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Costa Rica Travel Information

Costa Rica Whale Watching Tours: Best Places and Time of Year

July 1, 2024 By Sammi 43 Comments

If you’re interested in Costa Rica whale watching tours during your vacation, this post will help you plan your visit. You’ll read about the different whales you can see in Costa Rica, the best places and times to see them and the best whale watching tours in Costa Rica.

**If you’re ready to book a whale watching tour in Uvita, click here to jump down to the booking form to reserve your tour!*

What Whales in Costa Rica Can You See?

The most common whale to see in Costa Rica are the humpback whales as they pass by Costa Rica more than 6 months of the year. In fact, Costa Rica has the longest humpback whale watching season in the world thanks to both the Northern and Southern hemisphere whales passing by.

The other whales that pass by Costa Rica are deep ocean dwellers. Bryde’s Whales are also seen in Costa Rica. Orcas have been seen but are not common in Costa Rica.

Another whale you may see are pilot whales, which are actually the second largest oceanic dolphin.

Best Time to Go Humpback Whale Watching in Costa Rica

The humpback whale season in Costa Rica is December to mid March and mid/end July to mid October. Uvita , a small beach town in the South Pacific coast is the only place that has a great abundance of humpback whales during both of these times of the year. For this reason, Uvita is the best place in Costa Rica to see humpback whales.

The best months to see humpback whales in Costa Rica are January, February, August and September. This is when whales are very active and abundant as they come to breed and raise their young. However, for near daily sightings, August and September are the best months for humpback whale watching in Costa Rica. Those months are the best time to go on a Costa Rica whale watching tour.

February is also another good month to see humpback whales in Costa Rica. You can also see humpback whales in March, but activity starts going down after mid March.

April and July are right at the tail end/beginning of whale season so chances are not quite as high, but there are always possibilities.

Humpback Whales in Costa Rica

Two types of humpback whales pass through Costa Rica: Southern and Northern Hemisphere.

The Southern Hemisphere humpback whales travel from Antarctica to Costa Rica from late July through October.

Northern hemisphere whales head to Central America from Alaska from the months of December to March.

Because of this, Costa Rica has the longest humpback whale season in the world!

Best Places to See Whales in Costa Rica

Osa peninsula.

Drake Bay and Golfito (Golfo Dulce) are two other excellent places to see whales. There are also many dolphins.

Gulf of Papagayo (Guanacaste)

Humpback whales are commonly seen in the Gulf of Papagayo during the months of July – September. We have seen humpback whales multiple times in this area during the months of July and August.

It’s not as common to see humpback whales in this area December – March but they are around, especially in February. In February 2021, we saw a mom and baby on our way to Witch’s Rock in Santa Rosa National Park!

Although there aren’t dedicated Gulf of Papagayo/Guanacaste whale watching tours, you have a chance to see them on a snorkeling or beach hopping tour.

Tamarindo/Conchal/Flamingo

You can also see humpback whales on a boat tour out of Tamarindo and Flamingo . You must boat out of the bays to see them. In August and September, there are high possibilities to see whales and dolphins on catamaran, snorkeling and scuba diving tours.

I saw a humpback whale breaching coming back from a scuba diving excursion at the Las Catalinas Islands in August. It was amazing!

The national park in Uvita , Marino Ballena National Park was created specifically to protect the waters as this is considered the best place in Costa Rica to see humpback whales. This area offers the best whale watching in Costa Rica so you have the best chances of seeing humpback whales in Uvita in Costa Rica.

It’s common to see mom and baby whales together as this is the time where mothers nurse their young and teach them how to breach, dive and feed. The babies are very playful and sometimes when you see them they are splashing their fins around and eagerly jumping out to practice!

Gulf of Nicoya

Another good place to see whales are in the Gulf of Nicoya. If you take the Tortuga Island day cruise during the whale season, there’s a good chance you may see some in August and September!

Manuel Antonio

It is possible to see humpback whales from Manuel Antonio during August and September. You can book a Manuel Antonio catamaran cruise which offers opportunities to see whales in August and September. However, this is not guaranteed. If you want the best chances of seeing whales in Manuel Antonio, we highly recommend to go to Uvita for a whale watching tour which is a 1 hour drive south.

Costa Rica Whale Watching Tours

Whale Watching Tours Manuel Antonio: Visitors have a chance to see them during the season on a catamaran cruise (mostly August and September). Some companies may also offer to take you to Uvita for whale watching which has better opportunities.

Whale Watching Tours Tamarindo: There are no specific whale watching tours out of Tamarindo but you can go on a catamaran or sailing tour. On these sailing tours, it is possible to see whales during the season, particularly July – October. Check Antares, Dream Chaser, Marlin del Rey for open sailing tours.

Whale Watching Tours Flamingo: There are several private sailing companies in Flamingo that offer possibilities to see whales during July – September during their tours.

Whale Watching Tours Playas del Coco/Gulf of Papagayo: There aren’t any specific whale watching tours but if you go on a catamaran sailing tour or a private boating tour , you have a chance to see them in July – September, January and February.

A private boating tour is best because the boat captain usually has a radio to communicate with other captains and go look for the whales if spotted. This isn’t possible on an open tour as they have to stay on a set schedule and route.

Whale Watching Tours Uvita: There are several companies that operate specific whale watching tours during the season (January – mid March, July through September). We have gone twice and saw whales both times.

Whale Watching Tours Drake Bay: Divine Dolphin runs dolphin and whale watching tours during the seasons.

What to Know About Costa Rica Whale Watching Tours

Uvita and drake bay are two places in costa rica that runs tours during both seasons.

Because of this, try to fit in a dedicated stay to Uvita in your itinerary if you really want to see humpback whales. A whale watching tour is one of the best things to do in Uvita. Click here to check out a 1 week itinerary that includes Uvita!

Take anti-nausea medicine

When we went whale watching in Uvita, I got extremely seasick because I was taking pictures with my camera and on a rocking boat. I highly recommend taking anti-nausea medicine if you are prone to seasickness or if you are planning to take pictures.

Costa Rica doesn’t allow swimming with dolphins or whales

No touching or swimming close to them.

Know that nature is unpredictable

Nature will do what it will and even if it’s the season, you may not see whales. If seeing humpback whales are on your bucket list, try to go on a whale watching tour in Uvita or Drake Bay during August and September to maximize your chances.

Book Your Whale Watching Tour in Uvita Below!

If you’re interested in booking a whale watching tour in Uvita, please fill out the form below and we will be happy to help. See what the tour is like in our video below too!

Uvita Whale Watching Tours

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6 Best Costa Rica Whale-Watching Tours

Home | Travel | Central America | Costa Rica | 6 Best Costa Rica Whale-Watching Tours

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Whale-watching in Costa Rica  is, without a doubt, one of the best activities you can do in Central America. Thanks to its tropical climate and perfect water temperature, Costa Rica is one of the best places to see cetaceans.

Trust me when I say that  spotting whales in Costa Rica , or anywhere else in the world for that matter, is an incredible experience. Whales and dolphins are magnificent creatures and seeing them in the wild really takes your breath away.

Best Costa Rica Whale-Watching Tours

There are many whale watching tours in Costa Rica , so I’ll share the best options in this guide, as well as all the information you need to know about when to go and how to identify them.

Best Costa Rica whale watching tours

Since Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to see dolphins and whales, there are numerous tours that you could book. To make it easier for you, I’ve chosen the best  dolphin tours in Costa Rica :

• Whale-Watching Tour in Uvita, Costa Rica
• Whale and Dolphin-Watching in Costa Rica (Drake Bay)
• Whale-Watching Tour in Costa Rica from San José
• See Dolphins in Costa Rica (Guanacaste – Playa Sámara)
• Whale-Watching in Costa Rica (Golfo Dulce – Puerto Jiménez)
• All-inclusive Whale-Watching Catamaran from Manuel Antonio (Costa Rica)

1. Whale-Watching Tour in Uvita, Costa Rica

If you’re looking for one of the best tours to enjoy  whale-watching in Costa Rica , I definitely recommend  this one . It’s the excursion we took, and the experience was truly incredible because we traveled through the Marino Ballena National Park in the South Pacific. This is the most popular spot for dolphin-watching in Costa Rica  and the country’s first national marine park. Here, you can see humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles, among other sea creatures.

In addition to providing the best odds of seeing cetaceans, the tour also includes a snorkeling session and a visit to some local caverns.

• Highlights :  Marino Ballena National Park, snorkeling, and caverns
• Starting point : Uvita, Costa Rica
• Duration : 3-4 hours
• Price from : $82
• Description : This tour goes through one of the most popular places to see whales in Costa Rica , the Marino Ballena National Park, where the chances of seeing cetaceans and sea turtles are very high. It also includes snorkeling and a visit to several caverns .

2. Whale and Dolphin-Watching in Costa Rica (Drake Bay)

Another top  dolphin tour in Costa Rica  is  this one , which travels through Drake Bay. This area is one of the best places to enjoy whale-watching in Costa Rica , as several species of dolphins live here permanently. Besides, humpback whales come here every year to mate and give birth, so depending on when you go, you could see them.

During the tour, an expert guide will tell you all about the cetaceans, and you can use a hydrophone to listen to the whale sounds. You’ll also get the chance to go snorkeling and see more marine life.

• Highlights : Humpback whales, dolphins, and snorkeling
• Starting point : Aerodrome road – Drake Bay
• Duration : 6 hours
• Price from : $127
• Description : Take a cruise through Drake Bay to see dolphins and humpback whales. During the tour, an expert guide will share interesting facts and let you listen to the whales on a hydrophone. This excursion includes snorkeling equipment for those who want to explore the seabed .

3. Whale-Watching Tour in Costa Rica from San José

Another one of the best Costa Rica whale-watching tours is this one , which departs from San José. From there, it travels to Dominicalito beach and goes through the Marino Ballena National Park, one of the best places to see whales and dolphins in Costa Rica . During the cruise, you’ll also get to see other marine creatures like sea turtles and manta rays.

This excursion includes some free time to enjoy the beach, as well as breakfast and transportation to and from your San José hotel. Without a doubt, it’s an excellent choice if you’re staying in the Costa Rican capital and don’t feel like driving to the coast.

• Highlights : Dolphin and whale-watching in the Marino Ballena National Park, breakfast, and transportation from/to San José
• Starting point : Your accommodation in San José
• Duration : 14 hours
• Price from : $165
• Description : See whales in Costa Rica , as well as dolphins and other marine species as you travel through the Marino Ballena National Park. This tour also includes breakfast and transportation from and to your San José hotel .

4. See Dolphins in Costa Rica (Guanacaste – Playa Sámara)

This excursion  along Sámara beach is one of the best ways to see dolphins in Costa Rica . Here, you can spot bottlenose dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins, and, depending on the time you go, migratory humpback whales. The tour also includes a snorkeling session and drinks, as well as hotel pick-up and drop-off.

• Highlights : Dolphin and whale-watching near Sámara Beach, snorkeling
• Starting point : Your hotel
• Duration : 3.5 hours
• Price from : $56
• Description : Enjoy this Costa Rica dolphin tour and spot other marine creatures while enjoying a snorkel and drinks .

5. Whale-Watching in Costa Rica (Golfo Dulce – Puerto Jiménez)

Golfo Dulce is rich in marine life, so it’s another place with some of the best dolphin-watching in Costa Rica. During this tour , you can see dolphins and other creatures, as well as travel through nearby mangroves, rivers, and dive in the reefs.

• Highlights : Dolphin-watching and diving among the reefs of the Golfo Dulce
• Duration : 4-5 hours
• Price from : $230
• Description : This dolphin and whale-watching tour in Costa Rica takes you to impressive areas around Golfo Dulce, including several mangroves and reefs .

6. All-inclusive Whale-Watching Catamaran from Manuel Antonio (Costa Rica)

Finally, this catamaran tour is an excellent excursion through Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most beautiful places to  spot whales in Costa Rica . During the tour, you’ll be able to see whales and dolphins, and you’ll also get the chance to snorkel. This cruise also includes lunch and transportation from and to your hotel.

• Highlights : Dolphin and whale-watching, snorkeling, and lunch
• Duration : 3-4 hours
• Price from : $250
• Description : Take a catamaran ride to enjoy dolphin-watching in Costa Rica with lunch and hotel pick-up/drop-off included. You’ll also get the chance to snorkel and explore the deep sea.

Best time to see whales in Costa Rica

One of the most frequently asked questions is about the best time for whale-watching in Costa Rica . This makes sense because some times of the year are better than others for booking a dolphin tour.

There are two prime times of the year for dolphin-watching in Costa Rica . One is from the end of December to the beginning of April, while the other is from the end of July to the beginning of November . While tours operate year-round, these two seasons coincide with the humpback whales’ annual migration south.

If you travel outside of these two seasons, don’t worry because dolphins live in these waters permanently, so you’ll still be able to see a variety of marine life.

Where to see whales in Costa Rica

If you’re wondering  where to see whales in Costa Rica , the answer is very simple. The Pacific Coast is the best place to spot whales and dolphins, and all Costa Rica whale-watching tours go through this area.

That said, there are several specific areas to see whales and dolphins in Costa Rica . Some of the most popular ones are the Marino Ballena National Park , the Osa Peninsula, and Drake Bay. Many Costa Rica dolphin tours also go to the Manual Antonio National Park , particularly those that operate during the humpbacks’ migration period.

While there are many places and opportunities to see whales in Costa Rica , keep in mind that these are wild animals, and predicting their movements is not guaranteed. Of course, the tours that operate in this area have years of experience, so they have a good idea of where to go in Costa Rica to spot whales . Every time we’ve taken one of these tours, we’ve had an unforgettable experience.

Types of whales in Costa Rica

Now that you know when and where to see whales in Costa Rica and which are the best tours, I’ll share some information about the types of cetaceans you can see here, as well as how to easily identify them.

Humpback whales in Costa Rica

The  humpback whale  is one of the most common whales that you’ll see while whale-watching in Costa Rica. While they don’t live in the waters of Costa Rica, they spend a few months here, particularly during mating and breeding season.

