During this whale and dolphin watching combination tour, we explore the Marino Ballena National Park in search of marine wildlife such as humpback whales, Pacific spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and sea turtles. Our team does their best to spot as many species as possible, especially the humpback whales. But depending on the time of year, the number of whale sightings can vary day to day.
If ocean conditions permit there will be a break for snorkeling and/or swimming.
Also, a brief pass by Whale Island (whale rock) to observe seabirds, such as the brown booby, frigate birds, and green iguanas. You will also pass by Ventanas beach to see its wonderful caves and rock formations.
Please note: We do our best to try and spot humpback whales, but because we are exploring Mother Nature, there is NO guarantee we’ll be able to see whales on a given tour. It’s prohibited to use sonar equipment during the search of Cetaceans so communication with other boats is important as is the experience and skill of our crew to spot and recognize the whale blows from the distance.
Whale Seasons
Mid July through the end of October is the best time to spot the majestic humpback whales, as the Southern Hemisphere humpback whales travel from Antarctica to the Marino Ballena National Park in Costa Rica to breed and raise their calves. You’ll even get the opportunity to enjoy a dip in the ocean! Throughout the entirety of this trip, you’ll enjoy the wonderful landscape that the Ballena national park has to offer.
Late December through late February attracts the Northern Hemisphere humpback whales to Costa Rica, as they’re migrating from the California and Washington state area. Water visibility is typically great during these particular months, so we will try to maximize this opportunity for you, and allow for some snorkeling (3-5 meters {9-15 feet} deep) at whale rock.
