whale watching tour manuel antonio

• Tour Description
• Whale Season in Manuel Antonio

Whale Watching Tour Manuel Antonio Costa Rica

Join our whale watching tour around the Beautiful Coast of Manuel Antonio Costa Rica and get up close with the famous Humpback Whale which will leave you in a state of pure shock as you will be impressed with the size of these mammals.  Our company, Sunset Sails Tours has been performing whale watching tours in Manuel Antonio for more than 16 years and our tour guides have a lot of very interesting information about this Magnificent Mammal which they will share with you during the whale watching tour.

We do recommend going on our morning tour to see the Humpback Whales because as we will mention in this post, the best time to see whales is from August – October and this is considered to be rainy season here in Costa Rica and much of the afternoon time is sometimes filled with rain. The good news is we have a morning whale watching tour from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  This provides you with nice weather conditions and a great chance of viewing the Humpback Whale.

The best time and considered to be the Peak Season to see Humpback Whales around the coast of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is from August through the end of October.  With that being said, the Humpback Whale does make an appearance through out the year but as we mentioned, the highest chance of viewing them is from August – October.

If you have an opportunity to take a coastal cruise, when whales are in the area, you really don’t want to miss the chance. Sunset Sails is ideally equipped to take advantage of that opportunity and has helped create many lasting memories of the thrilling experience of seeing these wondrous marine inhabitants.

There are just a few months of the year, when the humpback whales pass through the waters off of Manuel Antonio, Quepos, on their annual migration from  Alaska   to  Costa Rica. If you should be fortunate enough to visit Costa Rica, during those few months of the year, you just might be in for an unexpected treat. They are not as plentiful as the ever present dolphins, and they don’t reside in these waters, so a chance to see them is something very special.

If you have never seen a whale, up close, it is truly something quite awe inspiring. “Awesome” has become one of those words, the meaning of which has been greatly diminished by over use, but this is one of those things, about which the term best captures the experience. They are such large creatures, typically measuring      meters, and weighing about      tons. 

They seem to have a natural curiosity about humans, and don’t shy away from boats, filled with excited onlookers. Not even the noise created by the shouts of “oohs and ah’s” and applause, seem to bother them. While protective of their young calves, mother whales don’t seem threatened by the presence of people. All of those factors help create ideal conditions, in which to safely view these magnificent mammals. 

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Manuel Antonio Whale Watching Tours

During several months of the year, Humpback Whales and other species of whales and also several species of dolphins can be seen quite often in the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Humpback Whales come to the warm waters of Costa Rica from  July through the end of October and from December through late February.

The Humpback Whales that can be seen during July to October come from the Southern Hemisphere, while the ones from December through February come from the colder waters up north, specifically Canada and North West USA coast.

Watching humpback whales and the other species , which are less common but not rare either ( Pilot whale, Orcas and false Orcas ) provide an amazing spectacle for tourists as they watch them jumping and breeching.

They come to the  Pacific Ocean waters in order to give birth but more to grow the calf in the nutrient rich and also, comfortable and gentile warm waters of Costa Rica.

Whale Watching Sailing Tours

You can book a private sailing and whale watching tour in advance. Since there are very few catamarans and sailboats available, we highly recommend to book the charter in advance, as soon as possible, so that we can hold the boat and guarantee it is available for the specific date you are interested in.

During our private air catamaran whale watching tours, it is important to remember that we will intentionally NOT get as close to the whales as some boats used to do. We have implemented this new measure so as not to cause unnecessary stress to the whales, as especially during the above mentioned seasons, there are quite a few mothers with their babies in the waters of Manuel Antonio. The mothers come to give birth, or raise their calves in the warm Central Pacific waters of Costa Rica, which is an essential part of the preservation of whale species, especially humpback whales, orcas and other species such as pilot whales.

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Private tours available from Quepos

– Half day Morning Tour 8 – 12

– Half Day Sunset Tour 2 – 6

– Full day Sailing tour 10 – 6

Boats available:

– Sailboats

– Catamarans

– Luxury Yachts

Beaches we serve

• Manuel Antonio
• Marina Pez Vela
• Hotel Parador
• Issimo Suites
• Gaia Hotel and Reserve
• Tulemar Bungalows
• Hotel San Bada
• Hotel Mariposa

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Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio

• Fruits and Water
• Transportation by boat
• Transport by car
• Snorkeling equipment
• Entrance fees
• Entry/Admission - Parque Nacional Marino Ballena
• Please let us know the hotel you are staying in or the specific point of pick up in Manuel Antonio!
• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Infant seats available
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Parque Nacional Marino Ballena Stop: 4 hours - Admission included Itinerary 7:00 am Hotel pick-up in Manuel Antonio 8:20 am You meet your tour guide at our office where the tour departs from 8:30 am    Arrival at Marino Ballena National Park and start off the boat tour: Whale watching in the waters of Marino Ballena National Park with snorkeling, swimming, caves visit and high probability to see whales, dolphins and turtles. If the water is clear you practice snorkeling otherwise you have time to swim 12:00 pm  End of the boat tour and free time  Included: Boat transfer, Guide, Park Entrance, Snorkeling equipment, Water and Fruits during the tour. It is the first marine park of Costa Rica, recognized since its beach has the form of a whale's tail and ironically it is the best place to see whales. It is located in the South Pacific, just 4 hours from San Jose. We have 2 seasons of whales, the first of the year is from January to March and the following from July to October Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• maricE5530IU 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Worth it! Highly recommend Crew were fabulous and went out of their way. We saw a mama and baby humpback, and the baby breeched! We also saw dolphins and went snorkeling. Great trip. Read more Written March 4, 2024
• dellmayo 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles too many boats we did see momma whale with baby but there were so many tour boats you could not get close. pictures look like black dots. trip to coral reef pointless it is dead too many motor boats killing it. Read more Written February 10, 2024
• suenpeter37 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles A little disappointing Just finished this tour which was supposed to be a highlight of our trip. The cruise through the Mangroves is more of a speed dash to get there and back again. We were hoping the Boats were as good as those used in Uvita but no, they were smaller and less comfortable. They are fine speeding along the Sierpe river but not so good on the open sea. We thought thet were were hiking to the waterfall but some way into the Hike we asked our guide and discovered the waterfall path is closed due to fallen trees. We also found far more tourist here than any other park we have been to in Costa Rica. Wildlife spotting was fine but no better than Monteverde or Tenorio so not sure the long day and $170 cost were worth it. Met some nice people on our tour which made for a pleasant day. Read more Written February 9, 2024
• Tammy P 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience We saw a mother and baby humpback whale, after only a short time looking.. So memorable. The guide was very informative. Read more Written February 6, 2024
• svenp4 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great day It was excellent. Saw whales and dolphins , did some snorkeling, and saw some caves . Lovely day on the ocean . Sebastian was a great guide. Read more Written January 23, 2024
• Q1616SWbarbaraf 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Somehow disappointing This is potentially a idyllic place: the forest, the beaches, some wild animals. However, if you have visited other natural parks in Costa Rica, it is difficult not to be disappointed by Manuel Antonio. There are roads not paths inside the park, groups of visitors stand on your way every 10 meters looking up with their guides, everybody shouting. No wonder that you will have more chances to see birds on the outskirts of the park or even in front of your lodge than here! As for the beaches, they are fantastic and they are really worth a visit. However, it is outrageous (and dangerous) that the Park allows jet skies, banana boats and even tour boats to enter one of their bays and arrive very close to the shore. They call it a National Park, a protected area but you do not have such a feeling when you are there. Read more Written January 11, 2024
• georgekP8028DO 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Whale whatch tour Was incredible. Saw a lot of dolphins but no whales that day. They really went out of their way to make it an amazing experience. Read more Written December 11, 2023
• Compass01710046113 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best whale tour in Costa Rica! Thanks so much to Carlos, Mariella and everyone else over the last week for the tours. We have done 5 trips in a week and seen whales every time thanks to all the expertise on the boat. Every time the whales showed themselves the crew would get us in the positions for viewing whilst still maintaining respect for the animals and giving them their own space. We've seen whales breaching, sleeping, 2 different pods of males showing off for females! Multiple dophins and sea turtles too. It's been incredible and we couldn't ask for me. Absolutely amazing time thanks again to everyone working hard to make it happen. Couldn't recommend you guys enough! Read more Written September 24, 2023
• Joe L 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Whale watching in Uvita This was a great, cost effective way to see the whales and dolphins via Uvita. Our guide, Mariela, was excellent and informed us before we left that they had seen whales everyday since July 10th. Soon after leaving the beach they received reports of a whale and within 30 minutes we were seeing a mother and her baby in the water. After a while we left to see some spotted dolphins and eventually returned to see the mother and he baby a few more times. I highly recommend this tour. Read more Written September 4, 2023
• nickisF8635QU 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Good to see whales! We were very excited about the tour Trip Advisor advertised and were a little disaappointed at the end. The guide Mariella was very nice and attentive to animals. She was motivated and very cheery. When I got seasick she immediately helped and cared for me. They absolutely tried to make it a good experience for us and we did see whales which was amazing! We even went to different spots to see more whales. However on trip advisor it said we are going to go "snorkeling and visit caves". We did not go snorkeling and it was not intended to go from the beginning. The guide said it is difficult during the rainy season because the water is foggy. While I understand that you cannot influence nature it would have been nice to a least know about the possibility that it might not happen. We paid $95 each for the trip and expected to go snorkeling. Moreover we anticipated by "you will visit caves" to actually physically visit a cave but instead it entailed to go around a little island (more like a very, very big rock) and look from the boat at two big holes on each side. That is barely something to advertise. We would recommend the tour for whale watching (which was our main goal) but at least during rainy season there is not more to it than that. Read more Written September 4, 2023
• Julie B 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great but… The trip was good and fun. I would recommend it, however, the website description did not include the 15- minute walk in the heat from the parking lot to the boat. We asked specifically about shoes and they described shoes required for the boat ride but not the walk there and back so we walked in the heat on rocky paths in water shoes. Very unpleasant. The trip says it starts and ends in the same spot but it doesn’t. You get off the boat and find your own way back to your car. We saw whales and turtles. We swam in the ocean. That was awesome. However, THE BOAT SHOULD HAVE A LADDER!!! Even a cheap one! Jumping in the water was fine but getting back in the boat was quite challenging. Two of us got scraped until we bled!! Read more Written August 27, 2023
• L9791CXrosed 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome Whale Watching Excursion WOW! So informative. Friendly and helpful staff helped us on and off the boat. We went in January and saw oodles of whales and a mama and baby! Read more Written July 11, 2023
• rsaenz 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Vale a pena mas precisa administrar as expectativas sobre a fauna marinha que irá a encontrar! The tour was very nice and enjoyable. The boat and the crew (Mariana and the boat captain) were very friendly and knowledgeable. Fruits and water aboard for a break. We had the chance to swim nearby the “whale” island and was awesome. Our 5-years old daughter was carefully instructed along with the adults. Fully bilingual (English-Spanish) tour. Unfortunately we were a little bit early for the whales but we saw a few turtles. Pretty amazing caves were also a highlight! Read more Written July 4, 2023
• S7471AManthonyc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Trip exceeded expectations for this time of year. It was out of whale season so we weren’t expecting to much but this trip was amazing Ozzie our guide was excellent he pointed out sloths, cayman, various types of birds and we were lucky enough to see spotted dolphins and a large turtle swimming. We visited a lovely beach and had a swim where we could see different types of fish. Crew provided water and fruit and made sure you entered, excited the boat safely. Life jacketes and snorkel were provided. All in all a Fantastic trip would do again. Read more Written April 21, 2023
• 518yvonnej 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Disappointing whale trip in March 2023 Friendly crew who tried to find whales for us. We didn't see them or even dolphins in mid March 2023. We were told they had left in Feb. Online info is therefore misleading as it says March is a good time to see them as they are migrating then past Uvita. Snorkelling spot was good and we saw some caves. Read more Written March 22, 2023

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Whale Watching | Marino Ballena National Park from Manuel Antonio

This whale watching tour gives you the opportunity to spot pilot and humpback whales at the Marino Ballena National Park near Uvita, on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.

Take off from Manuel Antonio and head south along the coast towards the town of Uvita.

During the one-hour trip the guide will point out towns along the way providing information about Dominical, Matapalo and Uvita beaches.

Once you arrive at Marino Ballena National Park, you will board your boat and navigate the coast for approximately three hours in search for whales and dolphins.

You will go past the beautiful rock formations: Roca Ballena, Las Cavernas in front of Playa Ventana and Roca Viuda and Tres Hermanas.

Our Whale Watching tour gives you the opportunity to spot pilot whales and humpback whales with their babies during their migration, following the warm waters of the Central Pacific Ocean. You will be able to jump off the boat for a swim or a snorkel if conditions allow it.

Pick Up:  Hotel or Location Manuel Antonio

Departure Time:  7:00 AM

Duration:  6 Hours

Difficulty:  Easy

What to Bring:  Sunglasses with retainer cord, bathing suit, waterproof camera, sandals and beach towel.