These whales belong to the family of fin whales and can measure 39 to 52 feet in length and weigh up to 35 tons, which makes them one of the largest baleen whales. You can easily recognize them by their robust bodies.

Dolphins in Costa Rica

It’s also common to see dolphins in Costa Rica , and some of them live permanently in some areas off the coast. The most common species are the bottlenose dolphin and the pantropical spotted dolphin.

The bottlenose dolphin lives in groups of over 10 and usually measures 8 to 10 feet long. It has a dark gray body that gets lighter towards the back.

The pantropical spotted dolphin is smaller, sometimes not even reaching 6 feet. Its most distinctive feature is its spotted body, particularly its back, which gets covered in more spots as it ages.

Other cetaceans in Costa Rica

In addition to the species I mentioned, there are other cetaceans you can see in Costa Rica, although they’re not as common. One of these is the false killer whale, also known as the black killer whale. It ranges from 12 to 18 feet long and can weigh up to 2 tons. Unlike actual killer whales, this one is completely gray or black.

You may also see pilot whales in Costa Rica , which can measure up to 16 feet long and weigh between 1 and 2 tons.

A species of common dolphin, this one with yellow stripes on its side, has also been spotted in Costa Rica. You may also see the acrobatic spinner dolphin  and the sperm whale , which is one of the largest toothed animals in the world. Moreover, keep an eye out for sea turtles, manta rays, and other marine species while whale-watching in Costa Rica .

Now you have all the information you need to enjoy the best whale-watching tours in Costa Rica . If you have any questions or you’d like to share your experience, leave me a comment. I know that no matter which excursion you choose, you’ll enjoy your Costa Rica dolphin tour !

Happy sailing!

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Whale Watching Private Tour

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Discover the Majestic Humpback Whales! Welcome to Guanacaste, Costa Rica, a breathtaking destination known for its stunning landscapes and abundant marine life. If you're seeking an unforgettable experience, look no further than our thrilling whale watching tours. Get ready to embark on an adventure that will bring you up close and personal with the magnificent humpback whales in their natural habitat. We take pride in offering two convenient tour options to suit your schedule. Choose between the morning tour, departing at 8:30 AM and returning at 12:30 PM, or the afternoon tour, departing at 2:00 PM and returning at 6:00 PM. Whichever you choose, be prepared to witness awe-inspiring moments that will stay with you forever. Onboard our tours, we have a dedicated marine biologist who will provide captivating insights into the behavior and characteristics of the humpback whales. Learn about their migratory patterns, social structures, and unique communication methods. Our biologist's expertise will add a layer of depth to your experience, making it not only entertaining but also educational. As part of our commitment to offering the best experience possible, we are thrilled to announce that we will soon have a hydrophone on board. This remarkable device allows us to listen to the enchanting songs of these majestic cetaceans. As you sail through the crystal-clear waters, you can connect with the whales on a whole new level, immersing yourself in their mysterious world through sound. Our adventure begins at the new Marina Flamingo, ensuring a smooth and convenient departure point for our guests. Prepare to be surrounded by pristine ocean views as we venture into the Pacific waters of Costa Rica's west coast, a region renowned for its rich biodiversity and vibrant marine ecosystem. Guanacaste's whale watching season offers an excellent opportunity to witness these gentle giants in their natural environment. The humpback whales frequent the area between July and November, making this an ideal time to join our tours. The warm, calm waters provide the perfect backdrop for these magnificent creatures to engage in their captivating behaviors, including breaching, tail-slapping, and even singing. As you marvel at these incredible creatures, remember that responsible whale watching practices are at the core of our values. We adhere to strict guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of the whales and their habitat, as well as the comfort and enjoyment of our guests. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, our whale watching tours in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, are the perfect choice. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the ocean, and let the charm of the humpback whales leave you with lasting memories that will stay with you long after you return home. Book your whale watching tour today and get ready to witness nature's grandeur in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. An adventure of a lifetime awaits you!

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We recommend our self transported option, guides will meet you on arrival. Enjoy the guaranteed lowest price. Tour at your own pace. To check availability and make a reservation please click on "Book Now" and enter your preferred date and time. No need to pay in full when booking, just a small deposit to confirm your reservation. Full cash payment accepted the day of the tour upon arrival and you have confirmed your choice of activities. Our system is set up to provide you with quick and efficient bookings. Enjoy the sunset!

• Whale Watching
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• Meal and Snacks included
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• Family friendly tour
• 4 or 7 hour tour
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Whales and Dolphins in Guanacaste and Papagayo

Dolphin and Whale Watching tours in Guanacaste and Papagayo

The province of Guanacaste, and in general the entire Pacific Ocean coast of Costa Rica is an ideal area for whale watching.

Whale watching tours and dolphin tours depart from Guanacaste and Papagayo

• Four Seasons Papagayo
• Andaz Papapgayo
• El Mangroove
• Secrets Papagayo
• Playa Hermosa
• Hacienda Pinilla
• JW Marriott  
• and other Hotels in Guanacaste )

The humpback whales stand out for their large size, the number of groups in which they travel and the fantastic pirouettes they perform during their stay in the Pacific coast.

When to see whales in Guanacaste

Between July and October, humpback whales come to the warm waters of Costa Rica from the southern hemisphere, especially the cold waters of the Antarctic, southern Chile and the Humboldt Current.

The main reason for the whales to travel to the warm waters of Costa Rica is to give birth to their calves and also to raise them during the first months.

From December to March the same thing happens again, but this time it is the humpback whales that come from the northern hemisphere, specifically the Arctic, the Canadian stuff and the states of Washington and Oregon in the United States.

If you’re lucky, you might be able to hear the whales’ love songs, or see the huge whales leap out of the water like a torpedo, or pop their huge, powerful tails into the water. It is an unforgettable scene without a doubt.

Whale Species in Guanacaste

The most common species to see during the key months are humpback whales, however, there are also other species, such as pilot whales, false killer whales and orcas.

Whale watching and dolphin tours

Another species, which does reside permanently in the waters of Papagayo and Guanacaste is the Bottle-beaked dolphin, as well as other species. These fun and sociable animals often accompany the sailboats and boats during the tours, swimming swiftly in the front of the boat or sailboat. Ask us about the best time and the best catamaran or sailboat tour to see these magnificent marine mammals. Our private tours take you to the most extraordinary areas to have the maximum contact with the flora and fauna of Guanacaste and Papagayo.

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Guanacaste and Papagayo Whale Watching boat tours

From July until the end of October and again from December until the end of February you can see the humpback whales in the Pacific waters of Costa Rica.

This natural spectacle is quite impressive and of extreme pleasure for lovers of nature, the sea and especially cetaceans. Groups of whales come to the warm waters of the Pacific to give birth and let their calves grow while they energize and grow. From July to October it is the humpback whales from South America that visit us, and from December to February it is the North Pacific whales that come. It is quite common to see them in the Pacific waters, either far out to sea or, on several occasions, quite close to the coast. Watching them jump like torpedoes, or explode their huge tails over the water is a very impressive sight indeed.

When it is not whale season, it is also common to see dolphins. There are up to 8 species of dolphins in the Pacific waters of Costa Rica, although the most common are the Bottle-beaked dolphin, the spinner dolphin and the Pacific spotted dolphin. Our dolphin and whale tour can combine dolphin and whale watching with other activities, such as visiting remote beaches, snorkeling in a remote islet or simply touring the coast. Other species that can be seen are sea turtles, as well as different species of sea birds, some of which have the funny habit of landing on the boat or yacht in which you are traveling. The tour normally lasts 4 hours, in the morning or afternoon, although it can be extended to a full day tour including lunch at a remote beach.

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Private boat and yacht charters in Papagayo and Guanacaste

Guanacaste Boat Charters available for: Four Seasons Papagayo, Andaz Papagayo, Casa Conde del Mar, Playa Panama, El Mangroove, Secrets Papagayo, Occidental Papagayo, Playa Hermosa, El Coco, Ocotal, Riu, Potrero, Flamingo, Conchal, Las Catalinas, JW Marriott, Hacienda Pinilla.

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Costa Rica Whale Watching Tour Guide: Where To Go When

What is it about whales? Is it their massive size? Their incredible intelligence? Their social personalities that seem remarkably similar to ours? Whatever it is, they intrigue us. We are drawn to them. And there is no place like Costa Rica for whale watching. Costa Rica has the longest humpback whale season in the world. So if you are looking for an encounter with the ocean’s gentle giants, your odds are pretty good here.

Costa Rica Whale Species

The endangered  humpback whale  is the must-see species among whale watchers. There are three species of humpback whales that frequent the shores of Costa Rica: California Humpback Whales, Antarctic Humpback Whales, and North Atlantic St Lawrence Humpback Whales. Pilot whales, blue whales , and Pseudo-Orca whales have also been known to frequent the Pacific Coast.

When To Visit

Costa Rica has the longest humpback whale season in the world! This gives whale watchers a lot of flexibility as humpback whales can be seen nearly year-round on the Pacific side. The Northern Hemisphere California Humpback Whales come to the Pacific coast  December – early April . Southern Hemisphere Antarctic Humpback Whales come late July – November . The Southern Hemisphere Antarctic Humpbacks migrate in groups of about twelve for nearly 5,000 miles to mate and return to give birth in the warm, tropical waters of Costa Rica. If you’d like to see whales on the Caribbean side, head to Tortuguero where the North Atlantic St. Lawrence Humpback whales come from December – March.

Costa Rica Whale Watching Tour Destinations

While it is possible to see whales all along the Pacific coast and northern Caribbean Coast near Tortuguero , they appear in the largest concentrations along the South Pacific coast and the Osa Peninsula . Whale watching tours and snorkeling excursions are your best bets to see them.

Ballena Marine National Park, South Pacific Coast

The Whale’s Tail sandbar within Marino Ballena National Park from Kura Design Villas

Situated on the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Ballena Marine National Park is the destination that comes to mind first for many Costa Rican whale watchers. The park is named for the Pacific humpback whales that return to these warm coastal waters annually to breed. Perhaps the most puzzling natural phenomenon of the park is the Whale’s Tail sandbar. Yes, it’s crazy but true. At low tide, the water retreats to reveal a sandbar in the shape of a whale’s tail. Coincidence? Whale never know. Whale watching tours can be booked from Uvita. Whale watching season in Marino Ballena National Park is during the winter months from August to April. Although, it is said that the best time to see whales is from August to October. You are likely to see plenty of other marine life such as sea turtles and dolphins here as well.

Don’t Miss: The Annual Whale & Dolphin Festival in September

Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Humpback whale from Copa de Arbol Lodge

Whales and dolphins are commonly seen in the calm waters of Drake Bay on the northern side of the Osa Peninsula . This shallow, protected bay is the perfect place for mother whales to raise their young calf after a twelve month gestation period before introducing them to the rest of the ocean world. If you are lucky enough to see a whale, look closely to see if it is a mother with her young. Many whale and dolphin tours leave from the Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula. Nearly all the hotels in the area can arrange day tours.

Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula

Golfo Dulce Whale Watching from Playa Nicuesa Lodge

The Golfo Dulce is a tropical fjord stretching out between the Osa Peninsula and Piedras Blancas National Park. The Gulf is another popular whale breeding destination for its shallow, protected waters. These warm tropical waters are an especially whalecome retreat for Antarctic whales. The Southern Antarctic Humpback Whales are the most frequently seen species on the Gulfo Dulce. Nearly all of the hotels in the area can arrange whale and dolphin tours here.

Papagayo Bay, Guanacaste

Located on the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the Guanacaste province, the protected Papagayo Bay seems to be an up and coming destination for whales. They have been spotted in Papagayo Bay more frequently in recent years. The two main hotels on the Papagayo Peninsula are the Four Seasons Resort and Andaz Papagayo Resort . Boat excursion can be arranged from both.

Manuel Antonio, Central Pacific

Manuel Antonio National Park is a popular destination on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica where the dense rainforest meets golden sand beaches. For many, Manuel Antonio conjures up images of monkeys, but let’s not forget the park’s underwater inhabitants. These are whale waters! Whale and dolphin tours can be booked from the Manuel Antonio and Quepos region. Not to mention, it’s a great way to explore the park from a unique vantage point.

Did you know?

A whale’s tail is their fingerprint. Each whale has a unique display of markings unique to them.

P.S. Sorry about the whale puns. Whale stop now. 😉

Ready to go whale watching in Costa Rica? Plan your trip or shop our  Nature & Wildlife Vacation Packages .

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Guanacaste Humpback Whales Watch Tour

Guanacaste Humpback Whales Watch Tour takes you to an experience like no other. The Costa Rican Pacific is visited for 8 months a year by two different groups of humpback whales. The first visit us from North America (Alaska) visit us in the months of January to April. And we have a group from South America in the months of July to October.

Our Guanacaste Humpback Whales Watch Tour will give you a unique opportunity to observe these incredible mammals and watching them jump in the water is undoubtedly a spectacle of nature. For 2.5 hours we will search the waters of the Papagayo Gulf and its surroundings for humpback whales and their young. You will also enjoy a snack on one of the gulf beaches.

Costa Rica is considered a unique area in the world since humpback whales come from both hemispheres to reproduce and give birth to their young. Humpback whales travel the incredible distance of 18,000 kilometers, with the objective that their young are born in warm waters and safe places. They also use our seas to mate. Taking our Guanacaste Humpback Whales Watch Tour gives you the opportunity to observe these amazing mammals that can measure up to 18 meters and weigh 40 tons. Also on rare occasions, we will have the company of dolphins and you will also be able to observe Orcas and giant mantas.

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Home » Travel Planning and Inspiration » 11 Things to KNOW About Going Whale Watching in Costa Rica

11 Things to KNOW About Going Whale Watching in Costa Rica

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Last updated: March 17, 2024

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Costa Rica is known for its lush rainforests full of sloths and monkeys, but it also has some of the most amazing marine wildlife we’ve seen! The tropical waters of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast attract dolphins, sea turtles , sting rays, and my favorite – whales. So if you’re hoping to go whale watching, Costa Rica is a great choice! 

