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Amazing Whitewater View Of The Ballena Marine Preserve Islands

Photo gallery for Amazing Whitewater View Of The Ballena Marine Preserve Islands

Sunset from across the refreshing pool.
As seen with the naked eye from the house.
Very open view to the pacific ocean.
Can see 5 islands from the house including Cano islqnd.
Turtle, cat and rabbit is what some guests have said :-)

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6200.0 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Breakfast available

Explore the area

Map
Uvita, Osa, Puntarenas
  • Playa Ballena
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Uvita Beach
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Playa Tortuga
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Palmar (PMZ-Palmar Sur)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Guest Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Guest Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Master bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Amazing Whitewater View Of The Ballena Marine Preserve Islands

Important points below! Pura Vida!

This is the Costa Rican expression for everything that is good. It translates as pure life and is used as a greeting and a salutation. It is always spoken with a smile. Costa Rica is rated as one of the happiest places on earth. You can discover why.

Imagine secluded beaches where the jungle meets the sand, monkeys and toucans greeting you each morning, or swimming under warm waterfalls. All this happens everyday in the unspoiled beauty of Uvita.

Our rental home is situated in an old growth jungle minutes from the beach on the Pacific coast in Marino Ballena National Park, the only national marine park in Costa Rica. Ballena translates to whale. Humpbacks from the southern and northern hemisphere travel thousands of miles to have their babies in this area. Excellent whale watching, snorkeling and diving! We are halfway between Manual Antonio, the most popular park in Costa Rica, and the famous Osa Penninsula. National Geographic named our area one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet. From the house and pool you can see the ever changing pacific ocean, local islands, incredible wildlife, rainforest, and beautiful sunsets.

The food in the area is the best in Costa Rica and maybe some of the best we have ever had - think Napa in the South Pacific. Expats from around the world have created amazing culinary delights. We can recommend at least 10 restaurants in the area. You can drink the water and eat the food and not worry.

The home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a newly-completely remodeled full gourmet kitchen, laundry room, two outside patio areas, a modest infinity pool, and a stone BBQ (boogie boards, beach chairs, beach and pool towels, a cooler, small binoculars and a telescope). Listen to the waves crashing on the shore from bed as you awake to howler monkeys calling in the trees. The jungle is right outside the door. Take a walk and see all the wonders you expect from Costa Rica.

The house is an easy accessible drive from the main road with a wide, short maintained road leading to the house. This should not be underestimated. Most homes in the area take a long drive up a steep, single lane, winding road taking up to 20 minutes from the main road, especially difficult at night. Look next to the map on the listing to where the closest beach is. If it more than .5 miles from the beach you will regret it. We are .3 miles to the beach. There will be no anxiety driving to this house. Rent a 4x4 or all wheel drive to get the most out of your trip in this area.

This is not a resort town. It is an agrarian area with beautiful farms and unspoiled beaches and jungle. It is a place to explore and discover. It will excite your inner adventurer. 5 islands are visible from our home. I don't now of anyone else that can boast that!

We would love to welcome you as our guest to Casa Ballena.

Pura Vida!

Proud of this review. It is what we strive for.
Best Vacation Rental We Have Ever Booked!
5/5 Stayed Jan 2023
Janet M.
I have rented over 30 vacation homes throughout Costa Rica, Europe and Australia and I owned my own vacation rental which has made me rather picky and critical. It takes a lot to impress me. But this property really impressed me! The attention to detail is outstanding. This is a lovely home is set in a gorgeous setting with outstanding views. The house has everything you could possibly need, is very comfortable, very clean and we felt very safe. The outdoor furniture is very good quality and comfortable. We never wanted to leave the awesome pool. It is very conveniently located to beaches and the towns of Uvita and Ojochal. The kitchen is very well stocked - which is rare! The fact that Mark provides boogie boards, beach chairs and a good supply of beach towels speaks volumes. Communication with Mark was excellent and he provided all kinds of information. He has a full binder of information on the house and recommendations on what to do in the area - perfect! We loved this place and will certainly stay here again when in the area.

