Imagine an opportunity to encounter and observe several species of dolphins and whales in the warm tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean! This tour will take you by boat offshore about 30 minutes to see pods of various species of dolphins as they swim and play in their natural habitat. Depending on the time of year, you will also have an opportunity to look for Humpback Whales as they migrate south during North American winter, and north from the frozen waters of Antarctica. The highlight of the tour would be a sighting of a mother and her calf.
This whale and dolphin watching tour begins with all participants meeting at Drake Bay. Tour times are tide dependent and will be determined at booking. You will join your professional, naturalist guide who is prepared to take you out through the tropical waters to search for these beautiful animals. This is your chance to see dolphin species like the popular Bottlenose, Short Beaked Common Dolphin, Spinner, and Spotted Dolphin.
Depending on the time of year, your tour can include sightings of not only Humpback whales, but Orcas, Pilot Whales, and Pseudo Orcas. Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is host to the Humpback Whales as they migrate from winter seasons in North and South America, swimming thousands of miles to breed and have their babies in these waters.
The southern hemisphere whales from Antarctica typically arrive in Costa Rica during the months of August through October and December through March. The northern hemisphere whales heading south from Alaska are typically found in Costa Rican waters December through March.
The area around the Osa Peninsula sustains the longest season for whale migration in the world. It is the perfect environment for whales to recuperate from their long journeys to feed, breed, and have their offspring.
The entire experience can take from 4 to 6 hours depending on how far out the boat has to travel before spotting the mammals. This tour includes boat transportation, certified, bilingual guide, fresh fruit and cookie snacks, natural fruit juice and bottled water.
A day on the ocean can be very warm with direct sun exposure as well as reflection from the water. Please wear lightweight protective clothing, hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. You’ll likely want to have your binoculars and camera to capture up-close memories of the day. If you are susceptible to sea sickness, it is recommended that you take a non-drowsy motion sickness medicine the night before.
This is a nature lover’s ultimate opportunity to connect with these magnificent animals and share the experience with friends and family.
The Dolphin and Whale Watching Osa Peninsula - Pirate Cove is available from Drake Bay
5 and up
Latitude: N 8° 37' 47.65"
Longitude: W 83° 49' 18.4"