In fact, Costa Rica falls along the migratory paths of both northern and southern humpback whales. This means the country has the longest humpback whale season in the world! These ocean giants come here to live, breed, and raise their young. So, your chances of spotting them are pretty high in Costa Rica. 

On our visits, we were so lucky to have several whale and dolphin sightings. There’s nothing quite like watching these playful creatures jump through the water! And if they have calves by their side, it feels even more special.

However, there were some things we wished we had known before we went. So to help you out, I’ve created this handy guide based on our experience. Keep reading for everything you need to know about whale watching in Costa Rica (plus the best places to go!).

1. What types of whales can you see in Costa Rica?

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A few different types of whales pass through the waters of Costa Rica, including humpback whales (the most sought-after type!). These impressive large whales are a sight unlike any other. Adult humpback whales weigh up to 40 metric tons (44 US tons) and are between 46-56 feet (14-17 meters) long. 

Costa Rica is one of the most famous places for seeing these playful giants since it’s along the migratory paths of both northern and southern hemisphere whales. The area welcomes California humpbacks, Antarctic humpbacks, and North Atlantic St Lawrence humpback whales. 

Although not as common, you can also see other types of whales in Costa Rica. The large Bryde’s Whales can sometimes make an appearance because they enjoy the area’s warm tropical waters. And on rare occasions, you might also catch a glimpse of orca whales or pilot whales in these waters. Both pilot whales and orcas are actually members of the dolphin family but often get misclassified as whales due to their large size. 

I love whale watching in Costa Rica because there are so many opportunities to see them throughout the year. This area is part of two different humpback whale migration paths – making whale-watching season extra long!

Between December and April, humpbacks migrate up north. You can see humpbacks migrating south between late July and the beginning of November. Since whales are near Costa Rica about two-thirds of the year, your chances of visiting during the whale-watching season are high! 

However, your chances are highest between August and early October when whale numbers peak in Costa Rica. During this time, humpbacks come to mate, give birth, and nurse their calves. These whales are most prominent in the southern Pacific region of the country but can be found all along the Pacific coast. And if you really want to up your chances of spotting a whale, the Osa Peninsula and the Golfo Dulce have the highest numbers of whales. 

Although it’s a small town, there’s plenty to do in Uvita , including whale watching. It’s known for its stunning 2-mile (3.2 km) white sand beach and is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica to see humpback whales. These incredible creatures can be seen during both whale-watching seasons in this area.

When I stayed in Uvita , I discovered the town has an annual Whale and Dolphin Festival . This festival takes place during peak season in early September. There isn’t a ton of information about the festival in English, but you’ll notice lots of tours and events happening during this time – which is no surprise seeing how your chances of seeing whales are incredibly high!

Related Read: If you visit Uvita, check out some of my favorite restaurants ! You’ll be treated to stunning views, delicious food, and relaxing vibes.

3. Where are the best places to go whale watching in Costa Rica?

Uvita is a small town located along Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast. It has 9 miles (15 km) of coastline that looks like it’s straight out of a postcard!

It’s also home to Marino Ballena National Park . When you look at the map , you’ll notice this park has a sandbar peninsula resembling a ‘Whale Tail’ – which is fitting given that Uvita is arguably the best place in the country for whale sightings ! Seeing it on the map made me smile, but there’s nothing like seeing it in person!

While Uvita may not be big, it’s one of the top tourist destinations in Costa Rica . And what I love about this small Costa Rican beach town is that its waters are protected. As such, whales can safely explore and even come close to the shore!

The waters in this area are full of life, with many opportunities to witness Costa Rica’s must-see wildlife . You have a good chance of spotting Bryde’s whales (false killer whales), turtles, dolphins, and of course, the humpback whale.

Although you might spot some whales from the shore, I highly recommend joining a tour! You’ll be more likely to see these fascinating creatures and can also learn much more about them from your guide.

We really enjoyed this Marino Ballena National Park combo tour . Over 3 hours, we sailed along the ocean and saw dolphins, turtles, and several bird species. We also saw about 6 or 7 whales jumping and showing off their fins. Our guides were incredibly friendly, and you could tell they loved the whales just as much as us.

We went when the water was warmer so we were able to jump in and snorkel the surrounding reefs. Uvita is one of the best snorkeling areas in Costa Rica , so this alone was incredible! While the official whale watching season runs in their cooler months (August to April), we found the ideal time to go is between August and October. 

Tours begin at 8:30 am and 1 pm daily. It costs $95 USD which covers entry to the national park, all the equipment (including snorkeling gear), insurance, and a refreshment. It’s a great deal and a stunning location – so book your ticket online here !

Osa Peninsula

Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is one of the most popular whale-watching areas in the country. Most whale species are present in this area throughout the entire year. Because of this, it has one of the longest seasons for watching whales in the world (July – November and December – March).

But what I love about visiting the Osa Peninsula is that I don’t just see whales here. It’s home to many different dolphin species, including bottlenose, spinner, spotted, rough-toothed, and common dolphins.

The most popular site in the Osa Peninsula for whale watching tours is Drake Bay . Mother humpbacks frequent these calm waters to nurse and raise their young. So don’t be surprised if you see some cute calves as well!  

This dolphin and whale watching tour in Drake Bay  was one of the most memorable tours in Costa Rica I’ve been on! It was even featured on Animal Planet and National Geographic. On the 6-hour tour, you’ll sail the bay, spotting dolphins and whales. What I especially love about this tour is there’s a hydrophone onboard so you can hear the sounds these animals make underwater.

This tour is great for families, friends, couples, or even solo! It’s the perfect balance of action and relaxation. You’ll have the option to snorkel and spot animals close up or relax onboard. You also get a yummy lunch, with vegetarian options available.

The $133 USD price covers your snorkeling gear, a professional guide and marine biologist, lunch, and safety gear. The tour starts at 8 am at the main beach in Drake Bay, but you can also get hotel pickup if needed. To take advantage of this great deal, check availability and book online here !

Golfo Dulce is on the other side of the Osa Peninsula. This eastern side of the peninsula is yet another great location for spotting whales and dolphins. Since it’s a gulf, it’s more protected and sheltered which makes it a popular area for whales to birth and raise their calves.

This Gulf Experience tour has you cruising the bay on a motorboat. Since it’s easy to maneuver, you can get really close to the animals. However, this tour is centered on dolphins and birdlife rather than whale watching. That doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t see whales though!

The 3-hour tour picks up from Puerto Jimenez at 10 am. You’ll be provided fresh fruit and water, dry bags, and a local guide for just $62 USD. This is one of the better deals out there – so if you’re interested in seeing dolphins, book your spot online here !

Related Read: The Osa Peninsula is also a beautiful place to stay a few nights (or more!). Check out the best hotels and locations in Puerto Jimenez here .

Tortuga Island 

If you’re looking for super chilled vibes, Tortuga Island is the place for you. When I visited, it felt like a deserted island full of lush green rainforests and white sandy beaches.

Tortuga is Spanish for turtle, and this island’s name showcases all the beauty that lies under the water here. Aquatic adventures like snorkeling, scuba diving, and whale watching are just a few of the fun activities on Tortuga Island !

There are no residents of Isla Tortuga so you won’t find any houses or hotels here. However, it’s very a popular day trip destination from the nearby towns. If you’re looking to visit Tortuga Island, you can take a boat from areas such as Puntarenas or Jaco – and be sure to keep an eye on the water as you sail! We were lucky enough to see several dolphins jumping along our way. 

Since this area is part of whale migratory paths, you might spot whales in these sheltered waters (especially between August and September). But tours always increase your chances since guides know where whales tend to hang out.

If you are in Puntarenas, this Tortuga Island full-day tour  is a great option. You’ll sail from Puntarenas Beach to Tortuga Island, and see spider monkeys, dolphins, and the stone arch. The boat also stops just before the island, so you can snorkel and spot even more marine life. The snorkeling was my favorite part since the water felt so calm, yet untouched!

The tour also includes a tasty lunch. When we went, we had fresh ceviche (although chicken is available for non-seafood fans). The $115 USD tour price also covers nonalcoholic beverages and snorkeling gear. However, since it is a semi-private tour, you do need at least 4 people to book.

Tours leave at 8:30 am and if you want to escape to a remote island for the day, book your tour online here !

If you are staying in Jaco and feeling adventurous, go for this Isla Tortuga full-day tour ! They’ll pick you up around 7 am for a fun-filled day. You’ll see crocodiles, spider monkeys, and hopefully dolphins or whales!

When I did this tour, our first stop was at the Tarcoles Bridge (aka Crocodile Bridge ). These aren’t your average crocodiles either, and they’re famous for their size! We also stopped at the Isla Negritos to see the monkeys before sailing to Tortuga Island. Here, we went snorkeling followed by a delicious lunch on the beach.

The tour costs $115 USD, but the ground transportation between Jaco and Puntarenas is an extra $25 USD. This tour includes lunch, nonalcoholic drinks, snorkeling gear, and guides who will show you all the best places to snorkel. This tour requires a minimum of 4 people booking together, so check your options and book online here !

There are some amazing tours out of San Jose . But if you want to experience Tortuga Island, book this full-day tour from San Jose . You can request pickup from several locations in San Jose or en route to Puntarenas. From there, you’ll hop aboard your boat to start the adventure!

You’ll have amazing views as you sail to the island. Once on Tortuga Island, you can relax, swim, sunbathe, or snorkel on a private beach. Beverages, breakfast, lunch, and transport are included. However, snorkeling gear costs extra so I recommend bringing your own if you can!

The 10-12 hour tour starts as early as 5 am and costs $133 USD – which isn’t bad considering you get meals and snacks. So if you want to escape the city for a day, pick a date and book your tour here !

Paquera, on the southeastern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula , is a popular vacation spot in Costa Rica. There are many fun things to do in Paquera ! And although it’s not a well-known whale-watching area, it does fall into whale migratory paths.

The best times to spot whales are between August and October and December and April. And on this whale and dolphin-watching tour , guides will know exactly where to find them. We loved this tour because the guides were very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Plus, the small-group atmosphere made it easier to engage and ask questions.

This 4-hour tour is available from August through November and leaves from the ferry landing at 9 am. All you need is sunscreen, a hat, water shoes, and a camera! If you tend to get seasick, let your guides know and they’ll give you some medicine before heading out.

The cost for this tour is $75 USD per person for groups of 4 or more and jumps to $105 USD per person if only booking for 2 or 3 people.

While Playa Sámara doesn’t have a huge reputation for whales, it does sit along the migratory path of humpbacks. Sailors and snorkelers have frequently spotted humpbacks and dolphins without even looking for them – a very welcomed surprise! So if you want to relax amongst beautiful marine life, I recommend taking a trip to Sámara !

And if you’re looking for a way to see as much marine life as possible, check out this dolphin snorkeling tour . When we went, we visited many great areas in the bay and even saw a whale! But my favorite part of this tour near Samara was simply cruising in the panga (an artisan fishing boat) and taking in the views of the Sámara coastline. And if you want to travel in style, you can upgrade to a catamaran.

This tour includes snorkeling near the Isla Chora National Wildlife Refuge (the perfect area to see loads of marine life!). You also get refreshments and roundtrip transport from Sámara or Carillo. The 3-hour tour begins at 8 am and costs just $58 USD.

So if you’re in this area, I highly recommend booking this snorkeling tour !

The whale season in Tamarindo is short but sweet! While there are plenty of things to do in Tamarindo year-round, your best chances to see whales are in August and September.

During these months, there are several dedicated dolphin and whale watching tours. But, I think it’s more fun to see these creatures on a snorkeling or diving trip!

On this sailing cruise , you’ll board a 40-foot (12-meter) catamaran to explore the waters of Tamarindo Bay. What I love about this tour is it covers everything! There’s a fully stocked bar, a light meal, and lots of water toys (pool noodles, SUPs, kayaks , and snorkeling gear).  

We decided to paddle board while which was a lot of fun. We also saw a ton of marine life snorkeling around the boat. The tour was capped off with an absolutely stunning sunset (making this like a bonus sunset cruise !) we watched from the boat. A perfect end to an incredibly enjoyable day!  

Overall, it’s a beautiful and incredibly luxurious way to see these whales and dolphins. Tours pick up at 1 pm from El Chiringuido Restaurant , which is pretty convenient if you’re staying in Tamarindo town .

What’s also amazing is this 5-hour tour was only $85 USD which is a great value for such an experience. To take advantage of this awesome opportunity, pick a date and book your tour here !

Related Read: If you’re spending a few days in this area, read about the best restaurants in Tamarindo ! There are some tasty spots overlooking the bay which I’d highly recommend.

Manuel Antonio National Park is on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. I love visiting this area because the lush rainforest runs right into the white sandy beach – it feels like a tropical paradise.

It also makes a great day trip from Uvita because it’s just 43 miles (70 km) north. Many people visit Manuel Antonio National Park to explore all the wildlife in the jungle – but it’s also a great area for marine wildlife! And if you’re specifically looking for whales, you should visit in August or September. 

When I came here, I tried this half-day Sunset Sails snorkeling and sailing tour . I loved that this tour was geared more towards vacation luxury than simply whale watching (although you will likely see a lot of marine life too).

You’ll get picked up from your hotel in Manuel Antonio and taken aboard the beautiful boat in Marina Pez Vela. On our tour, the crew was very friendly serving up unlimited cocktails, good music, and a delicious lunch onboard.

We got a chance to see bigger wildlife like dolphins, turtles, and, of course, humpback whales. My favorite part of the experience was snorkeling near Biesanz Beach where we saw a ton of colorful fish and even a sea turtle!

You can choose from a 9 am or 2 pm departure time. We opted for the afternoon tour and got to enjoy watching the sunset on the water (which completely made the experience). For $95 USD (including a meal and open bar), this 4-hour tour feels like a steal! So if you’re looking for luxury but on a budget, book this tour online here .   

