The warm waters off the southern pacifics osa peninsula are costa rica s most popular destination for whale watching. Whale watching from sea kayak costa rica adventure highlights. Top spots for whale watching in costa rica special places of. This provides you with nice weather conditions and a great chance of viewing the humpback whale. The antarctic migration has the most whales and peak season is between august and october. The best time to see humpback whales is mid july through october, when our southern migration, coming from as far as antarctica, are here. The combo tour snorkeling, caves and whale watching tour is a nature enthusiasts dream and an animal lovers paradise. Whale and dolphin watching uvita bahia aventuras tour. Beside them smaller fins of newborn humpback whales tentatively peek out from the water for breath, a regular sight along the ballena aventura whale watching tour.
Costa rica dolphins and whales when should you come. Costa rica tours, tours costa rica, costa rica tours are pioneers in organizing tours throughout costa rica, costa rica tours invites you to experience a tou. You can start by downloading our free costa rica travel tips ebook and joining our newsletter which is a great first start to your trip planning. Costa rica whales and dolphins map, tour operator in costa. Costa rica is blessed to have the longest season of humpback whales in the world as we get migrations from both north and south america. Costa rica whale watching ecotourists and wildlife enthusiasts will be blown away in our exhilarating whale watching and dolphin encounter costa rica combo tour.
Tours with integrity at changing tide tours, we understand how important it is to have trustworthy, reliable and quality services. Of the worlds 76 dolphin and whale species, an estimated 25 migrate, mate, birth and feed in costa rican waters. Costa ricas famous whale tail is located in the small town of uvita, about an hour south of manuel antonio and is part of parque nacional marino ballena the national marine whale park. The great whales of costa rica costa rica scuba diving. Hence, whale watching in costa rica tours are not so uncommon.
In fact, is important to mention that costa rica has the 4% of the world biodiversity and the 25% of the territory is covered by national parks, and the most important is that almost the 50% of the costa rica biodiversity is concentrated in the osa peninsula corcovado area, very close to uvita costa rica. You may download the appchoices app at appchoices to opt. The focus of these tours is on whales, but youre likely to spot dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and other marine life while out on the water as well. You can reserve your tour online now with costa rica dive and surf. The purpose of this survey is to allow tour guides and captains in costa rica to record observations of marine species. Whale combo tour marino ballena and corcovado national park. The whale resort is a large beachfront property located on the edge of canaza, a small town about 15 minutes from puerto jimenez. Whales spend more time in costa rican waters than anywhere else.
This kayaking tour begins as the waves go to one side of the whales tail and the tide becomes low. Costa rica celebrates the longest humpback whale season in the world. Uvita bahia ballena is a privileged place for the best whale watching in costa. Some of the alaska california whales winter in hawaii and other places to the north so their numbers are fewer in costa rica. You see them all over the map but specifically in places like the golfo dulce, central pacific, guanacaste, osa peninsula and the tropical waters of the caribbean seeing a wild animal in its natural habitat is always a beautiful thing, but seeing a whale jump from the. Various dolphin species play up and down the pacific coast, while the caribbean is home mostly to the bottlenose dolphin.
Costa ricas best whale watching drake bay on the osa. The good news is we have a morning whale watching tour from 8. These tours also typically include some time for snorkeling. Oct 28, 2017 because of this, costa rica has the longest humpback whale season in the world a family of whales in costa rica. Due to its geographic location between north and south american continents and its tropical climates it is home to over half a million species making costa rica one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. The position of country allows it to have a great percentage of. Whale watching in costa rica two weeks in costa rica. The whales come from both hemispheres to have their babies and breed. Technically classified as dolphins, orca killer whales, pseudo orca false killer. The marino ballena national park is home to one of the most biologically diverse marine habitats in costa rica. We had some great wildlife viewing on this trip including the following. Short video of a mom and baby humpback whale we saw on a whale watching tour in uvita, costa rica.