Published Feb 7, 2023

Property manager

Mark and Allyson Roberts
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Ballena

Located in Ballena, this holiday home is on a river. Marino Ballena National Park and Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons and Costa Rica Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Topolandia and Parque Reptilandia are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Uvita, Osa, Puntarenas

What's nearby

  • Playa Ballena - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Pinuela Beach - 9 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Ventanas Beach - 6 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Uvita Beach - 7 min drive - 7.0 km
  • Playa Tortuga - 10 min drive - 6.8 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Pizzeria La Fogata - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Heliconia - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Sibu - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Time - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Marino Ballena - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Amazing Whitewater View Of The Ballena Marine Preserve Islands have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include infinity pools.

Is Amazing Whitewater View Of The Ballena Marine Preserve Islands pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Amazing Whitewater View Of The Ballena Marine Preserve Islands?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Amazing Whitewater View Of The Ballena Marine Preserve Islands?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Amazing Whitewater View Of The Ballena Marine Preserve Islands located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Playa Ballena and Pinuela Beach. Arco Beach and Marino Ballena National Park are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 140 out of 142 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 142 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 142 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 142 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 142 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Peter F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place and location
Amazing wildlife- birds, hearing howler monkeys etc…Good location for getting around the Pacific coast. Great host. Was very responsive!
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donna G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Five star rating says it all!
We spent 2 months and loved it here. It was easy to settle in to the natural beauty surrounding the home and area. Hosts were very accommodating and responsive. Lots to do. Location, the home and the view were all spectacular.
Stayed 61 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

