :-). All the people had a very friendly, open hearted attitude and soon we felt at home in Bahía. The small number of inhabitants made it easy to get a good feeling for the way of life in the community. Personally, we had the impression that many people are taking the pura vida lifestyle too seriously instead of life (work) itself.

Again, we want to thank the whole Bahía Aventuras team, expecially Travis and Walter, for their support! We will never forget this time! — Chris and Anja

Filed Under: Captain's Blog Tagged With: Costa Rica, surf lessons, Uvita

Creating opportunities for our youth

July 26, 2010 by bahiaaventuras Leave a Comment

Bahia-Uvita Youth Program “Grupo SURF”

SURF is a community-based organization that empowers youth as integral agents of change in the sustainable development of their communities. SURF is founded on the belief that youth are a fundamental resource in promoting responsible community development and creating a healthy future for themselves and their communities.
In Bahia Ballena, Osa, Costa Rica, SURF provides youth the opportunity to participate in capacity-building programs that enhance their quality of life, help them gain employment options and improve their decision-making processes.

Youth and Conservation

Costa Rica covers less than 1% of the earth’s surface area but contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity. It has 26% of its 52,100 km2 of land under protection, but less than 1% of  its 580,000 km2 of marine territory under protection.
SURF’s program operates in Bahia Ballena, Osa, a region that includes 149,808 hectares of protected areas including three national parks, two reserves a wildlife refuge and a marine national park.  The Osa area contains an incredibly diverse set of ecosystems that are currently being threatened by unregulated tourism, pollution, illegal extraction of floral and fauna and commercial and real estate development.

Bahia-Uvita and the Marino Ballena National Park

The community of Bahia Ballena is located at the footsteps of Marino Ballena National Park, Costa Rica’s first Marine National Park, which was established in 1989.  The park is the main tourist attraction in the area and plays a key role in the community’s socioeconomic development.  Conservation efforts in the Marino Ballena National Park and the greater Osa region can be improved by empowering youth as integral agents of change in the sustainable development of their communities.

SURFs Methodology

SURF is based on the education methodology: Tell me, I’ll forget; Show me and I may remember; Engage me and I’ll understand.   Students participate in hands-on activities around their neighborhood through which they gain a deeper understanding of their community, its needs and the steps they can take to bring about institutional change.  SURF participants learn GIS and GPS mapping techniques so that they can create comprehensive maps of the greater Bahia Ballena region.  They go on excursions into the Marino Ballena National Park and coastal mountains to learn about relevant topics such as whale migration and the origin of their town’s potable water.
SURF’s curriculum is divided into four modules called “The Four Waves” that encompass six months of weekly sessions.  Each wave contains trainings, workshops and extra-curricular activities that engage students with their community and marine protected area.  As students progress through the Four Waves, they participate in activities that encourage self-awareness by connecting them to their community, environment and peers.  After gaining a sense of belonging in their community, students learn the skills of a responsible leader and master the techniques for project design and management.  The group then employs the knowledge they have acquired to develop and implement independent, sustainable community projects. The group culminates its SURF experience by learning that generosity is rooted in one’s intention to care for the common good of a community. After graduating, youth participants become SURF mentors for future SURF generations, ensuring the sustainability of the program and living the knowledge and skills developed throughout their participation in the Four Waves.

Strategic Alliances

Keto Foundation
The KETO Foundation is a “non-profit organization focused on the study of biology, management and conservation of marine and coastal resources.” KETO uses its research on marine ecosystems in Osa to teach SURF youth the importance of aquatic management and conservation. The KETO – University of DUKE – SURF partnership empowers youth through marine education and interactive excursions such as snorkeling, whale watching and beach clean-ups, providing youth the opportunity to engage and build a relationship with their Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Bahia Aventuras
Bahia Aventuras is a boat and nature tour operator in the national parks and reserves located in the Uvita-Bahia Ballena area.  SURF partners with Bahia Aventuras to augment students’ experiences studying the marine life in their community with boat tours and other excursions into the protected areas.
Bodhi Surf School
Bodhi Surf School in Bahia Ballena utilizes the incredible resource of Marino Ballena National Park to provide a unique surfing experience focused on a mind-body-earth awareness. Bodhi Surf provides lessons for SURF participants, introducing them to the national park and helping them build ocean awareness and confidence in themselves.
Outside the Lens
Outside The Lens (OTL) is a San Diego-based organization that works to “engage, educate and empower youth on issues affecting the world today” by promoting youth literacy through the arts.  SURF has partnered with OTL to bring dynamic photography and multimedia projects into the SURF curriculum that encourage students to reflect on the role they play in their community.
La Cusinga Lodge
La Cusinga is a “coastal rainforest eco lodge dedicated to marine and terrestrial conservation and environmental education.” Located in Bahia Ballena, Osa, the lodge has obtained four out of five leaves marking certified sustainable tourism. La Cusinga maintains private trails to primary rainforest through which they lead SURF students on educational walks. Staff also teach SURF students about sustainable hotel operations.
GISETC
GISETC has spent the last ten years providing workshops, software and curricula for both educators and students.  GISETC provides SURF students with GPS hand units and teaches the students how to use GIS and GPS mapping techniques as a tool to map their community’s resources.