Tour Includes:  Transportation from and to hotel, naturalist guide, park entrance fees, boat tour, snorkeling equipment and snacks.

• Whale sightseeing is not an exact science; therefore, we can’t guarantee you’ll spot one. However, chances are very high.
• This tour operates from July 15th to October 15th.
• Departure Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
• Duration: 6  Hours (approx.)
• Location: Marino Ballena, Uvita, Puntarenas

Other tours offered from the Manuel Antonio area

Tours offered in manuel antonio, jacó and san josé, manuel antonio, privacy overview.

Manuel Antonio is on the North and South Humpback Whale migration route

The pioneers and leaders of the whale&dolphin watching excursions in costa rica, breath-taking sunsets, unique experience to finish your day off in costa rica, the best on water adventure, a trip to remember for a lifetime, our boats are awesome. what else really needs to be said, the most romantic setting for the most important event, sustainable tourism providers in manuel antonio and guanacaste costa rica, enjoy tiquicia.

• Spanish Dancer

The best trip on the Pacific

Comfort, space and customized quality service.

The best food and drinks

Fresh seafood grilled in the boat. Try our famous fish Brochettes enjoy our selection of local drinks in the hot pacific sun .

More than just a tour

Watch whales and dolphins; explore Manuel Antonio or Flamingo from the sea, snorkel and swim in crystal clear waters all at Planet Dolphin catamaran adventures.

A true gift on vacation

Give yourself and your loved ones a unique gift. Take one of Costa Rica’s most exciting tours experience this remarkable adventure and unforgettable.

Wildlife is an essential part of our trip

Soon you will be in open water and on the lookout for spotted dolphins, migrating humpback whales, sea turtles, and manta rays. You will be captivated by the sight of dolphins frolicking in the boat’s wake, or the inimitable sound of a whale’s song. As we go down the coastline of national wildlife sanctuaries, the mysterious islands, jagged cliffs, and unique rock formations will look almost close enough to reach out and touch. These are the nesting grounds and home for numerous species of marine birds, including pelicans, boobies, magnificent frigates, and white ibises. We offer 2 main destinations in Costa Rica in the central pacific at Manuel Antonio and in the north pacific Flamingo and Tamarindo Guanacaste.

We have the safest funest boats in the Pacific of Costa Rica

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Don’t just take our word for it

“ My family and friend had a blast. We saw so many Dolphins. The view was fantastic and the crew were very helpful and friendly. The slide was AWESOME, you go fast off the slide. It was a great experience. Costa Rica is Spectacular. I LOVE this boat ride. TOM CAT ROCKS ” Georgia, Arizona USA

“ Such a wonderful outing on the ocean in Costa Rica. Our two families of 4 had a great time! The crew was ever so friendly & knowledgeable. Would recommend this boat trip to friends for sure! ” The Rokowy Family Netherlands

“ Thanks for making this sunset cruise so much fun. Great fun staff, beautiful settings and excellent food. Was such a nice surprise to see so many dolphins. ” Carrie Flynn England

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Manuel Antonio Whale Watching and Dolphin Tour

Feel and experience the power and grace of whales and dolphins in the tropical waters of Costa Rica. The beautiful Central Pacific coastline is known for amazing and spectacular whale and dolphin watching experiences offered to nature lovers and eco-tourists. To see a whale or dolphin spin, flip, and finally dive into the water will no doubt fill you with wonder.

Enjoy incredible viewing of bottlenose, spinners and spotted dolphins, humpback whales and pilot whales. But, don’t just see the creatures, hear them ‘sing’ and call to each other as they do their acrobatics. The tour gives you an opportunity to watch groups of dolphins perform their own version of synchronized swimming complete with flips, flaps, spins and finish with a big splash.

The guides can schedule a visit to offshore islands in the mornings or evenings for you to enjoy the beautiful island plants and scenery. In addition, Manuel Antonio whale watching and dolphin tours include snorkeling in coral and rock reefs to take a closer look and observe reef fish, turtles, the bi-color parrotfish and many other species of marine life in the tropical blue waters of the Pacific. Costa Rica has the largest concentration of coral building organisms along the Pacific Ocean of Central America, and 
therefore there is abundant marine flora and fauna for you to observe while snorkeling. Snorkeling 
equipment is provided (mask, fins and snorkel) so you can take in the creatures as they pass you by or 
curiously come closer to you.

The tour experience includes refreshments snacks, and the local fruits that Manuel Antonio has to offer. Professional guides will be on hand to provide dolphin and whale facts as you enjoy a cool breeze and just have fun in the sun and ocean.

Manuel Antonio offers more activities and attractions to ensure that you never have a dull moment on your vacation. A number of these attractions include; Manuel Antonio horseback riding tours, sports fishing, National Park and Biological Reserve tours, thrilling crocodile tours, canopy tours with zip lining for both first timers and the experienced, white water rafting tours with river rapids ranging from 
classes 1 to 5, restaurants, nightlife and much more.

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

July 1, 2023 By Sammi 39 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

Whale & dolphin watching tour information.

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Biological Reserve & Environmental Education Center

Planet Dolphin Catamaran

• Min. Pax 12 - Max. Pax 100

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This tour is NOT done inside Manuel Antonio National Park.

Cruise along the Majestic Manuel Antonio National Park coastline with the pioneers of THE family-friendly Eco Adventures.

Watch for migrating Humpback Whales (Sep-Nov), local dolphins, and marine life.

Swim and snorkel in the warm tropical waters of Bahia Biesanz, enjoy a delicious meal & Discover the true meaning of the word paradise as you relax and enjoy the Pura Vida (“pure life”) in this beautiful paradise surrounded by the lush green landscape and the soothing sounds of the ocean.

If you have chosen a summer afternoon departure, you may even be able to view a romantic sunset on the way back to shore as an added bonus.

Let us take you on an unforgettable trip on one of Costa Rica ’s most beautiful places Manuel Antonio.

Children from 0 to 4 years pay $5 for transportation.

In case of a private tour, the tour operator will contact you 72 hours prior to your tour date, in order to charge 50% of the remaining balance of your private tour.

Restrictions: Kids 0-4 are free, a 5$ transportation fee will be charged per person. Please do not show up to the tour under the influence of any drugs or alcohol & please do not bring your own alcohol, as it is a family-oriented tour.

• Lunch/Dinner and fruits
• Alcoholic drinks (5 total) - beer is $3
• Dolphin Watching ( Not Guaranteed )
• Bilingual Guide
• Snorkeling Gear
• Sunset View (PM Tours only)
• Round trip transportation from Quepos/Manuel Antonio

Recommendations

• Bring Swimsuit
• Dry Clothes

Best catamaran trip!

