The impressive Humpback whale comes here to mate and give birth!
In Costa Rica, it is possible to spot several species of whales, particularly along the southern Pacific coast. The most impressive of these is the Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), which can grow to a length of up to 17 metres.
Two groups of humpback whales visit the marine waters near Marino Ballena National Park, around Uvita, each year:
- Those from the northern hemisphere (the east coast of North America) arrive between July and November
- Those from the southern hemisphere (Chile and Argentina) visit between December and March
Both groups come to breed and nurse their young before returning to their home waters. At the start of each season, the males are often the first to arrive, performing spectacular breaches to attract the females. Later in the season, the sight of mothers with their calves is peaceful and moving.
How to spot them:
Whale and dolphin watching tours are available and typically last at least two hours. You will sail through the areas where the whales are most commonly found and may also spot dolphins, sea turtles and other marine life during the tour.
The best months to spot dolphins are: December to April – the dry season. The calm weather during these months offers the best visibility at sea. Dolphin populations stay close to the coast, especially in the south.
📍 Top Locations:
- Golfo Dulce (near the Osa Peninsula): home to resident dolphin populations
- Marino Ballena National Park (near Uvita)
- Bahía Drake and the area around Isla del Caño
- The Southern Caribbean Coast (around Cahuita and Manzanillo) is a less frequent location, but sightings are still possible
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