Filed Under: Captain's Blog, Responsible Tourism Tagged With: Bahia Aventuras, boat tours, Costa Rica, Marino Ballena National Park, Osa, surf lessons, sustainable, Uvita, Uvita-Bahia

Uvita High School

July 26, 2010 by bahiaaventuras Leave a Comment

Uvita High School installs fence to border property

Uvita High School is now better protected and equipped to protect its students do to a mesh fence that was constructed around the institutions perimeter.  The project was finalized with the support of the Uvita community, Osa’s Municipality and other institutions.  The Uvita High School and its students are also working on the construction of a park inside the high school.  The goal for Uvita high school is to finish the gym, which started in 2001 and has a floor and locker rooms.  Another goal is to have two or three more classrooms built as the amount of students is increasing constantly.

Adapted from South Pacific News

Filed Under: Uvita Tagged With: Osa, Uvita

Eco Friendly School in Uvita-Bahia area

July 26, 2010 by bahiaaventuras Leave a Comment

School in Uvita-Bahia area is an example of sustainable architecture

Ballena school, located a few kilometers south of Uvita, is an example of sustainable architecture.  The school proves the benefits of practicing bio climatic architecture and serves as a sustainable development example for the Uvita and greater Osa region. The school uses a tropical bio climatic architecture that does not require air conditioning, containing large windows that permit natural airflow from the ocean breeze.  Not only does the school conserve energy, its design fits the natural beauty of the area.

Adapted from South Pacific News

Filed Under: Uvita Tagged With: Bahia, Bahia-Uvita, Costa Rica, Osa, Uvita, Uvita-Bahia

Uvita ASADA gets white flag

July 26, 2010 by bahiaaventuras Leave a Comment

The public water facility ASADA gets White Flag

Uvita ASADA, which provides water for over 700 families (approximately 3000 people) in the area, was awarded the white flag from the Costa Rica water institution called Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AyA).  In order to receive the award, Uvita ASADA had to complete an analysis that required four visits by members of AyA in one year.  The Uvita ASADA also presented a full report about the conditions of the aqueduct, including streams, tanks, conduction lines, and their education and environment programs.  Uvita ASADA plans to continue improving their services and infrastructure to obtain the highest award of six stars.  In order to achieve six stars the Uvita ASADA should label tanks and install hydrants amongst other works.
Adapted from South Pacific News

History of the UVITA aqueduct

In 1985 the Uvita community started organizing itself to form a Rural Aqueduct Committee.  Several years later the need for increasing the size of the Rural Aqueduct became apparent and in 1996 the committee becomes an Aqueduct Administrative Association.  In 1999 the technical studies for the construction of a new aqueduct take into account the growth of Uvita and Bahia and a new aqueduct development project takes form.  After many years of hard work the Uvita aqueduct is officially inaugurated in 2006.  Since then the Uvita ASADA has worked diligently to protect the watersheds along the coastal mountains.

Filed Under: Uvita Tagged With: Costa Rica, Uvita

Punta Uvita

April 26, 2010 by bahiaaventuras Leave a Comment

Punta UvitaThe extraordinary geological formation commonly called Punta Uvita or the Whale Tail is a magical place to visit.  Some people have referred to this natural phenomenon as “Moses Passage” when at low tide the ocean recedes and a 600 meter long sand passage opens up.  Punta Uvita is located at the northern part of the Marino Ballena National Park.  Apparently there are two ocean currents, one from the southeast and the other from the northwest that help form this natural passage.  Punta Uvita can be enjoyed during low tide for approximately 3 hours, but when the tide comes up, the passage disappears and becomes submerged.  It is a 25 minute walk from the main park entrance.  From high in the sky or from mountain views Punta Uvita clearly resembles a whale tail.  In Costa Rica there are no other places like “Moses Passage”, and some say that there are only 10 other locations in the world similar to Punta Uvita.

