Complete Guide to Whale Watching Season in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the world’s premier whale watching destinations, and for good reason. The warm Pacific waters off the Nicoya Peninsula serve as a critical breeding and calving ground for humpback whales from both hemispheres.

When to See Whales in Costa Rica

Southern Hemisphere Humpbacks (July - November)

The first wave of humpback whales arrives from Antarctica and the waters around Chile and Ecuador. These whales travel thousands of miles to the warm, sheltered waters of Costa Rica to give birth and nurse their calves.

Peak sighting period: August - October

Northern Hemisphere Humpbacks (December - March)

A second population of humpback whales migrates from the North Pacific (Alaska and California) to Costa Rica during the northern winter months.

Peak sighting period: January - February

What You Will See

During a typical whale watching tour from Cabuya, you may encounter:

• Humpback whales breaching, tail-slapping, and spy-hopping
• Bottlenose dolphins riding the bow wave of the boat
• Spotted dolphins in large playful pods
• Sea turtles (Olive Ridley and Green)
• Manta rays feeding near the surface
• Tropical seabirds including frigatebirds and pelicans

Tips for the Best Whale Watching Experience

1. Book a morning tour — whales are generally more active in the morning, and seas tend to be calmer
2. Bring binoculars — we provide them, but having your own pair means everyone can watch simultaneously
3. Wear layers — ocean spray and wind can make it cool on the water
4. Bring a waterproof camera — whale splashes are unpredictable
5. Take seasickness precautions — if you are prone to motion sickness, take medication before boarding

Responsible Whale Watching

At SpicyTuna Cabuya, we follow strict responsible whale watching guidelines:

• We maintain a minimum distance of 100 meters from whales
• We never chase or surround the animals
• We limit our time near any individual whale to 30 minutes
• Our engines are cut when whales approach the boat voluntarily

These practices ensure that our whale watching activities do not disrupt the natural behavior of these magnificent creatures.

Book Your Whale Watching Tour

Our whale watching tours depart from Cabuya with expert naturalist guides who know these waters and the whales that call them home. Reserve your spot today for an unforgettable experience.