Playa Flamingo is an up-and-coming destination for whale-watching tours. Whales are only a recent phenomenon in this area so there are fewer tours offered here. But aside from tours, Playa Flamingo is a water sports paradise with some of the best sunsets I’ve seen!

When visiting Playa Flamingo , you can enjoy the pink-tinted sand and the dolphins that frequent the waters. And between July and September, you can spot the whales passing through the area. While there aren’t many dedicated whale-watching tours, you can see them by booking a snorkel or sailing tour. 

This half-day exclusive snorkel adventure tour lasts 4 hours. During this time, you’ll visit 2 different snorkel spots to swim with a variety of colorful tropical fish. While whales aren’t the focus of this cruise, you might get lucky and spot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. My favorite memory from the tour was the “Beluga Jump” from the top of the boat!

The tour costs $90 USD including snacks and snorkel equipment. It leaves from Playa Flamingo Beach at 8 am only on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturdays. It’s a really fun way to start your day, so check availability and book your tour here !

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

• Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
• Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
• Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
• Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
• Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here ! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here .

Whale watching is generally a safe and fun activity for all ages. Since many tours involve relaxing on a boat while taking in the scenery, everybody from infants to seniors and anyone in between will love the experience.

If bringing small children, I recommend checking with the tour operator before booking to ensure they have the correct-sized life jackets. Also, if you choose tours that offer snorkeling or diving, you’ll need to be reasonably fit and meet the minimum age requirements.

It’s possible to see whales from the shore in some beach towns . However, chances are slim since they like to hang out in deeper water. When I was in Uvita, I did see a whale from the shore, but it was too far away to be an amazing sight.

If seeing whales is important to you, I highly recommend booking a dedicated whale-watching or snorkeling tour. These allow you the best view of these giants in their natural habitat. Tour guides are experts in the area and know where whales like to hang out, making sightings much more likely – and impressive!

Whale watching tours in Costa Rica vary greatly in price. It depends on where you’re booking from and what your trip includes. On average, whale watching tours cost between $80 to $100 USD. Most commonly, these tours include boat tours with guides, snorkel equipment, and onboard refreshments.

Related Read: If you’re planning your budget and curious about prices, read more about the cost of traveling in Costa Rica here . 

The star of the show will certainly be the giant humpback whales, and if you’re lucky, their young! But, the waters are full of much more marine life other than just whales.

Tourists often see false orcas, also known as Bryde’s Whales, in Costa Rica. These waters are also home to many dolphin species including pilot whales and the highly loved bottlenose dolphins. Dolphins are so popular in the area, many boat tours will be marketed as whale and dolphin watching tours. 

When boating and snorkeling in these waters, you also have a high chance of spotting rays, sea turtles, and even the occasional octopus. And whenever I go snorkeling through these colorful coral reefs, I’m always impressed by all the beautiful tropical fish!

Costa Rica does a lot to ensure their wildlife and ecosystems are protected. That being said, I always recommend looking into the specific tour company to ensure that their practices are as environmentally friendly as possible. 

Most tours pass through protected land and ocean reserve areas, meaning that animals are well safeguarded.

In order for a tour to be deemed ethical, the whales must come to you rather than your boat chasing them down. No tour should ever allow you to jump in the water with dolphins or whales, and you should never touch these animals. I also encourage you to be as eco-friendly as possible by wearing reef-safe sunscreen in the water and putting garbage in trash cans.

Boat tours still omit emissions into the water, increasing our environmental footprint. But overall, whale watching tours are one of the most nonintrusive and environmentally friendly ways to interact with these beautiful giants. 

Related Read: Check out the best ecolodges in Costa Rica that combine sustainability with an amazing place to stay!

Most whale watching tours in Costa Rica are half-day tours lasting around 4 – 5 hours.

We’ve tried many different cruises in the area and found that half-day tours are a great amount of time. It allows you a leisurely sail while looking for whales and dolphins. And, if your tour includes it, enough time to jump in the water and snorkel some great coral reefs.

There are longer full-day tours available as well, but most times these include lengthy ground transportation to and from the water. We realize this might be necessary if you’re coming from more inland destinations. But in the end, you’re probably spending the same amount of time on the water.

As the whale watching season in Costa Rica is so long, you can go almost year-round. What you should wear and bring depends on the time of year and the tour activities.

I always recommend wearing a bathing suit with light clothing on top. It can get windy on the water, so if you’re prone to getting cold, bring extra layers. If you’re visiting during the rainy season or you expect sea spray (which is more common on smaller boats), bring a rain jacket.

Since you’ll spend a few hours on the water, make sure to bring sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen.

I also highly recommend bringing a camera – trust me you’re going to want to remember your experience! Smartphone cameras will do, but if you have a professional camera, this is your chance to use it! You’ll have a decent amount of time above the water where you can snap photos of whales breaching or dolphins jumping in the boats wake. 

Yes! We loved our experience whale watching in Costa Rica and felt it was well worth the time and money. Seeing the sheer size of humpback whales is so humbling. Plus, Costa Rica is a common area for moms and calves to hang out which is such a beautiful sight.

Whale watching is one of the most breathtaking wildlife encounters we’ve ever experienced. Humpback whales put on quite the show in the water. Great communicators, the whales often sing songs below that can be heard from miles away. And there is nothing like watching the humpbacks play through the water, breach the surface, and show off their fins.

But to get the most for your money, we recommend half or full-day tours. You’ll feel more relaxed on the water and have a higher chance of seeing marine life. And if your tour offers snorkeling or a day trip through a new area, you’ll get even more for your money. 

So if you’re traveling here, we highly suggest adding whale watching to your Costa Rican itinerary !

The BEST Things to do in Costa Rica

While there are so many fun things to do in Costa Rica , a couple of specific attractions and activities stand out amongst the rest. They are:

There are some impressive (and beautiful!) volcanoes that you’ll want to check out while you’re here.

Poas Volcano is known for its bright blue crater lake. Poas Volcano is most commonly visited on a day trip from San Jose. This Poas Volcano tour from San Jose is one of the best you can do since it also includes a visit to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens as well as a coffee farm.

Arenal Volcano is also one of Costa Rica’s top attractions. Arenal Volcano is located closest to the town of La Fortuna. You can book this full-day tour from La Fortuna that takes you to the volcano to hike, the famous La Fortuna Waterfall and even a hanging bridge – it’s a full day of adventure!

La Fortuna Waterfall is one of our favorite waterfalls in all of Costa Rica. You can easily visit it on this full-day tour in La Fortuna that also visits hot springs.

Rio Celeste is another beautiful waterfall that is famous for its bright blue water. Rio Celeste is a popular attraction to visit from Guanacaste Province and this particular tour includes transport from there. Alternatively, you can book this tour from La Fortuna or this tour from San Jose .

Costa Rica is the place for wildlife lovers! One of the best places to see lots of animals in their wild habitat is at Manuel Antonio National Park . With the help of a guide you will see plenty of birds, monkeys, and even sloths! This particular tour is super popular and also has amazing reviews, so you really can;t go wrong.

There are also lots of wildlife rescue centers around the country that are worth visiting. The Jaguar Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo is one of our favorites as well as Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center in San Jose where you can book this private tour.

Getting Around Costa Rica

How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. 

Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.

One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.

Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.

Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.

You can  browse cars on Discover Cars here .

If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica , or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.

Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)

To get the best price, use the website  Bookaway . They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! 

You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.

Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!  

The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!

It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.

Costa Rica is a hub for marine life and one of the best places to go whale watching. If you’re visiting this beautiful country, you won’t want to miss this amazing opportunity! We hope this guide has helped you plan your whale watching experience and find the right tour for you. There are so many tours in Costa Rica , and whale watching is one of our favorites!

If you found this article useful, check out our other Costa Rica blogs . We visit this country frequently and love sharing what we’ve learned. Below, we’ve included some recent articles you might enjoy! Thanks for reading and happy travels!

BEST hot springs in Costa Rica

BEST all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica (our unbiased opinion!)

Things to KNOW before renting a car in Costa Rica

Two Weeks in Costa Rica

Travel and Moving Blog

Whale Watching in Costa Rica

• Jenn and Matt

91 Comments

Costa Rica is probably best known for its wildlife on land. Monkeys, sloths, birds, and butterflies often steal the show and for good reason. But what some forget is that the waters right offshore are full of life too. Sea turtles, tropical fish, dolphins, and whales all frequent the waters of Costa Rica’s two coasts. In this post, we’ll focus on whales, specifically humpback whales, and let you know when and where you can spot these gigantic, mystical mammals. 

Whale Migration

Costa Rica is a prime whale watching destination. This is all thanks to the spectacular annual migration of two groups of humpback whales.

This long journey starts when temperatures in both North and South America start to cool during their respective winters. Humpbacks quickly head toward the equator where waters are warmer—and Costa Rica is one of their favorite spots.

An amazing fact is that this migration is the longest of any mammal in the world, spanning a distance of up to 5,160 miles (8,300 km). These whales can go fast too, and one was recently recorded by NOAA making a 3,000 mile (4,830 km) trip in only 36 days!

Once the whales get to Costa Rica, it’s not just about vacationing in the sun. Humpbacks congregate together and use the months that they are here to find suitable mates, breed, and rear young. The temperate waters are thought to be ideal for the growth of baby whales, even though they can already be 13-16 feet (4-5 m) long and weigh up to 1 ton (907 kg) at birth.

When You Can See Whales in Costa Rica

As we mentioned, there are two different migrations for humpback whales: one from areas to the north like Alaska and California and another from the Antarctic zone to the south. These migrations happen at different times of year but don’t overlap.

Northern humpbacks typically start to arrive in Costa Rica in December and can be seen until around April. Southern ones don’t show up until later in July and stay until the beginning of November.

This means that in Costa Rica there is a chance of seeing humpback whales for nine months out of the year!

These two migrations don’t draw the same number of whales, though, so read on to find out the best time of year to see these amazing creatures.

• The Antarctic migration has the most whales and peak season is between August and October. During this time of year, your odds of seeing a humpback whale are good.
• Some of the Alaska/California whales winter in Hawaii and other places to the north so their numbers are fewer in Costa Rica. This means that it is harder to see humpback whales during the December to April season, but not impossible. Whales are sometimes spotted on tours, especially in late December to early February, but it is more likely to see dolphins, turtles, and sea birds. 
• There typically aren’t any humpbacks to see from April to mid-July.
• Humpbacks in the northern Atlantic Ocean also migrate near Costa Rica (on the Caribbean Coast) but are not found in great numbers so whale watching isn’t as popular as on the Pacific.

Where to See Humpback Whales in Costa Rica

Although it is possible to see humpback whales along many parts of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, they tend to congregate in the Southern Pacific.

The Osa Peninsula and Gulf of Dulce have high numbers of whales as well as the beach towns of Uvita and Dominical on the Costa Ballena (Whale Coast).

Uvita is probably the town best known for whale watching. In Bahia Uvita, boats launch right from the beaches of Marino Ballena National Park (the National Whale Marine Park). This is a protected area of both land and ocean, which is known for attracting whales close to shore.

Whale watching tours out of Uvita are done on smaller boats, holding about 15-25 passengers, and cost around $80-100. The focus of these tours is on whales, but you’re likely to spot dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and other marine life while out on the water as well. These tours also typically include some time for snorkeling.

While tours devoted to whale watching are most common in the Southern Zone, if you’re visiting areas in northern Costa Rica, like Guanacaste, you might still be able to witness these giants passing through. Humpbacks or other types of whales are sometimes spotted on catamaran, snorkel, or dive tours.

• Humpbacks make spectacular displays with their fins and tails and are known to jump out of the water on occasion. Have your camera ready!
• Males compete for females by singing songs, making elaborate bubble displays, and physically fending off one another.
• A baby arrives about 11 months after mating and calves stay by their mother’s side for up to a year. They can often be seen touching fins to show affection.

Annual Whale and Dolphin Festival

One of the best times to take a whale watching tour is during the Annual Whale and Dolphin Festival in Uvita. This festival occurs every year during peak season, typically in early September, so your chances of spotting whales is almost guaranteed.

Abbreviated two hour whale and dolphin watching tours are given by local tour operators during the festival and there are other events like dancing and music, a beach run, mountain bike race, and lots of activities for kids too.

We attended recently and saw several whales, including a mother and calf, as well as some dolphins and a sea turtle. With the beautiful green coastline, the view from the boat alone was worth the price for admission (around $40 pp).

Have you been whale watching in Costa Rica? Leave us a comment below. Where did you go and what did you see?

Planning a trip to the southern zone of costa rica these posts might help you out:.

• The Costa Ballena: Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal – Costa Ballena translates to Whale Coast so if you are looking to get out on the water to see marine life, this is your destination.
• The Beautiful Nauyuca Waterfall – Among the Southern Zone’s best attractions. This two-tiered waterfall is one of the most impressive in Costa Rica. And you can jump in to cool off.
• Drake Bay: Costa Rica Unplugged – Another great place to explore both land and sea. Drake Bay is a remote destination but completely worth the effort. Here you can unplug and recharge.
• Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge – A little-known wildlife reserve in Dominical. One of our favorite hiking spots to see monkeys, toucans, caimen, and more.

What a great post, thanks so much for all the info – I hope to come to Costa Rica in the next few years, mainly for the wildlife so it’s good to know the best times to come to see the whales!

Our pleasure, Keri. Hope you make it to CR soon!

Our daughter will visit Uvita this Saturday till Tuesday. Are there any humpbacks spotted right now? Can she make a dolphin and whale tour or is it a waste of money?

Hi Solita, The Alaska/California migration arrives in CR/Uvita in December, but we haven’t heard of any whales being spotted right now. Maybe your daughter could have her hotel call one of the local tour companies and find out. If she’s not set on seeing whales, we recently talked to someone who saw a huge pod of dolphins (they’re much easier to see). Plus being out on the water and taking in the views is awesome even on its own.

Hello – I will be Manuel Antonio from the 18th December to 25th December – is this a good time to go whale watching? Can you recommend a good company to use.

