Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour from Drake Bay

The waters between Drake Bay and Caño Island are among the most productive marine wildlife corridors on the Pacific coast of the Americas. Humpback whales from both hemispheres come here to breed and raise their calves, which gives the Osa Peninsula something very few places on Earth have: two whale watching seasons in the same year.

From December to March, humpbacks arrive from the North Pacific. From July to October, it is the turn of the South Pacific population. In season you can witness full breaches, tail slaps, pectoral fin displays and mothers resting at the surface with their newborn calves.

Dolphins are here all year. Spinner dolphins often travel in pods of fifty or more and love to ride the bow of the boat, and bottlenose and spotted dolphins are frequent visitors too. With luck, false killer whales and manta rays complete what is one of the most varied marine wildlife outings in Costa Rica.

The tour runs on a comfortable boat with a bilingual naturalist guide who knows these waters and their seasons, and it involves no hiking at all, so it works well for families with children from age 4.

Good to know

Departure: 9:00 am from Drake Bay. Return: around 2:00 pm. Whale seasons: December to March and July to October. Outside these months the focus is on dolphins and other marine life. Maximum 8 guests per guide.