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Whale Watching Tour

Experience the Magic of Whales in Uvita, Costa Rica!

Welcome to Uvita and Bahia, the whale-watching capital of Costa Rica, where two of the world's most incredible marine migrations converge! Located on the pristine Pacific coast, Uvita is home to Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, a unique protected area that serves as a vital sanctuary and breeding ground for majestic humpback whales.

The Two Humpback Whale Migration Seasons

What makes whale watching in Uvita so extraordinary is the fact that we are visited by humpback whales from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This provides an extended whale watching season for most of the year!

Southern Hemisphere Migration (July - October): This is our primary whale-watching season. Humpback whales travel all the way from the frigid waters of Antarctica to the warm, protected bays of Costa Rica. They come to mate and give birth, making it a fantastic opportunity to see mothers with their newborn calves. August and September are the peak months for this migration, with the highest chance of sightings and the famous annual Whale and Dolphin Festival.
Northern Hemisphere Migration (December - March): When winter arrives in the north, humpback whales from places like Alaska and California journey south to our tropical waters for the same purpose—to breed and raise their young. While this migration is smaller in number than the southern one, it still offers an incredible chance to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Parque Nacional Marino Ballena: A Special Sanctuary

Named for the very whales (ballenas) that visit its shores, Parque Nacional Marino Ballena is more than just a park—it’s a crucial marine habitat. This protected area is a haven for diverse marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of seabirds.

The park's most iconic feature is the "Whale Tail" or Punta Uvita Tombolo. This is a remarkable natural rock and sand formation that extends into the Pacific Ocean, perfectly shaped like a humpback whale's tail. You can walk out onto it during low tide, a truly unforgettable experience that celebrates the very reason this park was created.

Our tours take you into the heart of this protected marine park, where you’ll have the best possible chance to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of humpback whales breaching, tail-slapping, and singing their beautiful songs. Join us for a tour and be a part of this unforgettable natural wonder!

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Imagine being out on the Pacific, the salty air on your face, the waves gently rocking the boat. Suddenly, a collective gasp ripples through the tour. A giant form, sleek and dark, breaks the surface of the water. Then another, a smaller one right beside it. It's a mother and calf, and the sight is nothing short of breathtaking.

This is the magic of whale watching in Uvita. It’s not a show; it's an authentic, wild encounter with some of the most magnificent creatures on Earth. Witnessing a humpback whale leap completely out of the water, a spectacular act known as breaching, or seeing the powerful slap of a tail on the surface is an unforgettable moment of pure, unbridled nature. You feel a thrill that goes beyond words, a deep connection to the wildness of our planet.

These are the moments that truly stay with you. The sound of a whale's powerful spout, the sight of a calf nuzzling its mother, or a whale “spy-hopping,” lifting its head out of the water to look around. These are not just fleeting sights; they are profound, humbling experiences.

A Special Moment of Art

The very act of watching a whale is an encounter with living art. The grace of their movements, the sheer scale of their bodies, and the patterns on their flukes are all works of natural design. It’s no surprise that this incredible spectacle has inspired artists for centuries. In Uvita, the awe you feel on the water often translates into a desire to capture that feeling, whether through photography, painting, or simply the memories you carry home.

The "Whale's Tail" at Parque Nacional Marino Ballena is itself a piece of natural art—a grand sculpture created by the ocean. It serves as a symbol of the special bond between this place and the whales it protects. The experience is so powerful that it can ignite a creative spark, making you want to share the beauty you’ve witnessed with the world, whether that's through a perfect photo or a story you tell for years to come.

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Our Combo Tour: An Unforgettable Coastal Adventure

Join us for our popular Combo Tour, where your adventure begins at our Tour offices in Bahia —the designated meeting point, meeting time 8am. Once everyone has arrived, our certified guide will provide a brief but comprehensive overview of the day's itinerary. Feel free to enjoy some complimentary snacks like empanadas, coffee, and fresh orange juice before we head out.

A short stroll from our office brings us to the shores of Marino Ballena National Park, where we'll board our boat. From here, the real exploration begins! Our experienced crew will take you on a journey to spot the incredible wildlife that calls this area home, including whales (seasonal), dolphins, sea turtles, and various seabirds.

This boat tour also features some of the park's most famous landmarks, such as The Whale Rock, Playa Ventanas with its magnificent sea caves, and of course, the iconic Whale's Tail sandbar formation.

During our time on the water, you'll have the chance to cool off with a swim or, depending on the conditions, go snorkeling. We'll also provide refreshing water and fresh fruit to keep you energized.

At the end of the excursion, you're welcome to either stay and continue exploring the national park on your own or walk back with us to the office where the tour concludes.

What to Bring and Wear for Your Whale Watching Tour

To ensure you have the most comfortable and enjoyable experience on your tour, here is a list of recommended items to bring along. Travel as light as possible so you can enjoy the experience without being weighed down. You may get a little wet as the boat breaks through the waves

What to Wear:

Lightweight clothing: We recommend wearing a t-shirt, shorts, or a bathing suit underneath your clothes since you may want to swim.
A long-sleeved shirt or light jacket: The wind on the boat can make it a little chilly, especially on cloudy days. It also offers sun protection.
A hat and sunglasses: Essential for protecting your face and eyes from the strong tropical sun, but hold on to your hat so it does not get blown off!
Water shoes or sandals: Easy to take on and off when boarding the boat.

What to Bring:

Reusable water bottle: This is crucial! As a protected area, single-use plastic bottles are strictly prohibited in the Marino Ballena National Park to help preserve its pristine environment. Please bring your own reusable bottle.
Sunscreen: The sun is very strong here, even on overcast days. Apply sunscreen liberally before the tour and bring some to reapply.
Dry bag if you have one.
Camera or smartphone: You'll want to capture the incredible sights! Consider bringing a waterproof case or bag for protection.
Towel: A small towel is handy for drying off after a swim.
Any personal medications you may need.
Cash: For tips for the crew, or in case you want to purchase anything at the park entrance.

Following these suggestions will help you stay comfortable, prepared, and ready to enjoy every moment of your amazing whale watching adventure!

Duration: 2-3 hours

Adults $90 per person

Kids 4 to 11 $50 per person

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