Hi Holly, Whales from the Alaska-California migration start to arrive in December so you would probably see some but it’s not the peak time. There are always dolphins around through, which are really fun to see, especially if they’re in a big pod. Something to keep in mind is that you would want to head south to Uvita for a tour (about 1 hr away) so it would be almost a full day activity. Uvita is a great little town though and will be a lot less crowded that time of year so it might be worth it (more info on Uvita here ). We’ll email you with a good company to use.

Hi, would you be able to share the company? We decided to do whale watching over the catamaran – any recommendations greatly appreciated! Thanks for all the amazing posts, have been so helpful!!

Hi Paola, Sure, we will send you an email with the details soon.

We saw a momma blue whale & a her baby in September at Playa Flamingo

That is amazing, Amber. We have never seen a blue whale, and to see one with a baby, that must have been wonderful. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Hello, Thanks for a great article. We will be in Manual Antonio September 20 – 26th and would love to see whales. We are too late for the festival. In your opinion would we have more of a chance of seeing them if we travel to Uvita for the day or take a boat trip from Manual Antonio? Also do you know how we would get to Uvita without a car. Love your website. Thank you

Hi Karen, You will probably have a better chance of seeing them out of Uvita. Uvita’s only about 45 min-1 hr. south so it’s not too hard to get to from Manuel Antonio. You options to get there would be to take the bus (2 hr. trip), take a private shuttle (we know of a reliable company if you need help booking this), or it might be cheapest to rent a car out of Quepos just for the day. You wouldn’t need 4×4 so a regular sedan would only be around $30-40 with our discount . You could make a day of it then and go to lunch and check out the area too. Let us know if you need any more help. We just saw some pictures from a friend of ours who went on a whale watching tour the other day, and it looked amazing!

Hi Matt, travelling to Uvita from San Jose airport, what’s the best way to get there please?

Hi Pete, The best route is to take Highway 27 to the coastal highway, 34, passing Jaco, Manuel Antonio, and then arriving in Uvita.

Hi we will be visiting Costa Rica in the next 18 months. we will be travelling from the U.K and we’re hoping to do a tour, with a beach extension at Manuel Antonio, one of the reasons we have chosen the south west is to hopefully see Whales. Are we right? Also we were hoping to go January/February in your opinion is this a good time to hopefully spot one? Would we have more chance in the south west than the North West? Thank you

Hi Michelle, If you visit in January/February, it will be the time when the humpback whales are here from North America. They start making their journey south to Costa Rica in late July, and people are still spotting them now (August) all along the Pacific Coast. But by January, they will probably not be in transit anymore and therefore be in greater numbers in the southern part of Costa Rica where they hang out for a longer period of time before going back up north. So we’d say the better chance is in the southwest. Hope you spot one!

Hi guys, very helpful page, thanks! We are planning a trip to Costa Rica in November (will be arriving the 5th). Assuming we are headed straight to Costa Ballena, would we still (or again) have chances to see some humpback whales? Or are we better off at Bahia Drake? Would be great to hear your ideas! Thanks a lot, Malte

Hi Malte, That is the end of humpback season in the Costa Ballena so you would definitely have a chance of seeing them. Plan on that being one of the first things to do when you arrive. You can also see Dolphins (Spotted, Bottlenose, Spinner, and Common), Pseudo Orcas, and turtles too so it is a nice tour either way. It wouldn’t make much difference if you went out of Drake Bay instead so stick with the Costa Ballena if that’s where you’d like to go. Hope you see some!

Hi both, your website is really informative and helpful – thank you!

My husband and I are visiting Costa Rica in mid-January for 10 days and it is our dream to see humpback whales. To maximise our chances, would you recommend we go to Costa Ballena or Drake Bay? We might not have time to do both.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Hi Fiona, It shouldn’t make much difference so if you don’t have a lot of time, go to the Costa Ballena since it’s easier to access. One of the humpback migrations starts in December so with any luck, you’ll be able to see some whales when you go out. We know of a good tour operator in the area and can help with the booking if you want. Once you have your plans finalized, just email us the dates you’re interested in to bookings(at)twoweeksincostarica.com.

Thank you for the great info about whale watching. We’re leaving in 34 days, 1hr and 52min and start our tour at Arenal. We’ll be in the Manuel/Uvita area for the last leg of our trip and we’ll email to book a spot.

Thanks again.

Okay, sounds good, Justin! We’ve been booking a lot of whale watching tours lately. It is a pretty cool experience if you’re in the area. Cheers!

Hello! My wife and I are going to be in CR in the middle of February 2017 – I contacted a couple whale watching tour companies that depart out of Uvita asking the likelihood of whale spotting during this time. They both told me that over the past few years, the whale season that used to be from December-April was no longer a great watching season, as most of these northern whales now congregate in the Mexico area and don’t come so far south. Do you think this would be a great time to see some humpback whales still or should I take their advice? Thanks! Love the website btw.

Hi John, Apologies for the delay, we have been waiting to hear back from our contact at the tour company. He said that the August through October season is definitely better for seeing whales, but it is possible to see them during the December to April season too. You just shouldn’t go into a tour in February expecting to see them. January is when they tend to see the most during this migration.

If you don’t see whales it’s still a nice day out on the water because the views are great of the islands and mountains. Other marine life like dolphins and turtles are seen all year long as well. Though the whale watching itself isn’t as good during the December season, it’s a nice time to be out on a boat because the weather is likely to be good. The September season is right in the middle of rainy season so it is more hit or miss. Hope that is helpful, thanks for the great question!

Hi! Is it possible to see whales from the beach in Uvita?

Hi Ku, It is possible at certain times of year to see small glimpses of them in the distance. We have seen dolphins while at the beach in Uvita and whales in Manuel Antonio before. But it’s sort of hit or miss for obvious reasons. The only time we have seen them close up was on a whale watching tour in Bahia Uvita.

We will be visiting in early March, do you think the chances of seeing humpbacks will be good then? If so, which company would you recommend? We are looking at March 10th 🙂

Hi Alia, Early March is not prime season. There are whales in the Uvita area this time of year but you don’t always see them on tours like you do during the September season when the numbers are higher and sightings are virtually guaranteed. That said, we had some clients go out a couple of weeks ago and they got to spend a half hour watching a mother humpback with her calf 🙂 You can see other things on the tour too like turtles, sea birds, and sometimes dolphins, and the views are really pretty of the mountains. Let us know if you’re still interested in setting something up for the 10th. We’d be happy to help.

Hi! We’ll be in Samara next week, and were thinking of taking a boat tour. I understand this is the end of the migration period of whales, but would we still be able to see dolphins? When are the best times to see dolphins?

Hi Monique, nothing is guaranteed but the dolphins are around all-year long. Sometimes people go out and see none or just a few and other times there are hundreds of them in a big pod, it just depends on where they are feeding. The boat tours are really nice though and you might also see turtles, rays, flying fish, and other types of whales (besides the migrating humpbacks) out there.

Thank you so much for all the information you have posted. We are scheduled to be in Manuel Antonio July 29- August 2. What is the likelihood of seeing whales or sea turtles? Could we take a boat out of Manuel Antonio or would we need to go to Uvita? How doable is that if we do not have a car?

Hi Jolynn, July is the beginning of whale-migration season in this area so with any luck, there should be some. The numbers peak in September, but since this is the biggest season, August is usually pretty good too. Turtles can be seen anytime of year.

Most tours leave out of Uvita, but we know of a sportfishing boat out of Quepos (near Manuel Antonio) that offers whale watching too. Let us know if you would like more information and we can connect you to the company.

Thank you. I would love that information.

We will send you the information to your email now.

We will be in Costa Rica for most of February. We will be on both coasts, which would be the best for whale watching?

Hi Peggy, The Pacific coast has the biggest migrations, with the best places for viewing being the Costa Ballena south to the Osa Peninsula. There aren’t as many humpback whales in this area during that migration season (December to April), but we did have some clients see a mother humpback and her baby on a tour in early February 2017. It all depends on the day, but you can also see dolphins and turtles any time of year. Let us know if you would like help booking a tour.

What a great blog has certainly been helpful for our trip coming up soon!

Myself and my friend have 20-22nd December in Uvita or Dominical for (hopefully) some whale watching. Which location do you think would better and also can you suggest any tour companies please.

Best Wishes, Caroline

Hi Caroline, Uvita is the better location. This is where the majority of tours leave from. We will email you now with information about booking a tour.

Hello, my husband and I would like to do a whale watching tour from Uvita – can you please email me with more information on the tour you recommend?

Hi Jami, We sent you an email with more information a few minutes ago.

Hi! I had a peak at your catamaran post from Manuel Antonio, which mentioned potential of seeing whales/dolphins if it was the right time.. We’re going in Feb 2018- I love the idea of the catamaran, see the scenery, have some fun, do a bit of snorkeling (realize not a lot through the catamaran!) – but wonder about doing both if it would be a bit much. Do they cover the same areas? i.e. where the boats would be going? Like if we did 1 would that be good enough? Any advice greatly appreciated! Thanks again!

Hi Paola, We would do either the catamaran or a whale watch tour, but not both. Unless you’re staying in Uvita/Dominical, it probably isn’t worth it to do a whale watching tour. Although there can be whales that time of year, the numbers are fewer so it’s not worth driving from somewhere like Manuel Antonio, which is an hour away. If you’re staying in Manuel Antonio, the catamaran is a good option. Whales are less likely (they are more commonly seen that time of year in Uvita) but it’s still a really nice tour. Whales in Manuel Antonio are more commonly seen during the big migration period from August to end of October.

Thank you!! All of your responses are so helpful in the planning purposes!

Hi, I realize you have answered similar questions, sorry to be repetitive but this site seems to be one of the most helpful and straightforward. I am planning on being in Costa Rica for a week starting Feb 14th. I know it might not be prime season but is there a good chance of seeing whales at this time? Some one suggested Nicoya peninsula. Would Uvita be better? Whales would be ideal, but if its unlikely either way, I am just looking for beautiful beaches and some snorkeling. Any suggestions/advice would be so appreciated. Thank you.

Hi Laurah, It is not prime season but you can still see whales in February with some luck. We had a client see a mother and baby last year in early February. Uvita would be better for it than the Nicoya Peninsula. And the Uvita area has some gorgeous beaches too. It also has snorkeling around the whale tail (kayak or SUP tour) if you’re interested in that. Conditions aren’t spectacular but it’s a really nice tour because they take you all around the whale tail so you get gorgeous views of the mountains and beach from the water and then to a small estuary. We’d be happy to help you book this if you would like, just let us know.

We’re planning on getting married in Costa Rica in early December and really want to see whales while we’re there if possible. We plan on being in Manuel Antonio/Uvita from December 4th-9th and Drake Bay from the 9th-13th. Is there a chance of seeing whales during this time? If so, which would be the best location? Thanks in advance for your help! I don’t know how I’d plan my trip without your website. It’s been so helpful!

Hi Abby, The later the better for seeing whales in December so Drake Bay would probably be your best option. We don’t know of any tours out of Drake dedicated to whale watching but you could see them as part of a snorkel tour to Cano Island, on the boat ride to or from the island. They usually spend some time looking for dolphins, and if it’s the right time of year, whales too. Not sure if she is still doing it but there used to be a woman that did dolphin watching tours in Drake Bay. That would be a another good opportunity.

Hello, first of all thank you for your great website and all the helpful information that you share here. So I will visit Costa Rica during April 2019 (6-22) so is there a good chance to see humpback whales? I know its not the best time but you said they will leave during the beginning of April so could there be still one? And when there isnt the opportunity to see one are there any other whales and is possible to see them or are they very rare? Greetings from Germany 🙂

Hi Tobi, It is possible to see a whale around still in April, but not likely on a short tour, so we don’t recommend going out for just that. Most of them have moved on by that time and this migration is smaller in numbers anyway. The next, bigger migration doesn’t start until late July. You can see dolphins and turtles fairly easily, though, if you’re interested in that, especially if you head south to Drake Bay or Puerto Jimenez.

Hola! First of all, a super thumbs up for this amazing website; your articles are such an enjoyable read and do increase our pre-holiday-fun to a great extent!! My Argentinean husband and I will be finally traveling to Costa Rica in the beginning of 2018 with our two sons for our postponed honeymoon. Originally we were supposed to travel to Costa Rica in the beginning of 2016 – just the two of us – but we cancelled the day before departure because of the rapidly spreading Zika virus as I was pregnant of our oldest. Two and a half years later and 2 wonderful boys richer, we’re currently planning our postponed honeymoon-trip-with-kids 🙂 We were really hoping to hop on a fun whale watching tour, but several tour companies are pointing out that those tours are not suitable for young kiddies… Oops… Any chance that you know of a tour company that offers a whale watching tour that is also suitable for an 8 month old baby and a 2,5 year old toddler? If not, then this will be a very good excuse to come back to Costa Rica when the kiddies are a bit older I guess 😉

Saludos, Carola

Hi Carola, Yes, the boats that do the whale watching tours out of Uvita are smaller so not good for very young children like yours, unfortunately. You could do something like a catamaran tour in Manuel Antonio though. There’s a big 100 foot boat that is very sturdy. We went on it with our son when he was 1. Sometimes you can see whales and dolphins on these tours. But in January, there aren’t as many whales so there’s no guarantees of course. It’s still a really fun day on the water, though, and the views are gorgeous. You can read our post about the catamaran tour here .

Hope you have a great postponed honeymoon trip! Costa Rica is great for kids. Be sure to check out our Traveling with a Baby post if you haven’t already. We will also be coming out with some Family Travel articles soon. You can get them for free if you subscribe to our blog .

Hi! Thanks so much for helping out 🙂 If all the boats departing from Uvita are small-ish, then it makes total sense that these whale-watching-tours are not super duper suitable for small kiddies… (to put it mildly!) Thanks for the catamaran-tour-suggestion! Is the chance of seeing whales/dolphins bigger on a tour departing from Uvita then the catamaran tour departing from MA (leaving aside the fact that it will be somewhat ‘off-season’ in general)? Very much looking forward to the Family Travel articles!!