Filed Under: Captain's Blog, Uvita Tagged With: Costa Rica, Punta Uvita, Uvita, Whale Tail

Always improving our services

April 26, 2010 by travis Leave a Comment

Through continuous trainings Bahia Aventuras guides have earned certifications from the Costa Rica National Area of Conservation System known as SINAC.  Although finishing the courses is a great achievement, the Bahia Aventuras team continues to increase their knowledge and skills by participating in different courses and trainings.  One course that the guides are currently participating in is offered by UNED.  The course is composed of 7 modules such as local geography, natural history, tourist legislation, first aid and tourism control and will last approximately 3 months.  Team Bahia Aventuras is always looking for opportunities to learn more in order to continue providing the most responsible and best service in the Uvita-Bahia and Osa area.

Reimer Carnet ACOSA 1RAFA Carnet ACOSA 1

Filed Under: Captain's Blog, Responsible Tourism Tagged With: Bahia Aventuras, Osa, Uvita, Uvita-Bahia

New road for Marino Ballena Park Entrance

April 26, 2010 by bahiaaventuras 1 Comment

PNMB entranceIn the following months the main road to the Marino Ballena National Park will be asphalted.  This new development for the Uvita-Bahia, Osa community brings great joy to boat tour operators and community members alike.  The project starts from the Coastal Highway and ends at the entrance to the marine park.  The project will benefit tourism especially as the road between Quepos and Dominical will bring added tourism to the area.  Community members and tour operators from Uvita-Bahia emphasize that the road must be well equipped with proper speed limit and stop signs so that the road does not become used as a super highway.

Filed Under: Captain's Blog, Uvita Tagged With: boat tour, boat tours, Costa Rica, dominical, tour operators, Uvita

Snorkel the Crystal Blue Waters of Cano Island

April 16, 2010 by bahiaaventuras Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Costa Rica Tours Tagged With: Bahia Ballena, best snorkeling, Cano Island, Costa Rica, Osa, snorkeling, Uvita

Cruise with us!

March 17, 2010 by bahiaaventuras Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Costa Rica Tours Tagged With: Bahia Aventuras, Bahia Ballena, Cano Island, corcovado national park, corcovado national park tour, Costa Rica, dolphin encounters, Marino Ballena National Park, Osa, osa peninsula, snorkeling, sport fishing, Uvita, whale watching

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Page »

Navigation

  • About Us
  • Find Your Tour
  • Tour Destinations
  • Responsible Tourism Practices
  • Client Testimonials
  • Hotels in Uvita Bahia
  • Uvita Restaurants

Our Tours

  • Marino Ballena Park Combination Tour (Whale & Dolphin)
  • Snorkeling at Caño Island
  • Sport Fishing Trips
  • Hiking Corcovado National Park Day Tour
  • Terraba Sierpe Mangrove & Wildlife Tour
  • Sea Kayaking Uvita Beach
  • Isla Violines Beach Tour
  • San Josesito Family Tour

Contact Us

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Marino Ballena Snorkel Tour Details

Duration:

Approximately 2.5 -3 hours

Tour start times:

Depend on tides/Low tide

Minimum number of people:

2 people

Age limitations:

Suitable for children over 3 years of age – Not recommended for infants.

Physical considerations
    • Suitable for all fitness levels
What to bring:
      • Small bags to safeguard personal belongings
      • Sun block
      • Shorts, bathing suit and towel
      • Sandals or flip flops
      • Reusable water bottle
Includes :
    • Bilingual naturalist guide
    • Mineral  water to refill
    • Box with tropical fruits
    • Entrance fee to Ballena National Park)
    • Snorkeling equipment

Popular Tours

  • Whale Watching Tour
  • Corcovado Hiking Tour
  • Cano Island Snorkeling Tour
  • Mangrove Nature Tour

Our Tour Destinations

  • Corcovado National Park
  • Cano Island Biological Reserve
  • Marino Ballena National Park
  • Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands
Sea Star System
CST Certification
  • TripAdvisor
 

Book & Pay Online

Book Your Tour!

Regional Seller

Rated On TripAdvisor

  • 1 reviews of Bahia Aventuras in Uvita

Menu

  • About Us
  • Boat & Nature Tours
  • National Parks
  • Tourist Information
  • Responsible Tourism Practices
  • Getting To Bahia Ballena
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Bahía Aventuras Staff Relief Fund
  • Whale Seasons in Costa Rica
  • Summer Students Groups 2013
  • An Adventure at Sea
  • Puma Sightings a Sign the Natural Environment is Thriving

Like Us On Facebook

Facebook Pagelike Widget

Contact Us

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 )

© Copyright 2010-2020 Bahia Aventuras · All Rights Reserved