Whale watching is one of the most popular activities for both local and international tourists in Costa Rica since the warm water and quantity of food sources provide ideal circumstances for humpback whales.
Tourists flock to Quepos and Uvita every year for the Costa Rica Whale Watching season, which includes humpback whales, pilot whales, Bryde whales, and fake killer whales, as well as three resident species of dolphins, including bottlenose, spotted, and spinner dolphins.
The whale viewing season begins mid-July and lasts until the end of October or perhaps the beginning of November. Humpback whales choose the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica to give birth to their pups.
There are several tours to see the whales; however, if you like, remember we are locals, and we know who’s who in the area.
However, remember none of them guarantee that you will see dolphins or whales up close; nevertheless, chances are good, and even if you do not get to see one of these impressive animals up close, you can still enjoy the magnificent views and spot other animals such as sea turtles and native birds.
Tours last around two to three and a half hours. It is critical to hire a reputable tour operator who can provide all necessary security equipment and procedures while also being responsible for ensuring that animals are not stressed.
For this purpose, experienced tour guides understand that they must keep a proper distance, maintain a low speed while close to the whales, and cannot spend too much time with the same group of whales.
Uvita Whale Festival
Coming on this weekend, the festival is an excellent opportunity for you to live the Costa Rican Pura Vida at its best!
It is a well-organized event highlighting one of the world’s most stunning natural phenomena: the Costa Rica Whale Watching season with the enormous migration of humpback whales along Costa Rica’s coast.
Aside from whale watching trips, the town of Uvita and its neighboring environs are teeming with fairs, concerts, exhibits, and environmental seminars that educate all about the marine life found here and, of course, a magnificent choice of outstanding food.
The event, which draws families, singles, the young and elderly from all over Costa Rica and the world, is a fantastic celebration of one of the country’s most treasured attractions.
The Marino Ballena National Park is an ideal visit for any wildlife enthusiast. You’ll encounter humpback whales, dolphins, pilot whales, sharks, turtles, and colonies of rare and endemic birds at this time of year. There are also whale viewing cruises by SUP and kayak for experienced water enthusiasts.
Surprisingly, the southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is home to humpback whales virtually all year, as pods fled the cold of Antarctica and the Arctic to seek refuge in the warm seas of this magnificent country. However, September is when the numbers (and your chances of finding them) are at their peak.
Contact us if you want to organize a whale-watching tour while you are staying in Manuel Antonio!
References:
Adventure Vacation in Costa Rica | Honeymoon Packages | Custom Family Tours. “Whales & Dolphin Festival Heats Up Costa Rica in September!.” Adventure Vacation in Costa Rica | Honeymoon Packages | Custom Family Tours. 6 Sept. 2017. Web. 30 Aug. 2022. <https://www.costaricarios.com/whales-dolphin-festival-heats-up-costa-rica-in-september/>
N.a. “(2) Festival de Ballenas y Delfines Costa Rica | Facebook.” Facebook.com. n.d. Web. 30 Aug. 2022. <https://www.facebook.com/FestivalBYDcr/>
Tcrn Staff. “Quepos is Ready to Welcome Tourists this Whale Season.” The Costa Rica News. 29 Aug. 2022. Web. 30 Aug. 2022. <https://thecostaricanews.com/quepos-is-ready-to-welcome-tourists-this-whale-season/>