The whole day was really well planned. Seeing Manuel Antonio park was gorgeous then the snorkeling and slides/jumps were so fun. The food was 11/10 and the sunset was just magical. Really recommend:)

Beautiful afternoon and gorgeous sunset.

The service and food were great. The music was tasteful and snorkeling was a lot of fun. There was plenty of room on the boat and my kids (10, 9 & 8) had a blast. The entire experience was as described and expected and the sunset was amazing. Thanks for making one of our last evenings in Costa Rica so memorable.

Great Catamaran Experience with AMAZING Crew!

WOW! Fun from the very start! The crew works so hard to make sure every passenger is happy! They were always checking to make sure you were having fun and had a cocktail in hand (if you wanted one)! The music was fun and the scenery was incredible! Snorkeling was good, and we had a blast on the slide and jumping from the top! Overall, excellent!!!!

Great crew and fun

Had a great time and loved seeing the dolphins! All over a wonderful trip!

I have done a few different boat tours in Costa Rica and this was the best. Great food, the barbecued fish was excellent, clean alcoholic drinks using fresh fruit mixes, showers to use after swimming in the sea, friendly and helpful staff, daring water slides and diving off the upper floor was fun. Could not fault it, felt wonderful to be on the catamaran.

Great experiencie

The crew deserves it all. Jorge is an excellent guide; he even takes the time to talk 1on1 with the passengers to make sure everything is perfect. Food is great. View is awesome. My 7yo and I had a great time. We will definitely book again with them.

Great crew, delicious food, beautiful trip!

We got super lucky, and saw both dolphins & a humpback whale with a baby – so exciting! It was a relaxing, fun trip with great music, helpful, informative crew, and yummy food. My kids loved the slide, and jumping off the boat!

Wow belle avant midi!

Super équipe sympathique et souriante! Le bateau était propre et pas trop chargé , musique pas trop forte mais juste assez pour donner une belle ambiance! Nous avons vu 2 tortues et 2 baleines 🙂

C’était magique!

Le repas de brochettes et salade de pâtes était excellent!

Great catamaran experience

The boat and crew were fantastic. A real highlight of our family trip.

Incredible experience and wonderful crew!

The experience was really well organized with pick up and return to our hotel. The crew were super friendly and let my two sons steer the catamaran for a while. They were also flexible so that when dolphins were spotted, they were on it and took us to see them. The dinner was surprisingly tasty and plentiful (same with the drinks!). I’d highly recommend the cruise.

We had an amazing time!! We saw three humpback whales, lots of fish, and a beautiful sunset!! My 5 and 8 year olds had the time of their lives. Thank you!!

Wonderful and fun

I love the way how the educated us, and in the book him. And we had to jump out. It was the best experience of my life

Definitely recommended

We went on the boat, and from the beginning the crew were so Nice, and offered drinks. After a while of sailing we saw dolphins and then we went snorkling and jumped from the boat. It ended with dinner while watching the sunset. Amazing tour

Super relaxing experience with lovely crew. So great to see Manuel

António from the water and had great food!

Best catamaran we have taken

We have two young kids and have done another catamaran in tamarindo and one on the big island of Hawaii. This was by far the best. The staff was fun with the kids. They made them super comfortable with the masks. And the fish – both in the water and for dinner – was great.

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Whale Watching Tour – Manuel Antonio

This trip explore the Marino Ballena National Park searching for the majestic Humpback Whales  and  for other marine wildlife such as the Pacific spotted dolphins, bottle nose dolphins , seabirds (pelicans, frigate birds, brown boobies and more) , and  sea turtles .

Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio

• Fruits and Water
• Transportation by boat
• Transport by car
• Snorkeling equipment
• Entrance fees
• Entry/Admission - Parque Nacional Marino Ballena
• Please let us know the hotel you are staying in or the specific point of pick up in Manuel Antonio!
• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Infant seats available
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for pregnant travellers
• Most travellers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Parque Nacional Marino Ballena Stop: 4 hours - Admission included Itinerary 7:00 am Hotel pick-up in Manuel Antonio 8:20 am You meet your tour guide at our office where the tour departs from 8:30 am    Arrival at Marino Ballena National Park and start off the boat tour: Whale watching in the waters of Marino Ballena National Park with snorkeling, swimming, caves visit and high probability to see whales, dolphins and turtles. If the water is clear you practice snorkeling otherwise you have time to swim 12:00 pm  End of the boat tour and free time  Included: Boat transfer, Guide, Park Entrance, Snorkeling equipment, Water and Fruits during the tour. It is the first marine park of Costa Rica, recognized since its beach has the form of a whale's tail and ironically it is the best place to see whales. It is located in the South Pacific, just 4 hours from San Jose. We have 2 seasons of whales, the first of the year is from January to March and the following from July to October Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• maricE5530IU 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Worth it! Highly recommend Crew were fabulous and went out of their way. We saw a mama and baby humpback, and the baby breeched! We also saw dolphins and went snorkeling. Great trip. Read more Written 4 March 2024
• dellmayo 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles too many boats we did see momma whale with baby but there were so many tour boats you could not get close. pictures look like black dots. trip to coral reef pointless it is dead too many motor boats killing it. Read more Written 10 February 2024
• suenpeter37 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles A little disappointing Just finished this tour which was supposed to be a highlight of our trip. The cruise through the Mangroves is more of a speed dash to get there and back again. We were hoping the Boats were as good as those used in Uvita but no, they were smaller and less comfortable. They are fine speeding along the Sierpe river but not so good on the open sea. We thought thet were were hiking to the waterfall but some way into the Hike we asked our guide and discovered the waterfall path is closed due to fallen trees. We also found far more tourist here than any other park we have been to in Costa Rica. Wildlife spotting was fine but no better than Monteverde or Tenorio so not sure the long day and $170 cost were worth it. Met some nice people on our tour which made for a pleasant day. Read more Written 9 February 2024
• Tammy P 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience We saw a mother and baby humpback whale, after only a short time looking.. So memorable. The guide was very informative. Read more Written 6 February 2024
• svenp4 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great day It was excellent. Saw whales and dolphins , did some snorkeling, and saw some caves . Lovely day on the ocean . Sebastian was a great guide. Read more Written 23 January 2024
• Q1616SWbarbaraf 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Somehow disappointing This is potentially a idyllic place: the forest, the beaches, some wild animals. However, if you have visited other natural parks in Costa Rica, it is difficult not to be disappointed by Manuel Antonio. There are roads not paths inside the park, groups of visitors stand on your way every 10 meters looking up with their guides, everybody shouting. No wonder that you will have more chances to see birds on the outskirts of the park or even in front of your lodge than here! As for the beaches, they are fantastic and they are really worth a visit. However, it is outrageous (and dangerous) that the Park allows jet skies, banana boats and even tour boats to enter one of their bays and arrive very close to the shore. They call it a National Park, a protected area but you do not have such a feeling when you are there. Read more Written 11 January 2024
• georgekP8028DO 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Whale whatch tour Was incredible. Saw a lot of dolphins but no whales that day. They really went out of their way to make it an amazing experience. Read more Written 11 December 2023
• Compass01710046113 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best whale tour in Costa Rica! Thanks so much to Carlos, Mariella and everyone else over the last week for the tours. We have done 5 trips in a week and seen whales every time thanks to all the expertise on the boat. Every time the whales showed themselves the crew would get us in the positions for viewing whilst still maintaining respect for the animals and giving them their own space. We've seen whales breaching, sleeping, 2 different pods of males showing off for females! Multiple dophins and sea turtles too. It's been incredible and we couldn't ask for me. Absolutely amazing time thanks again to everyone working hard to make it happen. Couldn't recommend you guys enough! Read more Written 24 September 2023
• Joe L 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Whale watching in Uvita This was a great, cost effective way to see the whales and dolphins via Uvita. Our guide, Mariela, was excellent and informed us before we left that they had seen whales everyday since July 10th. Soon after leaving the beach they received reports of a whale and within 30 minutes we were seeing a mother and her baby in the water. After a while we left to see some spotted dolphins and eventually returned to see the mother and he baby a few more times. I highly recommend this tour. Read more Written 4 September 2023
• nickisF8635QU 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Good to see whales! We were very excited about the tour Trip Advisor advertised and were a little disaappointed at the end. The guide Mariella was very nice and attentive to animals. She was motivated and very cheery. When I got seasick she immediately helped and cared for me. They absolutely tried to make it a good experience for us and we did see whales which was amazing! We even went to different spots to see more whales. However on trip advisor it said we are going to go "snorkeling and visit caves". We did not go snorkeling and it was not intended to go from the beginning. The guide said it is difficult during the rainy season because the water is foggy. While I understand that you cannot influence nature it would have been nice to a least know about the possibility that it might not happen. We paid $95 each for the trip and expected to go snorkeling. Moreover we anticipated by "you will visit caves" to actually physically visit a cave but instead it entailed to go around a little island (more like a very, very big rock) and look from the boat at two big holes on each side. That is barely something to advertise. We would recommend the tour for whale watching (which was our main goal) but at least during rainy season there is not more to it than that. Read more Written 4 September 2023
• Julie B 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great but… The trip was good and fun. I would recommend it, however, the website description did not include the 15- minute walk in the heat from the parking lot to the boat. We asked specifically about shoes and they described shoes required for the boat ride but not the walk there and back so we walked in the heat on rocky paths in water shoes. Very unpleasant. The trip says it starts and ends in the same spot but it doesn’t. You get off the boat and find your own way back to your car. We saw whales and turtles. We swam in the ocean. That was awesome. However, THE BOAT SHOULD HAVE A LADDER!!! Even a cheap one! Jumping in the water was fine but getting back in the boat was quite challenging. Two of us got scraped until we bled!! Read more Written 27 August 2023
• L9791CXrosed 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome Whale Watching Excursion WOW! So informative. Friendly and helpful staff helped us on and off the boat. We went in January and saw oodles of whales and a mama and baby! Read more Written 11 July 2023
• rsaenz 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Vale a pena mas precisa administrar as expectativas sobre a fauna marinha que irá a encontrar! The tour was very nice and enjoyable. The boat and the crew (Mariana and the boat captain) were very friendly and knowledgeable. Fruits and water aboard for a break. We had the chance to swim nearby the “whale” island and was awesome. Our 5-years old daughter was carefully instructed along with the adults. Fully bilingual (English-Spanish) tour. Unfortunately we were a little bit early for the whales but we saw a few turtles. Pretty amazing caves were also a highlight! Read more Written 4 July 2023
• S7471AManthonyc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Trip exceeded expectations for this time of year. It was out of whale season so we weren’t expecting to much but this trip was amazing Ozzie our guide was excellent he pointed out sloths, cayman, various types of birds and we were lucky enough to see spotted dolphins and a large turtle swimming. We visited a lovely beach and had a swim where we could see different types of fish. Crew provided water and fruit and made sure you entered, excited the boat safely. Life jacketes and snorkel were provided. All in all a Fantastic trip would do again. Read more Written 21 April 2023
• 518yvonnej 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Disappointing whale trip in March 2023 Friendly crew who tried to find whales for us. We didn't see them or even dolphins in mid March 2023. We were told they had left in Feb. Online info is therefore misleading as it says March is a good time to see them as they are migrating then past Uvita. Snorkelling spot was good and we saw some caves. Read more Written 22 March 2023

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6 Best Costa Rica Whale-Watching Tours

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

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!

Ascen Aynat

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Whale Watching Tour from Manuel Antonio

Price varies by group size

Select date and travelers:

Children (Over 6):

Recomended Age

Infants from 0 to 5 yo free. Children from 6 years and above pay the regular rate.

Transportation

Transportation is included from nearby hotels or in downtown Manuel Antonio, for hotels located outside the area or far from them, there may be additional costs, please consult with our experts.

Choose one of the following options:

Regular service, trip details.

On this Costa Rican Pacific Coast whale watching tour, you can look for pilot and humpback whales in the Marino Ballena National Park near Uvita. Start your journey from Manuel Antonio and head south along the coast toward Uvita. During the one-hour excursion, the guide will provide information about Dominical, Matapalo, and Uvita beaches by pointing out towns along the way. After entering Marino Ballena National Park, you will board your boat and spend the next three hours searching for whales and dolphins along the coast. You won’t see the stunning rock formations: Roca Ballena, Las Cavernas, Roca Viuda, and Tres Hermanas in front of Playa Ventana During their migration through the warm waters of the Central Pacific Ocean, pilot whales and humpback whales with their young can be observed on our Whale Watching tour. If the conditions permit, you will be able to jump off the boat for a swim or snorkel.

Tour Duration: 6 hours

Other Details

• Departure Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
• This tour operates from July 15th to October 15th.
• Whale sightseeing is not an exact science; therefore, we can’t guarantee you’ll spot one. However, the chances are very high.

What’s included

• Bilingual certified guides
• Transportation to/from hotels in Manuel Antonio
• Park Entrance Fees
• Snorkeling Equipment

What to bring

• Waterproof Camera
• Beach Towel
• Sunglasses with retainer cord

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Booking Terms and Conditions

Find my costa rica, proof of citizenship, visas, shot requirements.

