Imagine this, you’re enjoying the sun on your skin, sipping a cocktail on the beach, and there in the distance, you see a puff of air rise through the water. That’s right, it’s whale watching season, and what better place to go whale watching than Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is the only place on Earth where whales migrate from both North and South America to have their babies. Trust us, this is something you do not want to miss. You can experience the migration of the whales firsthand.
Here is what you need to know about whale watching in the South of Costa Rica.
Where To Go Whale Watching In The South Of Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s picturesque beaches all offer beautiful whale-watching sights. However, there are most definitely a few that stand out above the rest. These shores not only offer world-class whale-watching opportunities but will have you coming back for their pure beauty.
Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula is gorgeous even without the temptation of whale watching. Here you can watch as Humpbacks swim past while relaxing on a lovely holiday.
The best whale-watching spots on the peninsula are, without a doubt, Drake Bay and Golfo Dulce. There are also many squads of dolphins that swim in the waters here so you’re bound to spot them while you’re on the lookout for whales.
Uvita
In the very heart of Uvita is the Marino Ballena National Park. The waters here are a protected marine sanctuary and so the area is one of the best places in Costa Rica for whale watching. Uvita hosts an annual Whale Festival between September and October so this is a great time to visit.
You can explore the pristine beaches and sparkling waters while watching the whales as they breach. You’ll even find a sandbar here that forms the shape of a whale tail.
Best Time Of Year For Whale Watching In Southern Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to many different species of whales that surface at different times of the year. The official best times to visit Costa Rica for whale watching are December to April and July to November.
However, preparing for your whale-watching visit may depend on which species you want to see.
The very best time of the year to get sight of the Antarctic Humpback whales is August through October. If you are keeping an eye out for the California Humpback Whale, make sure to plan for a visit from December through March. You might even catch a glimpse of the Atlantic St. Lawrence Humpback during this time.
Of course, it’s important to remember that there’s no way to fully track whales. After all, they are wild and part of nature. The best way to make sure you can make the most of your whale-watching time is to get in touch with a professional. Locals and boating captains should have insight as well as GPS and radio contact to give you the best vantage point to see the whales.
What Whales Can You See?
The Costa Rican shores are frequently visited by humpback whales. Whether you’re looking for the Californian, Antarctic, or North Atlantic St Lawrence Humpback whale, you will find them in Costa Rica. What makes it all the more special is the humpback’s most recent shift into an endangered species.
You are sure to remember your visit to Costa Rica, and the time spent watching the whales. If you stay long enough, you may even catch sight of a few other whale species. Other whale visitors include pilot whales, blue whales, and pseudo-orca whales. However, these species are not frequent visitors to the Costa Rican shores.
Have A Whale Of A Time In Costa Rica
If you are looking for a tropical, relaxing holiday with something a bit extra – Costa Rica is where you want to find yourself.
Whether you are hiking through tropical forests or taking romantic strolls on the beaches, you will most definitely find something to do. Above all else, Costa Rica is the only place in the world where you can find whales almost all year round.