During the winter in the arctic approximately december to april, their cousins migrate from the far north to costa rica for romance and babymaking. Our professionally trained crew are passionate about sharing their knowledge and excitement for costa rica. During this combo tour, keep your eyes looking for humpback whales, bottle nosed and spotted dolphins, sea turtles, parrot fish and much more. There are several places along the beaches of costa rica that allow travelers to. This special tour is a great combination of observation whales and dolphins. Costa rica has the longest humpback whale watching season in the world. Whale watching and dolphin watching in costa rica, during this tour we can see the humpback whales, spotted dolphins, bottle noses, turtles and sea birds combined with snorkeling in the tail of the whale or whale island where you can see different types of reef fish. Costa rica has become the worlds premier ecotourism destination, and for good reason. The waters of costa rica are home to dozens of species of marine mammals, including bottlenose dolphin, and humpback whale. Sep 06, 2011 costa rica holds the longest season for humpback whale watching in the world.
Find your own personal slice of pura vida by heading out into the pacific ocean during this halfday private boat tour from samara beach. Dyde whales are frequently seen in costa ricas northern caribbean sea. The best time to see humpback whales in costa rica is august and september. Located on costa ricas amazingly beautiful central pacific coastline, the small. Just be warned, this is a super popular event with locals the rate is even cheaper for nationals and hotels in the area tend to fill up fast at this time of. Whale watching costa rica the best times and places. Changing tide tours considers each tour and guest unique.
Costa rica s northwestern corner of guanacaste is known for its dolphins, including spinner, spotted, bottlenose, and common dolphins. Tourists on costa ricas central pacific coast may be able to see migrating humpback whales on tours operating near quepos. Perhaps the best place to see these majestic creatures is the osa peninsula, located in the southern portion of puntarenas province. The other whales that pass by costa rica are deep ocean dwellers. The country is a perfect place to see these incredible mammals in their natural habitat. Puerto jimenez is a much larger port town that offers all the amenities such as restaurants, bars, banksatms, pharmacies, medical facilities, tour operators, airport, and grocery stores. The great whales of costa rica by tristan paylado published december 1, 2016 updated december 1, 2016 considered as one of the greatest and biggest animals ever to live in this planet, the evolution of whales can be traced back to its landbased cousins. About half are commonly spotted off the south pacific, including brydes whales, humpback whales, and sei whales. May 20, 20 costa rica tours, tours costa rica, costa rica tours are pioneers in organizing tours throughout costa rica, costa rica tours invites you to experience a tour around costa rica. Download a pdf fact sheet with all the information about the selected tour download pdf. The best place to go whale watching in costa rica is the countrys pacific coast, as humpback whales migrate through the region between late july and november and again between december and march. Scientists believe that the other behaviors may be. The official humpback season in costa rica is december to march and. One of our staff members will contact you as soon as possible to provide more information about the tour.
Costa rica waters are home to dozens of marine species and we provide private small boat tours for you to observe them in their natural habitat. When you reserve our dolphin and whale watching tour directly with us, you are assured to be on drake bays original pelagic tour with our passionate and qualified guides, our custommade tour boat, our onboard hydrophone to hear the dolphins and whales, and our 22 years of experience in drake bay, costa rica. Dyde whales are frequently seen in costa rica s northern caribbean sea. Our expert team help create a memorable experience with family and friends in the picturesque setting of the osa peninsula and drake bay the dolphin and whale watching costa rica tour lasts 56 hours, and takes you through the bay, the pelagic zones, and around cano island. Apr 29, 2019 the best time to see humpback whales in costa rica is july, august and september throughout the country. Aug 04, 2014 whale watching tour in a gyrocopter from ultralight tours samara costa rica 4936747370929. The divine dolphins wild dolphin and whale watching tours in drake bay, costa rica have been featured on national geographic, animal planet, travel channel, bbc with steve backshall, discovery channel, jeff corwin experience, destination wildlife, in vegetarian times magazine and more. The waters surrounding marino ballena national park are ideal for whale watching tour, as the clear, deep blue water allows for easy viewing. This tour can be taken year round, however, whale watching and snorkeling is only available during certain months. Southern, antarcticbased humpback whales spend their winter months near australia and as far north as costa rica from june to november. But this reputation means that places as beautiful as the nicoya peninsula can get crowded. If you are interested in whale watching during one of our sailing charters, please let us know that this is the goal of your trip.
