Located just south of the coastal community of Dominical , Ballena National Marine Park protects a varity of natural habitats, such as sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, cliffs, islands, rocky reefs, the Punta Uvita tombolo and a coral reef that are a major breeding ground for the countless marine species.

The coral reef found here is one of the most important natural attractions of the area. The reef is porous-approximately 50% of it is empty spaces-enabling a wide range of species to inhabit it. Five species of coral, plus several varieties of seaweeds, marine invertebrates and fishes are identified to date. The area also supports several species of reptiles, mammals and birds.