Yes, the chance of seeing whales is better in Uvita, but you can see them in Manuel Antonio too. Especially in August-end of October for the bigger migration, but also December-March for the smaller migration. We have a friend in Manuel Antonio who owns a sport-fishing boat and he has seen whales at all different times. We wouldn’t expect it in January in MA, but it is a definite possibility 🙂

That sounds promising 🙂 Thanks for all the help!!

Do they offer private whale watching tours in Uvita? My husband and I will be traveling Aug 23 – Sept 1 and staying in Playa Hermosa with our 5 year old daughter and 3 year son. I’m afraid if we bring them on a group tour, they’ll decide they want to go back to shore and/or not want to sit in a boat for hours looking for sealife. I’m thinking is we hired someone privately, we take a shorter trip out to see dolphins, whales, and then head back to shore when they’ve decided they had enough. Lol Or are you able to see whales from the beach at Marino Ballena? Thank you for this wonderful website!

Hi Tracy, Private tours are an option. They’re $780 for this season (5 person max). This is through one of the tour companies in Uvita so they would have all the safety equipment and a knowledgeable guide. The tour is 3.5-4 hours long and includes snacks, drinks, and lunch on the beach. Let us know if you’re interested in booking this and we can help. You can see whales from the shore sometimes but they are farther away.

Hope that helps. There are a ton of whales right now!

Is there an age limit for the whale tours? We have a 5, 4, and 3 year old. Also could you send me your recommendation of a good whale watching company in Uvita? Thanks!!

Hi Joel, We’re actually not sure if the minimum age is 3 or 4. We just emailed the company we work with and will reply to this thread when we find out. Thanks for your patience!

Just got back from an overnight stay in Uvita. Spectacular scenery and wildlife. The hotels are a bit rustic and expensive given the amenities, but comfortable and friendly. The national park was great, very low key, not crowded, and inexpensive. In our 3 hr tour with Adventure 1 we saw 3 whale pairs (mother and offspring) and one lone female (?) surrounded by spotted dolphins looking for her milk, also sea turtles. Well worth the long drive from San Jose and in spite of bad roads and traffic.

Hi! I work hard on the planning to see whales and babies ….like everybody here! I would ask you what is your recommandation for half-january? Uvita by small boat? Drake Bay? We will rent a house in the area with a 4×4 for one week….We plan a lot of time to see whales …. we plan to do two boat trips. Maybe you can help with the compagny? Best regards

Hi Nathalie, Mid January is during the smaller migration season, so while sightings are not guaranteed, you have a decent chance of spotting humpback whales. Tours are much easier to organize out of Uvita so we would do it out of there. Uvita is also just as good as Drake Bay in terms of sightings. If you’d like us to help book a tour, just send us an email to bookings(at)twoweeksincostarica(dot)com with your preferred date and the number of people in your party (adults and children) and we can send you more information.

Hi! I’m planning a trip to Costa Rica mid/end of July and would love to see the whales. We will be staying in the Tamarindo area so are we likely to see some? Alternatively, can you suggest the best way to travel down the country for a better chance? Many thanks Lara

Hi Lara, You probably won’t see humpbacks in July in Tamarindo because the migration season will be over but it’s possible to see other types of whales, but it’s really just luck. End of July is the start of migration in the southern part of the country, though, so you would have better odds if you traveled down to Uvita. You would want to spend at least a couple of nights there since it’s a long trip from Tamarindo.

We are staying in San Isidro el General til Monday the 11th. Are there any expat get togethers this week. WE are staying here three months to decide where we want to live in CR We have looked at Grecia, Samara and Brasilito. Usually we attach to an English speaking church but have not heard of one here.

Ok, so I know this is an old post, but just wondering: we will be visiting Costa Rica in late September, early October ( I know, I know) As we will most likely be stranded on the Caribbean side, is it even feasible to get to Uvita to take a whale watch tour. From what I have read, it sounds like the whole south pacific is just under water and difficult to drive during October? Thanks for any help or advice.

Hi Abby, If you’re going to the Caribbean coast, it would be really far to get to Uvita since you’d have to drive all across the country. In any event, the weather in Uvita is rainy in October but we still highly recommend whale watching tours in the morning because it’s a great time of year for it.

We would like to come and see the Whales mid September. Is there a pet friendly hotel close by Uvita or Dominical? we have a dog and would like to bring him, by then he will be almost 6month.

Hi Sunny, We’ll send over some information by e-mail shortly. Thanks!

I live in Grecia but have never seen the whales…would like to visit Uvita in January and based on all the comments, this would be a good time to see them?

Hi Rebecca, Yes, January is during one of the migration seasons for humpbacks. It’s the smaller migration but there’s a decent chance you’ll be able to see them. Since you live here, you could wait for the bigger migration in August-October when sightings are more or less guaranteed, but if you’d rather visit Uvita in January, you still have a pretty good chance. Let us know if you would like any help making the arrangements.

Hi there! What a great article. Unfortunately we will be there in June. I suppose there will be no chance of any whale sightings that time of year? I don’t want to spend all that money on a boat tour (4 people) when it is highly unlikely. Your thoughts?

Hi Stephanie, Yes, June is in between migration seasons, so I think your time would be better spend doing something else. We do know of an excellent wildlife boat tour a little south of Uvita where you can see 4 types of monkeys, sloths, snakes, crocodiles, etc. Feel free to contact us through our Tour Booking page if you’d like more information. It’s not whales but is a good substitute 🙂

Thanks for informative sharing,

Hi there! What a great article. Unfortunately we will be there in July. I suppose chances of whale sightings that time of year are pretty small? I don’t want to spend all that money on a boat tour (4 people) when it is highly unlikely. Your thoughts?

Hi Kelly, In late July, the second migration starts arriving so if you are coming then, it would be worth it since you would have decent odds. Probably not in early July, though. Mid month could go either way and you could just wait to book when you’re here and ask if they have been seeing anything.

Hey there! I went through all the comments but havent come across any on month of March. So, I would have a question whether last two weeks of March are still any good to see the whales (we’re travelling with a 4,5 year old), and if so, I guess it would be better to start with Uvita and then head towards other places we planned? And thank you for the discount code for car rental! I finally found a company we will get a car from 🙂

Hi KSz, Unfortunately, March is in between migration seasons so we don’t recommend a tour at that time.

You’re very welcome! Glad you are happy with Adobe. Thanks for renting through our site. Hope your family has a great trip!

Hello There,

My girlfriend and I are going to visit Costa Rica in 10 days. The purpose of our trip it’s to watch Humpback Whales, any recommendations Jenn and Matt ?

Hi Henri, Early February is the very end of migration season. We have heard, though, that people have been spotting whales still along the central Pacific coast. You could reach out to a tour operator when you get here to see if they have had sightings recently. That would probably be your best option.

I’m planning on going to Uvita this mid October to hopefully see whales. How good are the chances in mid October(16th)?

Hi Svenja, That’s the end of the season so it can go either way, but yes, whales can definitely be seen in mid October.

Hi there, Thank you so much for your site and insightful information. I plan to be in Costa Rica January 16-28 and will be in Drake Bay for the first few days before heading north and inland. Should we add a day or two in Uvita too to improve our chances of a sighting or would Drake Bay be a good bet for seeing whales? Either way, could you recommend a good tour? Thank you so much!

Hi Michelle, We don’t know of any whale watching tours out of Drake Bay but you could see one on the boat taxi from Sierpe if you’re taking that. Or you could see one on the way to Cano Island if you’re planning on that tour. Mid January is during the smaller migration season so there are whales in the area but no guarantees you will see one. It’s still a very nice day out in the water though, and there’s always the chance of seeing dolphins, turtles, etc. If you’d like us to help book a tour for you in Uvita, feel free to reach out through our tour booking service page. Thanks!

We will be staying near Dominical (Platanillo) in late June. Several group members are very interested in seeing dolphins. Whales, rays, or turtles would be a plus, but sound unlikely that time of year. Would we be see much on a boat trip in the Costa Ballena area or is there a better place? We would be willing to go down to Drake Bay if marine wildlife sightings would be better.

Hi Janina, The Costa Ballena is a great place to go dolphin watching. They see them often. It could be a little early for whales but you never know. Also possible to see turtles; not sure about rays. Drake Bay is awesome too. We haven’t done it but have friends who raved about the Divine Dolphin tour there.

Hello, I have a question and I hope you can maybe clarify the following. Me and my boyfriend are going to Costa Rica on vacation this January – February. We really want to go whale watching, but I don’te really understand the different sites on the internet. I understand that there are two seasons for whale watching, also one from December-April. But can you only see them in that time on the Caribbean coast, or also by Uviat? Every site say something different.. And we can’t find a tour operator that arranges tours in this time of the year. Do you maybe know some tours for January by Uvita? Thank you in forward! With kind Regards, Demi

Hi Demi, The migration starting in December is a much smaller migration (with fewer whales) than the one that comes through July-October. You can see whales in the Uvita area during this time, but from our experience booking tours for people, the best time seems to be late December-mid January. After that, your chances of seeing a humpback whale go down. There are other types of whales that live in the area that you can see any time of year, but it’s not always easy to see them. So that’s why some tour companies stop offering the whale-watching tours after December/January. The best time to see them by far is September and October.

After reading all these posts, is it your experience that November would be a bad time to come for whale watching? It looks like it would be an empty month between migration groups…?

Hi Katherine, Yes, November is between migration seasons.

I’ve read your blog and appreciate the information about whale watching. Our family of 11 will be visiting Domincal in mid to late December, can you recommend a tour company in Costa Ballena?

Hi Stephen, We’ll send you some information by email now. Thanks!

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Costa Rica Guide

Travel information and maps, whale & dolphin watching, costa rica is one of the best places in the world to spot humpback whales.

Costa Rican waters are home to dozens of marine mammal species and spotted, or bottle nose dolphins commonly escort small craft on any offshore excursion. If you take fishing or snorkeling trips you’ll most likely spot the smaller cetaceans but if you want to see the star of the show you should make sure you travel when they’re “wintering” in the warm tropical waters and take specialized humpback whale watching tour. (see tips below on when and where to whale watch in Costa Rica)

Costa Rica has the enviable distinction of more months with humpbacks in residence than anywhere else in the world.

The thousand or so whales that spend their summers off the coast of California and the northwestern United States head south in December to warmer waters off of the Pacific coast of Central America. At the same time these snowbirds are fleeing the North American winter their cousins 8,000 kilometers to the south are enjoying the southern hemisphere summer – slashing through clouds of plankton and krill near Antarctica opening their immense mouths to strain the food out of the water with 300 or more baleen plates.

When winter comes to the south in June the Antarctic whales have built their blubber reserves in preparation for the longest migration in the animal kingdom and head north along the coasts of Chile and Ecuador to the tropical waters of Central America that their cousins from the north vacated a few weeks earlier.

Each group arrives in Costa Rica at the beginning of their respective winter and stays until spring comes to their home. Females who mated twelve months earlier give birth to a single calf who grows to at least 8 meters (26 feet) feeding on rich milk over the first year. The adults don’t feed and nursing females can loose up to a third of their body weight. The prevailing theories about why humpbacks migrate to the tropics are that the warmth allows the calves to grow more quickly, or that the waters are safer because of lower numbers of predators like orcas.

Whatever the motivation for wintering in the tropics it means you can watch Humpback whales in Costa Rica nearly year round because the seasons are reversed in the two hemispheres and both populations head to the tropics when it gets cold at home.

Dolphins are Year Round

There are a number of species in Costa Rican waters year round including Spotted Dolphin ( Stenella attenuata ), Bottlenose Dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus – flipper is a bottlenose!), Spinner Dolphin ( Stenella longirostris ), Rough-Toothed Dolphin ( Steno bredanensis ), Common Dolphin ( Delphinus delphis ).  There are a couple of breeding seasons in July through October and December through March.

When and Where to Watch Whales in Costa Rica

The very best time and place is August through October along the Southern Pacific Coast from about Jacó or Manuel Antonio to the warm waters around the Osa Peninsula but as detailed below there are lots of possibilities.

Southern Pacific

The table shows the best times and places to add a humpback whale watching expedition to your Costa Rica vacation. Of course the whales are wild and there is never any guarantee that you’ll see them, but your captain and guides will be in constant contact by radio with other boats all using gps and knowledge of the recent movements of the animals in the area.

Because they spend so much time above the surface spy hopping, fin slapping, breaching and fluke flipping Humpback whales are by far the most popular subjects for whale watching tours in Costa Rica. Spy hopping is self-explanatory. The whales are popping above the surface to take a look around.

Scientists believe that the other behaviors may be forms of communication because of the incredible sound volumes produced when whale flesh meets water. Others state confidently that the whales leap clear of the water because they are trying to rid themselves of parasites like sea lice and irritating freeloaders like barnacles.

When you see these giants burst completely free of the water it’s hard to believe it can be the result of anything but sheer exuberance and joy.

From December to April there are humpbacks in residence on both coasts. While the California humpbacks move down the Central American coastline singly or in groups of two to four the majority of the Pacific whales are headed across the open ocean to Hawaii from their feeding grounds in Canadian and Alaskan waters.

Even though the whales along the Pacific Coast represent only a few percent of the world population they’re relatively easy to spot because they congregate close to shore. Pacific Humpbacks swim in pods of about a dozen in the known calving areas along the outer shore of the Osa Peninsula and in the protected waters of Marino Ballena National Park near Uvita.

More recently data has accumulated that there are also breeding groups that frequent the Golfo Dulce inside the Osa Peninsula and possibly even the Papagayo Bay in Guanacaste.

Most whale watching tours depart Drake or Carate on the seaward shores of the Osa peninsula or from the central Pacific coast along the beaches of Ballena Park near Uvita. The best dates are from December through April for the California Humpbacks and starting again in July when the Antarctic whales arrive to stay until about November.