This national park, one of only two national marine parks in the country, consists of 270 protected land acres 110 hectares and,200 acres 5,375. Also includes a guide hike to the archeological side of the island. There are a few tour companies that operate whale and dolphin watching tours. Whales and dolphins watching tour uvita information center. Humpback whales visit costa rica between july and october and again from december to. What to know about whale watching in uvita, costa rica. Take off from manuel antonio and head south along the coast towards the town of uvita. Biological reserve, another magical place for biological reserve, another magical place for snorkeling, in fact this island has the healthiest coral reef in costa rica. In fact, the osa is home to the longest humpback whale watching season in the world. Throughout the tour you can see whale and dolphins, in their respective arrival seasons, from august to october the humpback whales from the south and february to april the humpback whales from the north. Costa rica is home to an estimated 25 whale and dolphin species, which migrate, mate, and make their homes in the pacific ocean and caribbean sea.
The humpback whales in the gulf of papagayo are not the only attraction, you can spot dolphins playing in the wake of the boat, the beautiful but deadly orcas hunting prey, manta rays flying across the surface of the ocean and maybe a gentle sea turtle or two. Whale watching in costa rica calendar and locations the table shows the best times and places to add a humpback whale watching expedition to your costa rica vacation. In costa rica dive and surf we have an adequate boat, safe and comfortable, equipped for this kind of activities. Humpback whale watching tour in costa rica dolphin. Dolphin and whale watching tour in drake bay, costa rica. In most areas, dedicated whalewatching tours are uncommon. Whale watching costa rica, dominical, puntarenas, costa rica. The first tour was the turtle tour which included an in person viewing of turtles coming to shore to dig and lay their eggs at a beach within the guanacaste province of costa rica. Dolphin the eco experience of a lifetime in costa rica. Jul 12, 2017 costa rica whale watching tour destinations. The whale and dolphin pelagic tour is my personal favorite drake bay.
Costa rican waters are home to dozens of marine mammal species including spotted and bottle nose dolphins which commonly escort our boats. We have costa rican guides who know these waters well and will delight with excitement right along with you when you seen one breech for the very first. Whale watching has become a very popular tour, and everyone is amazed at the sight of these amazing marine mammals. They cover the distances of 5,000 to 8,000 km twice a year. Various dolphin species frolic up and down the pacific coast, while the caribbean is home mostly to the bottlenose dolphin. 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. Private dolphin and whale watching charter costa rica tours.
However, during the migration season, humpback whales are not an uncommon sight off the coast of papagayo, playa del coco, tamarindo, and. Pacific humpback whales, who migrate annually passing costa rica, are farthestmigrating animals on earth. The whales are popping above the surface to take a look around. Humpback whales burst from the pacific ocean like gentle behemoths, their blow holes shooting jetsam some 20 feet in the air. Our whale whale watching tour is designed for the marine mammal enthusiasts. Whale watching in uvita costa rica has 2 seasons, from half july to half november and from half december to april. 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. The most frequently spotted species in this area include humpback and pilot whales bottlenose and spotted dolphins and other marine life. We invite you to come join us on one of our boat tours and experience nature as it happens on the osa peninsula, costa rica. The whale tail at uvitas marino ballena national park two. Youll travel as a group to visit a number of different areas in search of humpback whales, bottle nosed dolphins and schools of colorful tropical fish. There are many costa rica tours where visitors can enjoy this spectacle of mother nature while being amazed by the surrounding landscapes costa rica is a blessed spot for experiencing nature in an unimaginable and completely different way.
Amazing whale watching tour 2020, uvita, costa rica. 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. Take a boat ride through ballena marine national park with sightings of not only whales, dolphins, and other marine life. These animals travel from far to visit marino ballena in uvita. Costa rica whales and dolphins map, tour operator in costa rica.
