Whale Watching in Costa Rica 2024

Coasta Rica is one of the greatest places to watch wales

Best time: December–April | August–November

Pacific humpback whales, who migrate annually passing Costa Rica, are the farthest-migrating animals on Earth. They cover distances of 3,106 miles (5,000 km) to 4,970 miles (8,000 km) twice a year. It is common to see humpback whales as they pass by Costa Rica for more than 6 months of the year. There are various of beautiful places to catch a glimpse of the whales and enjoy their company.

Best time to watch whales in Costa Rica

With the longest humpback whale watching season in the world, Costa Rica can show off sightings of whales from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres passing by. From December–April, you can see whales from Alaska, and from August–November, they come from Antarctica.

Places for whale watching in Costa Rica

The best spots to watch whales in Costa Rica are Marino Ballena National Park with the famous Whale Tail Beach, Drake Bay down the Osa Peninsula, and Golfo Dulce off the shores of Puerto Jimenez. You can also try visiting the Gulf of Nicoya and Manuel Antonio for a whale-watching experience.

Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita

Marino Ballena National Park spans 13,616 acres (5,510 hectares), with 272 acres (110 hectares) being home to monkeys, sloths, a variety of bird species, turtles, a famous keel-billed toucan, and much more diverse flora and fauna. However, humpback whales are one of the main reasons to visit Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita.

These majestic creatures make their entrances from both the northern and southern hemispheres between December and March and from August to October, gracing the park with their presence. Whale-watching tour prices in Uvita are around $90 per adult person and $50 per child (ages 4-10).

Golfo Dulce on the Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula is a region where various whale species migrate to the Pacific Ocean to mate and give birth. The best time to see whales is from August to December, though early-arriving southern humpbacks start coming in late July.

Boat tours take visitors from Puerto Jimenez to the tropical fjord, Golfo Dulce, where attendees can see whales up close. Additionally, there is a chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and various species of birds during the tour. The 2.5-hour tour costs about $195 per cabin for up to two guests, and $35 for each additional guest in the same cabin.

Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula

Drake Bay is another perfect place to view whales due to much fewer boats than in other popular areas such as Uvita. As a result, visitors have a chance to hear the humpback whales sing. Moreover, Drake Bay offers the best of both worlds: sea and land, as it is part of Corcovado National Park. Commonly, Whale watching tours in Drake Bay cost between $115–$160 per person.

Gulf of Papagayo at Playa Matapalo

The north-western gulf on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, the Gulf of Papagayo, is one of the gorgeous areas for whale and dolphin watching, with sightings possible for six months out of the year. Whales can be observed even right off the beach, making the Gulf of Papagayo a great destination to choose. Green Season for whale watching in Playa Matapalo takes place between July and October when your chances of spotting whales are uppermost. Whale-watching tours in the Gulf of Papagayo can cost from $188 and up.

Practical info

What types of whales can be observed in Costa Rica?

The Pacific humpback whales make an annual migration to Costa Rica, and one can spot them between December and April traveling from Alaska or from August to November traveling from Antarctica, covering a distance of 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers. These whales are joined by pilot whales, Bryde's whales, and dolphins during their migration which makes for excellent viewing opportunities in the country.

What is the distance traveled by Pacific humpback whales during their migration?

The Pacific humpback whale migration is one of the longest mammals take, encompassing 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers twice a year. They travel from Alaska to Costa Rica between December and April and return from Antarctica to Costa Rica between August and November. It is precisely because of the extensive migration of Pacific humpback whales that Costa Rica is regarded as one of the ideal locations on the planet to witness these majestic creatures up close.

What are some of the ideal spots for whale watching in Costa Rica?

Marino Ballena National Park which has the well-known Whale Tail beach, Golfo Dulce located near the shore of Puerto Jimenez, and Drake Bay down the Osa Peninsula, are among the finest places for whale watching in Costa Rica. Of all these sites, the Osa Peninsula is of special significance due to the abundant wildlife and greenery in its surroundings - a great place to spot exotic species like humpback whales, Bryde's whales, dolphins, and sea turtles.

In which months is the best time available to watch whales in Costa Rica?

The ideal time to watch whales in Costa Rica is when the Pacific humpback whales migrate to and from the Osa Peninsula - between December and April, and August to November, respectively. They come to the warm waters of Costa Rica to mate, give birth or nurse their calves. This migration season is also a perfect time to spot other species, including pilot whales, Bryde's whales, dolphins, turtles playing offshore, and more.

Are there any guidelines to keep in mind while watching whales in Costa Rica?

While whale watching, one is advised to maintain a safe distance of 100 meters from the whales as they are wild animals. Boats need to be careful to avoid causing harm to the creatures by following approved boat speeds, numbers, and distance limits. It is essential to maintain a quiet boat engine and avoid sudden movements to avoid disturbing the animals’ natural habitat. Sun protection is encouraged, although the use of biodegradable sunscreens is recommended to maintain the sea's cleanliness and a healthy marine environment.

External resources