sherrie g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great convenient stay with a view!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay! The location could not have been better, easy to get to our favorite beaches, restaurants and groceries. Owners were very responsive and super helpful with booking tours extra. Very well appointed! The pool was a cocktail pool which we weren’t expecting so we didn’t really use much and we didn’t have much hot water. That is not uncommon for the area but if you aren’t used to that just take note. It does take getting used to when everyone is trying to get ready for dinner, etc. For nature, pure beauty and convenience, you can’t go wrong! We had a great time! Pura Vida
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Fun in Uvita
Our family of five, all adults, had a lovely stay in this Uvita house. The bedrooms were comfy, the kitchen well stocked, and the living area spacious.The setting was just beautiful. We spent much of our time enjoying the sounds and sights of the birds from the dining patio, gazing at the wide open view of the ocean and nearby islands and cooling off in the refreshing pool. The garden was full of tropical flowers and trees.We appreciated the convenience of the location. The towns of Uvita and Ojochal were just minutes away as well as several beaches, restaurants and adventures.The owner, Mark, was extremely helpful and responsive to any of our needs.Our adventures included a boat trip up the Sierpe River to see wildlife, a tour of Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary and snorkeling at Cano Island. We explored several beaches, a waterfall and ate well at several restaurants. In late March we could just walk into any restaurant and be seated immediately, arrange tours on any day and easily park anywhere. How relaxing and hassle free!This was our first time to Costa Rica and we highly recommend Uvita and this wonderful house. Pura Vida!
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gayle G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Like Sleeping in the Jungle!
Had a stellar vacation at Mark and Allyson’s Jungle house. Woke every day buy 5:30, watched an amazing amount of birds right there! The house is close to everything. The grounds are incredible. Mark was quick to respond. They really do want you to have the best stay ever! We did follow their list of best places to eat as well as things to do in the area. Heads up though, if you are planning to eat in Ojochal, get reservations. Lots of nicks and crannies to discover in the area. The Pacific Ocean was warm and fun. Fishing in the area is excellent. Thank you so much for sharing your home. Would not hesitate to go back. Well done Mark and Allyson!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alex G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Prefect
Despite the rain (not to self check the rainy season) we had a wonderful time at Mark and Allyson's stunning house - the view is just divine, the main area was very spacious, there was a great BBQ, Mark was super helpful with tips and suggestions and the array of wildlife literally on your front doorstep was out of this world. Thank you very much for having us.
Stayed 15 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Todd A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Pura Vida in Costa Ballena
Our family has stayed at many properties in the area. This location of this house is what sets it apart for us. We've gone a half hour up the mountain to get to houses, this was 1 minute. There's a little highway noise because of it, but not annoying enough to take away from the close proximity to everything and the amazing view. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Albert G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thanksgiving Relaxation
This location was exactly what our family needed. The house was beautiful. It had a breathtaking ocean view and the natural wonders of the jungle. We saw toucans, Izzy the resident Iguana and a small tapir. We could hear howler monkeys all around in the mornings. Mark was on the spot communicating with us to make our arrival seamless. Rolando was a huge help checking. The recommendation provided by Mark were very helpful. The beaches are a short drive from the house. We had a relaxing week and look forward to visiting again. Thank you Mark.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Dream Getaway!
Three weeks flew by at this luxury estate. Mark was a responsive and generous host. The views are spectacular and every detail high end. Definitely want to come back.
Stayed 20 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exceptional Stay
We had an exquisite stay in this beautiful home. Our family loved everything about our time in Uvita. The views, the birds, the amenities. Thanks to Mark for taking such good care of us and for being a wonderful and welcoming host. We can’t wait to return. ¡Pura Vida!
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandy K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another wonderful vacation at this property.
This is our second year staying here. We love the property, the owner and the property manager. Everything was wonderful…no issues… and we hope to be able to come back soon! It has become our home away from home 😃
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Love Marks House- 2nd Time Stay
This is our second time staying at Mark's house. We had a great time. The house is beautiful, the view is unbelievable. This was the first time we brought our kids to Costa Rica and they loved it. The area was great and everyone loved the pool. But highly recommend the house ❤️❤️❤️🌴🦜
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barbara G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful place to chill and appreciate nature and friendly locals!
Outstanding property with astonishingly responsive hosts! Mark and Allyson go above and beyond. The road/driveway are unusually easy to navigate, this makes a big difference. Delicious restaurants nearby. Great home base, whether you want a perfect place to relax in, or someplace to sleep in between tour activities. HIGHLY recommend!
Stayed 13 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jacob R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just book it already
We spent the week sitting on the patio or soaking in the pool, watching and listening to wildlife, from monkeys and agoutis to toucans, hummingbirds, and all kinds of other exotic and rare birds (you should seriously consider downloading the Merlin Bird ID app!). We watched humpback whales breaching in the sea, enjoyed the company of geckos and basilisks, and were very happy with the level of comfort and privacy. It was quiet but not far from groceries and anything else you want/need while in the country. We've stayed at 7 or 8 villas/houses in Costa Rica, and this is the one we''ll go back to. Everyone was very responsive and made the entire process seamless. We can't recommend this place enough.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic!
My husband and I spent 5 wonderful days at this property in Uvita. The house is beautiful and very well appointed. The host provided a treasure trove of information about the area, activities and other information that was especially helpful for us since we had never been to Costa Rica before. In fact, the information was so thorough, we even ended up helping out some locals we met on Ventanas Beach! The access point they normally used to come to the beach was closed for maintenance and they weren't sure how to get back to their car. Mark's "alternate route" saved the day! We also had several lovely meals at host recommended restaurants and tours by local, recommended guides. The property has stunning views of the ocean and you will see (and hear) plenty of local wildlife right from the patio. Truly paradise and a host who goes above and beyond!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ballena Bliss
This is a beautiful home, very spacious and well-appointed…including beach chairs and boogie boards! The sunset view, nice landscaping, along with easy access off the highway made for a very pleasant stay. Thank you for hosting us.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jodi G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay!
The house is lovely; especially the open living living area, wood doors and windows, and patio. The grounds are beautiful and very well maintained, with a beautiful view of the ocean. Also, the house is in a great location, close to many attractions (e.g., beaches, hikes, waterfalls, swimming holes), as well as grocery stores and restaurants.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Beth L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Home, very pleased
Beautiful home with a spectacular view. Beautiful view from the pool. Saw all kinds of Toucans and birds. Heard the howler monkeys, but they never came to the house. The owner was very helpful in scheduling excursions, etc. I would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heidi M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolute Paradise
This home was the perfect place for our vacation! Mark the home owner provides everything you may ever need to know about vacationing in Costa Rica. It made planning our trip so easy. The home is exceptionally clean and comfortable. We loved cooling off in the pool and watching birds from the patio. This home was absolute paradise!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pam G., Coppell

