The official humpback season in costa rica is december to march and july to december. Considering this is the ideal month for whale watching in costa rica, nows the perfect time to plan a lastminute getaway to. Whales spend more time in costa rican waters than anywhere else. Orcas are not that common in costa rica and are rarely seen. By late april, however, the crowds start to let up.
Costa rica has one of the longest whalewatching seasons in the world. Humpback whale watching in costa rica is best from the end of august through midoctober. But this reputation means that places as beautiful as the nicoya peninsula can get crowded. The main species of whale that you will see in costa rica is the humpback whale, pseudo orca whale, and pilot whales. The whale resort is a large beachfront property located on the edge of canaza, a small town about 15 minutes from puerto jimenez, a much larger port town that offers all the amenities such as restaurants, bars, banksatms, pharmacies, medical facilities, tour operators, a commercial airport, and plenty of shopping, but if youre in a big hurry, canaza also has its own small grocery. Good time to travel april in costa rica costa rica guide. They like it so much that they often use golfo dulce as a nursery for their young during october. Dyde whales are frequently seen in costa ricas northern caribbean sea. The best place to go whale watching in costa rica is the countrys pacific coast, as humpback whales migrate through the region between late july and november and again between december and march. Costa rica extends its border closure until april 30th tcrn staff modified date.
Humpback whales are commonly seen out in the waters as both northern and southern humpback whales pass through this area, giving costa rica the longest humpback whale watching season in the world. All of this and more can be seen on dolphin and whale watching excursions into costa ricas ocean habitats some of the most biologically diverse marine habitats in the world. Its last month of the dry season, so theres still plenty of sunshine. Pacific humpback whales, who migrate annually passing costa rica, are farthestmigrating animals on earth. In 2020 easter falls on april 12th but you can enjoy the same great weather but avoid the crowds by traveling in february or early march. The best place to go whale watching in costa rica is the countrys pacific coast, as humpback whales migrate through the region between late july and november. Costa ricas best whale watching drake bay on the osa. Decemberapril, augustdecember types of whales seen. Meanwhile, from july to midnovember, humpback whales that feed in the. Marino ballena national park directly translated to marine whale national park in english in uvita is one of the best places to go whale watching in costa rica.
Costa rica april best weather, holidays, currency exchange rate, lodging. This national holiday is one of peaceloving costa ricas only opportunities to celebrate and honor a war hero. Whale watching season is here, tour operator in costa rica. This means that it is harder to see humpback whales during the december to april season, but not impossible. Whale watching in costa rica calendar and locations the table shows the best times and places to add a humpback whale watching expedition to your costa rica vacation.
Costa rica is home to the longest season for whale watching in the world, and september kicks off the peak of one of two of the most popular times of year to witness humpback whales who migrate to the warm and rich waters of marino ballena to give birth to their young. The worlds largest whale, the blue whale is one of the countrys silent migrants. Of the worlds 76 dolphin and whale species, an estimated 25 migrate, mate, birth and feed in costa rican waters. Uvita marino ballena national park, gulf of papagayo drake bay season. Whale watching in uvita costa rica has 2 seasons, from half july to half november and from half december to april. Costa rica april april is the hottest month of the year on the pacific side of costa rica and warmly welcomed by visitors coming down for easter vacation. When easter and semana santa holy week fall in april, expect big crowds during one of costa ricas most important holidays. Costa rica is blessed to have the longest season of humpback whales in the world as we get migrations from both north and south america. This is one of the driest months of the year and one of the best times to travel in costa rica. The north pacific group, estimated at around 15,000 whales, feed in the summer along the coast from california to alaska and migrate in the winter january april to breeding grounds off of hawaii, mexico, costa rica, and japan, according to the marine center. Jul 12, 2017 costa rica has the longest humpback whale season in the world. This tour is done in the surroundings of the cano island.
Between may and june begins the whale watching season in many parts of the world, and costa rica is no exception. Whale watching in costa rica two weeks in costa rica. This is when the southern whales are here are closer to shore. The whales come from both hemispheres to have their babies and breed. Humpback whale mothers give birth in the pockets of shallow temperate waters off the shores of costa rica while orcas and bottlenose dolphins troll for sushi. Visitors on whale watching tours to costa rica can plan their trips around the comings and goings of three baleens and three larger toothed whales as well an array of smaller dolphin species. Costa rica celebrates the longest humpback whale season in the world. April is the end of the dry season and one of the hottest months in costa rica, but the climate can change dramatically depending on what part of the country youre in. Since then, she has returned to costa rica yearly to revisit the countrys incredible nature and unique accommodations. Snorkel and observe bottled nose dolphins, spotted dolphins, turtles, bicolor parrot fish and more in uvita, costa rica. Its main claim to fame is as the departure point for corcovado national park that takes up almost a third of the osa peninsula. Whale watching costa rica the best times and places. Humpback whales from antarctica make their way up to costa rica s warmer waters in july and stay until november.
