Almost 30 species of whales spend their winters in the Pacific Ocean off Costa Rica, often close enough to be seen from shore.Small boats can take you out for a closer look, though a 2005 law now prohibits swimming or diving around whales or dolphins.Where the Whales AreThough blue whales migrate down from the Baja Peninsula of Mexico, but of the whales in Costa Rican waters are Humpbacks, Fin Whale or Bryde Whales (all part of the same family).Migrating from feeding grounds off southern California and as far north as Oregon, they are commonly sighted around Canos Island, and the mainland at Drake Bay on the Central Pacific.Baby whales are frequently seen here. They are also seen off Isla Ballena and Dominical, farther out to sea off Quepos and Jaco, and as far south as the Osa Peninsula.In Guanacaste, a natural place to see whales is Las Baulas National Marine Park. (See Ballena for more.) Humpbacks appear here from December through April to mate and have calves.You can also see Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles from May through November, when they arrive by night to lay eggs on the beach.A Whale of a TourNearly 50 tours now specialize in whale and dolphin watches. In Quepos, contact us at
info@costaricauncovered.com for more information.
