Whale Watching in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is famous for its beautiful lush rainforests and all of its biodiversity that it contains; toucans, sloths, monkeys and countless fascinating insects. Costa Rica is however also the home of an incredible diversity of marine animals that becomes even more special from August through October as it is whale season on the Pacific Coast, the time to see humpback whales!
Can Humpback Whales be seen in Costa Rica?
Probably one of the world's most impressive marine animals are the humpback whales. During whale season three different types of humpback whales can be frequently spotted on the Pacific Ocean shores of Costa Rica; the California Humpback Whale, the Antarctic Humpback Whale, and North Atlantic St Lawrence Humpback Whale. Humpback whales can grow an impressive 60 feet, or 18 meters long. Their flippers alone can be up to 16 feet, 5 meters long. Making these gentle ocean giants an incredible breathtaking spectacle to see.
Why do Humpback Whales come to Costa Rica?
The Pacific Ocean of Costa Rica is very warm, which creates the perfect conditions for whales to mate and give birth. Around mid July the humpback whales, that came from as far south as Patagonia and from as far north as Alaska, start arriving in Costa Rican waters.
Once arrived they can rest in the warm waters that form their sanctuary for breeding and caring for their calves. Calves are known for their playfulness, just wanting to swim, jump and enjoy. If you have ever dreamed of seeing a whale jump out of the water, this is the time!
Where is the best place to see Humpback Whales in Costa Rica?
Undeniably one of the best spots for whale watching is in the Uvita area. Uvita is home to an annual “Whale Festival”, but also to Ballena Marine National Park. In Spanish “Ballena” means “whale”. The name of the park already gives a good indication, don’t you think?
But the park does not only carry its name because you are nearly guaranteed to see whales here during high season, it also has this name due to an incredible natural phenomenon.
At low tide, when the water of the park retreats, it reveals a sandbar that is perfectly shaped like a whale’s tail. There is no denying it, that if you are going to visit Costa Rica during whale season, that this is the spot to go to!
Whale's Tail - Uvita, Costa Rica