Dolphin & Whale Watching

Enjoy the ultimate eco-tourist attraction: Dolphin and whale watching. Whales migrating from both hemispheres pass by Costa Rica, so you have a pretty darn good chance of seeing whales if you go to hot spots like Drake Bay. There are huge resident populations of dolphins up and down both of Costa Rica's coasts, so it's pretty likely you can catch a glimpse of these playful creatures as well.

Killer whales, pilot whales, sei whales and beaked whales, bottlenose, spinner, roughtooth, rhissos and spotted dolphins are all seen in Costa Rica's tropical waters. Contact us to arrange dolphin or whale watching tour.

Did you know?

Costa Rica has the longest humpback whale season in the world. Migrating whales from both the northern and southern hemispheres come to Costa Rica's warm protected waters to breed and give birth.

Osa Peninsula / South Pacific

Dominical

Ballena National Marine Park, just south of Dominical is named after the humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) that migrate there every year. Dolphins are also commonly spotted in this area. If you're really into seeing the whales, it's best to take a day trip to Drake Bay and Cano Island where whales are sighted just about every day during their peak season.

Day trips to Drake Bay are available from Dominical, Sierpe, Puerto Jimenez and other south Pacific towns. Contact us to arrange an unforgettable day trip.

Drake Bay

The *best* place in all of Costa Rica for whales

Whales and dolphins are commonly seen in the Drake Bay area, where its calm, protected waters provide the perfect breeding and birthing grounds for these magnificent creatures. Drake Bay is also home to the longest humpback whale season in the world as whales from both North and South America come here to breed and give birth. The humpback whale is a very common sight near Cano Island and Corcovado National Park every month of the year except April, May and June. Four day / Three night packages are available to Drake Bay.

Central Pacific

Quepos and Manuel Antonio are not really whale watching hot spots, but it sure is fun to go snorkeling or sailing aboard a catamaran for the day. Dolphins however, are commonly spotted on these trips. Trips depart from Jaco, Quepos, Manuel Antonio and Puntarenas. Day trips to Tortuga Island are available too. Contact us reserve a spot on board any of these trips.

North Pacific

Almost every beach town along the Nicoya Peninsula will offer day trips for dolphin and whale watching. Only two beaches in particular, Tambor and Pochote, will allow you to see, on occasion, the humpback whale. Playa Carrillo, just south of Samara, is a popular launching point for dolphin watching and snorkeling tours.

South Caribbean

Bottlenose and spotted dolphins frequent the warm turquoise waters of Puerto Viejo, Cahuita and Manzanillo. Contact us for more info.

Tours & Packages

One of the areas we know the best is Drake Bay and the Osa Peninsula. Let us help you plan a remote get-a-way to Drake Bay or Puerto Jimenez where day trips for dolphin and whale watching are available.