Participants are responsible for obtaining proper entry documentation. All foreign nationals including infants are required to possess a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. All passports must have at least six months remaining before expiration at time of departure from Costa Rica. Visitors from the US traveling with a passport issued by a US agency are not required to have a visa or shots when traveling from the US, but visa and/or shot records may be required by travelers from other countries or US travelers when the US is not their point of embarkation before arriving in Costa Rica. It is each traveler’s responsibility to ascertain whether a visa or shots will be required and to secure necessary documentation prior to travel. No refunds will be given for missed flights or denied entry caused by failure to carry proper documentation or for any other reason. If travel documents are lost or stolen or other issues need to be resolved with the participant’s embassy once in Costa Rica, there will be no refund for forfeited transfers, hotel rooms, or tours. We will gladly provide assistance, but any incurred expense would need to be paid at time service is rendered and are at the guest’s sole expense. Visitors to Costa Rica may carry a copy of their passport in lieu of the original while traveling within the country.

DEPARTURE TAX

Departure Tax is now included in ticket price for most airlines, but please verify with your air carrier prior to travel.

DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS

A deposit of $100 per person is required at time of booking. Deposits are non-refundable unless stated differently at time of booking. If you are not paying in full at the time you make your reservation, you will receive an invoice with a final payment due date specified. If we have your credit card on file, it will automaWilllly be charged for any balance on the due date specified, if payment has not been made in full in advance of due date. It is your responsibility to notify us if your credit card expires or is cancelled. If you are making payment on-line and we do not have your account information on file, a payment reminder will be sent and payment will need to be received by agreed due date. Any reservation made within 31 days prior to arrival must be paid in full at time of booking. If payment is not made in full by the specified due date, reservation will be cancelled, rooms and tour activity space released, and no refund of any deposits or payments collected will be refunded.

CHANGES TO ITINERARY

Any changes to the itinerary at the guest’s request while in Costa Rica are at the guest’s sole expense. NO REFUNDS will be given for any unused rooms, tours, meals, or transfers. No exceptions will be made. For bookings made within 30 days prior to departure date, the itinerary is final. We will do our best to assist with making changes with change fees assessed.

• Within 61+ days of travel: $25.00 per change
• Within 15-60 days of Travel: $50.00 per change
• Within 14 days of Travel: $100.00 for parties of one to five, $150.00 for parties of six or more
• All change requests must be via telephone during regular business hours. Changes to reservations cannot be guaranteed, but we will do our best to assist you.

CANCELLATION POLICY

All cancellations must be relayed to us via telephone during regular business hours and must also be submitted in writing to our office. The date of the response from us, acknowledging receipt of your request with our cancellation confirmation number, is the date that will be used to determine which penalties outlined below will be assessed. It is your responsibility to verify that you have written notification from us that your request has been received. No refunds will be made for unused hotel rooms, meals, diving, tours, or transfers. These policies do not apply to any airfare booked though Find My Costa Rica S.A. You will be given specific airline cancellation policies at time of booking. The policy for the property where you are staying and the dives you booked are subject to the following cancellation penalties:

• Peak Season Dec 20 – Jan 8th / Easter Week Cancellations  91+ days prior to arrival – loss of deposit. Cancellations 90 or fewer days prior to arrival – 100% penalty
• High /Mid Season Jan 9th to May 1st / July 1 to Aug 31st   Cancellations 61+ days prior to arrival – loss of deposit. Cancellations less than 45-60 days prior to arrival – loss of deposit and any penalties applied by providers. Cancellations 44 or fewer days prior to arrival – 100% penalty
• Low Season May 1st to June 30th / Sept 1st to Dec 19th  Cancellations 45+ days prior to arrival – loss of deposit. Cancellations less than 31-44 days prior to arrival – loss of deposit and any penalties applied by providers. Cancellations 30 or fewer days prior to arrival – 100% penalty

No shows will forfeit the full amount of the package.

We strongly encourage all guests purchase comprehensive travel, medical, accident, luggage, emergency, trip interruption, and dive insurance prior to departure date. Activities such a scuba diving, white-water rafting, zip-line canopy, canyoning, rappelling, tubing, kayaking, horseback riding or ATV tours, as well as visits to volcanos, hot springs, mud baths and spas carry inherent risks. Participation is voluntary and all activities are performed at customer’s own risk. We will be happy to provide a quote for trip interruption and/or dive travel insurance if you provide us with your birth year.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• What to bring while traveling and touring: A small backpack for your towels, mosquito repellent, etc., plus a small amount of money for additional beverages, snacks, or souvenirs.
• Please be advised that local laws and customs prohibit the sale and service of alcohol On the Thursday and Friday (Good Friday) before Easter Sunday.
•  Please note that all itinerary times are approximate. We try to cater to our guests needs and will modify activities to meet these needs when posible.
• Prices do not include tips (tour escort, guides, drivers, baggage handlers, cowboys, dive masters, etc.). Many of the various people who will help you during your stay will greatly appreciate any consideration you can afford to give them.
• Not included in tour prices: International or in-country ground or air transfers not specifically included in your itinerary; departure taxes; cost of passports, visas, or tourist cards; excess baggage fees; additional fees assessed by airlines; personal expenses such as room service, beverages, or laundry; gratuities to tour escort, guides, or drivers, personal communication charges; personal insurance; or any sightseeing stops, tours, meals, or beverages not specifically included in your itinerary.
• Although Costa Rica is a small country, and the distances in miles or kilometers between cities may be short, due to the conditions of the winding, and sometimes bumpy roads, clients can expect long travel times between travel points.
• Traveler’s checks are not readily accepted in Costa Rica, due to the long wait for funds to become available.
• It is not necessary to exchange a large amount of money into local currency as US dollars are widely accepted. Airport money exchange centers do not usually give a competitive rate.