Dolphins are residents of the pacific coast so it is common to see them during the tour. Visit costa rica, take a whale watching vacation to costa rica, and enjoy a whale watching trip in costa rica. Costa rica whales and dolphins map the country is a perfect place to see these incredible mammals in their natural habitat. The warm waters off the southern pacifics osa peninsula are costa ricas most. Spectacular humpback whale breaching off the coast of marino ballena. Whale seasons in costa rica uvita tour operator costa rica. Whale watching costa rica drake bay whale watching tour. We have more months with humpback whales in residence than anywhere else in the world. Technically classified as dolphins, orca killer whales, pseudo orca whales, and short. Perfect choice to enjoy a little bit of everything in a short period of time. Snorkeling, observation of the different beaches and caves around the marino ballena national park.
Golfito, puerto jimenez, drake bay and sierpe are excellent jumpoff points for your whale watching tour, where these incredible. From observing large pods of bottle nose, spotted, common or spinner. Costa rica is one of the best places in the world to go whale and dolphin watching. Whale and dolphin tour marino ballena and corcovado. Watch latest video below download marine mammal guide for drake bay, costa rica. South puntarenas, northern region of the osa peninsula drake bay is one of the most isolated places in costa rica so you can either take a domestic flight or you can take a boat ride from sierpe. There are many costa rica tours where visitors can enjoy this spectacle of mother nature while being amazed by the surrounding landscapes. Orcas are not that common in costa rica and are rarely seen. 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. Monitor whales with a multilingual survey learn arcgis. Of course the whales are wild and there is never any guarantee that youll see them, but your captain and guides will be in constant contact by radio with other boats all. This whale specie comes to migrate in this country whenever winter comes in the antarctica between august to october. This is when they come to breed and raise their young and is the best time to go on a costa rica whale watching tour. During this time of year, your odds of seeing a humpback whale are good.
Costa rica is home to an estimated 25 whale and dolphin varieties, which migrate, mate and make their home in the pacific ocean and the caribbean sea. Snorkel in the colorful waters of marino ballena national park and explore the nearby mangrove forest. Get exclusive information about wale tour dates, video premieres and special announcements by submitting my information, i agree to receive personalized updates and marketing messages about wale based on my information, interests, activities, website visits and device data and in. These seasons are based on the annual migration cycle of the pacific humpback whale. The whales are said to be acrobats and can be seen breaching and slapping the water. Whale watching tours and snorkeling excursions are your best bets to see them. Whale and dolphin watching boat tour bahia rica adventures.
Courier services of costa rica to send national and international packages, plus shipping. Whale watching in costa rica serendipity sailing charters. The reason is because during the winter the antarctica august to october, humpbacks migrate from there to costa rica. However, other species, such as the common bottlenose dolphin and pan tropical spotted dolphins can also be viewed during whale or dolphin watching tours. A whale watching tour here is the perfect way to spend your afternoon in the. For nearly 50 years offering worldwide adventure cruises, exotic vacations, expeditions including wildlife tours, whale watching, and other ecotourism. The migration of the humpbacks whales to costa rica occur at two different times. Costa rica is known for its diverse wildlife and among the millions of species of fauna, humpback whales are one of the favorite species of people who travel from all over the globe to observe them. Cano island tour animal watching, boat trip, hiking, snorkeling 1 country 4 activities cano island tour details. The main species of whale that you will see in costa rica is the humpback whale, pseudo orca whale, and pilot whales. Costa rica dolphins and whales come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and will be a great addition to your trip.
Come december to april, other whales come in to costa rica from antarctica to mate and nest. You can see whales all along the pacific coast of costa rica during those months. Catch a glimpse of humpback whales in marino ballena national park. This is known as the rainy season when we are visited by the southern humpback whales who migrate from the patagonia in south america, to the warm waters of the south pacific off the coast of costa rica. 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. They are most likely to be seen in costa rica between august and october. Whale watching in costa rica is one of the most unique adventures you can experience in the gulf of papagayo. Whale watching with ultralight tours in samara, costa rica. Jul 31, 2019 whale watching in uvita costa rica has 2 seasons, from half july to half november and from half december to april. Its whale watching season in manuel antonio, and tulemar.
1037 976 337 572 1152 689 1039 1270 444 1006 1528 311 698 252 1008 919 1047 1139 1094 1311 529 438 18 1251 1157 1294 853 444 1030 690 409 134 807 495 701 781 1255 144 1482 287 1226