Whale Watching in Costa Rica
Humpback whales can be found on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and the key sites are in the Golfo Dulce, Marino Ballena, and Drake Bay on the Osu Peninsula. To experience these giant mammals of the sea, you need to visit between August and October, or from late December through to February.
Female humpback whales come to the warm, shallow waters of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast to breed and give birth, making the southwest coastline a prime spot for whale‑watching tours. Because humpbacks migrate from both hemispheres, there are two viewing seasons: August to October offers the best chance to see Antarctic whales, while late December to February is ideal for spotting northern whales.
Marina Ballena is the premier site
Whale watching experiences from Marina Ballena are considered to be the ultimate because excursions from here have the highest success rate for spotting humpback whales. Rather incredible, this site famously has a sandbar that is shaped just like a whale tail and it’s entirely natural. Perhaps nature was trying to give whale seekers a clue! Either way, it a good place to head to if whale watching is on your wish-list
An incredible river journey to Drake Bay
Though whale frequency is slightly less than from Marina Ballena, Drake Bay is worth considering because of the incredible journey you take to get there. Starting from the riverfront town of Sierpe, you take a boat through the wetlands of mangrove systems of the Sierpe River. Along the way you can look out for monkeys, crocodiles, sloths, scarlet macaws, and the much adored sloth! Where the river meets the sea there is a bottleneck opening and you push through the waves to motor across to Drake Bay, on the Osu Penisula. In rare cases, you might even see a humpback whale on your journey across. If you don’t, it’s still a thrilling journey and there are lots of remote lodges to stay in.
The Golfo Dulce Tropical Fjord
The Golfo Dulce Fjord is a beautiful area to visit and also offers a unique opportunity to see humpback whales that have migrated from both the northern and southern hemisphere. The shelter offer by the fjord makes it an ideal natural nursery for female whales and their calves. Boat journeys are shorter and the whales are concentrated in a smaller area. Keep an eye out for dolphins and sea turtles, who also inhabit these waters.
How can I book a whale watching experience in Costa Rica?
If you are booking your holiday to Costa Rica with archipelago choice, we can make the arrangements for you to enjoy a whale watching tour during your stay. We can give you first-hand advice on what to expect, form the length of the tours, to the boat types, and what you will learn from your marine guide. If you would like to know more, do get in touch!
