Casalta - Parque Nacional Marino Ballena
Casalta is a camp near Parque Nacional Marino Ballena.
- Location
- Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, Central Pacific & Nicoya Gulf, Costa Rica, Central & South America
- Coordinates
- 9.157354, -83.745700
- Activities
- camp
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Casalta for optimal wildlife viewing and beach activities?
We find the dry season, roughly December to April, offers the clearest skies and calmest seas, ideal for exploring Parque Nacional Marino Ballena and its famous whale's tail sandbar. However, the green season brings lush landscapes and fewer crowds, and while rain showers are common, they often pass quickly, leaving a vibrant, refreshed environment.
What can we expect from the 'camp' experience at Casalta - is it rustic or more luxurious?
Casalta strikes a wonderful balance; it's definitely not rustic in the traditional sense, offering comfortable, well-appointed tents with proper beds and private facilities. We love how the design truly integrates you with the surrounding jungle and ocean sounds, providing a luxurious yet authentic connection to nature without sacrificing comfort.
Beyond general jungle wildlife, what unique marine or coastal wildlife can we hope to see while staying at Casalta?
Given its proximity to Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, we highly recommend a boat tour to witness humpback whales during their migration seasons (July-November and December-April), and dolphins are a frequent sight year-round. On land, keep an eye out for sloths and various monkey species right around the camp, and the birdlife, especially toucans and macaws, is simply spectacular.
How accessible is Casalta, and what's the best way to get there from San José?
We recommend flying into San José (SJO) and then either taking a domestic flight to Palmar Sur or driving the scenic coastal route, which takes about 3-4 hours. A 4x4 vehicle is advisable, especially during the green season, as the final stretch to the camp can be unpaved but the journey itself offers stunning views of Costa Rica's Pacific coast.
What's the typical price range for a stay at Casalta, and what does that generally include?
Casalta falls into the mid-to-high range for Costa Rican camps, reflecting its prime location and quality of experience. We found that rates often include delicious meals and some guided activities, offering excellent value for an immersive stay where you're truly connected to both the jungle and the marine park.
Other Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional Marino Ballena
- Altos de Colonia
- Bahia Azul
- Bahia Selvatica Lodge
- Ballena Paraíso Lodge
- Ballena Roja
- Bambu Beach Hostel
- Birds Of Paradise
- Cabaña Tavo Pacheco
- Cabinas Chirincoca
- Cabinas Con Fernando
- Cabinas D'Val
- Cabinas El Chaman
- Cabinas ESMO
- Cabinas Felix
- Cabinas María Jesus
- Cabinas Semilla
- Camping el Chaman
- Casa Ara Macao
- Casa Linda Vista
- Chez Aurélie
- Cola Ballena
- Dolce Uvita
- Eden Tica Lodge
- El Ballenato de Bahia
- El Pulpo Safari Lodge
- Finca Bavaria
- Flutterby House
- Forest Lodge
- Hacienda CoopeAgri
- Hotel Bambu Beach
- Hotel El Tecal
- Hotel Nido del Halcón
- Hotel Pacific Dyean
- Karandi
- La Casa De La Luz
- La Casita
- Mango Mike's cabinas
- Marino Lodge
- Mar Y Selva Ecolodge3
- OASIS de las Palmes
- Pacific Dream
- Playa Luna
- Playa Luna Hotel
- Rio Tico Safari Lodge
- Tropical Beach Hotel
- Uvita Pirates Hostel
- Villas Ela
- Villas María Luisa
- Yabá Chiguí Lodge
Parks in Central Pacific & Nicoya Gulf
- Parque nacional Carara
- Parque Nacional Isla San Lucas
- Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
- Refugio de Vida Silvestre Ara Macao
- Refugio de Vida Silvestre Caletas Ario
- Refugio de Vida Silvestre Curú
- Refugio de Vida Silvestre Fernando Castro Cervantes
- Refugio de Vida Silvestre Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala
- Refugio de Vida Silvestre Romelia
- Reserva Biológica Isla Guayabo
- Reserva Biológica Isla Pájaros
- Reserva Biológica Islas Negritos