POLICIES AND CONDITIONS

• Every reasonable effort is made to maintain rates as quoted, however, due to circumstances beyond our control (fuel, taxes etc.) rates are subject to change with notice. Increased government taxes and fuel surcharges may be collected by vendor at time service is provided.
• FIND MY COSTA RICA, S.A. its owners, associates, agents, and employees) assume no responsibility for injury, loss, damage to person or property or for additional expenses due to acts of God, sickness, weather, terrorism, strike detentions, riots war, quarantine, theft, civil unrest, or government regulations and restrictions, over which it has no control.
• FIND MY COSTA RICA, S.A. assumes no responsibility for any accidents, delays, inconveniences, expense or mishap of any kind whatsoever resulting entirely or in part from causes beyond our control.
• FIND MY COSTA RICA, S.A. reserves the right to make changes that we deem to be reasonable in the itinerary where necessary.
• For trips and tours where FIND MY COSTA RICA, Inc. acts solely as booking agents, we assume no liability should any contracted supplier fail to provide any service. Find My Costa Rica sole responsibility if supplier fails to provide services contracted is to refund guests money for specific services contracted with specific supplier.
• Handling and security of all baggage and personal belongings is at the owner’s risk, and FIND MY COSTA RICA, S.A.. is not responsible for any loss or damage.
• FIND MY COSTA RICA, S.A. is not responsible for loss of life, personal injury, cancellations, delays, overbooking, or loss of services caused by any international or domestic flights.
• FIND MY COSTA RICA, S.A. its employees and principles are not responsible for any loss of life, personal injury, bodily injury or loss of property as a result of the signer’s participation in any activities while in Costa Rica or travel to, from, or within Costa Rica caused by contracted Costa Rican representatives, tour companies or agents.
• FIND MY COSTA RICA, S.A. shall be free of all responsibility or liability for any act, error, omission, injury to person or property, loss, inconvenience, financial loss, accident, delay, irregularity, physical or emotional harm suffered by any person while en route to or while a guest at any facility or any other event which may be occasioned by reason or through the act of God, theft, abuse, defect or default of any company, hotel, person, direct air carrier, transfer company and /or their employees, to result in unused accommodations or services in connection with reservations made on behalf of customer by Find My Costa Rica.
• FIND MY COSTA RICA, S.A. is not responsible for providing refunds or credits for trips not taken or delayed due to a customer’s failure to return this signed document prior to or at the time final payment is made.
• Any disputes between participants and FIND MY COSTA RICA, S.A. will be decided upon under Costa Rican law and La Fortuna, San Carlos Carillo, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica, will be the venue for any legal action.

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It’s Whale Watching Season in Manuel Antonio, and Tulemar’s Tour Partner Has Everything You Need!

August 10, 2019.

“What wildlife can I see when I stay at Tulemar?”. It’s one of the most asked questions we get, and guests are always blown away when we tell them there is a high chance they’ll see monkeys, sloths, toucans, macaws, and lizards right from their vacation rental when staying in Tulemar.  (We can thank our amazing friends at The Sloth Institute of Costa Rica for that!) In fact, our guests often tell us they see more wildlife inside Tulemar than they do in the National Park, and that has us feeling mighty proud if we do say so ourselves.

But what about marine wildlife? Lucky for you, August and September are common months for migrating whales to have babies. This means that they are active and often seen during daily excursions with Tulemar’s partnering tour company, Sunset Sails .

Here is what you can find on the company’s site:

Our company, Sunset Sails Tours has been performing whale watching tours in Manuel Antonio for more than 16 years and our tour guides have a lot of very interesting information about this Magnificent Mammal which they will share with you during the whale watching tour. We do recommend going on our morning tour to see the  Humpback Whales  because as we will mention in this post, the best time to see whales is from August – October and this is considered to be rainy season here in Costa Rica and much of the afternoon time is sometimes filled with rain. The good news is we have a morning whale watching tour from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  This provides you with nice weather conditions and a great chance of viewing the Humpback Whale. The best time and considered to be the Peak Season to see Humpback Whales around the coast of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is from August through the end of October.  With that being said, the Humpback Whale does make an appearance through out the year but as we mentioned, the highest chance of viewing them is from August – October. If you have an opportunity to take a coastal cruise, when whales are in the area, you really don’t want to miss the chance. Sunset Sails is ideally equipped to take advantage of that opportunity and has helped create many lasting memories of the thrilling experience of seeing these wondrous marine inhabitants. There are just a few months of the year, when the humpback whales pass through the waters off of Manuel Antonio, Quepos, on their annual migration from  Alaska to Costa Rica. If you should be fortunate enough to visit Costa Rica, during those few months of the year, you just might be in for an unexpected treat. They are not as plentiful as the ever present dolphins, and they don’t reside in these waters, so a chance to see them is something very special.

Sunset Sails loves to bring guests out to look for whales and other marine wildlife (like dolphins and turtles, which are seen very often!), however, it’s important to understand that these animals ARE wild, which means there is never a guarantee they’ll make an appearance. However, with a lot of patience and a little bit of hope, you just may spot a visitor whale for yourself!

Do you want to explore the gorgeous water off the coast of Manuel Antonio and try your hand at spotting a majestic humpback whale? Ask your concierge to book you a tour with Sunset Sails and you’ll be on the high seas in no time.

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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

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

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!

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

Things to KNOW before renting a car in Costa Rica

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.

• Catamaran Tour
• Mangrove Tour
• Mangrove Night tour
• ATV Manuel Antonio
• Manuel Antonio Zipline
• Manuel Antonio National Park
• Nauyaca waterfalls
• Rainmaker Park
• Jet ski Tour
• Night Tour Rainmaker Park
• Rafting Tour
• Private Boats
• TERMS & CONDITIONS

Catamaran Tour in Manuel Antonio

The pioneers of catamaran tour in the area since 1989

T he company organizes transportation to pick you up at you hotel or Airbnb and take you to the Marina Pez Vela in Quepos where the fun begins! Your guide of the day will escort you to the 82 feel long and 34 feet wide boat and give you a brief explanation about the tour and safety instructions on board. From here you take off from the marina and start looking for dolphins and other wildlife. You sail along the beautiful coast of Quepos bay and the Manuel Antonio National Park and your guides will tell you about the history of the area, the wildlife and anything there is to know about Manuel Antonio National Park. The boat has a shaded, second floor where you can enjoy the beautiful view with a nice, cold drink in your hand! The boat is equipped with nets in front for those who likes to chill and sunbathe.

All ages are welcome onboard!

Price $80 + sales tax 13%

Infant ages (5 and under) $30 + sales tax 13%

This tour has a minimum of 12 people to operate. If the 12 people minimum is not met the tour will be rescheduled.

What to bring

O n this catamaran tour there is a great chance to see dolphins, different kinds of marine birds and during the migration of the humpback whales you might be lucky to spot a mamma with her baby cruising around the coastline of the Manuel Antonio beaches. However, we do like to remind our guests that during this tour we are the visitors in their natural habitat and therefore nothing is guaranteed. The crew has many years of experience and knows exactly where to look for them which is why there is a great chance you will see the dolphins. A fter hopefully seeing dolphins and experiencing the beautiful nature around the Manuel Antonio National Park, the boat heads back towards Quepos bay but makes a stop in Biezans bay for you to enjoy some fun water activities. T he crew will be ready to help you at all times during the tour and to serve you delicious drinks. Different juices of local fruit (mixed with alcohol if you wish) or water to make sure to keep you hydrated in the Costa Rican heat.

