128Canopy Blog

A tombolo is a unique formation of sand that shapes into a strip that connects the mainland to an offshore island or rock formation.  The geological “accidents” are quite rare and tend to disappear in a decade or even a few years.

Among Costa Rica’s diverse natural resources and spectacular formations are two of the country’s only sand strips.  However, the most spectacular of these formations is located in the South Pacific region of Punta Uvita.

Specifically, the tombolo is located at the Marino Ballena National Park in the South Pacific Coast.  What makes this strip unique is that it pays homage to the area’s famed whale population.  When looked upon from afar, the strip of sand that joins the mainland to a 25 million old rock formation looks like a whale’s tail when emerged from underwater.

The tombolo measures 3,200 feet in distance and is roughly 328 feet wide and when the tide is low, people can walk over to the rock formation.  The area is one of the country’s most attractive regions due to its biodiversity and unspoiled terrain.  The park protects the humpback whale population as the northern and southern species meet here to reproduce during mating season.

Other attractions near the Punta Uvita tombolo is the variety of coral formations that are quite popular among the diver’s population.

Scientists from the University of Costa Rica’s Geology Department have planned scheduled visits as well as a comprehensive research program to study the formation’s exact date of origin as well as its estimated existence due to the growing threats of climatic change and erosion.