Many whale species come here year round to mate, give birth and raise their young so if youre coming to costa rica hoping to see some whales, youre in luck. The scientific name given to the blue whale is balaenoptera musculus. There are 30 species of whale, dolphin and porpoise that pass through costa ricas waters, but many of them move only through deeper water and thus are more rarely seen, except with a deep sea boat and a spot of luck. Sep 06, 2011 costa rica holds the longest season for humpback whale watching in the world. There are many tours for whale watching in costa rica along the pacific coast. The most common whale to see in costa rica are the humpback whales as they pass by costa rica more than 6 months of the year. Aug 16, 2017 costa rica is home to the longest season for whale watching in the world, and september kicks off the peak of one of two of the most popular times of year to witness humpback whales who migrate to the warm and rich waters of marino ballena to give birth to their young. Get the monthly weather forecast for liberia, guanacaste, costa rica, including daily highlow, historical averages, to help you plan ahead.
Costa rica is the number one place to go whale watching in central america and the fastest growing whale watching industry in latin america. Costa rica holds the longest season for humpback whale watching in the world. The northern hemisphere california humpback whales come to the pacific coast december early april. About half are commonly spotted off the south pacific, including brydes whales, humpback whales, and sei whales. Another whale you may see are pilot whales, which are actually the second largest oceanic dolphin. Januaryapril to breeding grounds off of hawaii, mexico, costa rica, and japan, according to the marine center.
Costa rica whale watching ecotourists and wildlife enthusiasts will be blown away in our exhilarating whale watching and dolphin encounter costa rica combo tour. Also called holy week or semana santa, the weeklong easter holidays mark one of costa ricas most memorable celebrations, taking place in 2020 from april 512. Orca comun, espolante habitat open tropical, temperate, and polar seas are home to the orca. This whale is called a marine mammal which belongs to the family of baleen whales present in oceans all over the world. Blue whale calves measure about 7 meters 23 feet in length. You see them all over the map but specifically in places like the golfo dulce, central pacific, guanacaste, osa peninsula and the tropical waters of the caribbean seeing a wild animal in its natural habitat is always a beautiful thing, but seeing a whale jump from the. Find your own personal slice of pura vida by heading out into the pacific ocean during this halfday private boat tour from samara beach. Northern humpbacks typically start to arrive in costa rica in december and can be seen until around april, while southern ones dont show up until later in july and stay until the beginning of november. The marino ballena national park is home to one of the most biologically diverse marine habitats in costa rica. The humpback whale watching season in costa rica is from july to november and from december to april. Costa rica dolphins and whales come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and will be a great addition to your trip. April 7, 2020 costa rica will extend the closure of its border for 18 more days than originally planned and. Costa rica has become the worlds premier ecotourism destination, and for good reason. Because of this, costa rica has the longest humpback whale season in the world a family of whales in costa rica.
This is one of the busiest months of the year for tourism as it is not only a popular time for foreign visitors, but also the most traveled upon time for locals. The warm waters off the southern pacifics osa peninsula are costa ricas most. The blue whale is massive in length, mass and body. During decemberapril, you can see whales from alaska, and augustnovember they come from antarctica. The more you see of a turtle, whale or quetzal symbol the more likely youll see one. As in march, there is little rain in costa rica during the month of april.
Whale migration to costa rica humpback whales from alaska and california begin their migration down to the warmer waters of costa rica in december each year. Of course the whales are wild and there is never any guarantee that youll see them, but your captain and guides will be in constant contact by radio with other boats all. Located on costa ricas amazingly beautiful central pacific coastline, the small. With the great weather and as easter sometimes falls in april, this can be a very popular month to travel to costa rica and difficult time for reservations the northwest pacific beaches of costa rica are very. Apr 15, 2020 marino ballena national park directly translated to marine whale national park in english in uvita is one of the best places to go whale watching in costa rica. These whales typically stay until april before heading back home. Perhaps the best place to see these majestic creatures is the osa peninsula, located in the southern portion of puntarenas province.
Costa rica has the longest humpback whale season in the world. The best time to see humpback whales is mid july through october, when our southern migration, coming from as far as antarctica, are here. The country essentially shuts down to rejoiceeven buses stop running on holy thursday and good friday. Uvita bahia ballena is a privileged place for the best whale watching in costa. Liberia, guanacaste, costa rica monthly weather accuweather. In most areas, dedicated whalewatching tours are uncommon. The whales are said to be acrobats and can be seen breaching and slapping the water. Top spots for whale watching in costa rica special places of. Discover why this area attracts an estimated 25 whale and dolphin species. With coastlines on both the pacific ocean and caribbean sea, costa rica is one of.