T he atmosphere on board is fun and cheerful. The boat has two waterslides, you will be equipped with snorkeling gear to go and swim among beautiful, colorful fish and for those who loves a good adrenaline kick, it is possible to jump off the second floor of the boat. After the water activities a meal will be served. NB: if you have any allergies or other food restrictions do not hesitate to contact us and we will take care of your needs. A fter enjoying playful time in the water and a delicious meal the boat will slowly be heading back to the marina. Here your transportation will be waiting to take you back to your accommodations. This tour is fun, family friendly and full of pura vida! Book now to experience this stunning boat trip in Manuel Antonio – where the lushes rainforest meets the beautiful deep blue ocean.  

Sailing along the coast of Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park

Morning tour.

As in the afternoon tour, the snorkels during the summer are magnificent due to the low tides, clear waters and sunny days the boat is also perfect at any time of the day for those who are looking for a tan or for those who want to jump from the roof or use the slides.

Afternoon tour

The afternoon tour is very popular for its incredible sunsets and snorkeling, thanks to sunlight and clear waters, this is possible during the summer between December and May after those months sunsets are not guaranteed daily so it can rain during the afternoon.

Food and drinks on the catamaran

This meal typically consists of fish kebab, a cold salad of pasta accompanied by delicious fresh local fruit (pineapple and watermelon). The menu is the same as for the morning and afternoon tour. If you have any allergies or other food restrictions do not hesitate to contact us and we will take care of your needs.

The catamaran crew & safety on board

The crew on board is very friendly and super pura vida. The company prides in excellent customer service and the guides are in charge of providing a high quality service on board. The entire crew has the adequate background to work on the high seas certified by the National Institute of Learning INA. The entire deck crew is bilingual, which means that passengers will have full service in both Spanish and English.

The safety on board is extremely important for the crew, and they are all well prepared. This tour is all about creating an amazing experience for you in a safe setting, which is why it is important for you to pay attention during the safety instructions and at all times follow instructions from your guide. The boat has enough lifejackets for all the passengers and more to spare.

Snorkeling and water activities in Biesanz Bay

Heading back to Marina Pez Vela we make a stop at the stunning surroundings of Biesanz Bay. Here the lushes rainforest meets the deep, blue ocean creating an amazing atmosphere for your water activities. During low tide you are able to spot the top of a volcanic rock providing home to hundreds of colorful fish swimming around minding their daily business and not even paying attention to the snorkeling guests around them. After exploring the marine life beneath the surface it is time to have fun! The boat is equipped with two waterslides and for the daredevils it is possible to jump from the second floor.

Experiences during the Catamaran tour around Manuel Antonio National Park

The following images have been shared directly by the company operating this tour. However, we like to remind our guests that it is simply not possible to make any promises or guarantees regarding wildlife, since we are in their natural habitat and not a zoo. Depending on the circumstances it is very possible to spot dolphins in this area and during the migration of the humpback whales they frequently cruise these waters, as well. Even with little animal activity this tour takes place in one if the most beautiful settings in Costa Rica and it is definitely recommendable.

The islands of Manuel Antonio were formed millions of years ago as a result of seismic activity. Today they are home of a hundred of seabirds, that you will see from the catamaran.

What to expect when doing the catamaran tour

Between the coast of Manuel Antonio and Quepos, dolphin sightings are very common. Along with dolphins, marine birds and turtles it is possible to see humpback whales migration from the south when they are in breeding season in the months of July to mid-September. And the northern migration from December to March.

Recommendations for going on catamaran tour in Manual Antonio

For this tour we recommend that you bring swimsuit, light clothing, towels, a hat and sunblock to protect your skin. The boat has plenty of shaded areas, but the Costa Rican sun is super strong and it only amplifies when on the water. If your skin is not used to this, you need to really be protective of it. The construction of a catamaran makes the sailing much smoother than going on a regular sailboat. In case you do struggle with seasickness it is recommended that you take a motion sickness pill before, but our experience is that most people do not feel any discomfort on a regular day.

If you would like to purchase pictures taken by a professional and really talented photographer or tip your guides, we recommend that you bring cash. Either dollars or the local currency – colones. Other than that you only have to bring your adventurous spirits and a lot of Pura Vida! The rest will be taken care of.

Be respectful of your surroundings – people, animals and environment.

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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Want to see a whale? These are the top 5 recommended whale watch tours in New England

Whale watching season in New England lasts from April to October as the giants of see come to the Gulf of Maine to feed in the nutrient rich water.

The trick is seeing them. While you might get lucky and spot some whales from the coastline on Cape Cod , typically it requires some extra planning for the best experience.

With the North Atlantic Right Whales being seen in higher numbers this year off Cape Cod , and other whale species such as humpback, fin and minke whales making their way north, booking a whale watch is looking like an ideal day trip for the family.

Here are the top five whale watching tours in New England based on Trip Advisor's reviews .

1. Seven Seas Whale Watch

Cost: $45 per adult

Duration: Four hours

What to know: Based in Gloucester, Massachusetts, a former whaling port now launches whale watch tours from Cape Ann to the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary.

2. Cape Ann Whale Watch

Cost: $48 per adult

What to know: Also leaving from Gloucester to take patrons to Stellwagen Bank, Cape Ann Whale Watch states that it distinguishes itself from the competition through its faster vessel, The Hurricane II. It makes the most of the four hours on the water by reaching the whales' feeding grounds sooner for more time watching and less time traveling.

3. Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.

Cost: $75 per adult

Duration: Three to five and a half hours

What to know: As the name suggests, based in Bar Harbor, Maine and goes out into the Gulf of Maine. Despite the name, the tour explores a habitat with porpoise, dolphins, seals, sharks and various sea birds. Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. is also a Whale SENSE, a voluntary program that helps to promote responsible whale watching practices, education, and ocean stewardship in collaboration with NOAA Fisheries. They also offer puffin tours.

4. Cap'n Fish's Cruises

Cost: $79 per adult

Duration: Three and a half hours

What to know: Also based in Maine, this tour, guided by marine biologists, leaves from Boothbay Harbor. Having operated for over 80 years, touts itself as the oldest whale watching tour in Maine's Mid Coast region. They also offer puffin tours.

5. Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch

Duration: Three to four hours

What to know: Leaves from Provincetown, Massachusetts. Dolphin Fleet facilitates scientific research and each tour has members of their on staff naturalists on board. Also a member of Whale SENSE.