Starting in about 2010 fishermen and divers headed to the Bat islands have reported more whales off the northern Pacific coast of Guanacaste but it’s not clear whether they are wintering there or just passing through to the known nurseries farther south. When their habits are better described and viewing more reliable, whale watching tours will follow quickly.

Whale spotting is done from small outboard motor skiffs or larger inboard fishing boats. Tour prices range from around $50 per person for a bare bones half-day trip to $100 or $150 per person for an all day guided excursion that might include a stop at Caño Island to snorkel or Corcovado park to hike and eat lunch on the beach. It is illegal for anyone but scientific researchers to swim with whales or dolphins in protected Costa Rican waters. Reliable tour operators understand and respect this law and visitors should too.

Humpbacks definitely steal the show on any whale watching trip but keep your camera ready because Costa Rican waters are home to Orcas, Pseudo Orcas, Sei, Beaked, Brydes and Pilot whales and while you’re out you could also encounter their smaller cousins the Risso’s, Common, Spinner and Roughtooth dolphins.

The Caribbean

Large numbers of whales from the north Atlantic and St. Lawrence Seaway also take up residence on the east coast of Costa Rica.

In fact there are more whales in the Caribbean sea during the northern migration but they are spread over a huge area from the outer islands to the Gulf of Mexico. Probably because of the shape of the ocean floor they don’t commonly approach Costa Rica closely and are much harder to spot reliably.

It’s also quite difficult to launch small boats though the rough surf of most of the norther Caribbean coast and there are many fewer tourists in the region.  Whale watching tours have yet to catch on but fishermen in the gulf sometimes see the behemoths surfacing.

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Costa Rica, with its stunning coastline and rich marine biodiversity, offers an exceptional opportunity for whale watching enthusiasts. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, this tropical paradise provides a unique setting to witness the awe-inspiring presence of whales. Let’s explore the enchanting world of whale watching in Costa Rica, highlighting the unusual whale species that frequent its waters and the best locations to embark on this unforgettable coastal adventure.

Humpback Whales in Costa Rica

Whale watching season in Costa Rica spans from July to November, offering the prime opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. While whales adhere to their own schedules, they may adjust their patterns if necessary. Therefore, it is recommended to select an experienced captain who can anticipate their behavior when planning a whale tour. Undeniably, the most favorable location for whale sightings is Uvita , situated on the Pacific coast. This area has become a preferred habitat for these majestic animals, increasing the likelihood of encountering both adult whales and their offspring. Our whale watching tours provide an enjoyable day at sea, allowing you to create lasting memories in the company of these incredible creatures.

Whale Watching Tour from Uvita

Uvita is renowned as the ultimate destination for whale watching in Costa Rica. This coastal gem serves as a vital birthing and nurturing ground, where these magnificent creatures migrate to give birth and impart essential knowledge to their young. It’s important to note that this remarkable phenomenon is not year-round, making it advisable to visit Costa Rica during the migration season to witness the whales in action. Our whale watching tours in Uvita commence from the beach, providing you with a remarkable opportunity to explore Marino Ballena National Park and witness the awe-inspiring presence of these majestic creatures up close.

Whale Watching with Costa Rica Divers

At our company, we take pride in organizing our whale watching tours with meticulous planning and a focus on providing an exceptional experience. Our utmost priority is ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of our clients, as we believe that every moment spent with us should be memorable. As the only authorized PADI dive center in Uvita, we offer top-quality services, complete with our own training pool and fully equipped dive center. It is our commitment to transparency that sets us apart – we do not impose any additional fees, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable experience for all our valued customers.

Whale Watching Tour with Costa Rica Divers

Departure & return location.

Costa Rica Divers

Departure Time

Price includes.

• all necessary equipment
• licensed guide
• entrance fees
• snacks and drinks
• boat transport

Price Excludes

• transport to our center

Embarking on a whale watching excursion in their natural habitat is an extraordinary way to witness the grandeur of these magnificent creatures. We invite you to join us on a thrilling adventure where you will have the incredible opportunity to observe the awe-inspiring humpback whales. During this expedition, you will marvel at their annual migration journey, a remarkable spectacle to behold.

Whale Watching in Uvita

If you are eager to delve deeper into the world of whales and their seasonal patterns, we recommend reading the comprehensive study titled “ Whale Watching in Costa Rica – Identifying the Best Locations .” This study provides valuable insights into the optimal places for encountering these majestic beings.

What does the price include?

The price of our whale tour encompasses all the necessary elements to ensure your comfortable experience while observing whales in their natural environment. It is important to note that our price is final and already includes all applicable local taxes. We are committed to transparency, and therefore, we do not impose any additional fees . Rest assured that everything you need for a seamless and enjoyable whale watching adventure is included in the tour price.

With us, you’ll receive the dedicated guidance of a skilled instructor and a professional approach throughout your dive. Additionally, all the necessary scuba diving equipment will be provided as part of the package. It’s worth mentioning that our price is all-inclusive, and it already covers any applicable local taxes. Rest assured, we have a transparent pricing policy and do not impose any additional fees . Your focus can solely be on enjoying the incredible underwater adventure that awaits you.

What does the experience look like?

Your exciting whale watching journey will commence at our office, where you will receive a warm welcome and a refreshing bottle of water. Once all the necessary formalities are completed, we will transport you to the designated location where our boat eagerly awaits. Under the guidance of our experienced captain, we will navigate to the finest spots where we have the highest chances of encountering magnificent whales.

It is important to bear in mind that these are wild animals, and while we make every effort to maximize the likelihood of sightings, there may be occasions when external factors prevent us from encountering them. Nonetheless, rest assured that your chances of witnessing these majestic creatures are truly remarkable! In addition to whales, we may also have the privilege of observing dolphins, various fish, and a diverse array of avian species. It promises to be a day filled with awe and wonder!

Rules during whale watching

During the tour, snacks and beverages will be available on the boat, ensuring you stay refreshed and energized throughout the experience. Please note that swimming with whales is strictly prohibited in Costa Rica. You will not be able to enter the water in close proximity to these magnificent creatures.

However, you will have the opportunity to observe them up close, marveling at their grandeur and beauty. After the tour, we will return to our office, providing an opportunity to reflect on the captivating impressions and moments shared during this unforgettable adventure.

PADI 5 Star Dive Center in Costa Rica

Frequently Asked Questions

What whales in costa rica can you see.

Humpback whales are the most commonly observed whale species in Costa Rica, as they migrate through its waters for over six months of the year. Remarkably, Costa Rica boasts the longest humpback whale watching season globally, as it serves as a transit route for both Northern and Southern Hemisphere whales. In addition to humpback whales, Costa Rica is occasionally visited by other whale species that reside in the deep ocean. Bryde’s Whales, for instance, can also be spotted off the coast of Costa Rica. While not as frequent, sightings of orcas have been reported, although they are considered uncommon in these waters.

When can you see whales in Costa Rica?

Whales can be observed in Costa Rica during specific periods of the year. The whale watching season in Costa Rica typically runs from July to November, providing the best opportunities for encountering these majestic creatures. This timeframe coincides with the annual migration of humpback whales, making it the prime season to witness their impressive displays. It’s important to note that the exact timing of whale sightings may vary, as it is influenced by natural factors and the behavior of the whales themselves. However, planning a visit to Costa Rica within the designated whale watching season increases the chances of experiencing these incredible marine encounters.

Can you swim with whales in Costa Rica?

Swimming with whales is prohibited in Costa Rica. It is important to respect the natural habitat of these magnificent creatures and maintain a safe distance to ensure their well-being and your own safety. While you won’t be able to swim in close proximity to the whales, you will still have the opportunity to observe them up close and appreciate their beauty and grace during a whale watching tour. Admiring these incredible animals from a respectful distance allows for a memorable and responsible experience while preserving their natural behaviors and habitat.

What is the minimum age for whale watching?

Even the smallest children can be taken on a whale watching tour, as it is a unique attraction for everyone. Pregnant women can also take part in our tours. Children under the age of 4 do not have to pay!

What is the duration of the tour?

The whale watching tour begins at 8am at our office and lasts about three hours. Depending on the season, we can also start the tour at 12 noon.

What is the best place to see whales?

Uvita , located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is widely regarded as the best place to see whales in the country. This scenic coastal region has become a favored destination for whale sightings, particularly humpback whales. Uvita offers a unique combination of favorable environmental conditions and abundant marine resources, making it an ideal habitat for these magnificent creatures. The waters around Uvita provide excellent opportunities for whale watching, with a higher likelihood of encountering both adult whales and their young. If you are seeking the best place to witness the awe-inspiring presence of whales in Costa Rica, Uvita should be at the top of your list.

What is the cancellation policy?

We acknowledge that unforeseen circumstances may arise, leading to the need for reservation cancellations. However, kindly bear in mind that our operations take place within a national park, necessitating meticulous organization for each tour for whale watching in Costa Rica. As a result, we kindly request you to review our comprehensive cancellation policy, which can be found here: Cancellation Policy .

What language is the tour in?

Whale watching tours in Costa Rica are mainly conducted in English and Spanish. However, we also have the option of providing guides who speak other languages, such as French or Polish. We encourage you to contact us about this.

How experienced are the guides?

Our guides are both highly experienced and certified as licensed guides, making them highly qualified to lead tour groups. Their in-depth experience and knowledge allows them to provide an exceptional whale watching experience in Ksotaryka for every participant.

What if I have more questions?

If you have any questions or need additional information about the PADI Search and Recovery course in Costa Rica, we encourage you to contact us without hesitation. Our main goal is to help you and provide answers to all your questions. Our team is fully committed to providing comprehensive information to make your diving experience truly exceptional. Contact us at your convenience and we will be happy to provide you with prompt assistance.

Or maybe you fancy going on Isla del Cano?

Whale watching is a great attraction but Costa Rica has more to offer. Go snorkeling on Isla del Cano!

COSTA RICA DIVERS

Whale watching is an amazing experience that you will remember for ever

Whale Watching in Costa Rica – When and Where to Go

Why visit costa rica to whale watch.

When to Visit Costa rica to see Whales?

Where to Go in costa Rica to see Whales?

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DESTINATIONS

Ultimate Whale-Watching Guide to Costa Rica 

Contemplating a once-in-a-lifetime vacation to Costa Rica for this very reason? There’s no better time than RIGHT NOW! Whale watching season is here and from late July to early November you’ll have the best chances of seeing whales in migration. Follow our guide to the why, where and how, and get ready for the adventure trip of a lifetime.

Oh…and don’t forget to pack a wide angled lens for your camera!

Why Costa Rica is Best

What Makes Humpbacks So Revered

The humpback is considered the ‘holy-grail’ of wildlife viewing, as even though many species of whales are deep-sea dwellers and difficult to spot on the sea’s surface, the humpback is never shy on coming forward. Or, in this case, on putting on a formidable spectacle for amazed spectators. Moreover, they are curious by nature and will often close in on a boat to have a better look-see. Their propensity for gymnastic, and innate extroverted nature, make them the most delightfully entertaining whales to observe.

Best Places to Visit

Although humpbacks can be spotted all along the Pacific coastline at certain times of year, there are some places which they seem to prefer. The Osa Peninsula is the number one spot for whale-watching as the warm waters off its stunning coastline is where humpbacks tend to spend most of their time. A great number of day-trip excursions depart from Drake Bay however you can book trips from any of the nearby towns as they will include transport to the pier. Aside humpbacks, you can also see pilot whales and several different species of playful dolphins.

Further north is the Parque Nacional Marino Ballena . This is one of Costa Rica’s youngest nature reserves yet has swiftly made a name for itself as one of the best spots in the country spot for whale watching. On a whale and dolphin watching trip, you’ll see a myriad of other beautiful wildlife, including turtles and pelicans diving for fish in the sea. This NP is found about 180kms (111 miles) south west of the capital, San Jose, and trips can be booked through one of the many reputable agencies in Uvita, Bahai Ballena.

Helpful Tips

• Many may think it worthwhile to book a private trip for themselves and their family only, but do keep in mind that the more eyes on board, the best your chance of seeing everything that’s out there. But too many people aboard can certainly make it a bit too rowdy, so aim to join a group of between 12 and 14 people, plus crew.
• Make sure you do some thorough research and book with a reputable tour operator which offers what you, specifically, need. Is transport included? What about food & drinks? Will you pay more for a side trip elsewhere in which you have no interest? Is there a naturalist guide on board? Do they speak English as well as Spanish? Is the agency ecologically minded? A whale-watching trip can be an expensive excursion (especially if traveling with a family) so make sure you know all there is to know about your intended tour agent.
• Book in advance if you can (at least by a couple of days) as great trips tend to book out fast.
• Consider packing motion sickness medication, especially if it will be your first time out on a boat. Excitement can make one forget to keep hydrated out at sea, so pack (and drink) plenty of water.
• That wide angle lens? Yep, you’ll need it. Many visitors make the mistake of only packing enormous zooms for good-quality distance shot, but fact is you are likely to need a wide angle lens as you will get much closer to these colossal creatures than you’d ever dreamed.
• Humpback whales are certainly not an uncommon sight in other areas of Costa Rica, like the northern Guanacaste coast, Nicoya Peninsula or off the shores of the Manuel Antonio National Park . However, chances of close and long-lasting encounters are not nearly as numerous there so if the main priority in your Costa Rica adventure trip is to spot whales, plenty of whales, then do go to the effort of reaching the best spots. This is a small, compact country with great roads and good infrastructure. Covering ground, even just in a single day, is both easy and rewarding.
• Whichever tour agency you choose to go with, do make sure they abide by the strict laws which govern whale and dolphin watching excursions. This includes no jumping off the boat to have a swim with either creature. Only scientific researchers are allowed to do that!  A tour agency is not needed however if you choose to stay with Costa Rica Rios and order one of the several packages they offer.
• Don’t underestimate the amount of photos you will take so pack enough memory cards and charged batteries as you can carry!

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Exciting news! The whales are back, and we’ve been spotting them. Book your tour now!

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Whale watching Costa Rica

Whales and Dolphins tour Uvita

Whale watching costa rica: longest season in the world.

