The central Pacific waters of Costa Rica deliver reliable whale watching from July through October. Several excellent tours operate from Marino Ballena National Park, where you’ll spot humpbacks and dolphins in their natural habitat.
My favorite is the Whales and Dolphins Combo Tour – it’s well-organized and includes both wildlife viewing and snorkeling. The morning tours tend to offer calmer waters and better visibility.
All recommended tours provide essential amenities like snacks and park entrance fees. Check out these top whale watching experiences:
Good To Know
- The Marino Ballena National Park Whale-Watching Tour offers an intimate and immersive experience to witness humpback whales and dolphins, with a maximum of 30 travelers.
- The Whales and Dolphins Combo Tour is a highly recommended 105-review tour that includes snacks, life jackets, park entrance, and tour guide services.
- The Whale and Dolphin Tour, available from July to October, provides activities like swimming, snorkeling, and a complimentary lunch, with a 95% traveler recommendation.
- The Bahia Ballena Whale and Dolphin Tour – Afternoon departs from the Martin Adventours office near Uvita and includes bottled water, snacks, and snorkeling equipment.
- The Bahia Ballena Whale and Dolphin Tour – Morning, which departs at 8:30 AM, offers the opportunity to see a variety of whales and dolphins, with a maximum of 24 travelers.
Whales and Dolphins Combo Tour
One of the most popular whale watching experiences in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region is the Whales and Dolphins Combo Tour at Marino Ballena National Park. This 105-review tour is recommended by 96% of travelers and includes a range of amenities. Guests can enjoy snacks like tropical fruits, wear provided life jackets, and access the park’s entrance fee, parking, and tour guide services.
While the boat doesn’t have restrooms or allow alcohol, it does offer WiFi and swimming time. The tour departs from the Pacific Expeditions CR office in Uvita at 8:30 AM and returns to the Ballena Tour Costa Rica location, also in Uvita. Despite the lack of a boarding pier, the mandatory life jackets and direct beach boarding ensure a safe experience.
With a maximum of 23 travelers per tour, the Whales and Dolphins Combo Tour provides an intimate wildlife viewing opportunity, though whale sightings aren’t guaranteed. This tour offers a well-rounded and convenient way to explore the marine life of Marino Ballena National Park.
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Marino Ballena National Park Whale-Watching Tour (Feb )
What sets the Marino Ballena National Park Whale-Watching Tour (Feb) apart is its focus on providing an intimate and immersive experience for nature enthusiasts. With a maximum of 30 travelers, this half-day tour offers the opportunity to witness the majestic humpback whales and dolphins in their natural habitat within the Marino Ballena National Park.
The tour includes a boat ride, snorkeling equipment, and a knowledgeable guide who’ll share insights about the local wildlife and ecosystem. Visitors can also enjoy a secluded beach and have a chance to spot other marine life. The meeting point, located 300 meters west of the Uvita gas station, is easily accessible, and the tour starts promptly at 8:30 am.
At $90 per person, the tour offers excellent value, with fruits, water, and all necessary equipment and fees included. With free cancellation up to 24 hours before, this whale-watching experience is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica.
Read our full review: Marino Ballena National Park Whale-Watching Tour (Feb ) Review
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Whale and Dolphin Tour
The Whale and Dolphin Tour in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Available from July to October, this tour provides the chance to witness the majestic movements of whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. The tour includes complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks, as well as entrance fees to the Marino Ballena National Park. Participants can look forward to activities such as swimming, snorkeling (weather permitting), and a provided lunch.
The tour departs and returns to the Dolphin Tours office, conveniently located near the national park entrance. Advance booking is required, and the tour has a minimum group size during low season. With a 95% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking a memorable wildlife encounter. Infants are welcome, though the tour may not be suitable for pregnant travelers. The Whale and Dolphin Tour promises a captivating adventure in the heart of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region.
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Bahia Ballena Whale and Dolphin Tour – Afternoon
Departing from the Martin Adventours office near Uvita, the Bahia Ballena Whale and Dolphin Tour – Afternoon promises a captivating exploration of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific waters. With 5 reviews, this tour takes guests on an intimate journey to spot whales and dolphins. The tour includes bottled water, snacks, and the use of snorkeling equipment, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience.
Guests can easily access the meeting point by taking Costanera Sur/Ruta Nacional Primaria 34 south to Uvita, then making a right just after the Naluri Collections Home Goods Store. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, with free on-site parking available.
While not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, the tour is accessible to travelers aged 6 and up. With a maximum of 24 participants, the Bahia Ballena Whale and Dolphin Tour – Afternoon offers a personalized and memorable way to witness the marine life of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region.
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Bahia Ballena Whale and Dolphin Tour – Morning
Frequently departing from the Martin Adventours office near Uvita, the captivating Bahia Ballena Whale and Dolphin Tour – Morning offers guests a remarkable opportunity to witness the diverse marine life of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region. This 100% recommended tour provides snacks, bottled water, and the use of snorkeling equipment, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience.
With a maximum of 24 travelers, the tour departs at 8:30 am and returns to the meeting point, lasting the duration of the activity. Guests can expect to see a variety of whales and dolphins, though the tour isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions or accessibility needs.
Free on-site parking and an onboard restroom add to the convenience of this tour. Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making the Bahia Ballena Whale and Dolphin Tour – Morning an accessible and appealing option for nature enthusiasts visiting the area.
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The Sum Up
The Central Pacific offers numerous exceptional whale-watching opportunities. From guided tours to national park experiences, visitors can observe a variety of whales and dolphins in their natural habitats. Whether an afternoon or morning excursion, these tours provide a chance to witness the majestic marine life up close and gain a deeper appreciation for these incredible creatures.