This means that in costa rica there is a chance of seeing humpback whales for nine months out of the year. The festival is a great place to find a whale watching tour, learn more. The blue whale is the largest animal ever to exist, it may develop over 24 meter 80 feet in length. It is the largest known animal of the world which is 30 metres approximately 98 ft in length and 180 metric tons or even more in weight. These seasons are based on the annual migration cycle of the pacific humpback whale. Technically classified as dolphins, orca killer whales, pseudo orca whales, and short. Whale watching costa rica, dominical, puntarenas, costa rica. Special tour for families or friends in the cano island with activities that combine snorkeling and fishing at strategic points. We have a unique way of meeting your adventurous expectations. In the following months, we can expect to have a lot of special activities such as festivals, whale watching tours. Whales and dolphins festival costa rica real estate. In fact, there are more whales during the decemberapril season than most other places.
Costa rica dolphins and whales when should you come. In april, the majority of the country is still enjoying the sunny, warm days of dry season or verano as locals call it, which generally runs from middecember to early may. Whale watching in drake bay drake bay is a very laid back small town with idyllic beaches well off the beaten path. This whale specie comes to migrate in this country whenever winter comes in the antarctica between august to october.
Religious parades fill the streets of numerous towns and other festivities have rodeos, bullfights. One of the best places for whale watching in the world. Perhaps youll be fortunate enough to spot a mother and calf, a pod of dolphins, or even a 40ton splash. September is an excellent time for whale watching in the southern pacific zone of costa rica. My manuel antonio whale watching adventure in costa rica. Most countries offer only one tourist season for visitors wishing to go whale watching.
Whale watching and dolphin watching in costa rica, during this tour we can see the humpback whales, spotted dolphins, bottle noses, turtles and sea birds combined with snorkeling in the tail of the whale or whale island where you can see different types of reef fish. This gives whale watchers a lot of flexibility as humpback whales can be seen nearly yearround on the pacific side. Whale watching in costa rica southern explorations. Whale watching has become a very popular tour, and everyone is amazed at the sight of these amazing marine mammals.
They cover the distances of 5,000 to 8,000 km twice a year. They can weight up to 200 tons approx 181, 437 kilogram. Alternatives to april in costa rica the costa rica time machine matches the best destinations with your vacation schedule or the reverse. Since the middle of the eighties, with worldwide surveys taking place, whale watching gained a large amount of interest.
We have costa rican guides who know these waters well and will delight with excitement right along with you when you seen one breech for the very first. These animals travel from far to visit marino ballena in uvita. Costa rica is known for its diverse wildlife and among the millions of species of fauna, humpback whales are one of the favorite species of people who travel from all over the globe to observe them. Whale watching in costa rica costa rica costa rica. Various dolphin species play up and down the pacific coast, while the caribbean is home mostly to the bottlenose dolphin.
Over 100,000 people travel to costa rica each year to watch whales. About ariana freeman ariana joined the costa rica experts team in 2012 following a onemonth homestay experience in san jose. Costa rica whale watching no limit adventures costa rica. Hi all can someone please tell me what times of the year are the best for whale watching on the pacific coast of costa rica. One of the marine mammals that pass through costa rica are the whales. The other whales that pass by costa rica are deep ocean dwellers. Come december to april, other whales come in to costa rica from antarctica to mate and nest. The driest and hottest areas are on the northwestern side of the countrycloser to the pacific ocean. The blue whales were present in all major oceans across the world until the start of this century.
From about 1971, commercial whale watching began in north america, with most interest paid to fin and beluga whales and as time went on, the humpback whales and southern right aroused peoples interest. Costa rica april weather, holidays and how to plan. April is one of the best months to visit costa rica. The migration from the south is the one that gathers a greater number of specimens, so the probability of seeing a humpback whale increases during the months of september and october. The enormous humpback whales roam the waters of the pacific coast for about 8 months of the year. Oct 28, 2017 because of this, costa rica has the longest humpback whale season in the world a family of whales in costa rica. Apr 29, 2019 costa ricas waters are blessed with good health, temperature and location so marine life is incredibly rich. Costa ricas waters are blessed with good health, temperature and location so marine life is incredibly rich. Of the roughly 25 species of whales and dolphins that migrate through costa rica, humpback whales are by far the most abundant and they the most marked. From observing large pods of bottle nose, spotted, common or spinner. Choose between morning or afternoon to take a scenic boat ride as you keep an eye out for one of the estimated 25 whale and dolphin species that call costa rica their home.
The diet of the blue whale like most creatures of its family consists mostly of small crustaceans or plankton present in the waters of costa rica. Jul 31, 2019 whale watching in uvita costa rica has 2 seasons, from half july to half november and from half december to april. What to know about whale watching in uvita, costa rica. They congregate to the south pacific coast near cano island, golfo dulce and marino ballena national park. Jul 14, 2012 the blue whale, scientifically named balaenoptera musculus, is a mammal animal that belongs to the suborder of baleen whales. Blue whales will go to great lengths to reach the rich feeding ground of the costa rica dome, research shows. Costa rica is home to an estimated 25 whale and dolphin varieties, which migrate, mate and make their home in the pacific ocean and the caribbean sea.
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