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Yoga deck!
This house is centrally located and near lots of great restaurants and black sand beaches. A 4 wheel drive SUV is mandatory! The VRBO host and local assistant (Roland) were really helpful and knowledgable about the area!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Uvita Paradise
I'm not sure I can describe how much my husband and I enjoyed our stay! The house is wonderful, all you could possibly need, well stocked kitchen, grill, beach towels and chairs, comfy bed, lush gardens, and an amazing pool. It's the perfect home base for so many activities but you may not want to leave the pool and porch. We loved listening to the birds each morning with coffee and in the evening with a drink. We were amazed by the birds, especially loved seeing the yellow-throated toucan. Mark provides wonderful information on excursions and restaurants. We hope to visit again!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deb P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Breathtaking View
Beuatiful property with amazing views. Quiet location but still close to town and activities. You can spend your time doing excursions or louging at the pool watching Iguanas, Green Parrots, Macaws, Toucans and other wildlife. Mark was wonderful to work with and would definitely rent this property again.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unique spot in Uvita!
The setting was amazing and the view was incredible. We had all the comforts of home and truly loved the house. I would go back in a heart beat. The owner was very helpful from the beginning to the end of our stay. Great memories were made that we will all treasure.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erica L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Incredible Property
The pictures don't do this property justice! The views are incredible. The property is clean and fully stocked with everything. Both the owner, Mark, and the property manager were responsive and so helpful throughout the week. Costa Rica is pure magic, we can't wait to plan our trip back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan Y., North Andover

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous 5 Days
This was my parents first time to Costa Rica and we wanted them to have a wonderful experience. Ballena did not disappoint. The house was well appointed, clean and spacious... and the views - just amazing. But it was the morning and sunset experiences that made this a great experience. The sounds and sightings from the birds, iguanas, howler monkeys and agotis made it extra special. The sunset views are the best too! We hope to visit again Ballena.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

About the host

Hosted by Mark and Allyson Roberts

Host profile image
We are adventurous and love creating memorable travel experiences for couples, families and friends. I hope you like our home away from home. We currently live in Northern California in the redwoods in a 1934 log cabin. We live on a pond, 2 creeks and over 100 redwood trees. We are 20 minutes to the Pacific Ocean. 40 minutes from San Francisco. We like to snow ski, snorkel, dive and commune with nature.

Why they chose this property

We love the Pacific Ocean. The view of the Bahia Ballena marine park islands is one of the best in the Southern Pacific zone of Costa Rica. We love eco-tourism. Waking to howler monkeys and seeing toucans and iguanas in the yard every day while eating breakfast is incredible. My daughter calls the home her Neverland. She loves the Scarlet Macaws and Green parrots that fly over the pool. We think easy access to adventures is important. There are steep narrow roads to most properties. Ours is a breeze by comparison. Not to underestimated as a feature. We were blown away by the foodie restaurants in the area. It is like eating in Napa or the south of France!

What makes this property unique

If you can pull yourself away from the hammocks, the pool and the view there are amazing things to explore. Snorkel at the islands in front of the house or at the whale's tale, go diving at Cano island, horseback ride to a magnificent waterfall, zipline through the jungle, go on a nature boat up the Sierpe to see amazing wildlife, rappel down waterfalls (canyoning), jump into the swimming hole below the waterfall, go deep sea fishing, kayaking in the mangroves or just walk into the primary rainforest around the house. We can help guide you to all of that and more!

Languages:

English

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