There is no place like Costa Rica for watching wales as it has the longest humpback whale season in the world. So, if you are looking for an encounter with the ocean’s gentle giants, your odds are pretty good here.

The spectacular jumps of the humpback whales

Do you want to see the spectacular jumps of the humpback whales? For many people this is a big dream. And now you have the possibility to make that dream come true! Seeing a jump of these giants is an unforgettable moment that will give you goosebumps.  

Whale watching Costa Rica. Where to see them in Costa Rica?

The best chance to see whales in Costa Rica is in Uvita, in the Marina Ballena National Park. Other places, next to Uvita, where you can find them in Costa Rica are Drake Bay, Guanacaste or Golfo Dulce. However, Uvita is the number 1 whale watching destination in Costa Rica.

Where can I book a whale watching tour in Costa Rica?

You have come to the right place for booking a whale tour when in Costa Rica! We offer whale tours in Uvita that you will love. Our tour offers the best and most memorable experience you can have. You can either choose to depart in the morning or in the afternoon. Our experienced guides will take you to the open sea to spot whales and other marine life such as dolphins and turtles. Also, there will be a stop for some snorkeling! You will learn so much about the giants of the ocean.

Do you also want to book a whale tour in Costa Rica? Book this memorable experience now online.

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Best rated whale tour, free cancellation, responsible whale watching, excellent tour guide, years of experience, educational component.

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Whale Watching in Costa Rica

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If you hope to go whale watching in Costa Rica — you are in for an incredible experience! Costa Rica boasts the longest humpback whale season worldwide, so you have a spectacular chance at seeing humpback whales during your trip to Costa Rica — and potentially other marine life too.

Before heading to Costa Rica, read through this guide to learn everything you need to know about spotting whales in Costa Rica, including the country’s whale-watching season, where to see whales, and the best whale-watching tours in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Whale and Dolphin Species

During your vacation, you will have the opportunity to see three species of migrating humpback whales in Costa Rica:  California Humpback Whales ,  Antarctic Whales , and  North Atlantic St. Lawrence Whales .

As we mentioned earlier, Costa Rica has the longest humpback whale season in the entire world. You will be able to see the Northern and Southern Hemisphere humpback whales passing through the waters of Costa Rica for more than ten months of the year.

It’s also common to see bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, common dolphins, sea turtles, and pseudo orca whales — a species of dolphin that shares similar characteristics to killer whales — in Costa Rica. Though they aren’t as common as humpback whales,  pilot whales ,  orca whales , and  blue whales  have all been spotted off the coast of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Whale-Watching Season

You can see Northern Hemisphere California Humpback Whales off Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast from  December  to  March . The Southern Hemisphere Antarctic Whales migrate north from late  July  to  November . If you stay along the Caribbean Sea, you can see the North Atlantic St. Lawrence Humpback Whales trading in the cold waters of Eastern Canada for these warm waters from  December  –  March. The only place with an abundance of  both  types of whales at  both  times of year is Uvita — a town on the Osa Peninsula on the South Pacific Coast. That is why famous whale-watching destinations in this region,like Marino Ballena National Park, are widely considered the best places for whale-watching in Costa Rica.

You can see Northern Hemisphere California Humpback Whales off Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast from  December to March . The Southern Hemisphere Antarctic Whales migrate north from late  July to November .

If you stay along the Caribbean Sea, you can see the North Atlantic St. Lawrence Humpback Whales trading in the cold waters of Eastern Canada for these warm waters from December to March.

The only place with an abundance of both types of whales at both times of year is Uvita — a town on the Osa Peninsula on the South Pacific Coast. That is why famous whale-watching destinations in this region, like Marino Ballena National Park, are widely considered the best places for whale-watching in Costa Rica.

Best Months for Whale Watching in Costa Rica

The best months for seeing humpback whales in Costa Rica are  January ,  February ,  August , and  September . During these months, the humpback whales are most active because this is when they breed and raise their young. So, if you want to see baby whales, these months are the best times to visit.

If you wish to attend the Annual Whale and Dolphin Festival in Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula, plan your trip in early September, during the peak season. It’s almost guaranteed you will see a humpback whale, and you will likely see bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, spotted dolphins, sea turtles, and sea birds during your whale-watching tour.

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Best places for costa rica whale watching.

Whether you’re searching for humpback whales, pilot whales, or bottlenose dolphins — there are plenty of opportunities to see majestic whales in Costa Rica. From the warm tropical waters of Golfo Dulce to Papagayo Bay — here are the best places to embark on a whale-watching tour in Costa Rica (moving north to south on the Pacific Coast).

Guanacaste & North Pacific Coast

If you’re looking for somewhere to spot whales in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, the  Gulf of Papagayo  (or Papagayo Bay) is your best bet. This gulf stretches from  Santa Rosa National Park  to other beaches in the south, like  Playas del Coco  and  Playa Hermosa . It is most common to see humpback whales here in July and August.

While it may be less common, you can also see humpback whales off the coast of other beaches in Guanacaste, like  Playa Flamingo  or Tamarindo, as the humpbacks migrate from the cold northern or southern waters to the warmer waters of Central America.

Central Pacific Coast

Manuel Antonio National Park , located at the center of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, is a beloved tourist destination for its golden-sand beaches, excellent surfing, and exotic wildlife, like monkeys and sloths. However, it’s not unusual to see humpback whales or dolphins off the coast of this popular national park during June, July, and August.

South Pacific Coast

The further you move down the Pacific Coast — the better chance you’ll have at seeing whales. That is why Uvita, a town between Manuel Antonio National Park and the Osa Peninsula, is one of the best places for spotting whales and dolphins.

The national park in Uvita —  Marino Ballena National Park  — was created to protect the waters around this town since it’s a popular spot for humpback whales to come to breed, nurse their young, and teach them how to dive, feed, and play. For the best chance of seeing whales at  Marino Ballena National Park , visit from August to October. However, the official whale-watching season lasts from August to April.

Fun Fact:  At low tide, the ocean waters in Marino Ballena National Park retreat to reveal a sandbar in the shape of a whale’s tail, nicknamed the “Whale’s Tail Sandbar.”

Osa Peninsula

Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, located on the Southern Pacific Coast, is one of the best locations in the entire country to embark on a whale-watching tour.

Popular places to see whales on the Osa Peninsula include  Drake Bay  and  Golfo Dulce . Drake Bay is located on the northwestern side of the peninsula, whereas Golfo Dulce stretches between the Osa Peninsula and  Piedras Blancas National Park . The shallow, protected, calm waters in both locations provide the perfect place for humpback whales (usually Southern Antarctic Humpback Whales) to raise their calves. Hotels on the Osa Peninsula can typically arrange whale or dolphin tours in these two popular whale-watching locations.

Top Costa Rica Whale-Watching Tours

While there are plenty of opportunities to see whales and dolphins on the Northern or Central Coast of the Pacific Ocean, most official whale-watching tours in Costa Rica will depart from the Osa Peninsula or Southern Pacific Coast.

• Whale-Watching Tours in Guanacaste:  There aren’t many (if any) whale-watching tours offered in Guanacaste. However, you can book a snorkeling excursion, sunset sailing adventure, or fishing tour for the chance of a whale and dolphin sighting while you’re on the high seas.
• Whale-Watching Tours in Manuel Antonio:  Similarly to Guanacaste, there are no specific whale-watching tours on the Central Pacific Coast. However, consider booking a catamaran or sunset sailing excursion in August or September if you want to see a whale or dolphin.
• Whale-Watching Tours in Uvita:  Uvita is located on the Costa Ballena (Whale Coast) of Costa Rica. Here, you can find plenty of tour providers offering whale or dolphin tours. Popular providers are  Dolphin Tours ,  Bahia Adventures ,  Ballena Tour Costa Rica , and  Ballena Aventura .
• Whale-Watching Tours in Drake Bay:  There are plenty of whale and dolphin-watching tours that depart from Drake Bay. Popular tour providers include  The Divine Dolphin  and  Pelagic Boat Tours, Scuba, and Sport Fishing .

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• ** All Gulf of Papagayo ATV Adventure Combo Tours
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• ** All Papagayo Canopy, Canyoning & Rappel Adventure Parks and Full Day Tours
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• ** All Papagayo Nature & Eco Tours by Land
• Early Morning Bird Watching in Guanacaste
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• ** All Papagayo Nature & Eco Tours by Water
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Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Costa Rica

(private gulf of papagayo whale watching charters from four seasons, playa hermosa, playa panama, ocotal, & playas del coco), let us help you plan your trip. you're just a click away.

Reserve Your Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Costa Rica Now

We have 4 different boats to choose from for all travel styles and budgets. Our smaller adventure boats hold between 6 to 8 pax and are perfect for Papagayo Dolphin & Whale Watching excursions. Just click on the tabs below for a little more info about each boat. If you are searching for whale watching trip on a larger yacht, take a look at our Family Fun Day on the Ocean & Beach Break Options.

La Guapa is a 28' Panga with a new 150 hp Yamaha engine. It has comfortable benches with cushions and a special roof rack that doubles as shade and also board storage for all the water toys we plan to bring along. There is even a freshwater shower on board to rinse after your fun in the sun. This boat is also equipped with outriggers, fish finder & GPS for those that want to try to catch some fish. Don't forget your smart phone! You can hook up your own favorite tunes to our stereo.

Private Dolphin & Whale Watching in Costa Rica Tour Details

Private Papagayo Whale Watching Charter Includes:

• * Transportation from the beach in Playas del Coco, or the pier of your hotel if available
• * Private boat charter up to 6 pax
• * Bottled water and beverages
• * Beer, white wine, or your choice of liquor
• * Snacks: fruits, nuts, guacamole, bacon-cheddar dip, chips
• * 3 hours of whale watching in the Gulf of Papagayo and the Pacific Coast of Guanacaste
• * 1 hour to explore Papagayo's hidden beaches
• * Snorkeling equipment

Departures: Dolphin & whale watching charters depart 2 times daily at 8:00 am and 2:00 pm from the beach at Playas del Coco, or from the pier or beach of your hotel. Exact meeting times and instructions will be provided on your confirmation voucher.

Length: Approximately 4 hours.

Private Papagayo Whale Watching Charter Recommendations:

• * Swimwear & towel if you would like to snorkel
• * Beach sandals
• * Eco-friendly sun screen or sun protective clothing
• * Sunhat and sunglasses
• * Binoculars if you have them
• * Cash for balance, tips for your guides, and any incidentals you wish to purchase

Children: Dolphin and whale watching in Costa Rica is fun for the whole family. All ages are welcome. We have life vests on board, but if you have one for your child you may want to bring it on board. Let us know the ages of your children and we can advise if we have the appropriately sized life vest available.

Restrictions: Playas del Coco beach and some of the surrounding hotel beaches have no pier, so you will need to be able to enter and exit the boat from the shore, or a dinghy from the shore to the boat. So you must have the mobility necessary to climb in and out of the boat with minimal assistance.

Insider Tip: Whale watching in Guanacaste is best between December and March, and then again between July and October. For the rest of the year, you can seek out dolphins, or add a variety of water activates on our Fun Day at the Ocean boat charter instead.

** PLEASE NOTE: Due to the strictly enforced sales tax law that has been introduced in Costa Rica, sales tax may be added to the final payment made to the operator. Sales tax is already included in the deposit amount.

About Your Online Reservation: Booking online does not guarantee that spaces are available and your reservation is confirmed. Our reservation offices are open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm CST daily and we do our best to confirm your reservation and send your confirmed voucher with meeting instructions within 24 hours. If you are booking a tour in less than 24 hours in advance, we recommend you contact us to check availability for you.

La Guapa Boat:

Retail: $509.00

The Real Deal: $482.00

Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Costa Rica deposit is $75.00 per up to 6 passengers. . (The balance of $407.00 per boat in cash must be paid the day of the tour) This tour departs at 8:00 AM.

Racoon is a 25' Costa constructed in Costa Rica by Boston Whaler. This boat has comfortable bench seating around the outside and a convertible shade top to protect you from the sun, or let you soak in the rays. The powerful 250 hp engine is perfect for tubing, water skiing and wakeboarding. There is also a Garmin GPS, fish finder & outriggers for those who wish to throw out a line. And there is plenty of space to store a couple of SUP or Surf boards too. Bring your own tunes, the Racoon is smart phone compatible too!

Raccoon Boat:

Retail: $588.00

The Real Deal: $555.00

Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Costa Rica deposit is $85.00 per up to 6 passengers. . (The balance of $470.00 per boat in cash must be paid the day of the tour) This tour departs at two different times.

La Charanga is a 28' Angler powered by a 300 hp Yamaha engine. It has a walk around layout for perfect marine life viewing from all sides, great shade in the back, a sun deck in the front and a small cabin in case you need to put the kiddos down for a nap. La Charanga is primarily set up for fishing charters, but is a great choice for families with young ones who need extras like bathroom and showers. And if you are into wakeboarding or water skiing, this is the best choice for the most powerful engine to tow you. Bring your own tunes, the La Charanga is smart phone compatible too!

La Charanga:

Retail: $699.00

The Real Deal: $664.00

Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Costa Rica deposit is $105.00 per up to 6 passengers. . (The balance of $559.00 per boat in cash must be paid the day of the tour) This tour departs at two different times.

Seafari is a 28’ Apex boat with twin 140 hp engines and holds up to 8 pax comfortably. The Apex also has a second level which provides excellent options for wildlife viewing and seeking out fish. The second level provides a great shaded area below as well. Seating on the main deck is cushioned bench seating around the bow. Maneuverability and no slip sides makes this one of our favorite boats for whale watching. There is even a small bathroom on board. We like this one best for wildlife viewing, but the second level is also great for spotting the swell for surf trips.

• * Private boat charter up to 8 pax

Seafari Boat:

Retail: $805.00

he Real Deal: $764.00

Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour deposit is $120.00 per up to 8 passengers. (The balance of $644.00 per Boat in cash must be paid the day of the tour) This tour departs at two different times.

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